The Odd Couple Bios
Mark Schroeder
Mark Schroeder (Oscar Madison) is a familiar face on the YOOH stage. Some of his favorite roles include Remnar in “Escanaba In Da Moonlight”, Samuel in “Pirates Of Penzance”, and Cohen in The Underpants. Mark also enjoys singing choral music, collecting records, CDs, and the recorded audio medium. While Mark enjoys this role, in a very Un-Oscar Madison way, he is looking forward to being back in his kitchen when the show is completed, cooking and doing dishes.
Anders Nelson
Anders Nelson (Felix Ungar) is a veteran actor, however this is his straight play. Favorite roles include Frederick in “Young Frankenstein”, and Pinocchio in “Shrek: The Musical”, and most recently Nigel in “Something Rotten!” at our very own Ye Olde Gray Barn. Anders serves as the parish pastor for the Mabel/Henrytown Tri-Point Parish (ELCA) and is overjoyed to serve the lovely folks of those churches. When not leading worship or at the theater, Anders enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, baking delicious treats, and finding the best spots in the area to enjoy a nice meal!
Jennifer Solberg
Angela Denstad
Jennifer Solberg (Gwendolyn) is a very familiar face on the YOOH stage with some of her favorite roles including Little Sally in Urinetown and Norma Baxter in Perfect Arrangement. Jen finds joy reading, gardening, canoeing, spending time with her beautiful family, and dreaming of one day traveling the world. In the “real world” she enjoys teaching her wonderful elementary students at SGPS, and directing shows at the high school.
Angela Denstad (Cecily) is employed as a copywriter, offers culinary and other musings in her Thyme & Again column, and finds flow as a yoga instructor—but she is most proud of her work as mother of two college-aged sons. Her most recent roles at YOOH include Kevin from “To Gillian on her 37th Birthday”, the lovely Louise in “Play On!”, one of “Twelve Angry Jurors”, and the esteemed Christopher Belling in “Curtains”.
Tyler Engen
Tyler Engen (Murray) is a golf course superintendent and lives on a farm in exotic Wilmington township with his wife and three sons. Recent YOOH shows in which he has played a part include “Perfect Arrangement”, “Harvey”, and “Escanaba in da Moonlight”. Besides learning lines, the most challenging part of this role has been growing sideburns and a mustache. Getting surprised by his reflection in the mirror each morning and listening to the teasing of friends and family has not gotten old.
Carl Haakenstad
Carl Haakenstad (Speed) has a long and not very storied history with YOOH that stretches back to children’s productions of Robin Hood and The Hobbit. Luckily, Sarah Schroeder convinced him to reprise his role as Little John when they staged “Robin Hood” in the park during the strange year of 2020 and he had so much fun he’s had trouble staying away from YOOH productions ever since. He is glad to be part of the tradition of YOOH putting on quality theater and bringing people together for over 40 years.
Jonathan Buhl
Jonathan Buhl (Vinnie) Jonathan is a new face to our stage. He lives in Waukon, IA with his wife Cathy and their 2 sons. He works at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon as an IT Technician. He is the president of the Allamakee Community Players, and has performed in numerous shows with them since 2007. He has also performed with the Elkader Opera House, most recently in their production of ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’, as well with the New Minowa Players in Decorah.
Demitre Ellis
Demitre Ellis (Roy) is a radio guy through and through. He's the morning guy on 100.5 The Hawk in Decorah. Demitre has been a regular at YOOH for the last two years. Playing an array of characters including Brother Brightsbee in The Book of Liz, and Albert in Dinner Party. When Demitre isn’t working or in productions, he spends time with his husband Blake, two kitties and a dog.