Ben C Adams is a versatile actor and musician whose career spans television, film, national tours, and theater. Ben has appeared on some of the most recognizable TV shows of the past decade, including iCarly, Criminal Minds, and Switched at Birth! He’s also been featured in films such as Help for the Holidays, The Job, and Squatters. On stage, Ben has showcased his range across both classic and contemporary works. He starred as Peter Pan in the acclaimed U.S. national tour Peter Pan 360 and has brought memorable characters to life in productions like The Producers, Our Town, Tartuffe, West Side Story, and The Laramie Project. His stage credits span theaters from Florida to Los Angeles, highlighting both his dramatic depth and comedic timing.
Beyond acting, Ben is also a gifted musician and composer, contributing additional music to numerous TV movies and films, including projects for Hallmark, Lifetime, and UPtv, as well as feature films on Amazon. His unique combination of acting talent, musical artistry, and creative versatility makes him a dynamic force in the entertainment industry. Ben is thrilled to be riding a new wave in his career as he brings his experience and heart to the role of Tommy Donahue in Brewed Awakening!
Tommy Donahue is the heart of the Donahue family—a laid-back former professional surfer from Malibu, California whose life is turned upside down after the loss of his wife, Sarah. Seeking a fresh start, he packs up his two children, Sydney and Luke, and his eccentric mother, Louise, and heads to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where his lifelong friend Andy offers him the chance to help run Lakeside Brewery.
A natural optimist with a calm, easygoing personality, Tommy believes most problems can be solved with patience, compassion, and a little humor. He isn't loud or flashy, but his quiet confidence and genuine kindness have a way of bringing people together. Whether he's navigating Midwest culture, helping a friend, or trying to survive another one of Louise's well-intentioned mishaps, Tommy approaches life with humility and an open heart.
Although he built a successful career riding some of the world's biggest waves, Tommy considers being a father his greatest accomplishment. His children are his purpose, and every decision he makes is rooted in giving them the stable, loving future they deserve. His relationship with his outspoken teenage daughter, Sydney, is often tested by their different personalities, while his shared love of the outdoors and the ocean creates a natural bond with his son, Luke. Through it all, Tommy strives to lead by example, teaching resilience, integrity, and the importance of treating others with kindness.
Beneath his relaxed California demeanor lies a man who carries the weight of grief and past mistakes, yet refuses to let them define him. He believes that second chances are earned through perseverance, personal growth, and showing up for the people you love every day.
Even hundreds of miles from the Pacific Ocean, Tommy remains a surfer at heart. His adventurous spirit, quick wit, and unwavering hope remind those around him that while life doesn't always go according to plan, every new chapter offers the chance to discover where you truly belong.
Christina Oster — “Louise Smith”
Christina Oster is a multi-talented performer and writer with an impressive background in Hollywood and beyond. She has worked on award shows in Los Angeles and built a strong career in commercial writing for both radio and television — including co-writing and starring in a Nicorette campaign. Christina’s on-screen journey has taken her from being a contestant on Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America (where she cooked under the guidance of Chef Anne Burrell), to doubling for Mariska Hargitay as her photo and hand double in a special crossover episode of Law & Order and Chicago PD. She has also contributed to several seasons of hit shows such as Empire and Chicago Fire. Known for her lively personality, creativity, and versatility, Christina brings warmth and humor to every role. She is thrilled to join the cast of Brewed Awakening as Louise, where she looks forward to sharing her energy and heart with audiences!
Louise Smith is the warm-hearted matriarch of the Donahue family whose unwavering optimism has a way of brightening even the darkest days. After spending her entire life in sunny Malibu, California, she finds herself starting over in Sheboygan, Wisconsin alongside her son Tommy and grandchildren, Sydney and Luke. While the Midwest is a world away from the beaches she's always known, Louise embraces every new experience with curiosity, enthusiasm, and an open heart.
Gentle, compassionate, and endlessly well-meaning, Louise has an uncanny ability to see the good in everyone she meets. Her trusting nature and innocent outlook often land her in hilariously awkward situations, especially when Sydney and Luke can't resist teasing their lovable grandmother. Even when she's the punchline of the joke, Louise is usually the first one laughing right along with everyone else.
Family is the center of Louise's world. She has always been Tommy's biggest supporter and takes great pride in watching him raise his children with the same kindness and character she worked to instill in him. She shares a special bond with both grandchildren, offering encouragement, gentle wisdom, and unconditional love whenever they need it most.
A woman of quiet faith and remarkable resilience, Louise has weathered life's share of heartbreak without allowing it to harden her spirit. Instead, she chooses gratitude, forgiveness, and hope, believing that every challenge is an opportunity to grow closer as a family.
Whether she's enthusiastically joining a new community activity, singing a little too confidently, or accidentally creating chaos while trying to help, Louise reminds everyone around her that love, laughter, and grace can make any place feel like home.
Autumn Madsen — “Sydney Donahue”
Autumn Madsen is an up-and-coming actress from Racine, Wisconsin, with credits in local productions of Spamalot, Mamma Mia, Hadestown: Teen Edition, The Music Man, and Legally Blonde the Musical. She has nearly a decade of dance training through Dance Arts Center, one of Southeastern Wisconsin’s premier dance studios, and hones her vocal skills with celebrity vocal coach Summer Watson. At just 17 years old, Autumn has developed a deep affinity for performing, because as she puts it, “It brings people together through memories or experiences that they can think back on and remember forever!” She’s excited to slay the role of Sydney Donahue in Brewed Awakening!
Sydney Donahue is a confident, witty, and unapologetically outspoken sixteen-year-old who never has trouble saying exactly what's on her mind. After leaving the beaches of Malibu for the unfamiliar world of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, she's determined to prove that a change in zip code isn't going to change who she is. Whether she's chasing the latest social media trend, offering unsolicited advice, or finding herself at the center of another family debate, Sydney's larger-than-life personality ensures she's never overlooked.
Creative, ambitious, and endlessly driven, Sydney dreams big. She approaches life with the confidence that anything is possible, even if her plans occasionally outpace reality. Her quick wit and mastery of modern pop culture often leave the adults in her life scrambling to keep up, creating some of the family's funniest moments. Beneath her bold exterior, however, is a teenager still learning who she wants to become while navigating the challenges of growing up far from everything she's ever known.
Sydney's relationship with her father, Tommy, is built on equal parts love and exasperation. Their different perspectives frequently lead to spirited debates, yet she deeply respects the sacrifices he's made for their family. Her younger brother, Luke, is an easy target for playful teasing, but no one else gets to pick on him without hearing from Sydney first. She also shares an unexpectedly sweet relationship with her grandmother Louise, whose innocence and optimism continually challenge Sydney to slow down, show patience, and appreciate life's simpler moments.
While Sydney loves to appear confident and independent, her greatest journey isn't building an online following—it's discovering that real confidence comes from family, resilience, and staying true to yourself. Her sharp sense of humor, infectious energy, and fiercely loyal heart make her one of the family's most unforgettable personalities.
Colton Klingenmeyer — “Luke Donahue”
Colton Klingenmeyer is a rising jazz pianist from Union Grove, Wisconsin, who has studied piano for nearly a decade under renowned instructor Jim Sodke. He has performed on some of the most competitive youth stages in Wisconsin, earning numerous accolades and achievements — an uncommon accomplishment for someone his age. Recognized for his expressive style, technical precision, and mature musicality, Colton is quickly emerging as one of the Midwest’s most promising young jazz talents. At just 15 years old, he makes his scripted sitcom debut as Luke Donahue in Brewed Awakening — a role that showcases his natural charm and talent!
Luke Donahue is a thoughtful, kind-hearted twelve-year-old whose quiet nature often hides a remarkably perceptive mind. While the rest of his family tends to fill every room with conversation and chaos, Luke is content to listen, observe, and speak only when he has something meaningful to say. His gentle spirit and maturity beyond his years make him the emotional anchor of the Donahue family.
A gifted pianist and aspiring composer, Luke experiences the world through music. Whether he's writing melodies inspired by life's biggest moments or simply sitting at the piano after a difficult day, music gives him a voice when words fall short. Creative, imaginative, and deeply compassionate, Luke dreams of one day composing scores that help tell stories capable of moving people the way music has always moved him.
Luke shares a close relationship with his father, Tommy, whose quiet strength and love for the ocean have shaped much of the young man's character. His older sister Sydney's outgoing personality often pushes him outside his comfort zone, creating a sibling relationship filled with playful teasing, heartfelt loyalty, and plenty of memorable moments. His greatest source of encouragement, however, is his grandmother Louise, whose kindness, wisdom, and gentle faith have helped shape Luke into a compassionate young man.
Although naturally reserved, Luke possesses a quiet courage that reveals itself when it matters most. He approaches life with humility, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others, often reminding the people around him of what's truly important. As he adjusts to life in Wisconsin, Luke discovers that finding your place in the world isn't about being the loudest person in the room—it's about remaining true to who you are.
Sensitive without being weak and hopeful without being naive, Luke is the steady heartbeat of the Donahue family. His quiet resilience, unwavering compassion, and love of music remind everyone around him that some of life's most powerful voices are also its softest.
Dan Kim — “Andy Park”
Dan Kim’s passion for performances began in 2022, when he made his stage debut as Carolinensis in The Squirrels at the College of Lake County. Just months later, he stepped into the spotlight as George in the high-energy musical Schoolhouse Rock Live!, bringing the beloved educational TV series to life for audiences. In Fall 2024, he took on the role of George in Carrie: The Musical, followed by a dynamic turn as Sundeep Padamadan and Nikos Argitakos in a local performance of Legally Blonde the following summer. Most recently, Dan performed dual roles as Viktor & Rudy the Sailor in the University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s production of Cabaret.
Dan is represented by Lori Lins Ltd. Talent Agency, further reflecting his growing momentum as a professional actor. With each role, Dan brings a vibrant stage presence and a commitment to captivating audiences. His journey is just getting started — and he’s ready to take on the role of the quietly confident Andy Park in Brewed Awakening!
Andy Park is the owner of Lakeside Brewery and Tommy Donahue's lifelong best friend. Intelligent, dependable, and quietly ambitious, Andy has spent years building his brewery into a respected local business through hard work, careful planning, and an unwavering commitment to quality. When Tommy and his family arrive in Wisconsin looking for a fresh start, Andy doesn't hesitate to open both his business and his life to the people he considers family.
Calm under pressure and naturally analytical, Andy is the voice of reason when situations begin to spiral. He approaches challenges with patience and logic, often balancing Tommy's more instinctive decision-making with thoughtful perspective. While he isn't the loudest person in the room, his quiet confidence and steady leadership earn the respect of everyone around him.
Beneath Andy's reserved personality is a fiercely loyal friend who believes success means little unless it's shared with the people you care about. His partnership with Tommy isn't simply about running a brewery—it's about honoring a lifelong friendship built on trust, mutual respect, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. As Tommy's children settle into their new lives in Wisconsin, Andy naturally becomes a trusted mentor and dependable father figure, always ready with encouragement, practical advice, or a listening ear.
Driven by a dream of growing Lakeside Brewery into something that reaches far beyond Wisconsin, Andy never loses sight of the values that brought him there in the first place. He leads with integrity, treats people with respect, and believes lasting success is built one relationship at a time.
Though his quiet demeanor can sometimes be mistaken for distance, those fortunate enough to know Andy discover a loyal friend whose wisdom, humility, and unwavering reliability make him the kind of person everyone hopes to have in their corner.
Bill Wood — “Bill Zandowski”
Bill Wood has been a vibrant presence on stage for over 15 years, bringing energy, humor, and heart to every role he plays. He has performed in a wide range of local productions, from classics like It’s a Wonderful Life (Sam Wainwright) to holiday favorites such as Four Tickets to Christmas (Grandpa) and the Gospel According to Scrooge. Bill is best known for his recurring leading roles as Uncle Phil in Uncle Phil’s Diner and Simeon the Innkeeper in One Bethlehem Night, captivating audiences with his charisma and comedic timing. Formally trained in singing and dance, Bill combines his performance skills with a genuine love for storytelling, making him a standout both on stage and off. In his scripted series debut, Bill is ecstatic to take on the role of the goofy but lovable Bill Zandowski in Brewed Awakening. When testing for the role, Bill was quoted saying, “I AM this guy!”
Bill Zandowski is the lovable local handyman who somehow manages to be everywhere at once—and usually at exactly the wrong time. A lifelong Sheboygan resident, Bill has become one of the town's most recognizable personalities thanks to his boundless enthusiasm, complete lack of a social filter, and uncanny ability to turn even the simplest situation into an unforgettable story.
Bill approaches life with absolute confidence, regardless of whether he has any idea what he's talking about. He's always eager to lend a helping hand, offer unsolicited advice, or share one of his latest "brilliant" ideas, often leaving everyone around him wondering how a conversation took such an unexpected turn. Somehow, even his biggest mishaps are impossible to stay mad at because his intentions are always genuine.
His loyalty to Lakeside Brewery is unmatched. After Andy once helped him without expecting anything in return, Bill decided it was his personal mission to support the brewery however he could. Whether he's enthusiastically promoting the business around town, suggesting marketing ideas that are far more entertaining than practical, or simply showing up looking for his next cold beer, Bill has become an unforgettable part of the Lakeside family.
Beneath his quirky personality is a man who genuinely cares about his friends and neighbors. Bill measures wealth not by money but by the people who know his name, and he'll happily drop everything to help someone in need—even if his solution creates a brand-new problem along the way.
Equal parts chaos and kindness, Bill brings an infectious energy wherever he goes. His offbeat observations, unwavering loyalty, and unmistakable small-town charm make him one of the community's most beloved—and most unpredictable—characters.
Bob Benson — “Jack Stone”
Bob Benson is a longtime favorite of the Racine Theatre Guild stage, where he has been a part of more than 50 productions over the past two decades, both as a performer and behind the scenes. He has also appeared with Bombshell Theatre Company and Greendale Community Theater, showcasing his versatility in a wide range of roles. Some of Bob’s most memorable local performances include Javert and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Bob Cratchit in Scrooge the Musical, Michael in I Do! I Do!, Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde, and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.
Beyond the stage, Bob shares his voice as a member of the North Cape Lutheran Church choir and has been honored to sing at countless weddings and funerals. While Bob has cherished many roles throughout his career, his favorites will always be those of husband, father, and proud grandfather to two beautiful granddaughters, Murphy and Maven. Bob sets aside his gentle and caring personality when he brews up trouble as the antagonizing Jack Stone in Brewed Awakening!
Jack Stone is the ambitious owner of Timber Tavern, Sheboygan's newest and most talked-about brewery. Charismatic, polished, and relentlessly competitive, Jack has built his business by staying one step ahead of the competition—and he has no intention of slowing down. He believes success belongs to those willing to outwork, outthink, and outmarket everyone else.
Confident almost to a fault, Jack possesses the rare ability to command attention the moment he enters a room. He's quick with a clever remark, never backs away from a challenge, and genuinely enjoys the thrill of competition. To Jack, business isn't personal—it's simply a game where the best strategy wins. Unfortunately for Tommy and Andy, they're playing whether they want to or not.
While Jack often clashes with the more relationship-focused approach of Lakeside Brewery, he doesn't see himself as the villain of the story. In his mind, he's pushing the local brewing scene forward through innovation, bold ideas, and higher expectations. His rivalry with Tommy and Andy isn't fueled by spite as much as an unshakable belief that second place simply isn't good enough.
Behind the polished image and confident exterior is a driven entrepreneur who has worked hard to build everything he has. Jack respects determination, even in his competitors, but he'll never pass up an opportunity to gain an advantage if it means growing his business. His relentless pursuit of success creates both conflict and comedy as he continually finds himself crossing paths with the Lakeside team.
Smooth, sharp, and endlessly competitive, Jack serves as the perfect foil to Tommy and Andy. Their rivalry isn't just a battle between two breweries—it's a clash between two very different philosophies about success, leadership, and what it truly means to build a community.
