About Us

Director and Writer Dmitiry Yakubov

Dmitry Yakubov is a seasoned director, writer and videographer. He holds an MFA in Theater Directing, and has released several performances with stars of the European stage. After moving from St. Petersburg to Chicago in 2002, he continued to write plays and stage performances. Among them, the most famous is The Little Prince based on the book by Saint-Exupery (2016). He published the magazine Information Window as well as several books on culture and history; and worked as a graphic designer and videographer. In 2021, he co-produced the documentary Anderson’s Mission which drew acclaim at film festivals in Moscow and New York. He is also author and editor of a collection of essays Enlightened Century about mysticism, history and art; and is currently working on his doctorate degree. He has lived in Wheeling, IL since 2006.

Elena Goptseva, Music Director

Elena Goptseva is a musician, pianist, teacher, and a founder of Elena Goptseva Piano Studio.Born in Russia, she graduated from L.V. Sobinov Music College in Yaroslavl where she studied piano, chamber ensemble and accompaniment, and Russian State A. I. Herzen Pedagogical University in Saint Petersburg where she studied music pedagogy, voice and conducting. She holds Master’s degree in music education and a Bachelor of Arts. While in Russia, she was active as a teacher and performer. She taught piano at D. Shostakovich State School with Deep Emphasis on Music and Arts and performed as a soloist and with chamber ensemble at A.I. Herzen University. In 2003 Elena Goptseva moved to Chicago Area where she continued her teaching and performing career as well as studying. In 2008 she founded her own studio and continued studying with various classical pianists. By participating and supporting many cultural events, she has made a great contribution to engaging her local community with culture. Learn more about Elena Goptseva at www.gemusiclessons.com

Jessica Cygan

This is Jessica’s 5th musical production. She is an 8th grader at Plum Grove Junior High. She loves to act, sing, and dance. She’s received top rewards from various voice and dance competitions. She is very proud to be part of this production and appreciates the opportunity to learn and grow. She looks forward to being in the show and hopes you enjoy watching it as well!

Susan Dennis

Soprano Susan Dennis is an active soloist, equally at home with Broadway and Classical repertoire. She is a member of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Teachers NATS and enjoys adjudicating aspiring singers as well as preparing students for college auditions, and vocal competitions, Susan is also a performing member of Chicago Cabaret Professionals, and has been a soloist with the New Millennium Orchestra, Symphonic Pops Orchestra of Chicago, Navy Pier Pops Orchestra, Harper College Symphony Orchestra, Northwest Festival Orchestra, Sanfilippo Foundation Christmas Concert series, Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra, Festival Arts of Antioch, Elgin Opera, and Opening Night Broadway Troupe to name a few. Chicago Tribune’s Lawrence Johnson, noted that “Dennis was delightful from the get go, her high-soprano singing and charming stage presence is hard to resist.” Susan was also the Music/Artistic director of Elgin OPERA Training/Performing Ensemble. She holds a BM from Eastern Illinois University and a MM in Vocal Performance from Northwestern University. Susan Dennis was a Professor of Voice at Elmhurst University where she taught Vocal techniques, Diction and Private lessons; and currently teaches Class Voice, Private lessons, and the Musical Theatre Workshop at Harper College.

George Dougherty

George Dougherty is so happy to be part of this wonderful show. He has appeared in a number of productions, most recently as Otto Frank in the Dairy of Anne Frank at the Beverly Arts Center and in the Crucible at The Invictus Theatre. He has performed on stages in Chicago and the Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland. He is excited to be working with Dmitriy and the talented team he has created and hopes that everyone enjoys the show.

Caleb Scherr

Caleb fell in love with the theatre at age 6 when he joined his school’s drama club. He got his start playing Pigpen in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Since then he has taken multiple roles like Buster Moon in “Sing,” Bruno in “Encanto,” and a city kid in “Back to That Same Old Place” with City Kid Theatre. When he’s on stage Caleb feels happy and excited. Caleb is spirited, fun and smart. He excels in math and reading and enjoys playing lacrosse and violin.

Rachel Misic

Rachel Misic earned her BFA in Acting from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is excited to have the opportunity to sing and share this story. Rachel is thankful for her family and friends who have always been there to support her.

Ramon Riley Jr

Ramon Riley Jr is a professional actor and comedic improviser from Fountain, Colorado. He received his degree in Performing Arts from the University of Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa. He has received comedy improv training from IO and The Second City. His own improv troupe, Dawgs, is located in the Chicago. If you’re interested in seeing more of Ramon follow his troupe Instagram @Dawgs_with_a_w. When he is not doing improv or acting he is the Floor Manager at the bar and restaurant Headquarters Beercade, located in the River North area of downtown Chicago. Fun fact, his birthday is December 14th 1994.

Scarlett Brooks

Scarlett Brooks is an 11 year old Army kid who has lived all over the world and been on stages from Alaska to New York. She is thrilled to be a part of this production! In her spare time, Scarlett loves to crochet, read, and play with her little brothers.

Splinter Theatre