The Creators
Todd Ortberg - Producer, Composer, and Originator
Todd Ortberg is a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur, with a rich and diverse career in music, theater, and technology. As the Composer, Co-Book writer, and Producer of Poe- A Rock Musical, Todd brings his creative vision to life through this unique and dynamic production. He is the founder of Fermata LLC, a music and theater production company that serves as the platform for many of his artistic endeavors.
In addition to his work in theater, Todd is an accomplished musician, performing as both a guitarist and vocalist in the tribute shows One World—celebrating the music of Sting and The Police—and Candy-OH!, a tribute to The Cars. His passion for music extends beyond performance; he has released four albums of original music under the name T.C. Ortberg, which are available globally through distribution and streaming platforms.
Todd's talents are not confined to the arts. With a deep interest in technology, he holds 20 patents and has been an inventor and investor in numerous entrepreneurial ventures. His expertise and innovation in this field have led him to a role as a part-time Professor of Practice at Iowa State University, where he teaches courses on new ventures, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Todd Ortberg's career is a testament to his creativity, drive, and versatility, making significant contributions to both the arts and the world of technology.
Kenni Holmen - Music Director, Arranger, Composer
KENNI HOLMEN is one of the most active recording and touring musicians from the Twin Cities area. Kenni has performed and recorded with many local, national and international artists over his twenty year career.
Kenni has performed with Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, T.C. Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Donny Osmond, The Rev. Billy Graham Crusade, The Glen Miller Orchestra, Doc Severinson, Garrison Keilor, The Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra just to name a few. Kenni has recorded with Janet Jackson, Rod Stewart, Prince, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Ben Sidran, Baby Face, Mandy Moore, and many others.
In addition to recording album projects and jingles, Kenni also writes, co-produces and has performed with New Age artist Lorie Line since 1993. This includes a performance at The White House in the fall of 2000. Kenni was voted “Best Tenor Sax Player” by Twin Cities Reader magazine.
Chan Poling - Co-Writer, Composer
Chan Poling has written and performed music in a variety of musical genres, including dance, theater, film, and rock. He founded, and continues to perform in the band The Suburbs. Poling's music credits include works for television, film and theater. His theater pieces include award-winning work for the Tony Award winning French/American troupe Theatre de la Jeune Lune.
In 2015, the musical "Glensheen" opened at the History Theater in St Paul. "Glensheen" was winner of an Ivey Award for Overall Excellence and continues to play to sold-out houses.
His score for the Twin Cities Public Television documentary "Iron Range: A People's History" (1994) won an Emmy Award, the TPT-produced documentary on his musical "Glensheen" also garnered a regional Emmy.
John Munson - Composer
John Munson is a musician who is best known as the bass player for Semisonic. He was also a member of Trip Shakespeare during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Currently Munson is working on several different projects, including working with former Trip Shakespeare mate Matt Wilson on new songs as The Flops and later The Twilight Hours,[and also on the New Standards, a band that plays covers of a wide variety of music in a jazz format. Other members of he New Standards include Chan Poling (formerly of Minneapolis dance pop band The Suburbs) and Steve Roehm. Munson teaches Sound For Image class at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Munson has also provided music and commentary for the program Wits on Minnesota Public Radio
The Cast
