Upcoming and Recent Projects
Check out upcoming and recent projects I've worked on, including projects on-camera, on stage, and behind the camera.
December 4th – December 31st
The Christmas Pickle
Get ready to experience this family-friendly Christmas musical comedy, playing this December at The Seasons Dinner Theatre! "The Christmas Pickle", a musical comedy with an original book by Patti J. Hynes-McCarthy, will play a total of 34 performances this December including two-show days on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Take a peek at the show calendar to learn more!
The Seasons Dinner Theatre is currently performing at the Bunker Hills Event Center in Coon Rapids, MN (about half an hour outside of Minneapolis!). We are a dinner theatre experience, and seating for dinner (or lunch on matinee days) begins two hours prior to show time.
PLOT SYNOPSIS
Dot Swenson is the "pickle lady" in her hometown of Parkers Plaine, Minnesota, winning many blue ribbons for her famous gherkins and even selling a recipe to a famous national pickle company. Yes, Dot is best known for making pickles, but this Christmas she finds herself in one, and doesn't know what to do about it. Her grown children arrive home for Christmas, each anxious to share life's dilemmas with their mom (traditionally discussed over a jar of pickles) only to find her acting strangely befuddled and uncharacteristically nervous. What is wrong with their mother? Join us for this sidesplitting, family friendly musical comedy, wrapped up in family dynamics and sibling rivalries as Dot's family tries to unravel the mystery behind what seems to be driving their mother nuts! Don't miss THE CHRISTMAS PICKLE.
In this production, I am thrilled and blessed to take on the role of Peter Swenson, Dots youngest child who is moving back home at the age of 24.
Hurry! Tickets are selling fast, and some 5,500 have already been sold for this run! GET TICKETS at the link below, and check out The Seasons Dinner Theatre's website at www.SeasonsDinnerTheatre to learn more about this exciting company.
"Christmas Pickle Postcard" (above)
© Patti J. Hynes-McCarthy, used with
permission.
Next Show: TO BE ANNOUNCED (FALL 2025)
The Peabody Players Improv
The Peabody Players opened their 2025–2026 season in September, celebrating the company's 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY with a performance at the Liberty Restaurant & Bar in St. Michael, Minnesota. The night was a roaring hit, and The Peabody Players look forward to tackling their next show later this year.
The Peabody Players are an experienced group of performers and comedians providing hilarious, interactive, family-friendly entertainment. Are you familiar with the popular show, "Whose Line Is It Anyway"? Well, The Peabody Players perform similar structures, right here in Minnesota! Spend the evening with The Peabody Players for an evening of uproarious laughter, spontaneous audience interaction, and fast-paced comedic segments—all based off YOUR suggestions!
Be sure to follow "The Peabody Players" on Facebook to get the latest updates on upcoming show dates and tickets, or join the Gino Sturm "Project Mailing List" for updates delivered to your inbox! Additionally, visit www.ThePeabodyPlayers.com for more information about our company!
"The Peabody Players Logo" (above) © 2025 Heather Gerard-Peabody, used with permission.
Closed February 22nd, 2025
Singin' in the Rain
Based closely on the legendary 1952 MGM musical film of the same name, Singin' in the Rain dazzled audiences in February of 2025 with numerous upbeat dance numbers and witty, brilliantly played dialogue.
I was fortunate enough to tackle the role of R.F. Simpson, the magnanimous and successful producer for the then-fictional "Monumental Pictures" film studio-- bringing a roaring voice and animated energy to the stage. Personally, this production sits high on my list of favorites. The wonderful energy from such a talented cast and crew made the production all the more memorable.
Singin' in the Rain was presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), with dialogue from the screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed.
Photos (above) © 2025 Sumer Hager
"Singin' in the Rain Poster" (Image 3) © 2025 Julia Waldoch,
used with permission.
Closed February 24th, 2024
Freaky Friday (Musical)
Disney's staged musical adaptation of Freaky Friday, based on the book by Mary Rodgers and the Disney Films, successfully brought engaging musical entertainment to the Holy Angels Performing Arts Center through four shows at the Holy Angels Performing Arts Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
The upbeat, modern, and catchy music from two-time Tony Award winner Tom Kit (If/Then, Next to Normal) kept audiences hooked from the opening number ("Just One Day"). Bridget Carpenter's plotline drove interest and the story progressed, and led many audience members to see the show more than once.
In this musical production, I took on the role of Mike- fiance to leading lady Katherine Blake and soon-to-be stepdad to Ellie and Fletcher Blake. This was indeed a memorable role and a show I will undoubtedly miss. The personal challenges and growth the show brought made the opportunity to share my performance on stage even more rewarding, with the cast and crew bringing the energy this show needed to be successful.
Disney's Freaky Friday was written by Bridget Carpenter; with lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt.
Photos © 2024 Koi Blenkush
"Freaky Friday Poster" (image 2) © 2024 Nicole Katterhagen
Closed November 19th, 2023
Ebenezer's Dry Goods & Pharmaceuticals
In November of 2023, I performed in my first career original production, Ebenezer's Dry Goods and Pharmaceuticals, written and directed by Anthony Schrock. This show was produced by the Central Minnesota Theatre Company in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.
The story swaps Ebenezer Scrooge for Mary Ebenezer in a unique take on Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol, telling the sad and powerful course of addiction. Over the 90-minute show, Mary is slowly shown the reality of her addiction's effects on those she loves most.
"Trapped in a nightmare of her own creation, Mary Ebenezer (Patricia Soltis) is slowly losing her grip on reality. Watch as she is forced to face the painful truth of her past, present, and her future. " - Central MN Theatre
In the show, I played the small role of a store customer in the opening scene, and filled ensemble positions throughout the show.
Ebenezer's Dry Goods and Pharmaceuticals was written by Anthony Schrock and made its premiere performance at the Holy Angels Performing Arts Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota on November 10th, 2023.
Poster (above) © 2023 Anthony Schrock, used with expressed written permission
Closed October 28th, 2023
The Man Who Came to Dinner
The wildly comedic story of Sheridan Whiteside's escapades at the Stanley Residence, which played at the Holy Angels Arts Center ended its run on October 28th after performing four shows. Our talented cast and crew made this a memorable show that holds a special place in my heart.
In this show, I took the stage as Sheridan Whiteside; the radio orator, celebrity, and the man who did come to dinner. Whiteside brings a roaring and overbearing attitude and must have everything the way he likes it. Spending time in a wheelchair for the majority of a two hour show also brought a fun challenge when it came to stage presence. This was some of the most fun I have had with a single character in my career.
The Man Who Came to Dinner was written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, originally produced in 1939.
Photos © 2023 Koi Blenkush, used with permission
Poster Design (image 2) © 2023 Nicole Katterhagen
Closed June 17th, 2023
Anatomy of Gray
For only two shows in June of 2023; at the Holy Angels Performing Arts Center in St. Cloud, MN, I was given the opportunity to play Galen P. Gray in Jim Leonard's Anatomy of Gray. A mix of drama and comedy; this show tells of love, loss, and death.
The show follows June Muldoon, who had just lost her pa at the start of the show, and who prays for a healer to come to town. Not long after, a man (later revealed to be Galen P. Gray) blows in on a hot air balloon and claims to be a doctor. While the man initially heals the town's many sicknesses, a plague eventually begins to spread. And spread it did. All across the country men began to hunt down the doctor.
This show was really my first dramatic stage opportunity, and it was well received by all who attended.
Photos © 2023 Koi Blenkush, used with permission
Poster Design (image 2) © 2023 Nicole Katterhagen
Closed February 25th, 2023
Once Upon a Mattress
My first career musical performance ran for only three shows in February of 2023, at the Holy Angels Performing Arts Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
In this musical; I played the role of the big and boisterous Sir Harry, a man who makes some questionable decisions over the course of the show. The show reminds audience members of the tale of "The Princess and the Pea," through a comedic and musical retelling.
During this show; my love for musical theatre grew immensely, as did my skills as a singer and dancer. I am looking forward to many more musical opportunities in the future.
Once Upon a Mattress was written by Dean Fuller and Jay Thompson, with lyrics by Marshall Barer and music by Mary Rodgers.
Photos © 2023 Koi Blenkush, used with permission
Poster Design (image 1) © 2023 Emily Pankratz
Closed November 5th, 2022
Clue: On Stage
Clue: On Stage ran in early November of 2022, at the Holy Angels Performing Arts Center in St. Cloud, MN. I was blessed with the opportunity to portray Wadsworth, the upright but mischievous butler.
This classic murder mystery, based off the Parker Brothers board game Clue; featured captivating moments of mystery, suspense, comedy, and high-intensity scenes.
This show, along with Anatomy of Gray, sits among my favorite and most cherished performances. I enjoyed the script, team of actors and crew, the set, and all who came out to see the show.
Clue: On Stage was written by Sandy Rustin and based of the Screenplay Clue by Jonathan Lynn.
Photos © 2022 Koi Blenkush, used with permission
Poster Design (image 1) © 2022 Emily Pankratz
News Article (image 8) © 2022 Rachel Eickhoff Gross, used with permission
Released October 28th, 2022
Farmward Cooperative Commercial
In July of 2022, I began work with Director Jack Berenak at Flying Buttress Media on a commercial for Farmward Cooperative. We worked together on this performance to perfect the two-minute-long script. In August, we gathered out at a farm in Franklin, Minnesota, for the shoot. We worked off of multiple takes with stationary and dolly shots to create an epic commercial that highlights the company's values. This commercial which had been nearly a year in the making is finally complete and ready to be shown to the public. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to many more.
Footage © 2022 Flying Buttress Media, Jack Berenak
Used with permission
Premiered October 20th, 2022
Desolation
Desolation, a short film/plot-based music video for the Twin Cities Band Latter Math premiered October 20th. This video accompanied the release of Latter Math's new song Desolation. My scene was shot in St Paul on a frigid day in February, and the rosiness of our cheeks and breath in the air was a testament to the temperatures that day. After nearly 8 months of finishing production and the entirety of post-production, I am stoked to see the final product. In this short film, directed by Digital Vow Videography's Bradyn Walker, I played the role of the lead bully and had a great experience in the process.
Footage © 2022 Bradyn Walker,
Used with permission