Cast set for Youth Theatre production

Submitted information

The Van Wert Civic Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming Youth Theatre production, Dear Edwina Jr., a heartwarming and hilarious musical that celebrates friendship, confidence, and the importance of being yourself.

Dear Edwina Jr. follows the story of Edwina Spoonapple, an advice-giving extraordinaire who dreams of becoming the next great advice columnist. Through a series of lively songs, colorful characters, and entertaining production numbers, Edwina and her neighborhood friends tackle everyday problems ranging from table manners to making friends. Filled with humor, charm, and valuable life lessons, this delightful musical is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Leading the production team is Director Emily Gehle, joined by Assistant Director Alyssa Taylor, Music Director Grace Doctor, and Rehearsal Assistant Abbie Mengerink. Together, they have been working with a talented group of young performers to bring this energetic and inspiring musical to the VWCT stage.

The talented cast includes:

• Edwina Spoonapple — Sophia Rupert
• Kelli Poshkonozovich — Madalynn Laukhuf

• Becky Del Vecchio — Grace Spieles
• Scott Kunkle — Xadriana Groves
• Annie — Lily Schnipke
• Bobby Newsome — J.D. Giesige
• Cordell Vanderploonk — Deagan Schlemmer
• Billy Vanderploonk — Levi Schlemmer
• Lars Vanderploonk / Mary Sue Betty Bob — Emily Foudy
• Katie Spoonapple / Frank’s Ma — Lainey Custis
• Ann Van Buren / Sonoma — Normajean Stickney
• Susie — Annabelle Harvey
• Johnny — Ryker DeVelvis
• Queen of Boolah Boolah / Chef Ludmilla — Evvy Lamb
• Frank — Jon Caldwell
• Fairy Forkmother — Ella Lamb
• William — Karalina Sterrett
• Harry — Grayson Baker
• Lola — Vivian Laukhuf
• Farmer Jerry — Colby Tyas
• Aphrodite Colossus Athena Swenson — Linley Young
• Abigail Mathilda Fleckenheimer — Natalie Caldwell
• Periwinkle Hurgen Burgen Yurrgensson — Brooklyn Beining
• Carrie — Layla Norton

The ensemble includes Lettie Baker, Braxton Beining, Josie Dettrow, Adeline English, Holly Feasel, ALeah Font, Russell Giesige, Ellie Hamman, Lillian Laukhuf, Nayela Leggitt, Amelia Schlangen, Anna Stoller, Phillip Tyas, Shepherd Young, and Woodward Young.

Performances of Dear Edwina Jr. will take place at the Van Wert Civic Theatre on:

• Thursday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale NOW and are just $10 for all performances. Tickets may be purchased by visiting VWCT.org or by calling the box office at 419.238.9689.

For additional information, visit VWCT.org or follow the Van Wert Civic Theatre on social media.