Premium Show
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical
Book by Kevin del Avila.
Music & Lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler.
Based on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Book Series by Jeff Kinney and the 20th Century Fox Films.
Additional Orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke. Originally commissioned and produced by The Children’s Theatre Company Minneapolis, Minnesota.
See Jeff Kinney’s popular character take center stage as Greg’s cartoon diary (or is it a journal?) becomes a hilarious and heartfelt musical. School can be tough. Really tough. Being the middle child can be even tougher. As Greg embarks on a quest to become popular, we meet his quirky classmates Patty, Chirag and Fregley among many others. Standing beside him through all of this is Greg’s best friend Rowley. Will Greg’s plans to become popular 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 this hilarious musical adventure!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing Global.
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Cast
Jack Reilly
He/Him/His
Greg
Jack Reilly
He/Him/His
Jack Reilly is so excited to be making his debut at The Rose Theater playing one of his favorite book characters. He is in 8th grade and loves playing his French Horn and participating in show choir and jazz band. Jack is so thankful to the cast and crew who made this an amazing experience. He wants you to know if he had a journal (NEVER a diary) it’s definitely an experience he’d want to write about. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Landon Backhaus
He/Him/His
Rowley
Landon Backhaus
He/Him/His
Landon is excited to be playing Ralphie in A Christmas Story on the Rose MainStage! You may have recently seen Landon as Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this past summer or as Rowley in Diary of a Wimpy Kid this past fall on the Rose Theater stage. Landon is 13 years old and has been singing, acting, and dancing in musical theater/dance classes at the Rose since he was 3 years old. He has starred in many roles in the Rose Theater Mini & Junior Brigade productions- Daddy Warbucks in Annie KIDS, Aladdin in Aladdin KIDS, Pinocchio in My Son Pinocchio JR., Marty the Zebra in Madagascar JR., a Wickersham Brother in Seussical JR. and Grasshopper in James and the Giant Peach JR. He also has performed as JoJo in Seussical at the Papillion Area Community Theater and as Young Thomas in TuckEverlasting at the Papillion La Vista South High School last year. Landon is currently in eighth grade at Russell Middle School. When he’s not performing on the theater stage he enjoys playing his violin, playing the percussion instruments in his school band, or singing with his school show choir. Landon is thankful for this opportunity to be performing and thanks everyone who has come to see the show. He hopes you enjoy A CHRISTMAS STORY watching Cowboy Ralphie to the Rescue… Yippee-Kai-Oh!
Roz Parr
She/Her/Hers
Mom
Roz Parr
She/Her/Hers
Roz is thrilled to be back at The Rose! Most recently, she was Pig-Pig in the world premiere of “Night at the Farm.” She loves to sing, bake cookies for her cast mates, and practice yoga. Roz works in communications and as an adjunct English and theater professor.
Jaylin Wiese
He/Him/His
Dad
Jaylin Wiese
He/Him/His
Finley McKamy
He/Him/His
Manny
Finley McKamy
He/Him/His
Finley is so excited to be taking the stage once again. Son to Alex and Brooke McKamy and the middle of four kids, Finn has always loved making people laugh; it has always been his thing. Ever since he was a baby you could say he’s had a flare for the dramatics. During his down time, Finley loves to sing, read and be with his family. Finn is also a foodie and always up for tasting new things. Finn is a friend to everyone and genuinely loves being around people!
Sam Rhodes
He/Him/His
Rodrick
Sam Rhodes
He/Him/His
This is Sam’s 4th show at The Rose Theater. He is very excited to portray the classic bully of Scut Farkus in this musical. Previous Credits:
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as Leroy at The Coach House Theatre
- Grease as Doody at Westside Middle School
- The Wizard of Oz as the Tin Man at Westside Middle School
- Fireball in Rudolph at The Rose Theatre
- Romeo and Spot Conlon in Newsies at Westside High School
- Oompa Loompa and Jeramy the Squirrel in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Rose Theater
- Rodrick in Diary of a Wimpy Kid at The Rose Theater
Cruz Martinez
He/Him/His
Chirag Gupta
Cruz Martinez
He/Him/His
Cruz is a freshman at Papio South high school. He has been a part of The Rose Brigade since 2019. In his spare time he likes to fish and just this summer got a Master Angler award from the state of Nebraska. He also participates in 4H riding his horse and enjoys being outdoors.
Leland Pfannenstiel
He/Him/They/Theirs
Fregley
Leland Pfannenstiel
He/Him/They/Theirs
I have been in classes at The Rose since I was four, and love Boys Athletic Dance and Junior Brigade. My other interests are all strategy and role playing games, live or online.
Adele Coffey
She/Her/Hers
Patty Farrell
Adele Coffey
She/Her/Hers
Adele Coffey is a 7th grader that loves singing, acting, and dancing. You may have seen her last Christmas as an elf in Rudolph. She has participated in The Junior Brigade at the Rose in shows such as James and the Giant Peach, Seussical, Madagascar, The Lion King, and Aladdin. When she is not on the stage, you can find her playing soccer, running track, reading or hanging with her friends.
Marcus Buttweiler
He/Him/His
Joshie/Ensemble/US Greg & Rowley
Marcus Buttweiler
He/Him/His
Marcus Buttweiler is excited to be back onstage at the Rose! He has been a fan of the Diary books since elementary school so he is pumped to be apart of the story now!! Previously, Marcus played Templeton in Charlotte's Web. If you want to see Marcus rocking a Britney mic more than just in the show, catch him coaching at CycleBar West Omaha!
Brendan Brown
He/Him/His
Mr. Huff/Mr. Underwood/Bill Walters/Mr. Winsky/Ensemble/US Dad
Brendan Brown
He/Him/His
Brendan is excited to return to the Rose stage! He last appeared in Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Brown has also starred in The Play That Goes Wrong, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Kinky Boots, The Color Purple, Ragtime, She Kills Monsters, Parade, Mamma Mia, Sister Act, and Hairspray, all at the Omaha Community Playhouse. He also starred in Red Summer, at the Bluebarn Theatre.
Sarah Schrader
Mrs. Clayton/Fregley's Mom/Ensemble/US Mom
Sarah Schrader
Sarah Schrader is very excited to make her Rose debut! Since graduating Benedictine College in 2021 with degrees in theatre and history, she has pursued her love of educational theatre and TYA! She toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre for a year and a half, traveling to 25 US states and Japan before moving back to Omaha. She currently works as the Education Coordinator at the Omaha Community Playhouse. When she’s not teaching, rehearsing, or performing, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, being way too competitive while playing board games, and reading a good book or play. She’d like to thank her parents for their constant love and support, her sisters for enjoying the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books as much as she did, and Jeff Kinney for writing a story where the middle child is the main character. Enjoy the show!
Leila Franzen
She/Her/Hers
Yvette/Ensemble
Leila Franzen
She/Her/Hers
Leila is excited to make her debut in her first Rose Theater mainstage show Diary of Wimpy kid. She has previously performed in Shrek as teen Fiona and has played ensemble roles in productions of Mean Girls and James and the Giant Peach. She is currently a member of the Rose senior brigade and was previously a member of the junior brigade. She is also involved with show choir at her middle school. In her free time, she loves to read, draw, travel with her family and spend time with her friends. She just started musical theater last year and has fallen in love with it!
Joseph Busch
They/Them/Theirs
Teen Hooligan/Overgrown Kid/Ensemble/US Rodrick
Joseph Busch
They/Them/Theirs
Joseph's excited to take the next step in their theatrical career in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical. Being a fan of the books they were dumbfounded at the fact that a Musical rendition even existed. Joseph could be found at your local thrift store or found at Homers still trying to find a Type O Negative cd that isn't Bloody Kisses. I hope you enjoy the show!
Kylah Calloway
She/Her/Hers
Pauline/Ensemble
Kylah Calloway
She/Her/Hers
Kylah is excited to be returning back to the Rose Theater in Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Growing up this was one of her all time favorite book series to read. She is super excited to show everyone all the hard work her and her cast mates have put into this show! Please enjoy the show!
Max Kolker
He/Him/His
Bryce Anderson/Ensemble
Max Kolker
He/Him/His
Hi I’m Maxwell but you can call me Max I’m a fun guy who likes a lot of movies and theater which led me to try it and love it. I am a huge food nut and I love to cook and experience food culture, especially Italian stuff. I am super enthusiastic about my future wherever it takes me. I love to make friends and meet new people. I love to experience, great thrills and fun and I’m going to enjoy wherever life takes me.
Conrad Balvanz
He/Him/His
Chris Hosey/Ensemble/US Manny
Conrad Balvanz
He/Him/His
Conrad is thrilled to be making his debut performance at the esteemed Rose Theater. Currently in the 5th grade, his interests include mathematics, swimming, and various sports. He is an accomplished percussionist and has achieved the distinguished rank of Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts. Notably, Conrad holds the esteemed title of popsicle-eating champion among the cast. He extends his heartfelt gratitude to his family for their unwavering love, support and drivinf him to practice. Furthermore, he expresses his appreciation to his aunt and cousin for introducing him to the Rose Theater. Lastly, he acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Isaiah, Jerry, and Megan for their unwavering support and encouragement during rehearsals.
Erin O’Hara
She/Her/Hers
Claire/Ensemble/US Patty
Erin O’Hara
She/Her/Hers
Erin O'Hara is ecstatic to be returning to The Rose stage in A Christmas Story. She recently performed in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical and was the occasional farm animal in Night at the Farm: A Bedtime Party. When she is not on stage, you can find her teaching young people around Omaha about all the joys the fine arts have to offer. She sends a big thank you to all of her mentors and coworkers here at The Rose! They rock and she couldn't do this job without their support, wisdom and kindness. Erin loves all things spider-man, swimming and warm chocolate chip cookies. And if you ever see her walking around Target, please feel free to say hello! :) Previous Rose Credits:
- Claire/Ensemble in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical
- Understudy & AD for Night at the Farm: A Bedtime Party
Carter Frey
He/Him/His
Lionel James/Ensemble
Carter Frey
He/Him/His
Carter has appeared as Billy in Chanticleer’s production of On Golden Pond and Peter Cratchit in Omaha Community Playhouse’s A Christmas Carol. At the Rose, he is active in Boys Athletic Dance and Rose Brigade, as Mayor/Horton understudy in Seussical and Geppetto in My Son Pinocchio. Local commercials include Nebraska Tourism, Nissan of Omaha, and Koch. Carter has studied cello for 10 years. He is a freshman at Elkhorn South High School, and a member of the show choir. Carter enjoys all things Star Wars and Zelda, jamming on electric guitar (self-taught!), and extensive research on classic heavy metal and “hair” bands.
Ainsley Powell
She/Her/Hers
Charlie Davis/Ensemble
Ainsley Powell
She/Her/Hers
Ainsley is 12 years old and attends Papillion LaVista Community Schools where she sings in her school chorus. Ainsley has been a Rose Kid since she was 4 years old, taking Ballet, Tap and Musical Theater classes. Ainsley is currently in her fourth year as part of the Rose Theater’s award-winning Junior Rose Brigade and competing at the Junior Theater Festival, winning the award of JTF All-Star for her role of “Ladybug” in JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH last season and appearing in the “Outstanding Performance” winning SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL JR. She has performed in several Rose Theater Main Stage productions debuting in 2022 as “Marta” in THE SOUND OF MUSIC , the ensemble of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and one of Santa’s Elves in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER. Ainsley’s other endeavors include performing with the Ralston Community Theater’s WIZARD OF OZ in July of 2024, placing 3rd overall in Omaha’s Mobile Stage Talent Show 2023 and competing in “Papillion Idol,” winning third place in 2018 and first place in 2019. Ainsley loves all things Musical Theater and is so very excited to be a part of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID!
Loved the show! Such a great musical adaption of the original Diary of a Wimpy Kid story! The cast was energetic and the storytelling was so interesting for both kids and adults in the audience! Bravo!!
Sept. 6 — 22, 2024
2.5 hrs + Intermission
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