Deerfield Theater Podcast

Peter Forster is a South Africa-raised theater scholar with degrees in dramatic literature, directing, and screenwriting who serves as the dramaturg for Deerfield Theater's production of Murder on the Orient Express. He describes the dramaturg's role as providing literary and historical context, standing "behind the people who stand behind the scenes." For this production, he created research documents covering the 1934 political climate in Europe, background on each character's country of origin, a timeline of Agatha Christie's life and writing career, and inspiration sources such as the Lindbergh kidnapping and a real-life Orient Express snowdrift incident. He characterizes his involvement as largely supplementary and non-intrusive, noting the production team has been "wonderfully independent," while he made himself available and offered recommendations on pre- and post-show music. Peter enthusiastically praises the adaptation's bold tonal choices and the way it deviates from the novel, arguing that audiences who know the story will find it fascinating precisely because it is different, and that Christie's themes of human depravity in enclosed spaces feel remarkably relevant to today's political climate.Performances at Caruso Auditorium, 1801 Montgomery Rd., Deerfield on:* Thursday, April 9 at 7:30pm* Fridays, April 3 and 10 at 7:30pm* Saturdays, April 4 and 11 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm* Sunday, April 12 at 2:00pmDeerfield TheaterPurchase TicketsWe’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make our upcoming shows a success! Whether you want to greet guests, paint sets, or help backstage, your time and energy make a huge difference. Please take a moment to let us know how you’d like to be involved. Click the “Start Survey” button below. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deerfieldtheater.substack.com

Julia Helmer is a Buffalo Grove-based community theater enthusiast who grew up in Deerfield and is playing Greta Ohlsson, a Swedish missionary and composite character, in Deerfield Theater's production of Murder on the Orient Express. A self-described theater kid since seventh grade, she took a decade-long break from performing while living in Chicago before returning to community theater in 2018. For this role, she's been mastering a Swedish accent, read the Agatha Christie novel (as an audiobook), and watched the 2017 film to compare interpretations, noting that the play uniquely adds humor and levity to the otherwise dark mystery. She is so excited about the show's balance of comedy and suspense. Julia credits her theater background, including improv training, with making her effective in sales and client-facing situations for her work. Performances at Caruso Auditorium, 1801 Montgomery Rd., Deerfield on:* Thursday, April 9 at 7:30pm* Fridays, April 3 and 10 at 7:30pm* Saturdays, April 4 and 11 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm* Sunday, April 12 at 2:00pmDeerfield TheaterPurchase TicketsWe’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make our upcoming shows a success! Whether you want to greet guests, paint sets, or help backstage, your time and energy make a huge difference. Please take a moment to let us know how you’d like to be involved. Click the “Start Survey” button below. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deerfieldtheater.substack.com

Brian Parry is a veteran Chicago-area actor with several decades of experience, currently retired but staying active in the performing arts through his long-standing membership with Redtwist Theater on the city's north side. He was drawn to play Hercule Poirot in Deerfield Theater's production of Murder on the Orient Express because it represented a rare, bucket-list opportunity, a role he felt uniquely suited for given his naturally deep, distinctive voice and age. Brian shared highlights from his career, including standout performances as Willie Loman in Death of a Salesman, Richard Nixon in Frost/Nixon (which moved a Watergate attorney to sympathize with Nixon), and his role in The Cripple of Inishmaan. He also recalled the joy of watching his young son perform in Les Misérables on Broadway. He expressed optimism about live theater's future in the face of AI, arguing that the irreplaceable human tension of a live performance — the possibility that something could go wrong — is something no AI can replicate.Performances at Caruso Auditorium, 1801 Montgomery Rd., Deerfield on:* Thursday, April 9 at 7:30pm* Fridays, April 3 and 10 at 7:30pm* Saturdays, April 4 and 11 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm* Sunday, April 12 at 2:00pmDeerfield TheaterPurchase TicketsWe’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make our upcoming shows a success! Whether you want to greet guests, paint sets, or help backstage, your time and energy make a huge difference. Please take a moment to let us know how you’d like to be involved. Click the “Start Survey” button below. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deerfieldtheater.substack.com

Danielle Piccolomini is a Chicago transplant originally from Delaware who moved to the city in fall 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. After nearly a 10-year hiatus from theater, during which she spent about seven years touring with a variety show through an unconventional college program. She returned to the stage by auditioning for Deerfield Theater's production of Inherit the Wind with just 20 minutes' notice. Since then, she has appeared in multiple Deerfield productions, including Beauty and the Beast, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (as Verruca Salt), and Shrek, and she now plays the Countess in Murder on the Orient Express — a Hungarian noblewoman who is beautiful, intelligent, medically trained, and central to helping the detective solve the murder. By day, Danielle manages a music school, and she credits her theatrical experience, particularly the ability to identify problems and solve them quickly, as a skill that directly benefits her professional life.Performances at Caruso Auditorium, 1801 Montgomery Rd., Deerfield on:* Thursday, April 9 at 7:30pm* Fridays, April 3 and 10 at 7:30pm* Saturdays, April 4 and 11 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm* Sunday, April 12 at 2:00pmDeerfield TheaterPurchase TicketsWe’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make our upcoming shows a success! Whether you want to greet guests, paint sets, or help backstage, your time and energy make a huge difference. Please take a moment to let us know how you’d like to be involved. Click the “Start Survey” button below. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deerfieldtheater.substack.com

Annika Reece is a passionate performer and dance teacher who plays both a rat tapper and a lost boy in Deerfield’s upcoming production of Shrek the Musical. With a lifelong background in dance and musical theater, Annika brings energy and experience to the stage, having previously performed in shows like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Oklahoma. She values the collaborative, community-driven spirit of Deerfield Theater, describing it as welcoming and top-tier, and appreciates the opportunity to work with cast members of all ages. Annika finds joy in both teaching and performing, seeing each as a way to learn and “fill her cup,” and she is especially excited about the dynamic ensemble work and big dance numbers in Shrek. She encourages everyone to attend, promising a show full of humor, heart, and entertainment for all ages.Performances at Caruso Auditorium, 1801 Montgomery Rd., Deerfield on:* Fridays, November 14 and 21 at 7:30pm* Saturdays, November 15, 22 at 1:00pm and 7:30pm* Sundays, November 16 and 23 at 1:00pmDeerfield TheaterPurchase Tickets This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deerfieldtheater.substack.com

Al Katz-Mariani, who plays Pinocchio in Deerfield Theater’s production of Shrek The Musical, shares his deep connection to the company, having performed in numerous shows since high school and considering it his theatrical home. As a public school teacher by day, Al values community theater for providing a high-caliber artistic outlet that fits his life, allowing him to collaborate with people of all ages and backgrounds. He highlights the welcoming, family-like atmosphere of Deerfield Theater, the impressive upgrades to its facilities, and the unique opportunities the show offers both ensemble and lead performers. Al discusses the challenges and excitement of embodying Pinocchio, including the physicality, costume, and singing in a new register, and reflects on how his experiences as an actor and educator inform each other. He passionately advocates for everyone—especially young people—to pursue art for its own sake, regardless of talent, and sees community theater as a vital, inclusive space for creativity and connection. Al encourages audiences of all ages to see Shrek The Musical, emphasizing its universal appeal, humor, heart, and the talented cast and crew behind it.Performances at Caruso Auditorium, 1801 Montgomery Rd., Deerfield on:* Fridays, November 14 and 21 at 7:30pm* Saturdays, November 15, 22 at 1:00pm and 7:30pm* Sundays, November 16 and 23 at 1:00pmDeerfield TheaterPurchase Tickets This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deerfieldtheater.substack.com

In this episode, we meet Mae O’Connell, the youngest-ever guest on the Deerfield Theater Podcast and a true rising star at just nine years old. With an impressive resume of around 15 shows already under her belt, Mae brings infectious enthusiasm and wisdom beyond her years to her role as Young Fiona in Deerfield Theater’s production of Shrek The Musical. She shares her journey from her first stage experiences in kindergarten to the thrill of performing alongside both kids and adults, and the unique excitement of singing a trio as part of a multi-generational Fiona cast. Mae’s love for theater shines as she talks about her favorite roles, the fun (and sometimes pain) of wigs and costumes, and the importance of perseverance—encouraging young performers to keep chasing their dreams, even after hearing “no.” Her advice and energy make it clear: Mae is not just a talented performer, but an inspiration to anyone who believes in the magic of the stage.Performances at Caruso Auditorium, 1801 Montgomery Rd., Deerfield on:* Fridays, November 14 and 21 at 7:30pm* Saturdays, November 15, 22 at 1:00pm and 7:30pm* Sundays, November 16 and 23 at 1:00pmDeerfield TheaterPurchase Tickets This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deerfieldtheater.substack.com

Alice Bath is a passionate young performer who brings infectious energy and heartfelt insight to her role as Teen Fiona in Deerfield Theater’s production of Shrek The Musical. Alice shares how her love for theater blossomed during the pandemic, turning waiting and uncertainty into a drive to perform and connect with others on stage. She reflects on the unique challenge and joy of portraying a character at a pivotal age, collaborating with fellow Fionas, and drawing on her own experiences of longing and growth. Alice’s journey is filled with memorable roles, and she champions the irreplaceable magic of live performance—something she believes even the best AI can’t replicate. Her enthusiasm for the show’s message of self-acceptance and beauty beyond appearances is contagious, making it clear why audiences should come see Shrek and support the arts.Performances at Caruso Auditorium, 1801 Montgomery Rd., Deerfield on:* Fridays, November 14 and 21 at 7:30pm* Saturdays, November 15, 22 at 1:00pm and 7:30pm* Sundays, November 16 and 23 at 1:00pmDeerfield TheaterPurchase Tickets This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deerfieldtheater.substack.com

McKenna Batterson is the vibrant heart behind Fiona in Deerfield Theater’s Shrek The Musical. From her early days in voice lessons and a BFA at Syracuse, to braving New York’s theater scene before returning to her Chicago roots, McKenna’s journey is one of rediscovery and passion. She shares how stepping away from the relentless hustle of professional acting led her back to community theater, where she found joy, camaraderie, and a renewed love for performing. McKenna’s deep connection to Fiona—a dream role—shines as she describes the thrill of working with both seasoned friends and inspiring young castmates, and the magic of bringing a beloved character to life. Her story is a testament to the power of theater to build community, foster self-acceptance, and remind us that what makes us different is what makes us strong.Performances at Caruso Auditorium, 1801 Montgomery Rd., Deerfield on:* Fridays, November 14 and 21 at 7:30pm* Saturdays, November 15, 22 at 1:00pm and 7:30pm* Sundays, November 16 and 23 at 1:00pmDeerfield TheaterPurchase Tickets This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deerfieldtheater.substack.com

Sebastian Fabal brings a fresh, heartfelt energy to Deerfield Theater’s Shrek The Musical as Lord Farquaad, embracing the role as both a comedic challenge and a personal “palate cleanser” after more serious parts. A seasoned performer and musical theater writer, Sebastian shares how the show’s message of celebrating differences resonates deeply today, and how he’s excited for his young daughters to finally see him on stage in a family-friendly production. With a background spanning Miami, New York, and now Chicago, Sebastian’s passion for theater shines through his commitment to making Farquaad his own—eschewing imitation for genuine character work, even as he navigates the physical demands (and height jokes) of the role. His infectious enthusiasm, love for live performance, and belief in the magic of theater promise an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.Performances at Caruso Auditorium, 1801 Montgomery Rd., Deerfield on:* Fridays, November 14 and 21 at 7:30pm* Saturdays, November 15, 22 at 1:00pm and 7:30pm* Sundays, November 16 and 23 at 1:00pmDeerfield TheaterPurchase Tickets This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deerfieldtheater.substack.com