Everything’s Coming Up Roses from Gypsy

Katie is excited to be back with City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret for this “dreamy” show! Katie has her Bachelor's degree in Vocal Music from University of Wisconsin Platteville. Favorite past roles include Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and Bonnie in Anything Goes. She is currently a member of the Naperville Chorus and a karaoke enthusiast. She'd like to thank her husband, Tom, her family, and friends for always supporting her musical endeavors.

At the Ballet from A Chorus Line

Sherry Becker is thrilled to return for her fourth cabaret with City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret! During the day, she teaches English, coaches dance, and directs theatre at West Aurora High School, with seven play productions as head artistic director and nine musical productions as an assistant director under her belt. From high school to present, she has performed in both musicals and plays, and she owes a lot of gratitude to this organization for giving her the opportunity to nourish her soul through performing and singing with so many talented, kind, and supportive people.

My Shot from Hamilton

Daniel Currie is a recent graduate of West Aurora High School. During his time at West, he played the roles Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! and Don Price in Big Fish. Daniel will attend Illinois State University this fall to study music education and composition. Daniel contributes to City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret by performing and transcribing instrumental parts for the cabaret combo by ear. He is very excited to spend time with his cast members in his eighth cabaret production!

For the First Time in Forever from Frozen

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Grace Currie is a music director, soprano, and marketer specializing in choral music, musical theatre, and storytelling. Grace was Assistant Director of Choirs at West Aurora High School from 2019-2022 and Director of Choirs at LaSalle-Peru High School from 2018-2019. At West Aurora High School, Grace directed three curricular choirs and two a cappella groups, and she received a Certificate of Appreciation in 2020. At LaSalle-Peru, Grace and her students organized a themed benefit concert, incorporating student art, that raised over $3,000 for the local homeless shelter. In 2018, Grace earned a Bachelor of Music degree in choral music education with highest honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Some of Grace's favorite roles in community and educational theatre include Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Dorothy Gale (The Wizard of Oz), Sandy (Grease), and Hodel (Fiddler on the Roof).

I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Mary Currie is a classical soprano, choir director, general music educator, and aspiring pianist. For the past four years, she has performed with the City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret, where she also serves as the social media director. Mary graduated with highest honors in Choral Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021. Currently, Mary is dedicated to fostering young talent as the middle school general music teacher and choir director in Arbor Park School District 145, where she specializes in adolescent vocal development. Her passion for music extends to her active participation in numerous church events and gatherings throughout Chicago and the Western Suburbs. In February, Mary showcased her love for musical theatre and represented City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret at Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret in Chicago in the “Love is in the Air” cabaret performance. She could not be more proud of her family’s hard work and dedication to making City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret the organization it is today.

Cinderella Medley from Cinderella

PROGRAMMING CONSULTANT

Rowan Currie is thrilled to be a part of her third summer cabaret with City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret! Recently, she appeared as Cinderella in Into the Woods, Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical, and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. She proudly serves on the production team as Programming Consultant, helping create the show's setlist. She lives in Aurora with her husband, Michael, and their daughter, Juliet. Rowan thanks all the babysitters who watch Juliet while she and her husband are at rehearsal, especially Rowan's mom—they make doing the cabarets possible!

The Wizard and I from Wicked

CHOREOGRAPHER

Ann Marie Decker is a recently retired Indian Prairie School District #204 elementary school teacher who is looking forward to fall mornings with her coffee and a good book. Before any future plans are made, she wants to enjoy having some boring days! Between her interest in theatre, reading and teaching, she knows she won’t have too much time to get bored before something new and exciting comes her way. She is also excited about possible travel with the love of her life without having to say, “Sorry, honey, I can’t go. I have to teach.” She is proud to be part of the City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret family since its inception and loves choreographing along with her daughter, Hannah, for this talented group of friends.

Once Upon a December from Anastasia

CHOREOGRAPHER

Hannah Decker is so excited to be joining City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret for another summer of art and entertainment! Freshly graduated with her BFA in musical theatre, she’s thrilled to step into the role of assistant choreographer and challenge herself in new ways. Born and raised in North Aurora, Hannah was first introduced to theatre through the Fox Valley Park District's Summer Stage program under the direction of Arlene Hawks, Bonnie Werthmann, and her very own mother, Ann Marie Decker. Recent performances include Teen Girl/Ensemble in Cinderella, Rosaline in Love’s Labor’s Lost, the Musical, and Emma Goldman/Ensemble in Assassins. She's extremely excited to be performing with such amazing local talent and hopes you enjoy the show!

Sunset Boulevard from Sunset Boulevard

Andres DeLeon graduated from Millikin University with his BA in music and is originally from Plainfield, Illinois. He was most recently seen as El Piraguero in In The Heights at The Marriott Theatre. Other Chicago credits include Fun Home, Rock of Ages, Groundhog Day (Paramount Theatre); Promises, Promises (Blank Theatre Company); Refuge (Theo); Avenue Q (Music Theater Works). He sends love to his friends and family for their constant support, and special thanks to Mom, Dad, and Chris! Follow Andy on instagram at @ajiodeleon, and learn more about him at www.andresjdeleon.com.

It Won’t Be Long Now from In the Heights

Amanda Duran is so excited to return for her sixth cabaret and work with such talented friends, musicians, and performers to produce Moonlight Cabaret: Dreamscapes. Mandy is also celebrating completing her first year of teaching in West Aurora School District 129! She currently teaches choir and general music at Washington Middle School. She is a Choral Music Education graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During her studies, she was highly involved in the UI Women’s Glee Club and Girls Next Door a cappella group. Some of Mandy’s past favorite roles include Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors) and Winifred Banks (Mary Poppins). This summer, Mandy is teaching private voice lessons at Musical Expressions in Naperville and music directing with the Oswegoland Park District Limelight Theatre’s production of Descendants.

Beauty School Dropout from Grease

Austin Farms is a multifaceted tenor and instrumentalist with a dynamic background in performing musical theatre, cabaret, commercial background, orchestral works and opera. Some of Austin's favorite musical theater roles include Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine in Next to Normal and John Patton Jr. in The Color Purple. Along with working with City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret, Austin has worked with Chicago Fringe Opera, various theater companies, and choirs. He has performed both as a background vocalist and soloist across the country. Austin's passion for music began at an early age, thanks to his grandmother, who first taught him how to sing and play the piano. In his free time, you can find him cooking a new vegan dish, crafting something new, traveling, going on walks or hikes, and helping others. His favorite advice to live by: "Be you, because everyone else is taken.” He is excited to work again with City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret this summer.

A Million Dream from The Greatest Showman

Kellen Ferris is a fun-loving, high-energy, soon-to-be 6th grader at St. Pius X School. When he is not blazing a cross-country course, you might find Kellen playing volleyball, basketball, soccer, or track; though his specialty is making his friends laugh. Kellen discovered his love for the stage while performing with Saint Genesius Productions. His favorite roles include Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web and Mr. Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life the Radio Show. Kellen would like to thank Mrs. Kristen Currie Tait for introducing him to the City of Lights Theater & Cabaret and he looks forward to learning from this talented cast.

Never Never Land from Peter Pan

Crystal Hall is delighted to perform once more with City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret! Crystal recently finished her second year as a K-5 music teacher in Naperville 203 and continues to expand her passion for music through private voice instruction. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2022 with a bachelor of music education degree and an endorsement in English Education. Outside of her musical endeavors, Crystal enjoys reading, exercising, and quality time with her poodle, Holden.

Our Time from Merrily We Roll Along

Michael Holstine is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois with the aspirations of using his accountancy degree to become a CPA by day and an artist by night. For the past three years, Michael has performed with the City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret in their summer cabarets. Michael is extremely grateful for this opportunity to perform with so many talented individuals. He would like to thank his family and friends for always supporting his artistic endeavors, as well as City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret for providing him with an opportunity to grow and relive the joy of performing.

You’ll Never Walk Alone from Carousel

Jenny Iles’ love for music runs deep, and it is evident in every note she sings. With a background in both classical and musical theatre, she brings a unique and captivating sound to the cabaret stage. With a degree from Northern Illinois University and a successful career as a direct marketing strategist, Jenny’s love for music has always remained a constant in her life. After taking a hiatus from performing, Jenny is thrilled to be back. Her love for music stems from her grandparents, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for the arts. With the unwavering support of her husband, Jim, her stepdaughter Makayla, & son Logan, Jenny is excited to share her passion with audiences once again.

Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat from Guys and Dolls

Dan Keller works in commercial real estate by day, and the performing arts by night. He is happy to be performing in Dreamscapes with a ton of his friends! Selected credits include Spongebob in Spongebob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical, Tobias in Sweeney Todd, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, and Young Will/Ensemble in Big Fish. Many thanks to all who make this cabaret happen!

Somewhere from West Side Story

Anna Lowery is a classically trained musician with a degree in Vocal Performance in Opera from the University of Illinois. During her time there, she played many roles including Miles in Turn of the Screw and Dragonfly in The Cunning Little Vixen. Since leaving college, Anna is a co-director of Shine! Show Choir in Wheaton, where she sings and dances with the coolest kids ever! When not performing, you can expect Anna to be taking pictures of her two cats, Miller and Giles, and drinking lots of coffee. She is excited to return to the City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret family and to be singing with such an amazing cast of performers!

Out There from The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Adam is thrilled to be performing for his first time with City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret. He has been seen most recently as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast at the Egyptian Theater in DeKalb this past spring, and he regularly cantors at multiple parishes in Rockford, including the cathedral. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support.

Waving Through a Window from Dear Evan Hansen

Armani Smith is a recent graduate of West Aurora High School, where he sang with A Cappella Choir and Madrigal Singers. Some of Armani’s favorite roles are Jonathan Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace, Nostradamus in Something Rotten!, and, most recently, Edward Bloom in Big Fish. Armani has been in both junior cabarets with City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret and is so grateful to finally be a part of an adult production. This fall, Armani will be attending Elmhurst University to major in music education with a vocal performance minor. Armani is so excited to grow as a musician, colleague, and friend throughout this journey!

The Wizard and I from Wicked

Faride Talamas is proud to be a part of City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret this summer. Faride has worked in theaters and stages all over Mexico, Spain, and Chicago. She has worked with Cirque Du Soleil’ team members, such as Debra Brown, Renè Dùperè, Marie Louise Bourbeau, Laur Fugerè, and Rene Bazinet in the renowned spectacle Rhythms of the Night. Other notable credits include Mexican productions of Grease (Sandy), Footloose (Ariel), Songs for a New World (Woman 2), and Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene). Faride has her very own original album, La Idea de Ti, which was a hit in northern Mexico. Faride is thrilled to be surrounded by the wonderful and talented cast from Dreamscapes and hopes to learn from them all. She lives in Tinley Park with her husband, Mike, and two pooches, Luna and Junior. Faride wants to thank City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret for the opportunity to perform with them and hopes that everyone enjoys the show!

The Sound of Music from The Sound of Music

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Andrew Toniolo is a vocal and choral music educator/performer, and he has taught and performed in the Chicagoland area since 2010. He received his Bachelors of Music Education and Certificate of Vocal Performance from Elmhurst University, and he holds a Masters of Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Andrew has been Director of Choirs at both Glenbrook South High School and, most recently, Metea Valley High School where has taught all choirs, Music Theory, Music Production, and was selected for Metea Valley’s Influential Educator Award. Outside of the school day, Andrew has directed vocal jazz ensembles, Chamber Singers, contemporary a cappella groups, and has vocal directed musicals and variety shows. Additionally, he is an in-demand clinician, presenter, and has guest conducted in the ILMEA District Vocal Jazz Festivals. Andrew has performed in a variety of musicals and cabarets over the years and most recently performed with An Octave Above vocal jazz ensemble and the St. Charles Singers.

Spark of Creation from Children of Eden

Katie Ulrich is back again for her third summer with City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret! Katie is a junior at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she is majoring in Choral Music Education with a minor in Jazz Studies. At Indiana University, Katie is on the ACDA board as Vice President, and she serves as Director of Education in Singing Hoosiers. She has traveled around the country with Singing Hoosiers—a grammy-nominated show choir group! At Indiana, she takes classical voice and vocal jazz lessons. Katie’s passion for jazz has become something that she hopes to bring to her music classrooms in the future. Some of Katie’s previous favorite roles include Donna in Mamma Mia! and Laura in Band Geeks! She is so excited to perform with such an incredibly talented cast and cannot wait for you to enjoy Dreamscapes!

piano

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, MUSIC DIRECTOR

KIRSTEN Currie Tait has taught and directed musical theatre in the Fox Valley area for more than 25 years. She has taught music in East Aurora School District 131, Holy Angels School, St. Rita’s in Aurora, and currently, St. Pius X Church in Lombard. Kirsten was one of the first musical-theatre majors at University of Michigan back in the mid 1980s where she musically directed and conducted Little Shop of Horrors and Chicago. Since then, she has music-directed over 20 shows for Warrenville Park District and Theatre-on-the-Hill in Bolingbrook combined. Kirsten performed parts like Cinderella in Into the Woods, Sarah in Guys and Dolls, Anna in The King and I, and Rosemary in How to Succeed in Business. She is proud that she went down the Bitcoin rabbithole back in 2012 when she became excited about what cryptocurrency could accomplish for our financial system and in fact, her early investment in cryptocurrency helped finance tonight’s cabaret. But she is most proud of her eight wonderful almost-grown children, two grandchildren, Juliet and Autumn—all of whom love singing and musicals, and many of whom you will see here tonight working in various capacities. Daughters Grace, Mary, Catherine and Monica, and son Michael help her run this organization. Family and music are Kirsten’s greatest blessings, and she is eternally grateful for both.

synth

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Liz Hutchinson is a choral music educator and vocalist with nearly fifteen experience of teaching and performing in the Chicago area. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois and a Master of Music Education with distinction from DePaul University. Liz taught music at West Aurora High School, Wilmette District 39, and currently is Director of Choirs at Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn. Liz has performed with the St. Charles Singers, TVK Orchestra, and An Octave Above. Her work regarding Metacognition and Choral Music Education was chosen to be presented at the Illinois Music Education Conference in 2023. Past awards include the Branigan Scholarship and the Outstanding Graduating Senior Award at the University of Illinois, the Graduate Music Education Scholarship at DePaul University, and the Influential Educator Award at West Aurora High School. She lives with her husband, Andrew, and two kids in Naperville.

percussion

Frankie Paredes is a drummer/percussionist from Waukegan, Illinois. In 2020, he earned his degree in Commercial Music from Millikin University and recently graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a masters degree in jazz performance. Currently, Frankie gigs and teaches drums and piano throughout the North Shore area. He is excited to be back accompanying another City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret production.

bass

Hunter Thoms is a bassist and educator for little over a decade from the Joliet area. As a performer, Hunter has involved himself in many facets of bass playing, including classical, jazz, and musical theatre. He has played over a dozen musicals, including Into the Woods, Annie, and The Addams Family, and he currently plays with orchestras throughout the Chicago suburbs. Hunter received his bachelor's degree from Illinois State University, where he studied with Dr. Bill Koehler and Dr. Benjamin de Kock. Recently, Hunter received his master’s degree at the Chicago Conservatory of Performing Arts under Jon McCullough-Benner.