Julie Ann Kornak

Julie Ann Kornak is a Co-Founder and Executive Director of BrightSide Theatre. As a native of Chicago’s suburbs, Julie has been surrounded by theatre and music her whole life. From an early age, she began studying voice and was classically trained for 15 years. As an actress, some of her favorite musical roles include: Christine in Phantom (Kopit & Yeston) at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center (JPAC) and playing both Penny & Judy in the original musical farce Danger Will Robinson, based on the TV show Lost in Space, also at the JPAC. Favorite roles in non-musicals include: Jean Perkins in Funny Money at the JPAC, Jacqueline in Don’t Dress for Dinner and Diana in Lend Me A Tenor with Summer Place Theatre, Elvira in Blithe Spirit and both Marlo & Patsy in the original interactive comedy Patsy’s Bridal Shower with Theatre Eclectic.

Julie is a professional singer throughout Chicagoland and most often can be heard singing at Sts. Peter & Paul and St. Margaret Mary Catholic Churches in Naperville. With her BA in Psychology & Sociology and a minor in Theatre from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Julie brings not only her love for the theatre but a background in Human Resources to the BrightSide Theatre. Julie is happily married to her husband, Adam, and is a proud mom to her oldest son, Ryan, and to her twins, Aidan and Amanda.

Michelle Bolliger

Michelle Bolliger is beyond thrilled to be back on the BST stage! She was last seen as the plucky “Ilona” in She Loves Me and in Gypsy. Other BST credits include: A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Past), The Descendants (Fairy Godmother), Hairspray! (Amber), and Guys and Dolls (Ensemble). Michelle can also be seen working with Chicago Kids Company. When not onstage, she is busy chasing around her 3-year-old toddler Sophie Sue and rescue pup Margo Merlot. Michelle would like to thank her amazing husband, parents, family, and friends for all their support through the years.

Meghan Kessel

Meghan Kessel is happy to be back at BrightSide! Past BST credits include Gypsy,City of Angels, She Loves Me, and Promises, Promises. Other favorites include Winnie the Pooh (Owl), Metropolis’ Christmas Carol (Christmas Past), and 9 to 5 (Judy Bernly). When not on stage Meghan teaches at Old Town School of Folk Music and works as a Music Director. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support and love!

Christine Ronna

Christine Ronna is excited to be back performing in her 3rd Summer in the Parks. She was most recently seen in City of Angels in Concert and Rosie in Mamma Mia. Her other BrightSide credits include Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol the Musical, Marge in The Bridges of Madison County, General Cartwright in Guys and Dolls, and Sister Margaretta in The Sound of Music. Christine would like to thank her husband, Jim and her vocal coach, Anne Perillo for their continued support.

Jon Cunningham

Jon Cunningham is thrilled to be back with BrightSide. You may have seen him recently as Lawrence (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) or Chuck Baxter (Promises, Promises in Concert) . With over 20 years of experience, Jon has performed at Drury Lane, Marriott Lincolnshire, Theatre at the Center, Big Noise, and Apple Tree. Favorite roles include Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors), Jesus (JCS), John (John and Jen) and Charlie (Merrily We Roll Along, 2005 Best Actor Jeff Citation Nominee).

Brady Mcneil

Brady Mcneil made his debut in the Chicagoland area with BrightSide’s City of Angels in Concert! Some of Brady’s previous shows include Chicago (music director), Theory of Relativity (“Apples and Oranges”), A Little Night Music (Henrik), Les Misérables (Feuilly), Sister Act (music director), Into the Woods (music director) Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy) and Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere). When not onstage, Brady coordinates the music education program and conducts the Symphonic Band at Wheaton College.

Sean Rhead

Sean Rhead is thrilled to be back for his 3rd summer with BST. Some past credits with BST include Jafar (Descendants), the Announcer (Miracle on 34th Street), and Jacob Marley (A Christmas Carol the Musical – Lou Award Nomination). Other favorites include Elijah in Moby Dick (Underscore), Frollo in Hunchback of Notre Dame (Jedlicka), and Orin in Little Shop of Horrors (Munroe Park Theatre). When Sean is not on stage, he is either producing an audiobook or providing musical instruction to today’s youth. All his love to his fiancé Caitlin and their dog Ollie!

Sara Cate Langham

Music Director & Keys

Sara Cate Langham is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful team in a celebratory 10th season!  Her Chicagoland credits include My Fair Lady and The Fantasticks as Musical Director and onstage in A Piece of My Heart (Maryjo), as well as numerous productions as keyboardist with BrightSide, Wheaton Drama, and other local companies.  Hawaii credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolen Fairfax) and her Po’okela-winning performance in A Doll’s House (Fru Kristine Linde).

Jeffrey Cass (Director)

Jeffrey Cass, a Joseph Jefferson Award Nominee, who has successfully directed over 20 Productions for BrightSide Theatre, most recently the smash hit Mamma Mia!, Disney’s the Descendants, and Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play. Most recently he played Edna in BST’s production of Hairspray. He holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theater Performance from Roosevelt University. He previously served as the Producing Director for Circle Theatre where he directed 8 Productions including The Who’s Tommy (6 Joseph Jefferson Nominations including Best Musical and Best Director).