Merrill students take leading roles in CWCT’s “Madagascar” production

Several Merrill students will perform in the Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre (CWCT) production of “Madagascar, A Musical Adventure” this coming weekend at the Veninga Theatre in Wausau. This is the first of four productions that will make up the CWCT’s 2025-2026 season.
Two Merrill performers have lead roles in the “Madagascar” production. Isabella Stutting, a Junior at Merrill High School, will play Alex the Lion, while 12-year-old Sophia Volpe is cast as Marty the Zebra. Additionally, Rosie, Judith, and Primrose Stutting will perform as tiny dancers in the lemur ensemble.
This marks Isabella Stutting’s 30th theatrical production and her 18th musical. This past summer, she directed Merrill’s first Theatre Jays summer camp for students in kindergarten through fourth grade.
Volpe’s previous credits include playing Chip in Central Wisconsin Enrichment Through the Arts’ “Beauty and the Beast,” Dorothy in CWCT’s “Wizard of Oz,” and Annie in American Gothic Performing Arts’ production of “Little Orphan Annie.” When not on stage, she figure skates with the Merrill Ice Reflections Figure Skating Club.
The Stutting children are the sons and daughters of Kim and Josh Stutting of Merrill.
Volpe is the daughter of Maria Volpe of Merrill.
“Madagascar, A Musical Adventure” performances are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are available at cwct.booktix.com.