Read Shawn’s Bio
MEET THE DIRECTOR OF FOREVER PLAID – SHAWN KILLINGBECK!
Shawn is back directing his third show on the Winneshiek stage. He took on his first show “Blithe Spirit” a couple years ago and the bug stuck. He has also been in several shows here including “Deathtrap” (where he was thrilled to finally work with Adam), “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, and “Frankenstein” to name a few. He has completely fallen in love with the Winneshiek Players and he has had a great time directing such a great group of people in “Forever Plaid”. And, he can almost guarantee, this won’t be the last show he will direct.
Read Francis’s Bio
MEET FRANCIS, THE HUMBLE, ROMANTIC CROONER (aka Blake Krogull), of The Plaids.
Blake is thrilled to be back at Winneshiek as “Frankie” in Forever Plaid. This is Blake’s fifth production here. His other roles include: “British Detective” in Run For Your Wife, “Radio DJ” in A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, 11 different characters in A Tuna Christmas, and “Eddie” in Rocky Horror Picture Show (Shadow Cast). He was in seven shows during high school; most memorable was “Tevye” in Fiddler On The Roof. During college, Blake enjoyed being in the collegiate concert choir, along with performing in Scrooge: The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, & 2011 Spring Sing. After college, Blake worked odd jobs, while still fitting in theatre. The past October, Blake joined Plexus Worldwide and now runs his own team of “health fanatics” while sharing and spreading all that Plexus has done for him and many thousands. Blake loves being able to work from ANYWHERE, making his own schedule, being a ‘pajama CEO’, and helping others achieve a healthier lifestyle. He wants to thank his friends and family for being the support beam for his dreams and goals. He would like to thank Winneshiek and its board members for portraying excellence and professionalism in their productions. He feels beyond blessed to be part of a close knit group of people who share the same drive and passion for theatre as he does. It is nothing short of amazing to be able to start an acting career at one the longest, continuous all-volunteer theaters in the nation, right here in Freeport. “Thank you Winneshiek!”
Read Adam’s Bio
SPARKY (aka Adam Moderow) IS THE “CLOWN” OF THE PLAIDS! HE’S A FAST TALKER, SO WATCH OUT!
When Adam was very young, his Granny took him to his first show at Winneshiek. It was a simple musical production that he had never heard of called Forever Plaid. Adam is thrilled to be back performing the same show on the same stage. Adam hopes you enjoy the show as much as he did those many years ago and if you see his Granny at the show, say “hello.” She’s the one that started this whole thing. When not at Winneshiek, Adam can be found teaching at Highland Community College and the Y.M.C.A.
Read Logan’s Bio
SAY HI TO JINX (aka Logan Smith), BUT DON’T SCARE HIM! HE’S THE SHY AND TERRIFIED ONE OF THE GROUP. KEEP A TISSUE HANDY FOR HIM, HE FREQUENTLY GETS NOSE BLEEDS!
Logan is a college student from Dakota, IL. He has an associate degree in Arts and Science, and is pursuing a career in computer science. Logan has taken to the stage many times before Forever Plaid, performing both in musical and classical theatre as well as musical performances through Dakota High School and Highland Community College. He is excited to participate in a new and historic location.
Read John’s Bio
WE DON’T WANT TO WORRY YOU BECAUSE THAT’S SMUDGE’S JOB (aka John Jurkovic), BUT IF YOU DON’T COME SEE FOREVER PLAID, SMUDGE IS JUST GOING TO WORRY HIMSELF SICK! PLEASE SPARE HIM AND GET A TICKET!!
John is a 15 year old sophomore at Le-win and has become an experienced musician and actor. He has performed at many different theatres from Pecatonica Playhouse’s To Kill a Mockingbird to Highland Community College’s Mary Poppins. His singing abilities have earned him two acceptances at the ILMEA music festival, a perfect score at a Solo and Ensemble contest and the Bright Star Award at the Village Voice Awards. His previous performances of this year were Le-Win’s “A Funny Thing about Ghosts”, “Little Women the Musical”, and Highland’s “Mary Poppins”.
Read Gwynne’s Bio
MEET THE INCOMPARABLE PIANIST, GWYNNE FRENCH!
Gwynne is happy to be back at Winneshiek! She thanks Shawn and Debbie for encouraging her to return. Her first appearance was 30 years ago as Maria in Sound of Music –how time flies when you’re busy! She has performed, been musical director and accompanied many productions since then as well as being general and choral music teacher in Freeport School District 145. She currently teaches private piano students and is working hard on CHOM, the fledgling Children’s Hands On Museum for NW Illinois.
Read Gabriel’s Bio
MEET SMOOTH DOUBLE BASS PLAYER, GABRIEL CHARLES!
(Cousin Gabe) has had previous stage performances including Showtime and the Freeport Orchestra since 5th grade to the present. He has been playing double bass for seven years and electric bass for three months. He’d like to thank his family for their continuous support and encouragement.
Forever Plaid (Musical) by Stuart Ross, Sept. 18, 19, 20 (matinee), 25, 26, 2015. On their way to their first big concert, a singing quartet the ‘Plaids’ are killed in a car accident. Due to the alignment of space and time, the Plaids are able to return to Earth for one final concert. In between telling the stories of their lives, the Plaids perform some of the greatest hits from the 1950s before returning back to Heaven.