Yeomen 2026 Cast
The Principals
Sam Vinitsky — Jack Point
Sam is thrilled to be appearing onstage with the GSVLOC for the sixth time, in one of the most interesting, challenging, and fulfilling roles of his career. Previously, you may have seen him on the Conn Theater stage in the delightful roles of Bunthorne in Patience, CoCo in The McAdo, or any of several cover roles. Sam’s favorite (non-GSVLOC) past roles include Charley in Merrily We Roll Along, Vlad in Anastasia, Bobby in Urinetown. When not making silly faces onstage, you can usually find Sam making silly faces with his favorite niece (and nephew). Thanks as always to Randy and Gary for their continued guidance, support, and encouragement!
Mary Kettlewell — Elsie Maynard
Previously featured as Cousin Hebe in H.M.S. Pinafore, Princess Zara in Utopia, Limited, Wynn Somme in The McAdo, and Ella in Patience, Mary is ecstatic to embark on yet another GSVLOC adventure! Mary holds a Bachelor of Art in Music from the University of Missouri Columbia and a Masters in Voice Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder. Originally from Columbia, Missouri, she has performed across the Midwest and beyond with Opera in the Ozarks, Opera NEO, Missouri Symphony Society, Boulder Bach Festival, Loveland Opera Theater, Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, Gilbert & Sullivan Austin, American Traditions Vocal Competition, Opera Reading Project, Vocal Essence, Lakes Area Music Festival, Minnesota Opera, and more. Outside of the world of music, Mary is a passionate arts administrator and serves as Director of Academic Administration at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. In the wild, she can be found playing cornhole with her partner Cody, attempting to finish the scarf she’s been crocheting for three years, obsessing over her house plants, or watching campy horror movies with friends.
Graham Remple — Colonel Fairfax
A native of the Twin Cities, Graham is so excited to be returning to GSVLOC in this production! Previously, Graham portrayed the Lieutenant, Duke of Dunstable in Patience, and Lanky Doug in The McAdo. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Concordia College in Moorhead, where he was a member and Student President of The Concordia Choir under the direction of Dr. René Clausen. During his time at Concordia, Graham participated in the NATS vocal competition where he was a two-time finalist. After completing his undergraduate studies, he moved to Evanston, Illinois where he attended Northwestern University, and began his Master of Music in Voice and Opera Performance. There, Graham studied under W. Stephen Smith and learned several operatic roles. Notable roles include: Eisenstien in Die Fledermaus, Il Pastore in L’Orfeo, Fabian in Jake Heggie’s If I Were You, and Rodolfo in La Bohème. After completing his Master of Music degree in the spring of 2022, Graham moved back to the Minneapolis area and became a member of the Minnesota Opera Chorus. Since joining Minnesota Opera, he has been involved in their productions of La Fille du Régiment, L’esir d’amore, Barber of Seville & Così Fan Tutte. This spring, Graham will once again be in the chorus for their production of Edgar!
Charlotte Smith — Phoebe Meryll
Charlotte is making her light opera principal debut with the GSVLOC. She so greatly enjoyed being a fairy in Iolanthe that she had to come back immediately for The Yeoman of the Guard! Across the cities and suburbs, Charlotte has enjoyed playing such roles as Kira in Xanadu, Marty in Grease, Betty Jean in Winter Wonderettes, Margot in Legally Blonde, and ensemble in Les Miserables. Her favorite project has been monologuing about her passion for mental health and her day-job as a licensed therapist. In her free time, Charlotte laments not having any pets, cries over fictional characters, and accidentally burns herself on hot glue guns and irons. In her not-free time, she wishes she had free time and then still decides to be in another show.
Trevor Woggon — Wilfred Shadbolt
Trevor is thrilled to return to the GSVLOC for his fourth production. Raised in the heartland of southwestern Wisconsin, he began his musical journey at the age of six, playing the cello and singing in church. Trevor went on to study music education at Saint Mary’s University and has spent the last decade leading a wide variety of musical acts, honing his skills as a performer and music director. He currently studies voice with Metropolitan Opera alumnus Dennis Petersen, and is a proud member of Twin Cities Musician’s Union Local 30 – 73.
Lara Trujillo — Dame Carruthers
This is Lara’s second production of The Yeomen of the Guard with the GSVLOC. Having appeared as Phoebe Meryll in the previous production, she is thrilled to be taking on a new role as Dame Carruthers. This is Lara’s eighteenth appearance with the GSVLOC, having performed in previous productions of Iolanthe, Patience, The Yeomen of the Guard, Utopia, Limited, The Sorcerer, Orpheus in the Underworld, The Mikado, Ruddigore, and The Pirates of Penzance. Lara has also appeared with the GSVLOC and the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, in concert versions of H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado. Lara has appeared in the Ordway Theater’s productions of In the Heights, and in My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, as well as at the Guthrie Theater, in 7th House Theater Company’s production of The Passage, at the History Theater in River Road Boogie: The Augie Garcia Story and J.D. Steele’s Snapshots: Life in the City, at The Pantages in HAIR, in Joe Chvala’s production of Heaven at Park Square Theater, as well as in productions with Minnesota Opera, Mill City Summer Opera, Theater Latte Da, Teatro del Pueblo, Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, Artistry and Mu Performing Arts. Some of her favorite roles include The Witch in Into the Woods, Anita in West Side Story and Eva Peron in Evita. Lara directed and appeared in Full Circle Theater Company’s production of Atacama, at Park Square Theater. She is immensely grateful to her husband, Stephen, and to her family and friends who continually offer her their love, support, and encouragement.
Waldyn Benbenek — Sergeant Meryll
Waldyn was introduced to Gilbert and Sullivan in a Catholic grade school production of H.M.S. Pinafore in which the scandalous swear word was “Darn-It”. He had never seen anything so amazing. Little was known of the “patter-chorus” syndrome at the time and treatment options were limited. Opting for “controlled use”, his parents made him bike the hills of western Massachusetts to find for D’Oyly Carte recordings. This allowed him to assume the appearance of a normal life long enough to sneak through college and emigrate to the Twin Cities at the dawn of the computer age. Hearing of secret meeting in a Kenwood basement (now demolished), he joined Dick Fishel, Dean Lawrence, and Charlotte Morrison in forming the GSVLOC. He has continued to serve the company as computer geek and performer lo these many years, though the father-figure roles take considerably less makeup than in the past. The most significant benefit of his time with the company has been meeting and marrying Dr. Mary Mescher Benbenek, and raising their children in an environment where art, theater, and music continue to be part of their lives. When one of their children was asked his father’s profession, he replied “opera singer.” When asked why he said that, he replied, “Well, I can’t tell them you’re a computer programmer. That’s too boring.”
Ella Rose Katzenberger — Kate
Ella Rose is very honored to be back for her sixth production with GSVLOC. Although she is used to being a bit more comically unhinged, she appreciates the challenge to relax into a Tudorian tragedy (apologies for any spoilers). Her most recent roles include Celia in Iolanthe, Fiona in Brigadoon, and Rose Langston at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. She can also be seen around the Great River Region playing in the band Family Matters. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support as well as thanking her castmates for giving her the opportunity to be unapologetically and authentically herself. Toi Toi Toi to The Yeomen of the Guard!
Eric Sorum — Lieutenant of the Tower
Eric has been a musician in the Twin Cities since 2007, singing with numerous companies such as the Minnesota Opera Chorus and the Bach Society of Minnesota. He is happy to be returning for his fourth production with the GSVLOC, previously performing the roles of Lord Chancellor in Iolanthe, Colonel Caverly in Patience and Antonio in The Gondoliers. Other recent credits include the lead role in Shakespeare’s Macbeth with Classics Lost and Found. He currently works for BlackStack Brewing and lives in Minneapolis with his beautiful wife, Kristina, and their dog Joy.
Andrew Peterson — Leonard Meryll
Andrew is a tenor from Owatonna, Minnesota, joining the GSVLOC for his second production with the company after performing in Iolanthe last fall. As a frequent performer of American musical theater and English operetta, he has found the company’s unique and powerful interpretation of this classic work by Gilbert and Sullivan to be inspiring as an example of how classic musical literature can live today in a fresh, inventive manner.
Kate Jennings — Dame Carruthers Cover
Kate is dipping her toe into her first GSVLOC production as understudy for Dame Carruthers. She has been singing her whole life, beginning when annoying her brothers at the family dinner table. Since then, Kate has sung early Baroque in Chicago, Gospel in eastern Germany and Poland, solo charity concerts in Wisconsin, musical theatre in the Twin Cities, and jazz in the living room. Her next adventure will be opera in Italy this summer! With each experience, Kate has found that her life has been greatly enriched by the beautiful connections between vocal music and the people she has met.
Alexander Gerchak — Wilfred Shadbolt Cover
Alexander is a long-time member of the GSVLOC, and is looking forward to taking part in this spring’s production of The Yeomen of the Guard. He last performed with the company in their 2022 production of The Pirates of Penzance.
The Ensemble
Wilson Alness
Wilson is thrilled to make his debut with the GSVLOC! A west coast native from Portland, Oregon, he began acting and singing as early as high school. Wilson’s last Gilbert & Sullivan operetta was likewise The Yeomen of the Guard (2019) as ensemble, for the retirement show of Mocks Crest Opera. He has sung or danced with Portland Revels including Commedia Italiana – A Venetian Masque (2016), Highland Voyage (2018), Ghosts of Haddon Hall (2019), and Norse Fire (2024). In 2017, Wilson’s love of carols and madrigals inspired him to found and direct his own small choral renaissance ensemble. Outside of theatre – you’ll find him Morris dancing (unlike Leonard Merryl, Wilson IS a Braggart!), aspiring to be the next Food Network celebrity, making cocktails, playing board or card games, programming web and tech projects, or eating lobster rolls in New England. You can be certain Wilson sips craft beer, fine wine, or good Scotch after every rehearsal. He wishes to thank Bill Zadra, The McAdo 2024 bagpiper, and Brianna Sullivan, Assistant Stage Manager, for encouraging him to audition for the GSVLOC! Learn more at www.wilsonalness.com.
John Azbill-Salisbury
John is delighted to be joining the GSVLOC for the second time in this production of The Yeoman of the Guard. His first production with the GSVLOC was The McAdo in 2024, and he looks forward to many more. John lives in Minneapolis with his husband, Scott, and three very willful pets. Outside of rehearsal, he enjoys knitting, weekly RPG nights with his neighbors, and the occasional round of bridge. He would like to thank his grandmother, Ruth Salisbury, for introducing him to Gilbert and Sullivan, and his parents for always supporting his interest in the performing arts.
Mary Mescher Benbenek
Mary has performed with the GSVLOC intermittently for over forty years. She is delighted to perform in her fourth production of The Yeoman of the Guard. She has finally graduated to an older upper class female townsperson … a step up from the countless milkmaid, lady’s servant, baker’s wife, chicken lady, chaperone she has played in the past!
Maggie Benham
Maggie is delighted to find herself back on stage with the GSVLOC after previously appearing in The McAdo (Wynne Somme), The Sorcerer (Aline), The Pirates of Penzance (Kate & Mabel), Ruddigore (Bridesmaid / Young Hannah), and Utopia, Limited. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Minor in Theatre Arts from the University of Northwestern – Saint Paul. You may have spotted her on other stages in the Twin Cities (www.maggiebenham.com for more), but she is happy to spend most of her time with the GSVLOC family. As a child with a flair for the dramatic, Maggie found her love for opera by performing with the Pittsburgh Opera Company in several productions including one of the Three Spirits in The Magic Flute. She’s grateful to still have an outlet for all that drama (it didn’t decrease with age). By day, you can find Maggie living the marketing dream at Hook Agency, dancing through life in her spare time, and keeping her large family of plants alive.
Scott Benson — Second Citizen
Scott started performing Gilbert & Sullivan operettas when he was a law student. The Georgetown Gilbert & Sullivan Society is the only Gilbert & Sullivan company with its own law school. Upon returning to Minneapolis thirty-six years ago, Scott joined the GSVLOC where he has appeared as Bunthorne in Patience, The Lord Chancellor in Iolanthe, Grand Duke Rudolph in The Grand Duke, the Mikado in The Mikado and the McAdo in The McAdo, King Gama in Princess Ida, and Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore. Other of his favorite non-Gilbert & Sullivan roles include Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, the Governor in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and the King of Siam in The King and I. During the day, Scott practices law with the Briol & Benson firm in Minneapolis.
Tom Berg — Fairfax’ Confessor
By day, Tom teaches constitutional law and intellectual property law at the University of Saint Thomas. Like many other lawyers over the decades, he has an affinity for the absurdly logical mind of the failed barrister W. S. Gilbert. Tom’s thirst for attention has been unquenched by performing to classrooms of law students, and he joined the GSVLOC in 2008, appearing since in several full productions and summer concerts, including turns as Sir Joseph Porter (H.M.S. Pinafore), Major-General Stanley (The Pirates of Penzance), Pish Tush / Chris Tush (The Mikado), Scaphio (Utopia, Limited), and the Notary (The Grand Duke). His other recent roles include the Major-General in The Pirates of Penzance (Cross Community Players), Jacey Squires (barbershop first tenor) in The Music Man (Rosetown Playhouse), and the Tour Guide in the world premiere of Cole Porter’s (reconstructed) The Ambassadors Revue (Minnsky Theater). With his wife Maureen Kane Berg (stage director of GSVLOC’s spring 2024 production of Utopia, Limited) Tom co-directed an all-lawyer comedy troupe in Chicago; he also co-composed the music for Maureen’s musical comedy, Got It Made, which has played in the Twin Cities, across the United States, and in Japan. Their latest musical (with another collaborator), A House Divided, has had productions or staged readings in Philadelphia, Lexington, Kentucky, and the Twin Cities. Their other major collaborative productions are two grown sons, Brendan and Aidan.
Amanda Bindner
Amanda is delighted and honored to be making her GSVLOC debut in The Yeomen of the Guard as an ensemble member and understudy to Phoebe. A classically trained mezzo-soprano, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, with minors in Music and International Relations from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Amanda currently studies voice with Teresa Tierney, performs with the Edina Chorale under the direction of Paige Armstrong, has previously appeared as Ethel Toffelmier in The Music Man (Rosetown Playhouse), sang with the Motet Choir at House of Hope Presbyterian under the direction of Matthew Culloton, and sang in MSU – Mankato’s Opera Workshop productions of Carmen and Tristan und Isolde. Though this production of The Yeomen of the Guard ventures into more tender and tragic territory than many of Gilbert and Sullivan’s works, Amanda is grateful for the opportunity to explore its rich music and heartfelt storytelling with this wonderful company. When she’s not singing, she enjoys crafting, refinishing furniture, and gathering people together. Amanda firmly believes that community is one of life’s greatest gifts. She dedicates her performances to her sister, Nicole Bindner, who passed away suddenly this year, and whose memory continues to inspire her to create, to connect, and to sing with her whole heart.
Jonathan Flory
Jonathan is excited to join the GSVLOC in this production of The Yeoman of the Guard, his first repeat operetta with this troupe. He also plays the violin in the pit, such as 2024’s The McAdo. Although Jonathan has been involved in many productions since 1994, as a child of seven years, a few that stand out as his favorites include Wayne Frake in a 2015 production of State Fair with the Lakeshore Players, as part of the chorus for a 2015 production of La fille du regiment with the Mill City Summer Opera, and as part of the chorus for a 2009 production of Ruddigore with the GSVLOC, his first show upon moving to Minnesota from Iowa. Jonathan’s latest passion in life is learning how to dance seventeen different flavors of ballroom and spending time at home with two new divas: sister cats from the same litter born a year and a half ago.
Maya Gitch
Maya is excited to return to the GSVLOC stage for the fifth time, after most recently being seen in the company’s production of Iolanthe last fall. She was also recently seen in Cross Community Players’ production of Once Upon a Mattress, and Chaska Valley Family Theater’s productions of Something Rotten and Fiddler on the Roof. Maya is beyond thrilled to share the stage with her mother and stepfather, and of course, her incredibly talented fiancé, Mike Tober. When not performing, she loves to fill her time by escaping to the mountains with her pup and fiancé.
Mary Gregory
When not on stage, Mary quilts, gardens, raises butterflies, reads, travels, hikes, and plays with her two beautiful grandchildren. She is a retired preschool Naturalist teacher, and will still be found at Tamarack Nature Center volunteering for Bird Banding, Maple Syrup programs, or sewing scarves with preschoolers. This is Mary’s third time performing The Yeomen of the Guard. The resilience and support this cast and crew has for each other is amazin … but the GSVLOC excels at that, as well as bringing our audience a beautiful show! I close with a quote: “So life’s year begins and closes; Days though shortening still can shine; What though youth gave love and roses; Age still leaves us friends and wine.” – Sir Thomas More, February 07, 1477 – July 06, 1535.
Stephen Hage
Stephen’s lifelong passion for Gilbert and Sullivan began in the eighth grade when he was cast as Sir Joseph Porter in his middle school’s production of H.M.S. Pinafore and it’s carried him through the years to this, his forty-ninth appearance in a G&S production … but then, who’s counting!? In addition to appearing on stage, he also serves the GSVLOC as its Producer. Stephen has also performed on stage with Artistry, Mill City Summer Opera and Minnesota Opera. He is active in the Twin Cities’ vibrant film community and has appeared in numerous feature films, short films, commercials, and music videos, in roles ranging from principal, to supporting, to background. By day, he is responsible for Human Resources for the Orion Associates organization of companies, which he does with a wonderful staff of Human Resources professionals, all the while enjoying far too many cups of coffee. Stephen dedicates this, and all that he does, to his wonderful children, Lyndsay, Madeleine, Maya, and Liam … and to his lovely and loving wife, Lara.
Liza Hartshorn
Liza is thrilled to be joining The Yeoman of the Guard for her third consecutive production with the GSVLOC. Her previous experiences with the company include Iolanthe and Patience, along with singing in Brahms’ Requiem. She most recently wrapped a production of Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta with Opera Aeterna in Chicago. Outside of performing, Liza enjoys ballet, hiking, thrifting, and finding the best restaurants and coffee shops wherever she goes.
Shawn Holt
Shawn has been a member of the GSVLOC since 2007. This is her second time performing in The Yeomen of the Guard. It is one of her favorite shows in the series since instead of the hero ending up with the girl at the end, the hero ends up … well, she won’t spoil the ending for you. You’ll just have to see what happens! In real life, away from towers, Shawn lives in Shoreview with her husband, Phil and daughter, Amanda. She hopes you enjoy the show.
Therese Kulas
Therese is tickled to be back with the GSVLOC for her fifth production after having a ball in Iolanthe as Phyllis. Hailing from the Red River Valley (the Minnesoooota side; not the North Dakoooota side), she studied with Maria Williams Kennedy at the Bel Canto Studio of Voice and went on to study with Katherine Henjum at the University of Mary. Favorite roles include Cinderella in Into the Woods, Pretty Jean (formerly Pitti Sing) in The McAdo, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof and Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Therese is a past recipient of the Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. When not in rehearsals, she works in marketing and enjoys trying new foods, pretending to be Esther Williams at water aerobics classes, taking her puppy Charlie Brown for walks, and supporting her husband at his symphony concerts. Special thanks to the directors and creative staff for sharing their talents, Nick for the unending support, and Darin for the audition coaching. Miss you, friend!
Dean Laurance — Chief Yeoman Warder
Some years ago, the previous old man in the company, Warren Loud, said from stage during a performance, “I’m still here!” Today, Dean says the same thing. He has retired several times but like The Phoenix, he keeps rising back. Dean has been a member of the company since its inception in 1979. He has always been a member of the chorus except when he was the Solicitor, or “deaf old man,” in The Sorcerer ’24, and the Solicitor in last spring’s production of Patience … which he thought would be his last show, but Gary Briggle, the Director, found a place for him in The Yeomen of the Guard. For that, Dean thanks Gary. The Yeomen of the Guard will probably be his last show. Stay tuned …
Anna Maher
Anna has been previously seen in H.M.S. Pinafore, The Sorcerer, The Pirates of Penzance, Ruddigore, The Mikado (2019), Princess Ida, Orpheus in the Underworld, The Gondoliers, and Iolanthe (2016) with the GSVLOC. Other projects have included The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn Fairfax) with Zephyr Theatre, Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife) with 4CT, and The Music Man with Lyric Arts of Anoka, among others. You may also see her singing with Minnesota Chorale and at Opera on Tap. Special thanks to Matt Polum, Ella Rose Katzenberger, Gary Briggle, Randal Buikema, and Tracy Engleman.
Mallory Rabehl
Mallory is delighted to be returning for her seventh production onstage with the GSVLOC after a stint backstage with the 0rchestra in Iolanthe this fall. After four seasons, this company has become a second home for her. Mallory was first seen on the GSVLOC stage as Isabel in the 2022 production of The Pirates of Penzance, and most recently as the title-role of Patience in 2025. A 2021 graduate from Concordia College in Moorhead, Mallory sang in the Concordia Choir for three years, serving as the Student Manager in her senior year. She studied Music and Business (Marketing) and now works in the Minnesota Orchestra’s Development Department. Mallory also has previously managed the tour for the Concordia Chapel Choir and served on the GSVLOC Board, although is taking a break from both this year in favor of wedding planning with her favorite GSVLOC cello player!
Richard Rames
Richard enjoys “singing choruses in public” and has appeared in the chorus of almost every performance of the GSVLOC at the Conn Theater since the first production of Patience in 1980. He also sings regularly in other groups, including the Saint Mark’s Cathedral Choral Society, Crescendo Community Chorus, and singing along with his player piano. This is his fourth production of The Yeomen of the Guard.
Lowell Rice — First Citizen
The Yeomen of the Guard is Lowell’s six and a halfth show with the GSVLOC (he was in the 2020 and 2022 Ruddigore productions among others), and he’s excited to keep adding more! Always drawn to joyful and hopeful theater, Gilbert and Sullivan’s works have had a soft spot in his heart since seeing a production of The Pirates of Penzance in Kindergarten. Mostly recently, Lowell worked with Albino Squirrel Productions playing Mario, Darunia, and King Zora in MNtendo Live at the Phoenix, 2D Con, and Twin Cities Con. He’s worked with quite a few companies since graduating from Bethel University, including Theater 301, Really Spicy Opera, Open Window Theatre, RGK Modern Indian Dance Academy, and the Zephyr Theatre. Lowell puts his Theatre Arts degree to good use by helping legislators with computer troubles, and filling every hour he can playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends (special shoutout to the Strahd Skwahd and the MNtenD&D crew).
James J. Ruth
James J. Ruth dares to delight in this deft GSVLOC debut. A devoted developer of diverse disciplines, he has delivered distinguished depictions of design and drama across the American domain. Domestic developments: Duluth Playhouse (The Play that Goes Wrong), Lyric Arts (Peter and the Starcatcher), Wonderlust (Values Play, in development). Different Districts: White Snake Projects (Alice in the Pandemic), SITI Company (The Medium is the Message) UCLA (The Portrait of Juan Rana), The Julliard School (References to Salvador Dali…). He is driven to dream daily. Web: jamesruth.com.
Emma Shine
Emma is thrilled to return to the stage for their second production with the GSVLOC! Previously seen in Iolanthe, Emma received their BFA in Musical Theatre from Otterbein University in the fateful year of 2020. In their time at Otterbein, they performed in multiple main stage productions, student workshops and as a Drag King in the yearly Otterbein Drag Show. Notable roles include Myra Arundel in Hay Fever and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Emma would like to thank their partner Max for his continued support.
Niko Simmons — Second Yeoman
As a Minneapolis resident and returning member of the G&S crew, Niko is thrilled to experience his first production of The Yeomen of the Guard. After graduating with a vocal performance degree, he’s enjoyed being a part of the wonderful theater community within the Twin Cities. From musicals such as Annie, Urinetown, and Jesus Christ Superstar, to the operatic repertoire of Carmen, La Traviata, Edward Tulane, and Le Nozze di Figaro, he has only reinforced his love of the stage through strong friendships, well received performances, and the sense of community so deep and unique to the state he calls home.
Seth Tychon Steidl — First Yeomen
Seth could not be happier to perform in his seventh production with the GSVLOC after 2016’s Iolanthe (Ensemble), 2020’s / 2022’s Ruddigore (Robin Oakapple), 2022’s The Pirates of Penzance (Frederic), 2023’s The Sorcerer (Alexis), 2024’s Utopia, Limited (Ensemble), and 2024’s The McAdo (Lanky Doug). Additional credits include Ashland Productions’ Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Sweeney Todd), Eagan Summer Community Theater’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo), and Artistry’s The Secret Garden (Dickon Sowerby). When not performing on stage, Seth is either chanting at Saint Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, spending quality time with good friends, or doing exhilarating accounting things with his fantastic colleagues at the Radisson Blu Mall of America.
Mike Tober — Headsman
Mike is thrilled to return for his third show with the GSVLOC in The Yeoman of the Guard. He previously performed as Strephon in Iolanthe this past fall and was in the ensemble of The McAdo in 2024! Mike is an Actor, Director & Musician in the Twin Cities! He has performed with various theaters and companies such as: The Guthrie, Artistry, Old Log Theatre, Zephyr Theatre, Theatre Pro Rata, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Sidekick Theatre, Lyric Arts, Lakeshore Players Theatre, Minneapolis Musical Theater, Chaska Valley Family Theater, Cross Community Players, Chameleon Theatre, Theatre In The Round, Classical Actors Ensemble, & The Phipps Center for the Arts. Notable credits include: (as Actor) Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten, Motel in Fiddler on the Roof (CVFT); Robert/ Max/ Jonathan U.S. in The Play That Goes Wrong, JD in Escape To Margaritaville (Old Log Theater); The Squip in Be More Chill (Minneapolis Musical Theatre); Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde The Musical (Paul Bunyan Playhouse); & Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone (Artistry); (as Assistant Director) Little Shop of Horrors Directed by Joe Chvala (Artistry); (As Director) A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Imaginary Invalid (Nova Classical Academy); May The Musical Be With You (A.Y.N.E. Productions); Boeng Boeng, A Streetcar Named Desire (North Central University); Newsies!, Seussical Jr., James & The Giant Peach Jr. (The Zephyr Theater). Mike is honored to perform with this incredible group and is especially grateful to perform alongside his ever-so-loving fiancé, Maya Gitch.
Holly Windle
Holly’s first role in community theatre was at the age of seven, which was also when she attended her first Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. Many decades later, acting and G&S are still part of her life. (So is not cleaning her room and a fascination with vintage etiquette books.) Over the decades, the GSVLOC has provided her with the opportunity to sing (multiple times) in each of the extant G&S shows – sometimes even with a named part. Her long association with Gilbertian legal quibbles has proven useful in her recent role-playing work for the University of Minnesota Law School.
