Book by Kevin Del Aguila
Music and Lyrics by Michael Mahler & Alan Schmuckler
Directed by Rob Scharlow
Musical Direction by James Mablin
Choreography by Mollie Peery

Featuring a youth cast of RCSA students performing alongside professional actors!

Middle School, ugh. It’s the worst. Greg is determined NOT to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor Fregley, or, maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg … no way. Will Greg’s plans lead him to sacrifice his one true friend? Can anyone avoid the dreaded Cheese Touch? Grab a hall pass, and don’t be late for an adventure familiar to anyone who survived middle school with this hilarious and heartfelt musical. Based on the bestselling book series by Jeff Kinney, grab your hall pass for an adventure familiar to anyone who survived middle school with this hilarious and heartfelt musical.

Special Thanks to 

Habitat for Humanity – Restore,

Marvin’s Toy Store

Music On Stage

Krissy and John Gallagher,
Melody Pekarek,
Sean and Naomi Unverzagt,
Melissa Zmuda,
Julia Pappalardo,
Lindsay Bogacz,
Cori Allison,
Sarah Grider,
Nicole Mogilinski,
Leanna Sheahan,
Nikki Haley

Cast List
(In alphabetical order)

Logan Allison ……………………………………………………………………………. Greg Heffley

Demie Anderson …………….. Mrs. Huff / Teacher / Neighbor / Joshie Girl

Ross Bogacz ……………………………………………………………………………… Lionel James

Everly Borror …………………………………………………………….. Pauline / Reporter 1

Annabelle Gallagher …………………………………. Creighton the Cretin/Student

JD Gallagher …………………………………………………………………………………………..Chirag

Quinn Grider ………………………………………………………………………. Teen Hooligan 1

Brody Haley ……………………………………………………………………………. Joshie / Bryce

Mason Houltram ………………………………………………………………………………… Rowley

Jenna Klaproth …………………………………………………………………………… Greg’s Mom

Sophia Kuranda ………………………………….. Overgrown Kid 1 / Cartoon Kid / Lunch Lady / *Dance Captain

George Li …………………………… Mr. Winsky / Bill Walters / Mr. Underwood

Azaria Mema ………………………………………………………………………………………….. Claire

Reyden Mema ………………………………………………………………………… Manny Heffley

Cason Moglinski ………………………………………………… Chris Hosey / Reporter 3

Kat Myers…Fregley’s Mom / Band Member / Joshie Girl / Mrs. Clayton

Brogan Pappalardo ……………………………………………………………………………. Fregley

Oliver Pekarek ……………………………………………………… Cartoon Kid / Gang Kid

Riley Petersen ……………………………………………………………………… Rodrick Heffley

Carmen Rubio ………………………………………………………………………………………. Yvette

Rob Scharlow ……………………………………………………………………………….. Greg’s Dad

Adley Sheahan ……………………………………….. Cartoon Kid / Girl / Reporter 2

Julia Unverzagt …………………………………………………………………………. Patty Farrell

Natalie Unverzagt ……………………………………………………………… Teen Hooligan 2

Katie Witt …………………… Overgrown Kid 2 / Joshie Girl/Cartoon Cashier

Michael Zmuda ………………. Charlie Davis / Cartoon Doctor / Reporter 4

PRODUCTION TEAM

Rob Scharlow – RCSA Director of Education/Director

James Mablin – Raue Resident Music Director/Music Director

Mollie Peery – Choreographer

Jessie Higgins – Stage Manager

Amelia Bowen – Asst. Director & Asst. Stage Manager

Michelle Tibble – Costume Coordinator

Lisa Giebler – Co-Scenic Designer / Technical Director

Robin Hughes – Executive Producer / WSR & RCSA Production Manager

Chris Tumblin – Production / Co-Scenic Designer /Sound Designer /Audio Engineer

Ryan Meadow – Raue Production Manager / Lighting &Projections Designer / Light Board Op

Rose Steere – Running Crew

A Note from the Director

“Let me just say for the record I think middle school is the dumbest idea ever invented.
You got kids like me who haven’t hit their growth spurt yet mixed in with these gorillas who need to shave twice a day.”
~ Greg Heffley from Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series

Oh the days of entering junior high! As you wait for the show to begin, casually perusing these notes, maybe enjoying a drink or snack; I urge you to take a moment and reminisce about preparing to navigate the halls of 6th grade. Can you visualize it? Perhaps. Maybe not. Or maybe you’ve decided to repress that period, and perhaps with good reason. It was a frightening time! Welcome to Greg Heffley’s world.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a tale of growing up that will hopefully strike a chord with our viewers regardless of their age. It tackles themes such as friendship, dependability, empathy, self-worth, bullying and the struggle of balancing the often-conflicting expectations of family, school, and those closest to us . . . and even one’s own moral compass. Based on Jeff Kinney’s best-selling book series and drawing from elements of the film adaptations, this production should leave you feeling connected and able to empathize with the life of our protagonist.

Greg’s search for approval as an incredibly average kid who lacks any exceptional talents or extraordinary qualities besides being extremely awkward at times which, at times, alienates those around him in different ways. This leads him on a path of self-exploration depicted through uplifting musical numbers, clever dialogue, exaggerated (and occasionally stereotypical) characters, heartwarming connections, and the relatable themes that contributed to the book series’ popularity.

A heartfelt thank you to the cast who have put in immense effort to bring this show to life. Some of them are stepping onto the stage for the first time and experiencing this process anew. To my production team, Jessie, Mollie, Amelia, and Jamie, thank you for joining me on this roller coaster ride and for keeping me grounded. To the rest of the team, tech crew, and parents…your support has been vital to the overall progress of this production. Enjoy the performance. – Rob Scharlow, RCSA Director of Education

Cast Bios

Logan Allison (Greg Heffley) is super excited to be doing his first show at the Raue Center. He has loved the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books since he was really young, and getting to be Greg Heffley is a dream come true. Theater became a new passion for him recently, with him doing shows at his high school, and he was nervous about doing a show outside of school because he didn’t know what to expect. Now that he has met these people, he feels much stronger and more comfortable to go through with this process. He’d like to thank his high school director Mr. Stoner for informing him about this opportunity, and his parents for supporting him through this entire process. He hopes you enjoy this show as much as he does!

Demie Anderson (Mrs. Huff/Teacher/Neighbor/Joshie Girl) is so excited to be performing with RCSA for the first time! She is a Chicago-based actor who recently graduated from North Central College with a B.A. in Musical Theatre and Acting. This past summer Demie traveled with the International Lyric Academy in their musical theatre program to Charlotte, NC, and Vicenza, Italy. She will travel and perform again with them this summer in their production of Les Miserables. Select college credits include: Into The Woods (Little Red), Renascence (Norma), Witch (Elizabeth u/s), and Love and Information (Ensemble). She’d like to thank her voice teachers David Fiorello and Jennifer Barrett, as well as her friends and family for their continuous support!

Ross Bogacz (Lionel James) is a fourth grader and aspiring actor. His explosive creative ambition partly comes from chance meetings with celebrities such as Chevy Chase, Alice Cooper, Meatloaf, Chris Jericho, Robert Englund, Joe Bob Briggs, Skeet Ulrich, and Dennis Haskins. He recently started classes at RCSA and is excited to further develop his unique craft. He would like to personally give a shout-out to Darcy the Mail Girl.

Everly Borror (Pauline & Reporter 1) is excited to be in her first performance with the Raue. She began her love for theater with summer camps at Stages Theater out of Hopkins, MN. After moving to IL, she joined the Crystal Lake Park District’s theater program where she played Captain Hook in Peter Pan, and the Evil Queen in The Descendants. Everly is a performer on and off the stage frequently entertaining family and friends with a variety of characters that she comes up with on the spot.

Annabelle Gallagher (Creighton the Cretin & Student) is thrilled to be on the Raue stage for her first RCSA production! Annabelle loves to sing and dance and has participated in CLC’s Summer Theater Program for three years in Frozen, The Little Mermaid, and Shrek. She was also a part of the Children’s Chorus in CLS’s musical Joseph…, and performed in the Huntley Park District productions of Hip Hop Hamilton, Singing & Dancing Through the Decades, and Broadway Showcase. Annabelle enjoys taking ballet, tap, & swing choir classes at CGPAC, aerial silks gymnastics at Trinity, and crochet lessons at Creative Arts Studio. She plays softball for Huntley Little League. In her free time, Annabelle enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and 5 pets. She has been taking piano lessons for 4 years and recently started playing the recorder. Annabelle would like to thank her parents for encouraging her to always try her best, her directors for being fun and inspiring, and the cast & crew for being amazing. Enjoy the show!

JD Gallagher (Chirag) JD is excited to participate in his first RCSA show! He’s no stranger to the stage, having performed for the Crystal Lake Central Summer Theater Camp as Shrek in Shrek & Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid. JD was also in the Children’s Choir for Joseph…at CLS last year. JD enjoys playing baseball for the CL Bulldogs, football for the Huntley Red Raiders, and basketball for the Huntley Park District. JD has been playing piano for over 6 years and is learning to play the trombone in 5th grade band. In his free time, JD loves hanging out with his family & 5 pets and enjoys playing Fortnite with his friends. JD would like to thank his parents for encouraging him to audition, the directors for their countless hours of guidance and support, and to the audience for coming to see the show. He’s made a lot of new friends and is so grateful for this experience!

Quinn Grider (Teen Hooligan 1) is ecstatic to be working with RCSA for the first time. She has previously performed as a narrator in Immanuel Lutheran’s Beauty and the Beast. Quinn enjoys traveling, watching Broadway shows, hanging out with friends, and playing competitive volleyball. High-five, scuba dive to family and friends.

Brody Haley (Joshie & Bryce Anderson) is very excited to work with RCSA for the first time! He has done multiple aspects of theatre including crew. He was previously in a production of The Bully Plays (Stevenson High School) as an actor and a run crew member for Legally Blonde (Stevenson High School). Apart from theatre, he also enjoys all forms of art like drawing. He would like to thank his parents and friends for their unconditional support and love.

Mason Houltram (Rowley) is making his Raue Center debut and is thrilled to bring characters from his favorite series to life! Earlier this year, Mason performed as Sebastian in the Polar Bear Players production of The Little Mermaid Jr. Favorite credits include Flick in A Christmas Story the Musical (The Studio Rockford), Young Jack Bean in the musical Jack (Children’s Theatre of Elgin) and a sea turtle soloist in Finding Nemo Jr (Children’s Theatre of Elgin). Special thanks to his vocal coach, Ellie, and the Wimpy Kid creative team for this incredible opportunity. ZOO-WEE MAMA!!!

Jenna Klaproth (Greg’s Mom) is so excited to be performing with RCSA! She has previously performed on the Raue stage with Lisa Rock Entertainment concerts (A Carpenter’s Christmas and A Little Night Music: The Music of Stephen Sondheim) and Williams Street Repertory (Beehive the 60s Musical and First Date). When not on stage, Jenna is also the Operations Manager at Raue Center for the Arts! Thank you for supporting live theatre!

Sophia Kuranda (Overgrown Kid 1, cartoon kid, dance captain, lunch lady) is 17 years old and has been acting since the age of 6. Sophia is a junior and Crystal Lake Central High School. Sophia loves to perform and has been in shows such as Lend Me A Tenor, 9 to 5, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and most recently did a devised show called The Disturbing Disappearance of St Nicholas. Sophia also has a background in dance and studied at the Judith Svalander School of Ballet. Sophia would like to thank her family and friends for always being there for her.

George Li (Mr. Winsky, Bill Walter, Mr. Underwood)  is excited about his first musical theater performance in the Chicago area! He previously performed in Big Fish with the St. Bernard Players in Madison, WI, and received his acting training from Green Shirt Studio. George would like to thank his friends, family, and instructors for their support!

Azaria Mema (Claire) is so excited to be a part of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” This is her 3rd time with RCSA. The last show she performed in was The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas. She was also in the Fundamentals of Performance. She is so happy and honored to be given this opportunity to work with such amazing teachers and learn from them. A big thank you!

Reyden Mema (Manny) is so happy to join the Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It is his second time being part of Raue Center. His first performance was the Disturbing Disappearance of St Nicolas. He is happy to be given this opportunity so he can grow and learn, and meet amazing teachers and new friends. He is so excited to be part of this musical. Thank you so much!

Cason Mogilinski (Chris Hosey/ Reporter #3)  is excited about his first performance in any musical, especially with the RCSA! Cason has enjoyed meeting all of the new people (his “colleagues”) and working with wonderful directors for this musical. In addition to acting, Cason is involved in flag football, soccer, and likes to game with his friends.

Kat Myers (Fregley’s Mom, Mrs. Clayton, Bandmember, Joshie Girl) is in her mom/teacher era on stage and off. She is delighted to make her Raue debut alongside such a talented cast and crew. Favorite roles include Bridgey Sullivan (Oz, Lexington Children’s Theatre), Carla (Lettie, Harper Ensemble), Snake (Children of Eden, Summer Music Theatre), and touring the states and Canada as the Dragon (King Arthur’s Quest, Missoula Children’s Theatre). Love to Mom, her biggest fan, for the constant support. Piece of advice? Don’t get the cheese touch!

Brogan Pappalardo (Fregley) is a dedicated 6th grader at Bernotas Middle School with a sparkling hygiene record (unlike his character, Fregley!), and is thrilled to perform in his first RCSA performance. Brogan brings experience to the stage, having previously performed in productions like Shrek and Newsies Junior. Additionally, he’s honed his vocal skills through participation in the Encore Youth Choir.

Oliver Pekarek (Cartoon Kid, Gang Kid, ensemble) is excited to be in his first performance with the Raue Center School for the Arts! He has been a longtime fan of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books so was super pumped to have a chance to be a part of this production. Oliver really enjoys singing and acting and is proud of what he has achieved through the workshops and coaching received during this class. He has always enjoyed watching plays and musicals and looks forward to being on the other side of the stage. Oliver would like to thank his family, castmates and friends for their support as he begins what he hopes will be a long career in the performing arts.

Riley Petersen (Roderick Heffley) is a fourteen-year-old bright and inspiring actor who has been in the acting industry for a year. He stars as Rodrick Heffley in this musical but hasn’t been in love with acting all his life. At an early age he wanted to be a professional in martial arts and earned his black belt in Kyuki-do. His love of performing arts began with his first guitar. Riley loves playing the guitar, but it was Richard Bernotas’s production of Wizard of Oz in 2023 that his passion for acting began, when he appeared as Uncle Henry. Since then, Riley has been in numerous productions like Shrek the Musical, and The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas. It is Riley’s storytelling ability that makes his performance believable. It’s his commitment and discipline to his craft that makes his performance enjoyable to watch. Now sit back and enjoy the show!

Carmen Rubio (Yvette) is 10 years old and lives in Woodstock, Illinois, with her parents and two older brothers. Carmen loves to sing, dance, and play ukulele. Carmen is bilingual in Spanish and English and is learning Japanese. She also plays soccer and basketball. This is Carmen’s first ever musical production and she is excited to perform at the Raue Center. She would like to thank her cast mates Everly and Julia for being so supportive and nice. She would also like to thank her family and friends for supporting her and for being here to watch her perform.

Adley Sheahan (Cartoon Character, Girl, Reporter 2) This is Adley’s first time performing in any theater performance, as a long-time fan of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series she is beyond thrilled to be a part of this RCSA production. She has dreamed of being on a theater stage since she was very young seeing her first Broadway show at the age of 3. This show being her first show is truly a dream come true for her. Off stage, Adley enjoys reading and writing stories, art, rollerblading, and watching movies with her family on movie night. She also participates in her school’s dual language program, chorus, and art club. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support.

Julia Unverzagt (Patty Farrell) is ecstatic to be in her first musical production with RCSA on the Raue stage. She has appeared in numerous local productions and drama/singing classes along with dancing with Judith Svalnder ballet since she was four years old. She is an avid reader and especially loves books about dragons. In addition, she enjoys drawing, plays the clarinet and takes her personal fashion very seriously.

Natalie Unverzagt (Teen Hooligan 2) is always looking for ways to expand her creativity and experience new things and this is her first musical production. She is an accomplished musician who plays trumpet, baritone, tuba, and piano. She performs in Wind Ensemble and jazz band and is a member of the Encore Youth Symphony. Natalie is also a fierce and fearless competitor as a Ski Jumper at the Norge Ski Club and a member of her High School speech team where her performance in the round went to State last season.

Katie Witt (Overgrown Kid 2/Cartoon Cashier/Joshie Girl) is so excited to be back at the Raue for The Diary of a Wimpy Kid! Katie took classes at RCSA starting when she was only 9 and the program has helped launch her into a professional acting career! She is delighted to be back at the Raue as part of the non-equity professional actor ensemble. Favorite past productions include The Bad Seed (Rhoda Penmark), Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. (Janet), and various roles in multiple productions of A Christmas Carol. She would like to thank her parents and boyfriend for their endless support!

Michael Roger Zmuda (Charlie Davis, Cartoon Doctor, Reporter #4) is a local sixth-grade student who is thrilled to be working on his first RCSA production. Last summer, he performed in the Theater 121 Musical Theater Showcase at Woodstock Opera House. He enjoys being a percussionist in his school band, and he’s been in chorus for the last three years. He’s also a voice student at the Vocal Academy in Crystal Lake. He would like to thank his parents for their support, his little brothers for their willingness to act in all of his at-home productions, and his vocal instructor, Billy Seger, for helping him gain confidence in singing.

Production Bios

Rob Scharlow (Greg’s Dad/RCSA Director of Education) – is an award-winning director and has spent 35+ years working in the performing arts which has taken him across the country working as a director, actor, teacher, and more. For the past 17 years, he worked for the internationally acclaimed performing arts training center, Stagedoor Manor in New York. During his time there, his journey began as a director/teacher, transitioning into the role of Director of Education for 11 years and then serving as Associate Artistic Director.

Rob also oversaw the Dramafest program which helped to develop new and exciting 10-minute plays by young writers. No stranger to the Raue Center, he spent time working as a marketing intern and appeared in several productions including the role of Sweeney Todd in William Street Rep’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (BroadwayWorld.com Best Actor Nominee), Hands on a Hardbody and Barefoot in the Park. He also directed their production of Search for Signs of Intelligent Life. With 150+ directing credits under his belt, some of his most memorable productions include; Ride the Cyclone: High School Edition where he had the opportunity to direct and help workshop the first production designed specifically for high school-aged performers. Evil Dead: The Musical in which he helped in the creation of the High School Edition working closely with Dramatic Publishing and the creators of the show.

Other favorite directing credits include Evita, High Fidelity, BARE, Spring Awakening, Carrie: The Musical, In the Heights, BKLYN the Musical, The Toxic Avenger, Big Fish, Rock of Ages, You Can’t Take It With You, and more. On the flip side of things, some favorite acting credits include; Billy Flynn in Chicago, Lockstock in Urinetown, Phantom in Phantom, Jon in Tick, tick…BOOM!, El Gallo in The Fantasticks and others.

James Mablin (Music Director) hails from London, England. He has musically directed and/or played Keyboards in over a hundred shows. Favorites include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat (UK Tour), Whistle Down the Wind (UK Tour), High School Musical (World Premiere – Stagedoor Manor, NY), Caroline or Change (Cyrano’s Theatre Company, AK), Little Shop of Horrors (Thin Air Theatre Company, CO), The Toxic Avenger (Thin Air Theatre Company, CO) and Into the Woods (Slow Burn Theatre Company, FL).

As an educator, James ran the musical theatre program at a large college in London, was a professor & musical theatre specialist at The Yale School of Drama, and most recently on the Musical Theatre faculty at Auburn University as their resident Music Director. James is also the Associate Artistic Director and head of the music department at Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center, named one of the top summer theatre programs in the world.

James has written the vocal arrangements and musically directed opening and closing numbers for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade including the Emmy award-winning song “Join Our Parade”. In January of 2024, James is thrilled to be stepping into the role of Resident Music Director for the Raue Center for the Arts.

Mollie Peery (Choreographer) is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University where she majored in film studies and minored in theater. She was a teaching artist at Children’s Theater of Western Springs but also performs in the regional area. She currently is performing with the Olde School Shakespeare Collective in Chicago. Peery founded the ONU Dance Team at her university where she worked on technique and many different genres of dance with her group. She has choreographed on multiple different platforms both for the stage and the screen. She is also heavily involved in the film scene. She worked/studied on the Sunset Las Palmas studio lot this spring and feels very passionately about telling important stories. She hopes that she can create safe, exciting, and creative environments for students to learn and grow!

Jessie Higgins (Stage Manager) is excited to be working with RCSA for the first time! As a freelance Stage Manager based in Cleveland, she has worked primarily throughout the eastern US. For the past ten summers, Jessie has worked at Stagedoor Manor in New York and has spent six summers serving as a Production Stage Manager. Favorite past production include Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville…, Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty… (Cleveland Play House); Heathers: High School Edition, Beauty and the Beast (Stagedoor Manor); Groundhog Day, Legally Blonde (Slow Burn Theatre Company). Touring credits include Liars (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival). She would like to thank Jack and her parents for their endless support.

Amelia Bowen (Assistant Director & Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be a part of this production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical. While she has had experience on stage in multiple Prairie Ridge High School productions, she has enjoyed learning and participating in the backstage aspects of this show. Amelia would like to thank the entire staff for giving her the opportunity to shadow this team! Enjoy the show!

Michelle Tibble (Costume Coordinator) is honored to be a part of this production team as the Costume Coordinator. She has two decades of professional acting under her belt, and 10-plus years of directing youth theater programs around the Chicagoland area, including Children’s Lake Forest Theater, Saint Raymond’s Theater in Mount Prospect, SOPA in Arlington Heights. She’s Assistant Directed with Robin Hughs at Metropolis Performing Arts Center. She has run her own small business for 20+ years, Awesome Balloon Creations, where she designs balloon installations, and coordinates family entertainment for corporate events and private celebrations. Notable Performance Credits: Donna/Tonya on the Broadway Tour of MAMMA MIA!, Diana Goodman U/S at Paramount Aurora in NEXT TO NORMAL, Louise at the Ruae Center in ALWAYS PATSY CLINE, and TRYING TOO HARD at Second City. Follow her on insta at @therealmichelletibble @awesomeballoonschicago

RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
STAFF LIST

Richard Kuranda
Raue Center CEO & Founding Artistic Director of Williams Street Repertory

Justin Wellington
Managing Director

Jenna Klaproth
Operations Manager

Meredith Schaefer-Flowers
Director of Marketing &
Institutional Advancement

Michele V. Knight
Marketing Manager

James Knight
Economic Development Manager

Rob Scharlow
Raue Center School for the Arts
Director of Education

Maribeth Ling
Front of House Manager

Chris Tumblin
Raue Center Director of Production

Lisa Giebler
Technical Director

Ryan Meadow
Raue Center Production Manager

Robin Hughes
Executive Producer / Production Manager

James Mablin
Resident Music Director

Box Office Staff
Dan Cosgray
Naomi Unverzagt

RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tim Paul
Board President

John Jacobsen
Vice President

Chuck Stevens
Treasurer

Luanne Flavin
Secretary

John Green
Mike H. Johnson
Richard Kuranda
Jack Minsley
Rich Naponelli
Michelle Nowland
Sandra Pierce
Regan Shepley
Steven Szalaj
Jerry Trachsler

Stacey McInerney
Volunteer Liaison