Ken Cook
Abel Frake
Ken Cook was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. He was introduced to music at a very young age as his mother was a singer and instilled a love for music in all her children. Ken began playing guitar at the age of 9 and was introduced to musical theater at the age of 12. He only performed in a few musicals while in Middle and High School which included being cast as Charlie Brown in “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”. After graduation from High School, Ken continued to play guitar and act in small skits for several years. He took a break from acting when he got married to his wife, Kim and together they have 4 grown children. Ken was given the opportunity to audition for a musical 23 years ago in which he was given the role of Max in “The Sound of Music”. Ken has been employed in the West Ada School District for the last 20 years working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant with students with special needs. You will often hear Ken singing to some of the students at the schools on any given day. Most recently, Ken has been volunteering in the drama department at Rocky Mountain High School where the students fondly refer to him as Papa Ken. It was during this time that his love for theater was reignited and with the support of friends and family he decided to audition again. He would like to take this time to thank his wife, Kim, for all the love and support she has given to encourage his passion for musical theater. Ken would also like to thank his children for their love and patience as he has been spending many hours away at rehearsals. Thank you to his mom and siblings for their encouragement, love and excitement as he enters performing again. A big thanks to many friends and family for their encouragement and support in helping Ken pursue his dreams, especially Erin Davidson and Aimie Rice at Rocky Mountain High School for their support and friendship. He wants to thank the cast and crew of ‘State Fair” for the opportunity to perform again, especially Wendy Koeppl for giving him this chance.
Beth Laugheed
Melissa Frake
Beth is so excited and honored to be playing the part of Melissa in Boise Music Week’s “State Fair” this year. She was always singing and play-acting growing up in Indiana. Her love of music continued as she sang her way through high school. She has been honing her craft with drama and singing at her day job as a first grade teacher for the Boise School District. Although she’s lived with her family in the Treasure Valley for 20 years, this is only her second production. Her first was Boise Little Theater’s “Annie,” where she played a Hooverville resident (Sophie) and was part of the ensemble. She’s extremely grateful to her husband, daughter, family, and friends for encouraging her to try out and go after her dreams. She is also thankful to Wendy, JaNeale, Kay, and the rest of the cast and crew for the opportunity, laughs, love, and support
Makenna Homer
Margy Frake
Makenna Homer has been involved in musical theatre since her sophmore year in high school. After graduating, she attended Brigham Young University Idaho where she received an Associates degree in Business Management, filling her extra time with an assortment of dance classes and costume design. Makenna has always loved performing and has been involved in many musicals, including: Dear Edwina, Tarzan, Seussical:the musical, Once on this Island, Singing in the Rain, James and the giant peach, and Music week 2019 show “Throughly Modern Mille”. Makenna would like to thank her family for their support and encouragement.
Isaiah Raasch
Wayne Frake
Isaiah Raasch is 19 and a Freshman at Boise State University. He will be receiving his Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance. This is his Boise Music Week debut production and is so excited to share it with everyone. He has been performing for many years and hopes to continue in the future. Some of his favorite roles include Gideon in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, Jack Kelly in Newsies: The Broadway Musical, and Tommy Djilas in The Music Man. He wants to thank his parents for showing the power of music and always being there to support him. He also wants to thank his amazing sisters who have been there to inspire and humble him! Enjoy the show!
Jesse Peters
Gus, Uncle Sam, & Ensemble/Chorus
Jesse is making his Boise Music Week debut. He has been doing theatre for the past seventeen years and has been doing theatre in the treasure valley for the past five years. He is thrilled to share this joyous occasion with you and hopes you enjoy the fair.
Bob Balfour
Dave Miller, Fair Announcer, & Ensemble/Chorus
This is my 7th Music week production. The last was Music Man where I played Charlie Cowell, the anvil salesman. Being a Nurse, these shows are a great way to relieve the everyday stress. It is always fun to meet new people and to be in awe of the talent that abounds in the Boise area. Semper Fi
Claire Bailey
Eleanor/Ensemble/Dancer
Claire is so excited to be back for her 3rd show with Boise Music Week. She is a junior vocal performance major at the Idaho Fine Arts Academy and has studied music composition and contemporary performance with Justin Nielsen for the last seven years. She loves writing, playing and recording her own music. You can listen to her debut single “With You” anywhere you stream music, with more to come.
Jayden Garrett
Harry, The Fairtones/Dancer
Jayden Garrett is a 19 year old sophomore at the College of Western Idaho. He intends to get his Communications degree and pursue acting as his dream career and passion, into either film or stage productions. This is his first production with Boise Music Week and his first full production since graduating high school, which he is ecstatic to perform at the Morrison Center. Recently he’s been in a few ads for the Ada County Highway District and performed a Children’s reading at the Boise Contemporary Theater. He would like to thank the amazing cast and crew he’s bonded with over the past few months.
Ron Folwell
The Hoop-La Barker, Judge Heppenstahl,
& Chief of Police
Ron Folwell is excited to be performing for the first time with Boise Music Week! An ardent fan of musical performance since childhood, some of his earliest memories include performing with his twin brother at family gatherings, church events, and singing a patriotic medley at the county fair when only five years old. In recent years he appeared as Marcellus Washburn in The Music Man, Cinderella’s Father in Into the Woods, Grandpa Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Santa Claus in Yes, Virginia: The Musical, Grasshopper in James and the Giant Peach, and Drake the Butler in Annie. He would like to thank his incredible wife, family, and friends for their support and his beloved mother for making the mincemeat!
Katie Kruse
Balloon Vendor,
Ensemble/Chorus
Katie’s love for theatre goes back to playing the titular character of the 4th grade class show, “Red Riding Hood.” Since then, she’s been in local drama classes and school productions, working onstage and backstage to learn every skill from improvisation to the fly system. Her previous onstage roles include Asst. Seamstress/Ensemble in “White Christmas” and Penny in “Casserole,” both at Boise Little Theater.
Cris Wesselman
Shooting Gallery Barker, Ensemble/Chorus
Cris Wesselman is making his theater debut with this performance of “State Fair”. Having no formal experience or training has been a challenge, but the tremendous patience of the directors, crew and fellow performers has made the process quite enjoyable. Even more so, being able to dance and perform with my wife has been such a blessing, and an experience I’ll not soon forget – even if you refuse to give up the lead!
Clara Winslow
Concession Vendor
Clara Winslow is making her debut in the Boise community theater scene with this production. She has been performing on stage in operas, musicals, choirs, and bands since childhood, beginning with the Indianapolis Opera Company. She has been a public school music teacher for 19 years, both in Idaho and in Arizona, and has also worked as a choir director. Clara would like to thank the directors, cast, and crew for this exciting opportunity!
Katie Kruse
Balloon Vendor, Ensemble/Chorus
Katie’s love for theatre goes back to playing the titular character of the 4th grade class show, “Red Riding Hood.” Since then, she’s been in local drama classes and school productions, working onstage and backstage to learn every skill from improvisation to the fly system. Her previous onstage roles include Asst. Seamstress/Ensemble in “White Christmas” and Penny in “Casserole,” both at Boise Little Theater.
Demitri Ruiz
Astounding Stralenko, The Fairtones/Dancer
Hanna Christensen
Emily Arden
Hanna recently moved to the treasure valley and is excited to be making her debut with Boise Music Week. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Music Dance Theater. While at BYU she toured for two years with the Young Ambassadors traveling across the United States and China. Favorite roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Winnie Tate in Annie Get Your Gun, and Cosette in Les Miserables. She works during the day freelancing as a graphic designer/illustrator and as full-time mom to two sweet baby boys. She wants to thank her husband, Hunter, for always supporting her passions.
Garrett Ryan
Pat Gilbert
Every Sunday night before the Minidoka County Fair, Garrett Ryan watches State Fair (1945) with his family as they have for as long as he can remember. He is so excited to be a part of this cast and tell this story with Boise Music Week! Most recently he has played Aaron in First Date – A Musical Comedy at Stage Coach Theatre and the Hipster Dork in Heathers the Musical at Boise Little Theater. He co-produces the podcast If It Scares You and loves buying books he may never get around to reading. Thanks to the cast and crew for this experience and enjoy the show!
Jack Thorne
Charlie
Kevin Nielsen
Lem
Kevin is happy to make his Boise Music Week debut this spring. He is grateful to all of the wonderful creative people he gets to rub shoulders with to bring the Iowa State Fair to life! He knew that pig farming he did in 4H would finally pay off. Kevin has had a love of theater and music performance since he was a kid. With a piano teacher for a mother and an aunt an uncle who owned a summer theater, he caught the acting bug early. His first big role was as Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in high school, and then he went on to perform in that same show as Caleb at the Playmill Theatre, as well as a brother in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and as Cinderella’s father in Into the Woods. After about a 20 year life break to raise a family and start a career, Kevin’s kids asked him to audition with them in 2018 and he’s been back on stage since in roles such as Joseph Pulitzer in Newsies, the scarecrow in Wizard of Oz, Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Judge Thatcher in Tom Sawyer, and several others at Music Theater of Idaho. His latest endeavor in the theater world has been to create more opportunities for families and actors in the Treasure Valley by partnering with his wonderful wife, Laura, to create The Huckleberry Star Theater. Tonight Kevin hopes you enjoy a “Grand Night for Singing” with us here at State Fair and to explore the many local theaters here in the valley!
Justin Bailey
Clay
Justin is excited to be back for his 3rd Boise Music Week show with his daughter Claire. He would like to thank all the directors for letting him fully explore his fascination with hog calling, and the support that can only come from the extra snug fit of bib overalls. When not spending all his free time singing 4 part harmonies about the finer virtues of our swine friends he can be found teaching family medicine residents throughout the valley. Outside of work Dr. Bailey spends all of his free time running semi-dangerous science experiments with his children, trail running, and constantly justifying the need for more garage band instruments to jam with his rockstar wife, Holly, and his 5 amazing kids.
Decker Hinkley
Hank Munson
Melia Kane
Violet
Melia Kane is thrilled to be performing in this year’s Boise Music Week musical! Melia was born 11 years ago and has been acting, singing and dancing ever since. She performed in her first stage role when she was three months old- as a baby in one of the scenes in Les Miserables. Previous roles include Young Anastasia (Anastasia the Musical), Matilda (Matilda the Musical), Little Cosette (Les Miserables), as well as various ensemble roles. She has also played leading roles in two local films. Melia would like to thank the directing team and the entire cast for making this such a fun experience.
Barb Oldenburg
Mrs. Edwin Metcalf, Ensemble/Dancer
Barbara is in her sixth year of retirement after a 37-year career as a music educator. She received her Bachelor of Music from Boise State University in 1979 and her Master of Education in Creative Arts Integration from Lesley University in 2010. Her passion for acting in music theater began as a student in the BSU summer music theater workshops under the direction of William Taylor and Charles Lauterbach. Barbara continued her work for the next 30 years with music direction for several musicals for school and community productions. In 2018, she returned to acting – appearing as Eulalie Shinn in Boise Music Week’s production of “The Music Man.” She followed that in 2019 and 2022 as the vocal music director for “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and “Into the Woods”. State Fair brings her back to the stage where she is enjoying playing the role of Mrs. Metcalf and singing with the ensemble. She is forever grateful to her children for their support and encouragement.
Camille Wilcox
Vivian/Dancer
Camille is a theater artist currently studying Theatre at Boise State University. With three years of experience in acting, singing, and a little over ten years’ experience in dancing. She recently delighted audiences in Boise Little Theatre’s White Christmas and is thrilled to take the stage again. Camille extends heartfelt thanks to Wendy, Kay, JeNeale, the dedicated staff, and talented castmates for their hard work and support. She would also like to thank her beloved family and mentors for their unwavering encouragement along the way.
Graycie Rechenmacher
Jeanne/Dancer
Graycie Rechenmacher has been dancing since she was two and was first on stage when she was six. She has been in many shows around the valley. Now 17, she is excited to be back on the Morrison Center stage after many years. She would like to thank her family for all their support and encouragement.
Aubrey Balfour
The Fairtones/Ensemble
When I’m not backing up Emily Arden on the Midway, I work as a Test Manager for Lionbridge Games (yes, it’s a real job!). The rest of the year I get my music fix by performing with Opera Idaho’s Critical Mass Vocal Artists. This is my first show with Music Week and I have had an absolute blast working with so many other incredible artists.
Shayla Bridgewater
Ensemble/Dancer
Shayla is so excited to be apart of Boise music week 2023 after being a part of last years show ‘Into the woods’. She has been in many shows at her home high school, Meridian High, taking part in 7 shows, and continues to do theatre outside of being a Biology Major at Boise State University. She would like to thank her parents, siblings, friends and partner Brennon for supporting her. She’d also like to say thank you to Wendy and Annie, none of this would be possible without them. And thank you to all the people coming to support the show! We hope you enjoy!
Jewels Love
The Fairtones/Dancer
Hello Boise! Im so honored to be able to perform on this gorgeous Morrison Center stage with such an incredible cast. I’ve been performing in this valley since I was 7 years old and I’m so excited to have made it here. You may have seen me in Garden Valley as Ursula in Little Mermaid, Boise Little Theater as Martha in Heathers, or in Nampa as Matron Mama Morton with Spotlight Theater. The talent in this valley is incredible, and I’m honored to be apart of it! Thanks for coming, and enjoy the show.
Izzy Martin
Ensemble/Dancer
Izzy Martin is thrilled to be a dancer in State Fair this spring! She has performed with Boise Little Theater and Huckleberry Star Theater in the past, and some of her favorite roles include Moana in Unhappily Ever After, Alice in Matilda, and a dancer in Music Man. This fall, she plans to attend University of Idaho for Music Composition and French. In her spare time, she loves to garden, mountain bike, run, and write music.
Ruby Roecker
Ensemble/Chorus
Ruby is thrilled to be making her Boise Music Week debut! She is so grateful for this amazing experience and all the people who worked so hard on this show. Special thanks and love to her family for always believing in her!
Kate Ward
Ensemble/Dancer
Kate is a native Minnesotan who took a 20-year hiatus from theater, but is excited to be back on stage for her second show since moving to Boise and first show for Boise Music Week. She is thankful for the opportunity to be included in the BMW legacy, and grateful to the cast and crew for their amazing talent and support. She especially would like to thank Kay for challenging her to be better and to STOP LEADING; and to the makers of ibuprofen and BioFreeze who make dancing “at a certain age” possible. Finally, she’d like to thank her husband and daughter for supporting her crazy hobby.
Nikki Wesselman
Ensemble/Dancer
Nikki Wesselman has been dancing since she was a little girl and received her training in Boise. She has taught and performed at various studios in Washington and Boise and recently danced her way into the theater scene. She has performed and choreographed for productions at Eagle High School, Boise Music Week, Boise Little Theater and Huckleberry Star Theater. A huge thank you to my husband for joining in on my love of theater, I’m excited to dance on stage with you! I hope you all enjoy this “Moo-sical, it is “Udder-ly” fantastic!
Tara Skeesuck
Ensemble/Dancer
Tara Skeesuck is thrilled to be part of the State Fair cast. Tara has always had a lifelong love of dance. She grew up taking all sorts of dance classes and competed in dance competitions. As an adult, she loves to tap dance and just in the past couple of years, found an interest in musical theater. She is proud to be a wife and mother of two children. She also is a middle school math teacher. Tara is excited for this opportunity.
Paula St James
Ensemble/Chorus
Musical performance has always been my happy place. Highlights of my most memorable castings have been with MTI in “I Remember Mama” as mama, with Encore Theatre I was the mother in “Amahl and the Night Visitors”, and part of the Encore Carolers. In Portland, I was part of Stumptown Stages production of “Evita” and “A Christmas Carol”. In Astoria, I was part of the Astor Street Opry Co. summer’s slightly historical vaudevillian spoof “Shanghaid in Astoria”. In Seattle, I was in the area’s first local production of a “Chorus Line”, and in Edmonds, Wa. I was in “BOP” a 50’s musical review. I am thrilled to add “State Fair” to my list of favorites with Boise Music Week! My day job is with “Boise Smiles” where I work as a dental hygienist.
Martha Miles
Ensemble/Chorus
Martha Miles is excited to be in this production of State Fair and would like to thank Wendy and JeNeale for giving her this opportunity. Martha has a Master of Arts degree in Music Therapy with an emphasis in vocal performance (Shenandoah Conservatory and Texas Woman’s University). She has performed with various theatre companies in the Treasure Valley, including Encore Theatre Company, Knock ‘Em Dead Dinner Theatre, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Opera Idaho, and Starlight Mountain Theatre. Favorite shows/roles have included: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Chorus), The Sound of Music (Mother Abbess, Sister Berthe), A…My Name Is Alice (Ensemble), Once Upon a Mattress (Queen Aggravain), Clue (Mrs. White), and Fiddler on the Roof (Golde). She also enjoys singing with the Encore Theatre Carolers during the holiday season. Thanks to the cast and crew for making this such a fun experience!!
Melissa Brodhead
Ensemble/Chorus
Melissa has been performing in musical theater since she was a kid and loving every moment of it! Her favorite roles ever were understudy for Anna in The King and I and Mary Magdalene in Savior of the World. When not on the stage, Melissa works a part time job as a bridal consultant at Sweetheart Manor Bridal and Tuxedo and enjoys her full time job as a wife and mother. Melissa would like to thank her family for all their love and support to be able to do this production!
Eliza Fors
Ensemble/Chorus
Eliza is so grateful to this amazing cast and the efforts of everyone behind the scenes to bring this show to life. Having done work with Boise Little Theater and Treasure Valley Children’s theater in the past, she is excited to make her Boise Music week debut in this wonderful production. A big thanks to the support of her friends and family, especially her parents for the countless hours of driving they’ve don’t to support her craft, she couldn’t have done it without them.
Carli Fors
Ensemble/Chorus
Carli Fors is incredibly grateful for this wonderful production, it has truly been the highlight of her acting experience. She has had so much fun and realizes that it couldn’t have happened without the marvelous extraordinary cast and crew that has made this show its best.
Lily Welcker
Ensemble/Chorus
I absolutely LOVE the performing arts! I have been a part of multiple shows, including being Matilda in “Matilda the Musical” twice in the same school year. I’m so grateful to be a part of “State Fair” — it’s so fun to be among such an awesome cast and crew.
Trent Nielsen
Ensemble/Chorus
Trent is excited to perform on the big stage at The Morrison Center with his dad and cast friends in State Fair! He started acting at 9 years old when his dad and sister convinced him audition with them. Trent has been performing for four years now in musical theater with some favorite roles as Winthrop in The Music Man at The Huckleberry Star Theater, Nigel in Matilda, and Collin in the Secret Garden both a Music Theater of Idaho. When not on stage Trent loves tennis, Mario Brothers, and junk food. The only thing that would make this show perfect for him would be funnel cakes, a corn dog, and deep fried Oreos. He hopes you have a great time with him at State Fair tonight!
Greyson Davio
Ensemble/Chorus
Greyson is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform on the Morrison Center stage. This is his second appearance in a full musical production, after performing as Nigel in Boise Little Theater’s Matilda the Musical. Greyson is a talented athlete and musician, and has a great passion for the stage. Greyson is thankful to the Directors of this production, and his family, friends, and coaches for all of the love and support.
Ellis Jones
Ensemble/Chorus
Ellis has had a blast being a part of Boise Music Week, it has been a wonderful experience, and she cannot wait to do it again! “Our State Fair is a great State Fair,” Theater nerds unite!!
Amelia German
Ensemble/Chorus
Amelia has always loved singing, dancing and performing. She is very artistic and enjoys all forms of art including drawing and painting. When not on the stage she is an excellent athlete and excels at track, volleyball and cheerleading. She is honored and excited to perform on the Morrison Center stage and to be a part of the Boise Music Week tradition. She would like to thank the directors, cast and crew as well as her family and friends for their hard work and support.
Avery Zabel
Ensemble/Chorus
Elle Zabel
Ensemble/Chorus