The New Hamlet Cast

Jerrod of Minonk, IL is excited to continue bringing theatre (safely, of course) to everyone in these uncertain times. A Eureka College graduate, he has been in countless productions including just recently "Something Rotten" at Eastlight Theatre, "Kinky Boots" and "Matilda" at PPT, and "Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery" at CST. He hopes everyone continues to remain safe and to support the arts in any way they are able.

Cheri Beever has been doing theatre in Peoria forever (well, almost). At Corn Stock, she’s been a Board member, Lab Committee member, Gretchen Iben Award winner, and is currently Season Costume Co-chair. But her favorite pastime? Performing, of course! She's done more shows than she can count at Peoria Players, Corn Stock and the CST Winter Playhouse, and other local theatres. Recent shows include The Spitfire Grill and My Fair Lady at CST, The Muppet Show Cabaret at The Waterhouse, and August, Osage County, Sunset Boulevard and Steel Magnolias at PPT. She also performs yearly at the Peoria Gridiron Dinner, and sang at the Peoria Race for the Cure with her dear friend, Joe Couri, for almost 30 years.

The first time she came to Peoria was for state championships in Readers Theatre and Contest Play. “I remember our make-up room was in Olin Hall (which is used for science classes). Little did she know that after getting her degrees in Radio Newswriting and Reporting and Journalism with a Theatre minor that she would end up taking a job in Peoria. But theatre and music were always Lynne’s first loves, and she participated in both as well as speech in high school. While college was a long time ago, some productions that she appeared in at SIU-Carbondale stick out. There was Carmen in which she literally broke an ankle while going off stage to change her costume and Carmina Burana. She also worked as a costumer for Summer Stock at SIU. While raising her family, Lynne had to step away from theatre so she could be a “ballet and theatre Mom.” She returned to theatre after changing careers to become an addictions counselor and appeared in “Bea, Frank, Richie and Joan” and “Leaving Iowa”.

A regular at Corn Stock Theatre, Jeramie is excited to be able to contribute to the continuation of the arts during these unprecedented times. Jeramie is active in the Corn Stock family both on and off stage. Off stage, he serves on several committees, hangs lights, directs fight choreography, and runs tech. His most recent roles include Capulet in Romeo and Juliet (2020), Pellinore in Camelot (2018), and Don Browning in Leaving Iowa (2018). In his spare time, Jeramie enjoys D&D sessions and photography.

"I am Ethan Johnson, a young aspiring actor who has a deep love for the theatrical arts. I have graduated with a degree in the performing arts from Illinois State University and have appeared in many shows in the Peoria area include Corn Stock shows, such as, Romeo and Juliet as Benvolio and the Robber Bridegroom as Little Harp. i am excited to be apart of The New Hamlet and feel very honored and humbled to portray such a well known character. Thank you to all involved and to my family and friends for their encouragement and support through my journey of performance and entertainment."

Amy is a Peoria native, recently relocated to the Chicago suburbs with her husband and cat. She has a long history at CST most recently in Leaving Iowa (2018) and having costumed Heathers the Musical (2015). She's also graced the Eastlight stage in Cats (2017) and Peoria Players as Jean Louise in To Kill a Mockingbird (2016). When not on stage, Amy can be found creating cosplays or dancing. Professionally, she is a speech-language pathologist working with high school students. She thanks Charlie "Pops" for this opportunity, and her talented cast members for helping keep theatre alive in an age of pandemic. "Wear your damn mask!"

Paula Van Kuren is mother to four amazing human beings, a music educator, and a fitness professional. She is honored to be a part of the cast of The New Hamlet.