Audience | CenterStage at The Trager Family JCC | Carousel | August 2023

Rodgers & Hammerstein's

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THEATRE INFORMATION

CenterStage performs in the Shapira Foundation Auditorium at the Trager Family JCC, 3600 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville KY 40205. Tickets at jcclouisville.org/centerstage

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To read this program in a digital format, scan the QR code with your smartphone, or visit Audience502.com

Like many of us, Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals played an early role in my musical theatre education. The crackly music of Carousel playing from dad’s record player still reverberates in my head. I remember prancing around to the Carousel waltz, hearing Dad hum the melody to the lyrics, “my little girl…” from the song “Soliloquy,” and feeling emotions I didn’t quite understand as the music swelled. These remain some of my most tangible and deeply felt memories.

This new series, Classics in Concert, is a true labor of love for me and one that I hope will become a unique tradition at CenterStage and within our community theatre “menu” each year. Older titles such as Carousel aren’t often produced, so it’s an exciting opportunity to provide them to our community once again. Additionally, the presence of a live orchestra with community and professional musicians will set this production apart for our audiences!

Carousel’s content is often a subject of controversy and question. It’s often challenged and the questions become, “why tell this story now?” or “why tell a story of abuse?” I fear that NOT telling this story is dangerous. We cannot shy away from telling history as it was. It’s dangerous to act like things didn’t happen. This includes the treatment of women. Carousel is not a love story. It’s a look at generational abuse and how that can shape somebody. It’s a story that shows the power in forgiveness and in loving oneself more than the trauma one has experienced, in recognizing it, and learning how to move forward.

Thank you for attending our first Classics in Concert and the opening to our 2023-24 season. We welcome you to the theater and hope this experience brings something good into your life so that we may all be kind, empathetic, and forgiving towards one another.

With gratitude,

Erin Silliman Director

at the Trager Family JCC presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's

MUSIC BY RICHARD RODGERS

BOOK & LYRICS BY OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

BASED ON FERENC MOLNAR’S PLAY “LILIOM”

AS ADAPTED BY BENJAMIN F. GLAZER

ORIGINAL CHOREOGRAPHY BY AGNES DE MILLE

AUGUST 17-27, 2023

FEATURING

SETH BREWER, JILLIAN CAIN, TAYLOR DANT, COLETTE DELANEY-MATTINGLY, EMILY DEWBERRY, GILLIAN DICKINSON, MADIE EDELEN, PHIL GOSSELIN, CONNOR GREENE, RITA HIGHT, KENNEDY JULIAN, JOHN LINA, LOGAN MCNEELEY, LIAM O’DANIEL-MUNGER, ALEXIS PAXTON, WILLIAM PAXTON, JENNIFER POLISKIE, AUSTIN SEELEY, LEVI TASMAN, COOPER TURK-GAGEL, SARAH THOMAS, WESLEY THOMAS, KATIE WILLIS

DIRECTOR

ERIN SILLIMAN

STAGE MANAGER

LOGAN McNEELEY

SET BUILD

NATHAN PROFFITT

SOUND DESIGNERS

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

JOHN AUSTIN CLARK

SCENIC ARTIST MORGAN MCGILL & CLARITY HAGAN

COSTUME DESIGNERS

ERIN SILLIMAN & LOGAN McNEELEY

NICK STEVENS & CAL REED

SOUND BOARD OPERATOR CAL REED

CHOREOGRAPHER MOLLY KAYS

SCENIC DESIGN ERIN SILLIMAN

LIGHTING DESIGNER COLTON BACHINSKI

LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR

COLTON BACHINSKI

SPOTLIGHT OPERATOR

JENNY FERNAMDEZ

CAROUSEL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. www.concordtheatricals.com

CAST

JENNIFER POLISKIE

COLETTE DELANEY-MATTINGLY

JOHN LINA

SETH BREWER

MADIE EDELEN

AUSTIN SEELEY

LIAM O’DANIEL-MUNGER

TAYLOR DANT

RITA HIGHT

JILLIAN CAIN

CONNOR GREENE

LEVI TASMAN

KATIE WILLIS

SARAH THOMAS

KENNEDY JULIAN

EMILY DEWBERRY

LOGAN McNEELEY

COOPER TURK-GAGEL

WILLIAM PAXTON

PHIL GOSSELIN

WESLEY THOMAS

GILLIAN DICKINSON

ALEXIS PAXTON

CAST

Julie Jordan ............................................................................................................. JENNIFER POLISKIE

Billy Bigelow ................................................................................................. LIAM O’DANIEL-MUNGER

Carrie Pipperidge KATIE WILLIS

Enoch Snow ....................................................................................................................PHIL GOSSELIN

Nettie Fowler ....................................................................................... COLETTE DELANEY-MATTINGLY

Jigger Craigin TAYLOR DANT

Mrs. Mullins ................................................................................................................. SARAH THOMAS

Mr. Bascombe .............................................................................................................WESLEY THOMAS

Starkeeper/Dr. Seldon JOHN LINA

Louise .........................................................................................................................KENNEDY JULIAN

Enoch Snow Jr. .................................................................................................... COOPER TURK-GAGEL

Ensemble................................................................................................. SETH BREWER, JILLIAN CAIN, EMILY DEWBERRY, GILLIAN DICKINSON, MADIE EDELEN, CONNOR GREENE, RITA HIGHT, LOGAN MCNEELEY, ALEXIS PAXTON, WILLIAM PAXTON, AUSTIN SEELEY, LEVI TASMAN, COOPER TURK-GAGEL

JACKIE ROYCE Reed IV

KAELAH MCMONIGLE Reed I

JOHN AUSTIN CLARK Conductor

DATHAN ECHOLS Reed II

ROSLYN MATTINGLY Reed III

DAVID DEACON Trumpet II

COLIN DORMAN Horn I

KEVIN CALLIHAN Trombone

TYLER TAYLOR Horn II

RYAN NOTTINGHAM Trumpet I

JENNY CASEY Violin II

JIM DERSCH Viola

JENNIFER JOHANNINGSMEIER Harp/Synth

ETANA GARFINKLE Cello

ISABELLA CHRISTENSEN Violin I

DAVID NEILL Bass

MUSICAL NUMBERS

act i

The Carousel Waltz

Mister Snow

If I Loved You

June Is Bustin’ Out All Over

Mister Snow (Reprise)

When the Children Are Asleep

Blow High, Blow Low

Soliloquy

Finale Act I

15-MINUTE INTERMISSION

act ii

Entr’acte

A Real Nice Clambake

Geraniums In the Winder / Stonecutters Cut It on Stone

What’s the Use of Wond’rin?

You’ll Never Walk Alone

The Highest Judge of All Ballet

If I Loved You (Reprise)

Finale Ultimo

*Carousel contains sequences of domestic abuse, violence, and suicide which may affect patrons.

WHO’S WHO in the CAST

SETH BREWER (Ensemble) is so excited to be joining the JCC CenterStage family! Regional credits include Beauty and the Beast (Lumière), Sweeney Todd (Tobias Ragg), Mary Poppins (Bert), Spamalot (Not Dead Fred, Prince Herbert, Historian), Shrek (Donkey), Footloose (Ren), Godspell (John the Baptist/Judas), and Fiddler… (Motel). Seth would like to send a great big thank you to friends and family for their love and support!

JILLIAN CAIN (Ensemble) is delighted to join the cast of Carousel for her first CenterStage production! The dancer, singer, choreographer, and arts educator is a Louisville native and a Youth Performing Arts School graduate. Most recently, Jillian performed in Once On This Island with Redline Performing Arts, where she also serves on the Board of Directors. Previous stage credits include 42nd Street and West Side Story. Thanks to the JCC for this wonderful opportunity!

TAYLOR DANT (Jigger Craigin) is thrilled to be working with CenterStage on this production of Carousel! Previous credits include Anthony in Sweeney Todd, Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods, and numerous other roles in opera and musical theatre. Thanks to CenterStage for the opportunity and to YOU for supporting local theatre!

COLETTE DELANEY-MATTINGLY (Nettie Fowler) first performed on the JCC stage in 1980 as Liesl in The Sound of Music. Some of her favorite shows include playing Lily in Secret Garden, Cinderella in Into the Woods, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Desiree in A Little Night Music, and Francesca in Bridges of Madison County. She has loved every show and moment spent with CenterStage and is beyond grateful to be a part of this community.

EMILY DEWBERRY (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of her second CenterStage production. Emily is a freshman at YPAS where she majors in dance. Past credits include: Hunyak (Chicago, Dancensation Studios), Ensemble (13:The Musical, CenterStage), Ghost Child (Haunting of Hillhouse, Chicken Coop Theater). Emily wishes all of her fellow castmates well as they are wonderful people. She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her.

GILLIAN DICKINSON (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back performing at CenterStage. Previous credits include 13 The Musical (Ensemble), and Beauty And The Beast (Ensemble). She trains at Dancensation Studios, where she is a Showbiz Kid, and a competition-level dancer. She would

like to thank the cast and crew, and especially her parents.

MADIE EDELEN (Ensemble) is excited to return to CenterStage this season! You may have seen her last as Cassie in 13 the Musical at CenterStage. A few of her favorite shows she has performed include Alice in Wonderland as the Gryphon, Wizard of Oz as the Lion, Mary Poppins Jr. as Mary Poppins.

PHIL GOSSELIN (Enoch Snow) After an intermission from performing, Phil is loving his CenterStage and Louisville debut! Phil holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University, and favorite roles include Everybody Else in SUDS, Tito in Lend Me a Tenor, Lenny in Rumors, Clown 1 in The 39 Steps, and Nicely in Guys and Dolls. Thank you to Erin, John, and Logan for the opportunity. For Jenny and Flint.

CONNOR GREENE (Ensemble) is a Junior at Oldham County High School and is in the Oldham County Creative and Performing Arts Academy. He has performed in various plays including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Annie and Disney’s The Jungle Book. He would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support in helping him reach for the stars.

RITA HIGHT (Heavenly Friend/Ensemble) is excited to be appearing in her sixth production here at CenterStage with this illustrious cast of singers and actors. She was last seen here in Bridges of Madison County and has just finished a run of the Farce of Nature at Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, Kentucky, and in StageOne’s The Giver. Other CenterStage she has done include, Music Man, Evita, and The Full Monty. Thank you, Erin, for this opportunity.

KENNEDY JULIAN (Louise), a sophomore at YPAS, is excited and grateful to be part of this amazing production. Previously, Kennedy enjoyed the the roles of Annie (Annie), Dolores Van Cartier (Sister Act), Uncle Fester (Addams Family), Kendra (13, The Musical), Beth (Best Christmas Pageant Ever), EstherJane (A Christmas Story), and Mary Sunshine (Chicago). She thanks her family and friends for their support and Dancensation Studios, Sandra Rivera, Jill Fulton, and Emily Fields for their support and training.

JOHN LINA (Starkeeper/Dr.Seldon) is an active member of the Louisville acting community, having performed in more than 40 stage productions on a number of local stages as well as movies, commercials, and voice-over

narrations. He lives in Louisville and has been “on stage” since 2010. He appeared as Baptista in Kiss Me Kate at CenterStage and Central Park. Most recently he appeared in Spamalot, Witness for the Prosecution, and Shakesperience on Scct stage.

LOGAN MCNEELEY (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing again on the stage and managing the show backstage! He is honored to be returning to the stage after a 2-year hiatus. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continuous support as well as his amazing teammate Erin Silliman for this wonderful privilege and honor.

LIAM O’DANIEL-MUNGER (Billy Bigelow ) is thrilled to be returning to a Louisville-area stage, after working in musical theatre across the country! Regional Highlights: Johnny Cash in Million Dollar Quartet (multiple productions), Olin Britt in The Music Man, Jud Fry in Oklahoma!, The Monster in Young Frankenstein, and Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Additionally, he has sung with the Kentucky Opera chorus for 14 seasons. When not onstage, he is a professional bourbon tour guide for Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville.

ALEXIS PAXTON (Ensemble) is excited to participate in her first musical as an adult and her first performance with CenterStage. She returned to acting for the first time since college in 2021 with Bunbury Theatre’s production of Circle Mirror Transformation (Marty) and was most recently seen as Beth in Coherence (Time Slip Theatre). Love to Ryan, Allison, and William for their support.

JENNIFER POLISKIE (Julie Jordan) is delighted to bring this classic to the stage. She has worked with several local theaters and was last seen in Pandora’s production of It Shoulda Been You (Jenny). Some of her favorite productions include: Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett), Bright Star (Alice Murphy), Talking With... (Marti/Dragons), Ruthless! (Judy Denmark), and the titular roles in Laura and the one woman show Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. Love to Josh. For Dr. B.

AUSTIN SEELEY (Ensemble) is excited to return to CenterStage in Carousel! Austin was last seen on stage in Ragtime at Faithworks and his last role with CenterStage was Judah in Joseph in 2021. He’s previously performed as Cogsworth in

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Scuttle in Disney’s The Little Mermaid at CenterStage and Scroeder in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at IUS. When not performing, Austin enjoys traveling, being an uncle and worshiping Beyonce. He would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support always.

LEVI TASMAN (Ensemble) is a Freshman at YPAS Musical Theatre and is thrilled to be a part of such a talented cast! Levi recently performed with CenterStage in Falsettos and 13:The Musical. Some of his favorite roles include Jason (Falsettos), Genie (Aladdin) and Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast). Levi is excited to work with CenterStage and hopes to again in the future! Hope you enjoy the show!

COOPER TURK-GAGEL (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of this season at CenterStage. He has acted in plays such as The Diary of Anne Frank (Peter), 13 the Musical (Brett Sampson), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Leroy, Ralph, and Ollie Herdman), Legally Blonde Jr. (Warner Huntington), and Spamalot (Sir Galahad). Cooper is thankful for the amazing experience that JCC has given to him and the support of his family and friends.

SARAH THOMAS (Mrs. Mullin/Ensemble) is thrilled to return to CenterStage in Carousel. She was last seen in Sweeney Todd in 2014! Sarah typically spends her time off stage watching theatre or occasionally directing. She is thrilled to be able to share the stage with her husband Wesley, and wants to thank Erin and the team for trusting her with such a fun role.

SEPTEMBER

9

The Magic and The Wonder Benefiting Kosair for Kids and Kids Center

7PM, The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

15-17

Bluey’s Big Play The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

WESLEY THOMAS (Mr. Bascombe) is thrilled to be a part of this great cast singing along side his wonderful wife! He was last seen playing Reuben in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other favorites with CenterStage include Assassins (Guiteau), Sweeney Todd (Beadle), and Ragtime (Younger Brother). By day, Wesley teaches chemistry at Trinity High School.

KATIE WILLIS (Carrie Pipperidge) began acting at the age of 6 years old. Katie graduated in May of 2020 from The New York Conservatory, with a degree in Fine Arts. She has recently been seen in Louisville Theatre as “Annette” from the Cruel Intentions musical, and “Susan” In tick tick boom with her home away from home “Time Slip Theatre.” Katie loves indulging in other art forms, such as painting and dance, when she isn’t performing. She wants to thank all of her family, friends (all my girlies <3), and her partner, for their immense support. This is Katie’s first show with Center Stage, and she is so excited to take on the role of Carrie and is so honored to be trusted with such a timeless musical.

WILLIAM PAXTON (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be a part of Carousel! William turns 15 during our performance run, and was last seen as Richie in 13 (CenterStage). He is currently a sophomore musical theater major at YPAS. Other roles include Friedrich in The Sound of Music (ACT Productions), Aladdin in Aladdin Jr. (Centerstage Academy), and Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr. (Noe Middle School). William would like to thank his parents, sister, and two dachshunds for always supporting him!

EVENTS CALENDAR

16

Louisville Orchestra Classics: Our Kentucky Home 7:30PM, Iroquois Amphitheater

LouisvilleOrchestra.org

16

Steve Trevino - America’s Favorite Husband Tour

8PM

Brown Theatre

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

September 20-October 8

PNC Broadway in Louisville

Wicked

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Louisville.Broadway.com

September 29 & October 1

Kentucky Opera

Hansel & Gretel

Brown Theatre

KyOpera.org

For more of our preferred arts and entertaiment recommendations, visit audience502.com

2023-24 SEASON TICKET INFORMATION

Individual Tickets:

General Admission $25

VIP $35

Season Tickets:

General Admission $85

VIP $119

DON’T MISS OUR UPCOMING SHOWS!

November 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 2023

We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for savings to our patrons as we launch our 2023-24 season. Visit jcclouisville.org/centerstage for information on pricing, choosing dates, and payment options. Thank you for supporting with the purchase of season tickets!

perks of being a vip

Our VIPs have the opportunity to choose their seats prior to our general admission ticketholders. They also receive complimentary beer and wine from our concession stand prior to the performance and the chance to relax in our VIP lounge prior to showtime.

February 22, 24, 25, 29, 2024

March 2, 3, 2024

Scan the code with your smart phone to reserve your tickets now!

May 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 2024

CENTERSTAGE COMMITTEE

Sarah Harlan, Committee Chair

Colette Delaney Mattingly

Gene Dorf

Scott Goodman

Rusty Henle

Mimi Housewright

Cindy Hytken

Crossfade Design LLC

Phoenix Lighting

Stage Right Corp.

A.G. Exhibitions

Bar Ties

Shapira Foundation

Doo Wop Shop

Brian Martin

Rabbi Stan Miles

Alexis Paxton

Graham Pilotte

Sam Pilotte

Donald Platoff

SPECIAL THANKS

Bellarmine University

Derby Dinner Playhouse

Faith Works Studios

Audience Magazine

Thomas Wissinger & Trager Family JCC Administration

Tymika Prince

Daniel Riddlesmith

Sandra Rivera

Larry Singer

Trager Family JCC

Marketing & IT Teams

Trager Family JCC

Custodial Services

Centerstage Committee & Volunteers

Sharon Murray

GOLD AND SILVER MEMBERS

Allison and Daniel Noonan

Bruce and Marcia Roth

David & Barry Roth

Edwin Goldberg

Elaine Bornstein

Jon and Sarah Klein

Mark and Lisa Eichengreen

Steven and Sloan Goldberg

CENTERSTAGE: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Box Office and VIP Lounge open one hour prior to showtime curtain.

• General Admission seating will open 30 minutes prior to showtime curtain.

• Accessible seating is available.

• Exchange Policy: Tickets are non-refundable but may be exchanged PRIOR to your performance time. The exchange must be for another performance time of the same production, availability permitting.

• CenterStage and the Trager Family Jewish Community Center will follow CDC Heath Guidelines and best practice recommendations. Patrons will receive email communication with current health requests, requirements, and any changes or updates to our practices.

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