A Christmas Story, The Musical Online Playbill by Blumenthal Performing Arts

OVENS AUDITORIUM DECEMBER 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Board of Trustees

Hamiltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education Program, EduHam, Debuts in Charlotte.............. 4 Matthew Bourne Brings His Reimagined Cinderella to Charlotte........... 6 Fly Into 2019 With Peter Pan..................................................................14 Dancing With the Symphony.................................................................16 Carmen Sweeps Into Charlotte in January............................................18

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Richard Battle Reginald Bean, marketing & community relations chair Riaz H. Bhamani Amy Rice Blumenthal Kristin Hills Bradberry Bobby Chesney, compensation chair Brian Cromwell Dena Diorio Bobby Drakeford J. Porter Durham Jr., governance chair Julie Eiselt Charlie Elberson Jonathan Feit Erin Lavely Fisher David M. Goodman Jeffrey Hay, chair Renee Hobart, education chair Jerri Kallam Michelle Lee Barbara Meeks, development chair Gail Sharps Myers George A. Raftelis Matthew Salisbury, secretary Anjali Shah Scott Tozier Kevin White, finance & audit chair

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Trust Your Gut to the Experts

CHARLOTTE GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY Ballantyne . Charlotte . Huntersville . Matthews . Mooresville Appointment Line . www.charlottegastro.com . General Information 704.377.4009 704.377.0246

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Students perform their Hamilton inspired pieces on the Belk Theater stage.

Hamilton’s Celebrated Education Program, EduHam, Debuts in Charlotte

duHam, the innovative educational program that debuted at Hamilton on Broadway, continued in Charlotte on Nov. 1 when more than 2,000 students and teachers from 22 high schools attended the matinee performance of the musical at Belk Theater. Charlotte was the first city in the South to participate in the EduHam program. Leading up to the performance, students and teachers spent several weeks in their classrooms studying American history through a special integrated curriculum about Alexander Hamilton and the nation’s Founding Fathers. In addition to seeing a performance of Hamilton, students participated in a Q&A with members of the Hamilton cast. Students representing various schools that Continued on Next Page

A student from North Rowan High School performs “The Duel.”

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Continued from Previous Page

were attending also performed an original work in front of their peers on the Belk Theater stage, which included songs, rap, poetry, scenes and monologues that they created based on their classroom studies. Hamilton producers made tickets for

this educational partnership available for $70, $60 of which was subsidized by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation and Blumenthal Performing Arts, so that tickets cost each student only $10, or one Hamilton.

Hamilton cast members participate in a Q&A session during EduHam.

Fostering creative talents. Developing creative leaders.

THEATER

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ART

Carmel Christian School offers a Christ-centered arts education that develops individuals to be missional student-artists wherever their calling takes them. High School Musical • Disney’s The Little Mermaid • April 5 – 6, 2019

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Photo by Johan Persson Andrew Monaghan as Harry, Ashley Shaw as Cinderella and the company.

Behind the Scenes With Sir Matthew Bourne The U.K.’s beloved choreographer brings his reimagined Cinderella to Charlotte in January By Liz Rothaus Bertrand

ollowing last season’s hit, The Red Shoes, Blumenthal Performing Arts welcomes another sumptuous production from Britain’s most celebrated choreographer, Matthew Bourne. Cinderella – a tale that also has iconic, sparkling shoes at its center – is retold in a way that only Bourne and his New Adventures dance theater company could do it. The imaginative production, set as a love story in London during Sir Matthew Bourne World War II, kicks off the U.S. portion of its international tour at Charlotte’s Belk Theater Jan. 6-12. Only a

few select cities will get the chance to see this show as it continues to Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center and the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. “We love Charlotte, and we’re excited to share this with them,” says Bourne, who credits Blumenthal president Tom Gabbard with helping to develop the special relationship between this worldrenowned company and local audiences. “We’ve always had a very warm welcome when we’ve come and a very reactive audience. I think it comes down to Tom and his daring. It’s the courage to bring new things to audiences. I think he has that vision.” Continued on Page 8

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Continued from Page 6

FINDING A NEW BIG IDEA Daring is a quality for which Bourne is also well-known, from famously creating an all-male corps-de-ballet for his Tony and Olivier Award-winning production of Swan Lake to creating an unlikely leading man with blades for fingers in his visually stunning dance adaptation of Edward Scissorhands. This Cinderella is a revival of the popular production Bourne debuted in 1997, shortly after Swan Lake took the dance world by storm. Bourne had long loved the Prokofiev score, which originally premiered at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre in 1945, and is usually interpreted as a fairy-tale ballet. “I was searching for a new way to do it, as I always do,” says Bourne, who started focusing on the origins of the music, written during WWII. “Suddenly I just heard the whole thing as a 1940s film score,” says Bourne. “I imagined Cinderella as a girl who was a movie fan and a bit of a dreamer, but the idea of somebody going missing is a really important image from Cinderella.”

Ashley Shaw as Cinderella and Andrew Monaghan as Harry.

Bourne could visualize a shoe left in the rubble and, in relistening to the music, could practically hear the sounds of bombs dropping at certain moments in the rich Prokofiev score. Continued on Page 10

Photos by Johan Persson Liam Mower as The Angel – Cinderella's Fairy Godfather, and Ashley Shaw as Cinderella.

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Dance the difference

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Continued from Page 8

The theme of escapism from war-torn Europe and a difficult family situation also seemed to fit perfectly with Bourne’s cinematic vision of the show. THE CREATIVE PROCESS “The thing I look for initially is the big idea,” says Bourne. “For Swan Lake, it was male swans, and for Cinderella, it was about the Blitz.” But from that point on, Bourne works with others on his team to develop the best way for telling the story. “It’s a very collaborative process with the dancers,” he says. Together, they workshop movement and do a tremendous amount of research on real people and stories from the time period they are portraying. “The interesting thing about this Cinderella is that it’s populated by real people,” says Bourne. “They’re not all fairies and ballerinas and things ... we feel like we’re representing this dark time (and real stories).” In fact, Bourne drew inspiration from his own family’s history. “My parents were both young children at this time, living streets away from each other in East London,” he says. His grandparents also used to tell him stories about their wartime experiences. In a nod to that special connection, he named four characters in the show after them: Mabel, Monty, Wilfred and Flora. WHAT MAKES BOURNE’S PRODUCTIONS SPECIAL? Bourne’s shows, with their strong emphasis on storytelling and theatricality, are widely popular. There are no words spoken but you still wonder if these performers are actually actors who dance extraordinarily well. “Their main training is dance,” says Bourne. “But I look for young people who look like they want to tell a story, who

Photo by Johan Persson Liam Mower as The Angel – Cinderella's Fairy Godfather, and Ashley Shaw as Cinderella.

want to be generous with audiences … they learn to act by being in these shows.” Cinderella is one of New Adventure’s biggest productions, including a cast of 30, with lots of costume changes, special effects and more. “We really pride ourselves on bringing the entire production when we tour,” says Bourne. “We don’t cut it down in any way. Cinderella is particularly spectacular and beautiful to look at. It has some amazing moments in it, and it’s a beautiful production.” Bourne has enjoyed revisiting Cinderella: “I know a lot of other choreographers would say ‘Oh, I love to do new works.’” But getting a chance to take another look and improve on a previous creation is a challenge Bourne embraces. “I think the pieces I’ve done get richer and better.”

Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella Jan. 6-12 • Belk Theater 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org 10

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Big League Productions, Inc. presents

A Christmas Story, The Musical

Book by

Music and Lyrics by

Joseph Robinette

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

Based upon the motion picture “A Christmas Story” © 1983 Turner Entertainment Co., distributed by Warner Bros. written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark and “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash” by Jean Shepherd. Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc. and Dalfie Entertainment, Inc. Starring

Michael Norman Ian Shaw Jasper Davenport Briana Gantsweg Paul Nobrega and

Chris Carsten with

Benjamin Barham-Wiese Seth Black-Diamond Matthew Brennan Braeden Brickner Dean Cestari Ben Choi-Harris Kahlia Davis Hannah Fairman Erica Jane Hughes Lauren Kent Clementine Kline Brooke Martino Wyatt Oswald Charles Pang Emily Rhein Kailyn Rose Sanders Daniel Smith Kylie Standley Maisie Van Vleet Scenic Design based on the Costume Design based on the Original Broadway Scenic Design by Original Broadway Costume Design by

WALT SPANGLER

Lighting Design based on the Original Broadway Lighting Design by

ELIZABETH HOPE CLANCY

Scenic Design Adaptation by

HOWELL BINKLEY

Tour Costume Design by

Tour Lighting Design by

MICHAEL CARNAHAN LISA ZINNI CHARLIE MORRISON MICHAEL MCDONALD Hair & Wig Design by

GERARD KELLY Casting

Musical Supervisor

Dance Musical Arrangements

ANDREW SMITHSON Technical Supervisor

ALISON FRANCK, CSA DON S. GILMORE

GLEN KELLY

General Management

BIG LEAGUE PRODUCTIONS SHAWN THIBAULT

Executive Producer

Orchestrations by

LARRY BLANK Sound Design by

STEVE ROGERS Vocal Arrangements by

JUSTIN PAUL

Tour & Press Marketing

TRUE MARKETING WENDY J. CONNOR

DANIEL SHER

Originally Directed on Broadway by

JOHN RANDO

Associate Choeographer

BROOKE MARTINO Associate Director

MICHAEL RADER Choreography by

WARREN CARLYLE Directed by

MATT LENZ

Exclusive Tour Direction: L. GLENN POPPLETON

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC., of Woodstock, Illinois Originally Produced on Broadway by Gerald Goehring Roy Miller Michael F. Mitri Pat Flicker Addiss Peter Billingsley Timothy Laczynski Mariano Tolentino, Jr. Louise Beard Michael Filerman Scott Hart Alison Eckert Bob Bartner Michael Jenkins Angela Milonas Bradford W. Smith

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CAST

(in order of appearance)

Jean Shepherd......................................................................................................CHRIS CARSTEN Ralphie (Alternating)................................................................MICHAEL NORMAN/IAN SHAW Mother..........................................................................................................BRIANA GANTSWEG Randy.......................................................................................................... JASPER DAVENPORT The Old Man........................................................................................................PAUL NOBREGA The Bumpus Hounds.............................................................................................. HOSS, STELLA Schwartz................................................................................................ SETH BLACK-DIAMOND Flick............................................................................................... BENJAMIN BARHAM-WIESE Thor..................................................................................................................BEN CHOI-HARRIS Esther Jane....................................................................................................... KYLIE STANDLEY Mary Beth.................................................................................................... CLEMENTINE KLINE Scut Farkus........................................................................................................ WYATT OSWALD Grover Dill................................................................................................. BRAEDEN BRICKNER Miss Shields............................................................................................................LAUREN KENT Fantasy Villain...........................................................................................MATTHEW BRENNAN Bank Manager...................................................SETH BLACK-DIAMOND, BEN CHOI-HARRIS Bank Robbers.................................................................................DEAN CESTARI, DAN SMITH Prisoner..................................................................................................................DEAN CESTARI Can Can Girlfriend....................................................................................... CLEMENTINE KLINE Policeman..................................................................................................................... DAN SMITH Fireman..................................................................................................................DEAN CESTARI Doctor.................................................................................................................. CHARLES PANG Nurse...........................................................................................................ERICA JANE HUGHES Flick’s Mother................................................................................................HANNAH FAIRMAN Mobster Tap Specialty....................................................................................... WYATT OSWALD Santa Claus................................................................................................................... DAN SMITH Chief Elves...................................................................DEAN CESTARI, ERICA JANE HUGHES Dorothy......................................................................................................... MAISIE VAN VLEET Nancy....................................................................................................KAILYN ROSE SANDERS Goggles Kid............................................................................................... BRAEDEN BRICKNER Waiters.............................................................................BEN CHOI-HARRIS, CHARLES PANG Neighbors, Shoppers, Parents, Students, Townspeople, Elves and Others BENJAMIN BARHAM-WIESE, SETH BLACK-DIAMOND, MATTHEW BRENNAN, BRAEDEN BRICKNER, DEAN CESTARI, BEN CHOI-HARRIS, KAHLIA DAVIS, HANNAH FAIRMAN, ERICA JANE HUGHES, LAUREN KENT, CLEMENTINE KLINE, BROOKE MARTINO, WYATT OSWALD, KAILYN ROSE SANDERS, DAN SMITH, CHARLES PANG, EMILY RHEIN, KYLIE STANDLEY, MAISIE VAN VLLET

DANCE CAPTAIN BROOKE MARTINO SWINGS

MATTHEW BRENNAN, KAHLIA DAVIS, BROOKE MARTINO

UNDERSTUDIES

Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.

For Mother – HANNAH FAIRMAN; For Old Man – MATTHEW BRENNAN; For Randy – BEN CHOI-HARRIS; For Jean Shephard – MATTHEW BRENNAN; For Miss Shields – KAHLIA DAVIS, BROOKE MARTINO; For Mobster Tap Specialty – BRAEDEN BRICKNER 11A

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SCENES & MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT ONE Overture.........................................................................................................................Orchestra Prologue: Outside radio station WOR, New York City/the radio studio desk – Christmas Eve, Several Years Ago

Scene 1:.............. The Parker Family House and Higbee’s Department Store – December 1, 1940 “It All Comes Down to Christmas”...................................... Ralphie, The Parkers and Ensemble “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun”................................................................ Ralphie and Jean “It All Comes Down to Christmas” (Reprise)............................................Ralphie and Company

Scene 2:..........................................................................The Parker Family House – The Next Day “The Genius on Cleveland Street”.............................................................. The Old Man, Mother

Scene 3:.......................................................................A Path Leading to School – Soon Afterward “When You’re A Wimp”........................................................................................................ Kids

Scene 4:...............................................................................The Classroom – A Few Minutes Later “Ralphie to the Rescue!”.... Ralphie, Miss Shields, The Old Man, Mother, Randy and Ensemble Scene 5:..........................................................................The Parker Family House – A Week Later “What a Mother Does”........................................................................................................Mother “A Major Award”...............................................................The Old Man, Mother and Neighbors

Scene 6:...............................................The Parker Family House – Early Evening of December 13 Scene 7:............................................................................... On The Road – Immediately Following “Parker Family Singalong”......................................................................................... The Parkers

Scene 8:.......................................................................The Parker Family House – Late That Night “Act I Finale”..............................................................................................Ralphie and Ensemble THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION ACT TWO Entr’Acte......................................................................................................................... Orchestra Scene 1:.................................................................................... The Schoolyard and The Classroom “Sticky Situation”.................Ralphie, Flick, Schwartz, Kids, Miss Shields, Nurse, Flick’s Mom Fireman, Policeman and Doctor Scene 2:................................................................................................... Fantasy 1930’s Speakeasy “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”.....................................................................Miss Shields and Kids

Scene 3:................................................................... A Path From School – Immediately Following Scene 4:.............................................................. The Parker Family House – A Few Minutes Later “Just Like That”..................................................................................................................Mother

Scene 5:.......................................................................Santa’s Station at Higbee’s – Christmas Eve “At Higbee’s”.........................................................................................................................Elves “Up on Santa’s Lap”.........................................................Santa, Elves, Ralphie, Randy and Kids Scene 6:.........................................................................The Parker Family House – Christmas Eve “Before The Old Man Comes Home”......................................................................... The Parkers

Scene 7:.............................................................................................................The Boys’ Bedroom “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana”................................................... Ralphie, Randy and Kids

Scene 8:......The Parker Family House, A Chinese Restaurant and the Town – Christmas morning “Ralphie to the Rescue” (Reprise)..............................................................Ralphie and Ensemble “A Christmas Story”.....................................................................The Parkers and Full Company

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11B

WHO’S WHO in the CAST A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL - ORCHESTRA MUSIC DIRECTOR, KEYS 2 —ANDREW SMITHSON

Associate Conductor, Keys 1 — Jacob Priddy Reed 1 — Henry Hernandez Reed 2 — Devin Eddleman Reed 3 — Tanner Dawson Trumpet 1 — Ricky Spears Trumpet 2 — Andrew Smith Trombone 1 — Raul Navarrette Bass — Ryan Crum Drums — Brian Malone Percussion — Laura Hamel The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited.

MICHAEL NORMAN (Ralphie) is so excited to perform in his first professional role in A Christmas Story. Community theatre credits include Les Miserables (Marius), Hercules (Hercules), Aladdin (Aladdin), and Hairspray (Wilbur). Love and thanks to Mom, Dad, Matthew, Haley, Ms. Korkosz, Ms. Lutz, NBPS, Jimmy, BAA, and A Christmas Story team.

and Urinetown. Love and dedication to his amazing wife and three kids! BRIANA GANTSWEG (Mother) is elated to return to the Parker family this year. National Tours: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Phoebe). New York: Romeo and Juliet (Juliet - Stairwell Theater). Regional: Rough Crossing (Natasha - Cortland Repertory Theatre), All Shook Up (Miss Sandra New London Barn Playhouse). Rays of gratitude to Avalon Artists Group and the extraordinary Christmas Story team. For my dad.

IAN SHAW (Ralphie) is from Bloomington, Indiana. Credits: Peter Pan (John – Cardinal Stage), Frankenstein (William – Cardinal Stage), The Music Man (Winthrop – IU Opera Theatre), Oliver (Oliver – Cardinal Stage), Mary Poppins (Michael Banks – Cardinal Stage), James and the Giant Peach PAUL NOBREGA (The Old Man) is (James – Stages Bloomingont), The Hobbit delighted to return for his second season of A Christmas Story! Primarily playing (Bilbo – Stages Bloomington). roles on TV including, “Jane the Virgin,” JASPER DAVENPORT (Randy) is excited “Criminal Minds,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” to perform in A Christmas Story! Jasper is and the award-winning film “Meanest based in New York. Credits: Ragtime (Little Man in Texas,” Paul loves the purity of Boy - Kidz Theater). Member of Broadway theater. Stage credits include, The Wizard Youth Ensemble. Thank you to Big League, of Oz (Scarecrow - Park Theater) and Annie Alison Franck, Jason Bercy, Amelia, and (Rooster - St. Paul Theater). Paul is also proud to be National Spokesperson for Janine! Love to Mom & Dad! Cinemark Theaters. CHRIS CARSTEN (Jean Shepherd) is delighted to be returning for a fifth BENJAMIN BARHAM-WIESE (Flick, year to this amazing tour! This year is Ensemble) is ecstatic to get stuck to extra special because Mr. Carsten will be flagpoles all over America! Favorite credits: performing alongside his daughter! Mr. Newsies (Les), Les Miserables (Gavroche), Carsten performed in recent tours of Legally The Music Man (Winthrop). Thanks to Blonde, and My Fair Lady (Higgins). Other moms, nana, papa, Theo, Amelia, Gulia and credits include 1776 (Adams), Peter Pan Dave! (Hook), Titanic (Andrews), Sweeney Todd 11C

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WHO’S WHO in the CAST SETH BLACK-DIAMOND (Schwartz, Ensemble), a 12 year old from Tampa, Florida, is thrilled to be making his national tour debut. Special thanks to Jody Prusan, Take 3 Talent, Franck Casting, Badiene Magaziner, Jillian Zack, Patel Conservatory, Florida Arts School and his family for all of their support. @sethblackdiamondofficial MATTHEW BRENNAN (Ensemble, U/S Old Man, U/S Jean Shephard) is thrilled to return to A Christmas Story for his third year! Matthew spent the past 7 years performing, directing and choreographing in Louisville, KY and is a recent transplant to Dexter, MI where he is the associate artistic director of The Encore Musical Theatre Company. Never ending love to my amazing parents!

A Chorus Line (Sheila), 42nd Street (Anytime Annie). Regional: White Christmas (Rita Ogunquit), 42nd Street (Phyllis - NSMT), Mamma Mia! (Lisa - Arts Center C.C), West Side Story (Consuela - NBFT). IG:@kahlyd HANNAH FAIRMAN (Ensemble, U/S Mother) is thrilled to be joining the cast of ACS this holiday season! International tour: A Chorus Line (Japan). Regional credits: Theatre by the Sea, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, The Palace Theatre. BFA Point Park University. @fannahairman

ERICA JANE HUGHES (Ensemble) is happy to be back on the road this holiday season! She was most recently in the national/ international tour of A Chorus Line as Kristine. Erica Jane is a proud graduate BRAEDEN BRICKNER (Dill, Ensemble) of Point Park University and gives endless moved from Nebraska to NYC to pursue thanks to her incredible family and friends. his dreams of being a performer. He has Follow her adventures @ej__hughes. done multiple voice-over projects, short films, TV shows, & commercials. Braeden LAUREN KENT (Miss Shields, Ensemble) trains with Kanyok Arts Initiative. He is thrilled to be making her National Tour enjoys time with his pets, playing ukulele & debut in ACS! Favorite credits include: Last Night of Disco (Short North Stage), video games. Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitel), Into the DEAN CESTARI (Ensemble) is thrilled to Woods (Florinda), Sweet Charity (Suzanne) be joining the company this year! Recent and Rent (Swing/Ensemble). BFA from credits: South Pacific (Professor - Cape Otterbein University. Love and thanks to Playhouse), Mamma Mia! (Ensemble - her family and The Talent Express! ACT of CT), Rocky Horror (Brad), Spring www.laurenkent.net Awakening (Georg). Love to his incredibly family, his pup & Michael. Let’s deck CLEMENTINE KLINE (Mary Beth, the halls, y’all! www.deancestari.com | Ensemble) is thrilled to join her first national tour! Attends Professional Performing @deancestari Arts School in NYC. CCYT: 101 BEN CHOI-HARRIS (Thor, Ensemble, Dalmatians (Cruella de Vil), Shrek (Young U/S Randy) is thrilled to join this special Fiona), Pirates Past Noon (Annie). Thanks show! Credits: South Pacific (Cape to mom, dad, Nancy Carson, Alison Franck, Playhouse), Beauty and The Beast, The Janine Molinari, Bob Marks, Badiene Music Man (North Shore Music Theatre), Magaziner, Edgar Acevedo. Mary Poppins (Marblehead), Billy Elliot (Wheelock), Gypsy (Lyric Stage). Warm BROOKE MARTINO (Dance Captain, Swing, U/S Miss Sheilds) is so happy to be wishes to all! returning to the Big League family and this KAHLIA DAVIS (Swing, U/S Miss amazing show! Favorite past credits include: Shields) AMDA NY Graduate. Tours: Catch Me If You Can (Arizona Broadway 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

11D

WHO’S WHO in the CAST Theatre), Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (Ogunquit/Gateway playhouses), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Pippi Merry-Go-Round Playhouse), Grease (ChaCha/Dance Captain - The Palace Theatre), A Chorus Line (Sheila), Hairspray (Penny), 42nd Street, and RENT. Thank you to this amazing cast and creative team, and my friends and family for your never-ending love and support. #brookeisgramless Ballchange!

the Woods, Jr. (Little Red - GCP), GCP’s Junior Co. (Featured Soloist & Dancer). All my love to Fresno & the Ham-Sands!

KYLIE STANDLEY (Esther Jane, Ensemble) is thrilled to return to the cast of A Christmas Story. Favorite credits: Gypsy (Baby June, Broadway at Music Circus), The Nether (Iris, Capital Stage), A Christmas Carol (Fan at 10, EDMT). Kylie would like to thank her family and friends for all of their love WYATT OSWALD (Farkus, Tap and support, with special thanks to Alison Specialty) is excited to be returning to the Franck, Big League, and Bob Marks. cast of A Christmas Story, for his third year! Based in Savannah, Georgia, Wyatt MAISIE VAN VLEET (Dorothy, attends The Garrison School for the arts! Ensemble) Ms. Van Vleet is thrilled to a Many thanks to all of my family and friends part of A Christmas Story – The Musical! who have made this all possible, and a huge Credits: Urinetown, Annie, The Who’s Thank you to Big League Productions for Tommy, Seussical (Jojo), The Lion King, Peter Pan. Thanks and love to her family this amazing opportunity. @wyatt.oswald and friends for all their support! CHARLES PANG (Ensemble) is excited to tour with A Christmas Story again. JEAN SHEPHERD (Originating Author) Recent credits: Romance of the Western One of the most nostalgic, humorous Chamber (A-Rei Chang – TADA! Theater) storytellers of his day, Shepherd wrote for Catch Me If You Can (Ensemble – Arizona several magazines and his articles were Broadway Theatre) www.charlespang.com published in a series of books including The America of George Ade, In God We @charlespang.hk Trust: All Others Pay Cash, A Fistful of Fig EMILY RHEIN (Ensemble) is thrilled to Newtons and The Ferrari in the Bedroom. be back on tour with ACS for a second year! Shepherd’s radio broadcasting career began Regional: Funny Girl (u/s Fanny Brice), A in Cincinnati in 1948. He eventually moved Christmas Story (u/s Miss Shields), 42nd to WOR Radio in New York. He performed Street (Ensemble). Little Women (Jo). entirely without scripts. From 1971 to 1994, Iowa native. WIU BFA. Endless thanks to Shepherd became a screenwriter, writing my family, Prevail Artist Management & and producing numerous television and cinema works. In 2005, Shepherd was Big League! posthumously inducted into the National DAN SMITH (Santa, Ensemble) is thrilled Radio Hall of Fame and the Broadcast Cable to return to the cast of A Christmas Story Hall of Fame. after two years away performing on Viking Cruise Lines. A huge thanks to Big League BENJAMIN “BOB” CLARK (Motion Productions, Mom, Dad, and Kortni for the Picture Director/Co-Screenwriter) was an actor, director, screenwriter and producer. love and support. Mr. Clark directed a diverse collection of KAILYN ROSE SANDERS (Nancy, both blockbuster and cult hits including Ensemble) is thrilled to be joining this Black Christmas, Murder by Degree, cast! Credits: Annie (Kate) - GCP), Into Tribute and Porky’s. Working from Jean 11E

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WHO’S WHO in the CAST Shepherd’s book, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, Mr. Clark directed, and co-wrote with Shepherd and Leigh Brown, the motion picture A Christmas Story. Films that followed included Rhinestone, Turk 182!, From the Hip, Loose Cannons, and Baby Geniuses.

for Musical Theatre (American Academy of Arts and Letters); ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award; Jonathan Larson Award. Both are graduates of the University of Michigan Musical Theatre program and members of the Dramatists Guild of America, Inc.

JOSEPH ROBINETTE (Book) is a 2013 Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award nominee and the award-winning author of fifty-five published plays and musicals. His works have been produced in all fifty states and in seventeen foreign countries. Twelve of his plays have been translated into foreign languages. His plays have been produced by Lincoln Center, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Barter Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Goodman Theatre and the BBC, among others. Robinette collaborated with E.B.White on the authorized stage version of Charlotte’s Web, and he wrote the musical version with composer Charles Strouse.

JOHN RANDO (Original Broadway Direction) Broadway credits include the currently highly acclaimed revival of On The Town, A Christmas Story, The Wedding Singer, Urinetown (Tony and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Director), A Thousand Clowns and Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party. His recent Off-Broadway credits include this season’s Lives of the Saints (Primary Stages), The Heir Apparent (2014 SDCF Calloway Award for Direction – Classic Stage Company), All in the Timing (Primary Stages – 2013 Obie Award for Direction), and The Toxic Avenger, among many others. He directed the Encores! Productions of Little Me, It’s a Bird... It’s a Plane... It’s Superman, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, On the Town, Damn Yankee, Face the Music, Strike Up the Band, Do Re Mi, The Pajama Game and Of Thee I Sing. He also directed the staged performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel at the New York Philharmonic.

BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL (Lyrics/Music/Arrangements) are the Tony, Oscar® and Golden Globe-winning songwriting team behind the Broadway musicals Dear Evan Hansen (Tony, Drama Desk Award, Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Helen Hayes Award) and A Christmas Story, The Musical (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations). Other musicals include Dogfight, (Lucille Lortel Award winner, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, London Evening Standard Awards nominations), James and The Giant Peach, and Edges. Film projects include: La La Land (Lionsgate); Trolls (Dreamworks Animation). Upcoming film projects include The Greatest Showman (FOX); Snow White (Walt Disney Pictures); Medusa (Sony Pictures Animation); Aladdin (Walt Disney Pictures). TV credits include Smash, Sesame Street, The Flash and Johnny and the Sprites, and Fox’s upcoming A Christmas Story live musical. Additional honors: Richard Rodgers Award 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

MATT LENZ (Director). Broadway: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can, The Velocity of Autumn (Associate Director on original productions), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Resident Director). OffBroadway: Pageant: The Musical (Drama Desk nomination), The Irish Curse (Soho Playhouse), Idaho! (NYMF), The Great Daisy Theory, Fingers and Toes (NYMF), and Alan Ball’s The Amazing Adventures of Tense Guy. National Tours: A Christmas Story: The Musical, The Sound of Music, Cheers Live Onstage, Catch Me If you Can, and Hairspray. Lenz also directed productions of Hairspray in South Africa; U.K.; Toronto; Las Vegas; and Germany. 11F

WHO’S WHO in the CAST Regional: Numerous plays and musicals at; Paper Mill Playhouse, George Street Playhouse, St. Louis MUNY, Ogunquit Playhouse, Cape Playhouse, Maltz Jupiter Theater, North Carolina Theatre, Zach Theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse, Casa Manana, Gateway Playhouse, Short North Stage, Forestburgh Playhouse, and Stamford Center for the Arts. Lenz is a member of SDC and a teaching artist with the Broadway Dreams Foundation. www.mattlenzdirector.com WARREN CARLYLE (Choreographer) Broadway: Director and Choreographer for After Midnight (Brooks Atkinson, Tony Award for Best Choreography), Chaplin (Barrymore), Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway (Broadhurst), Finian’s Rainbow (St. James) and A Tale of Two Cities (Hirschfeld). Also on Broadway he provided Choreography for A Christmas Story (Lunt Fontanne), She Loves Me ( Studio 54), On The 20th Century (American Airlines Theater), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Studio 54) and Follies (Marriot Marquis). Off-Broadway credits include Cotton Club Parade, Girl Crazy, On The Town, Juno, and Stairway to Paradise (City Center Encores!); Working (Zipper), Slut! (ATA). Regionally, he directed and choreographed Limelight (La Jolla Playhouse), Buddy’s Tavern (The O’Neill Theater Center), and Lucky Guy (Goodspeed). He also choreographed Dancing In The Dark (Old Globe Theater), Randy Newman’s Harps & Angels (Mark Taper Forum), Camelot (Stratford Shakespeare Festival), 101 Dalmatians (Tour/Madison Square Garden), A Christmas Story (Tour), Mame (Kennedy Center), The Pirates of Penzance (Paper Mill, Goodspeed, Connecticut Critics Circle Award for Best Choreography), The Baker’s Wife (Goodspeed), and Pageant (Second City Chicago). He is represented on film and television by Deception starring Hugh Jackman (20th Century Fox), “Hope and Faith” (ABC), “An Evening at the Boston Pops” (PBS), and Elton John’s Made in 11G

England music video. Warren received a 2013 Emmy nomination for his work on Carousel for Live at Lincoln Center. He is currently choreographing the upcoming Broadway revival of Hello Dolly!, starring Bette Midler. MICHAEL RADER (Associate Director) Highlights as a director include: OffBroadway: Stalking The Bogeyman (Outer Critics Circle Nomination), multiple productions with The York Theatre, You are Not Alone with Betty Buckley, Elegies a Song Cycle, The Testament of Mary, Mandela! and Joe’s Pub; National Tours: Varekai (Cirque Du Soleil), Scrooge: The Musical; Regional: The Cape Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus, Westport County Playhouse, The Zach Theatre, The Forestburgh Playhouse, The Human Race Theatre, The Dramatist Guild, The Actors Studio. His productions of South Pacific and Gypsy for The Cape Playhouse broke all previous box office records. He has served as Artistic Director for Cirque Du Soleil, a Broadway Liaison to the New York Department of Education, the Director of Entertainment for The Hole In the Wall Gang Camp and is the current Artistic Director of the historic Cape Playhouse where under his leadership the theatre was named one of the 50 Best Small Stage Theatres in America. SDC. www.michaelrader.com BROOKE MARTINO (Associate Choreographer) Credits: Marvelous Wonderettes, and Happy Days The Musical (The Palace Theatre). Never-ending gratitude to Dan Sher, Shawn Thibault, Brent Watkins and the whole Big League family. Thanks and all my love to Matt Lenz, Michael Rader, Warren Carlyle, and Jason Sparks. WALT SPANGLER (Original Broadway Scenic Design) Walt designed the original Broadway production of A Christmas Story The Musical. Recent/upcoming projects 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

WHO’S WHO in the CAST include the Broadway premiere of Escape To Margaritaville, directed by Christopher Ashley and the Broadway premiere of Tuck Everlasting, directed by Casey Nicholaw. Please visit: waltspangler.com. ELIZABETH HOPE CLANCY (Original Broadway Costume Design) Broadway: A Christmas Story, The Musical, Passing Strange, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?, Bobbi Boland and The Ride Down Mt. Morgan. International: The Glass Menagerie (Shanghai Dramatic Arts), Death of a Salesman (Gate Theatre), A Few Good Men (Theatre Royal, Haymarket). New York: The Lady from Dubuque (Signature Theatre), Measure for Measure (Shakespeare in the Park), The Antigone Project (Henry Hewes nomination) HOWELL BINKLEY (Original Broadway Lighting Design) Broadway: Prince of Broadway, Come From Away (2017 Tony nom), A Bronx Tale, Hamilton (2016 Tony Winner), After Midnight (2014 Tony nom), How to Succeed…starring Daniel Radcliffe (2011 Tony nom), West Side Story (2009 Tony nom), Gypsy starring Patti LuPone, In The Heights (2008 Tony nom), Jersey Boys (2006 Tony Winner), Avenue Q, Parade, Kiss Of The Spider Woman (1993 Tony nom.) Co-Founder and Resident Lighting Designer for Parsons Dance. 1993 Sir Laurence Olivier and Canadian Dora Awards for Kiss of The Spider Woman. 2006 Henry Hewes Design Award for Jersey Boys. 2016 Henry Hewes Design Award for Hamilton. MICHAEL CARNAHAN (Scenic Design Adaption) Off-Broadway—Atlantic Theater Company: Skeleton Crew ; 59E59: I and You; Second Stage: The Happiest Song Plays Last; Signature Theatre: The Piano Lesson, The First Breeze of Summer; Life Could Be A Dream, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Three Mo’ Tenors, Pygmalion, Howie the Rookie, Brando. Tours— Cheers, Live On Stage; A Christmas Story 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

The Musical. Regional—credits include Arena Stage, American Conservatory Theater, McCarter Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Baltimore Center Stage, Pasadena Playhouse, Two River Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Laguna Playhouse, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Northlight Theatre, Signature Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse, Arsht Center, Musical Theatre West, San Jose Repertory, Center Rep. Broadway-Associate scenic designer—Groundhog Day the Musical, Allegiance, The River, Peter and The Starcatcher, ANN: The Ann Richards Play, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Importance of Being Earnest, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, All About Me, White Christmas, Curtains. michaelcarnahandesign.com. LISA ZINNI (Tour Costume Design) is a New York based costume designer and stylist who’s work includes Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional Theatre. She designed season 3 of the Broadway themed hit web series Submissions Only. She was the Associate Costume Designer for the Tony winning Broadway productions of RENT and HAIR, as well as the national tours and international companies. (UK, Canada, Italy, China) Some of her regional design credits include Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Pennsylvania Shakespeare festival, The Walnut Street Theatre of Philadelphia, The Riverside Theatre, The Arden Theatre company and Theatre Under the stars in Houston Texas. For more info visit LisaZinni.com. MICHAEL MCDONALD (Tour Costume Design) Broadway & London West End: Hair (Tony, Drama Desk and Hewes Award nominations). The Public: Hair (Delacorte Theater). Off-Broadway: STRAIGHT (Theater Row), The Irish Curse (Soho Rep), A Perfect Future (Cherry Lane Theater), Jericho (59E59), Almost Home (The Directors Co.), Amahl and the Night Visitors (Lincoln Center). Regional: La Cage Aux Folles (Goodspeed); Sex With Strangers, 11H

WHO’S WHO in the CAST God of Carnage, [title of show] , Mama’s Boy (George Street Playhouse); Take Me Out (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis); Johnny Baseball, (American Repertory Theater); All The Way, The Great Society, Peter and the Starcatcher, Dirty Blonde, Spring Awakening, Omnium Gatherum and Crowns (Zachary Scott Theatre). Oklahoma! and West Side Story (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival). Red (Cape Playhouse) Design Faculty: Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. CHARLIE MORRISON (Tour Lighting Designer) National/international tours: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (NYC, Grand Ole Opry, US Tour), A Chorus Line (U.S., Japan, and China), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Miss Saigon, Aida (U.S. and Asia), The Producers, Man of La Mancha, Guys and Dolls, Groovaloo (N.Y.C., L.A., U.S. Tour), Hello, Dolly!, My Fair Lady, The King and I (U.S. and Korea), Spelling Bee, Gypsy, 42nd Street (U.S. and Japan), Smokey Joe’s Café, The Who’s Tommy (Europe and Japan), Titanic, The Music Man and many others. Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Guthrie Theater, Shakespeare Theatre Company (D.C.), Goodspeed Musicals, Seattle Repertory, Seattle 5th Avenue, Sacramento Music Circus, Theatre Under the Stars, Dallas Summer Musicals, Kansas City Starlight, Pittsburgh CLO, George Street Playhouse, North Carolina Theatre, PlayMakers Repertory, Tulsa Opera and many others. Charlie is the recipient of two Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Lighting Design. www.cmlighting.com

GERARD KELLY (Hair & Wig Design) Broadway: Hair. Tour: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Hair, Hello, Dolly!, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical!, My Fair Lady. West End: Hair. New York: The Public Theater, The Pearl Theater, The Classic Stage Company. Regionally: Westchester Broadway Theater, Maltz Jupiter Theater, Dallas Theater Center, Maine State Music Theater, Carousel Dinner Theater, Phoenix Theater, Sierra Repertory Theatre, San Francisco Theater Works, Cape Playhouse, The Allmanson Theater, Sacramento Music Theater, Down Town Cabaret, WestPort Country Playhouse, George Street Playhouse. Shakespeare Festivals: New York, Lake Tahoe, New Jersey, Idaho, San Francisco. Movie: The Conjuring, Transamerica, Girls Will Be Girls, Notorious, The Ten, The Savages, The Other Woman. TV: Law and Order SVU, The Ru Paul Show, Are We There Yet. Others: The b-52’s, RuPaul, Charles Busch, Varla Jean Merman, Lypsinka, Jennifer Holiday, Laura Linney, Felicity Huffman, Marlo Thomas, Whoopie Goldberg, Lesley Mann, and William Hurt.

ALISON FRANCK (Casting Director) has been a casting director in NYC for over 20 years. She started as an assistant for many Broadway Productions, then she worked in film/TV for several years, then from 20002010, she was the Resident Casting Director at Paper Mill Playhouse. In 2011 she joined the team at Liz Lewis Casting Partners, where she cast commercials, voice overs, film/TV and theatre. Alison now runs her own company, Franck Casting, where she has currently cast several tours of wellknown musicals including A Christmas Story, the Musical!, A Chorus Line, Legally STEVE ROGERS (Sound Design) Doing Blonde and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole audio both design and mixing for over 25 Christmas! The Musical. years. Broadway tours including Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Miss L. GLENN POPPLETON (Exclusive Tour Saigon, Beauty & the Beast, Lion King, Direction) also represents Dr. Seuss’ How Mary Poppins, War Horse and Motown the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical; the Musical. Mandy Patinkin in Concert; and An Evening 11I

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WHO’S WHO in the CAST with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin. Past tours include Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; and Monty Python’s Spamalot. WENDY J. CONNOR/DONNA FIEGEL (Press and Marketing) TRUE Marketing is a full-service entertainment marketing firm based in Orlando, Florida, that boasts a full Marketing and Public Relations Consulting Team, Graphic Design Department, Social Marketing Strategy Team and In-House Video Production Team. Team TRUE has worked on national tours of A Chorus Line, My Fair Lady, Spring Awakening, The Producers, 42nd Street, Dreamgirls, Guys and Dolls, and The Wizard of Oz. www.TeamTRUE.com DON S. GILMORE (Technical Supervisor) has provided production management and technical services for over 300 entertainment projects in the U.S. and abroad. Notable projects include – Broadway: An American in Paris, Pippin, Rocky Broadway, 700 Sundays, Guys & Dolls, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Pirate Queen, Dracula the Musical, Sinatra. Road: Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes, A Christmas Story the Musical, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Producers, Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty, Phantom of the Opera, Tallest Tree in The Forest, Guys & Dolls, Hair. Las Vegas: Magic Mike Live, Puppet UpUncensored, Paul Zerdin-Mouthing Off, Frankie Moreno-Under the Influence, Mat Franco-Magic Reinvented Nightly. Other: The Laramie Project, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex, NYC; Times Square New Years Eve. Don lives in NYC with his wife, actress Rebecca Holt, and their three children: Luke, Max and Ruby. ANDREW SMITHSON (Musical Supervisor, Music Director) Tours: A Christmas Story: The Musical, Joseph… Dreamcoat (starring Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young), Gypsy, Aida, Jesus Christ 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Superstar. Off-Broadway: The Wonderful Wizard of Song, Flanagan’s Wake. Regional: White Christmas, The Full Monty, Swing!, A Chorus Line, and The Producers. Music Director and Orchestrator for POPart: the musical (NYMF Festival), and Hard Times (First Irish Theatre Festival). Former adjunct instructor at the University of CincinnatiCollege Conservatory of Music, and vocal coach at PACE University in New York City. Vocal Director at Celebrity Cruises Entertainment. BIG LEAGUE PRODUCTIONS/ DANIEL SHER (Executive Producer) Led by Daniel Sher as President and Executive Producer, Big League has been touring Broadway shows for 29 seasons throughout the world. Collaborations with Disney Theatricals on Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida (North America, Taiwan and China) and with Cameron Mackintosh on a new production of Miss Saigon were important milestones. Also, significant were Japanese and USA tours of the Tony®-Award winning Broadway revival of 42nd Street and Susan Stroman’s Broadway production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. Others: Footloose (Las Vegas, Atlantic City, North American tour), Titanic, 1776, Peter Pan, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum starring Rip Taylor, Blast!, The Who’s Tommy (North America, South America, Europe, and Japan), Ain’t Misbehavin’ starring “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard and the first national tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - flying car and all. More recent: The Producers (Susan Stroman’s original direction and choreography), Hello, Dolly! starring Sally Struthers, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady (US Tour and historical China premiere), original hip-hop dance show Groovaloo (OffBroadway), Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (9th USA tour, Grand Ole Opry, and 2012/2014/2018 at Madison Square Garden), Dreamgirls (US and Japan), Hair (US and Japan), and Bring It On (US and Japan). In 2018, Big League 11J

WHO’S WHO in the CAST premiered its new production of Legally Blonde in China and Singapore with plans to tour the USA in 2019. Also in 2018-19 was A Chorus Line in the USA and Japan with the premiere in China in 2019. Future plans include national tours of An American in Paris (A New Musical). The booking department at Big League is overseen by legendary booking agent John Starr who helped launch the company 29 years ago. STAFF FOR A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Daniel Sher GENERAL MANAGER Big League Productions, Inc. Shawn Thibault COMPANY MANAGER Brent M. Watkins EXCLUSIVE TOUR DIRECTION L. Glenn Poppleton LGPoppleton@me.com • (212) 840-4393 TOUR PRESS & MARKETING TRUE Marketing Wendy J. Connor Donna Fiegel CASTING Alison Franck, CSA TECHNICAL SUPERVISION Don S. Gilmore BROADCAST ADVERTISING TV & RADIO Frank Basile/Fresh Produce Productions

Head Electrician...............................Taylor Whitmire Assistant Electrician............................. Steven Coney Assistant Electrician........................... Gregory Towle Head Sound.......................................Franck Francois Head Props........................................... Justin Gamerl Assistant Props......................................David Thoms Head Wardrobe.................................... Melissa Payte Assistant Wardrobe............................ Jensen Clifford Assistant Company Managers.............Kahlia Davis & Jimmy Larkin Animal Trainer................................. Doug Terranova Education Services................ On Location Education Tour Child Wrangler............................ Jimmy Larkin For Big League Productions, Inc. Associate General Manager.............. Shawn Thibault Executive Vice President........................... John Starr Business Manager....................................Tim Hurley Office Manager.....................................Ashley Mikel Legal Counsel for BLP, Inc...............Nan Bases, Esq Accounting for BLP, Inc.............Schall & Ashenfarb Payroll Services.......................... Checks & Balances Banking........................................ J.P. Morgan Chase Insurance.................................... Gallagher Insurance Travel/Housing Services..........................Road Rebel Travel/Housing Services....................... Gina Willens CREDITS Lighting Provided by 4Wall Entertainment, Inc. Sound Provided by Masque Sound Automation from Creative Conners Stardrops constructed by Main Light Industries, Inc. Some drops painted by Colbalt Studios, Inc. Car constructed by Hamilton Scenery Backstage and Front of the House Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.). The Director and/or Choreographer is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union. United Scenic Artists represents the designers and scenic painters for the American Theatre.

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR........... Kevin Brannick Associate Lighting Designer.........Gary Echelemeyer Associate Sound Designer........................ Norman “Boomer” Bardo Directing Assistant........................... Robbie Simpson Costume Coordinator........................... Melissa Payte Keyboard Programmer.................................Jim Harp Assistant Stage Manager................... John Carpentier Head Carpenter....................................Rodney Mann Assistant Carpenter...........................Daniel Hudgens Assistant Carpenter........................... JP McMinamen

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Blumenthal Performing Arts recognizes with gratitude the dedication and generosity of the following supporters.

PRODUCER'S CIRCLE $25,000+ Peg and Jay Adamczyk Jacquie and Gary Bechtel Barbara and David Goodman* Laura and Jeff Hay* Julianne Marley Mr. and Mrs. William B. McGuire, Jr.

Chris and Steve Brace Kristin and Buck Bradberry George Brooks Nathalie and Daniel Carrizosa Nan and Hal Clarke Lorin, Erica, and Lydia Crenshaw Morgan and Brian Cromwell Rose and Bill Cummings $10,000+ Karin and Sean Davies Dr. Milton and Arlene Berkman Amy and Alfred Dawson Philanthropic Fund Jim Donahue In honor of Katherine Michele Durkin and Emory Cherok Dr. Bryan Edmiston and Victoria and Porter Durham Mr. Felipe G. Edmiston Beth and Jonathan Feit Julie and Tom Eiselt Vickie and Tom Gabbard Lou Kinard and Charlie Elberson Bob and Jena Gallagher Carolyn B. Faison Sandra and Stephen Godofsky Michele and Walter Fisher Nancy and David Hauser Karen Griffin and John Galloway Rebecca S. Henderson and Douglas R. and Elizabeth G. Goldstein J. Michael Booe Mrs. Gail Grim Renee and Chris Hobart Debby and Mike Groenhout Michelle Lee Robin and Blaine Hawkins Michael, Jaime and Allie Monday Patti and Mark Hawley* Linda and Tony Pace Sarah Hollar and Peter Macon Carolyn and Robert Shaw Mr. and Mrs. William T. Houser Joan Zimmerman Nora and Thomas Hughes Susan and David Jamison $7,500+ Ronald Kahn Betsy and Alfred Brand Virginia A. Kern Robin and Lea Burt Mary Jean and Howard L. Kushner Dorlisa and Peter Flur Meghan Daigle and Troy Leo The Hertel Family Charlotte and Arthur Mott Barbara and Josh Meeks Anna and Tom Nelson Jean and Matthew Salisbury Janet and Peter Nixon Ann and Michael Tarwater Rene and Brian Noonan Tracey and Scott Tozier Jacob Palillo Kathleen C. Richardson $5,000+ Carla and Ed Rose Anonymous Wendy and Frank Rosen Cathy and Jim Baily Brenda and Bill Ryan Mr. William M. Barnhardt and Mr. and Mrs. Jason C. Schmidly Mrs. Nancy B. Thomas* Vesime and Marty Schroering Kelly and Richard Battle Gail Sharps Myers Christine and Arthur Becker Lisa and Glenn Sherrill The Blumenthal Foundation Norma and Rodney Short Amy and Philip Blumenthal Deanna and Norman Shue Hona Childers and Daniel Browne The Marc and Mattye Silverman Mrs. Mary Anne Dickson Foundation Elizabeth and James Faulkner Dia and Paul Steiger Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Gibbs Patricia and John Stewart Belinda and Timothy Gunter Jennifer and David Teifer Dale Halton and Fred Wagner Carrie and Jeff Teixeira Beverly and Jim Hance Jacqueline A. Tucker Charles and Diane Harrington Rita and Bill Vandiver Janet and Neil Kaplan Ellen and Ron Vilas Kate and Mike McDermott Ed Weisiger, Jr. and Betsy Fleming Courtney and Jared Mobley Dr. Matthew Wheelock and Robert H. Norville, Jr. Dr. Jill Smith-Wheelock Mr. and Mrs. George Raftelis Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. White Rose and Tom Sherard Karen and Ed Whitener Shana and Christopher Shivel Dara and Bob Whiting Lori and Eric Sklut Lisa and Kenny Wilson Anja and David Zimmerman Amy Wooden and Joe Kolodziej $2,500+ Anonymous Becky and Michael Alcione Randy and Nancy Baker Shavonda and Reginald Bean Jeremy and Connie Blaney Doug and Shelly Bose Ben Bourne Crandall C. Bowles

$1,500+ Anonymous (2) Keith Alyea and Fidel Montoya Holly and Jeff Atkins Elizabeth Austin Bryan and Kristen Barboza Cheryl Barringer and Mike Sherman Anne and John Barry

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Joanne and Steve Beam Ralph Beck, in memory of Linda The Donald H. and Barbara K. Bernstein Family Foundation Julie and Riaz Bhamani Lakana and Tony Bikhazi Mr. and Mrs. Alan Blumenthal Andrew Blumenthal and Stephanie Baumann Sam Blumenthal Peggy and Ray Bouley Pat and Tim Brier Kathleen Britton Susan and Greg Brouse James Bullock Jesica Bullrich Dr. Chris Burkett Sarah and Bret Busby Joy and Chris Butler Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Case, Jr. Karmen Cassell Delane and Walter Clark Ofelia and Philip Claxton Brent Clevenger Steve and Martha Clifford Dr. Elaine and Steve Coats Edward Cook Lori and Derek Copeland Catherine Cordle Harvey and Muri Corzin Craig and Sara Cummings Gloria and Peter De Arcangelis Donna and Al de Molina Dan and Gena DeChant Pamela and Greg Dills Claude Duet Marcia and Bob Dynko Sidney and Andres Echevarria Kelli Enos Windy and Jef Fullagar Kelly and Doug Gardner Todd E. Gardner, MD Michael and Connie George Joseph and Carol Gigler Todd Glenham Jessica and William Griesser Randy Griffin Sharon and Benjamin Hager Kathy R. Hairston Randy P. and Donna Helton Mr. George and Dr. Koh Herlong James Hill Juliet and Brian Hirsch Carol and Chris Horn Larissa and Ken Huber Peggy and Jim Hynes Beth and Hytham Imseis Beth Ipock Kathy and Charlie Izard David S. Jacobson Lynn Jeffrey Juanita and Lloyd Johnson Michelle Johnson The Julliard Family Lyndon W. Kennedy Linda and Kerry Kenner Sandy and John Kindbom Patty and Chris Lambert Eleanor Ehrhart and Dominick Landi Beverly and John Lassiter Margie and Victor Lisciani Joseph Marko Ashley and Scott Mattei

Jill Maxwell Betsy and T. Bragg McLeod Karen and Robert Micklash Anne and William Newcomb Paul Norris Dr. Valerie and Mr. Barton O'Kelley Andrew Olah Drs. Elaine and Thomas Pacicco Peggy Peterson Susan and Dale Pond Jim Putnam Mary and Dave Pylipow Nadine and Leif Rauer Sally and Russell Robinson Lisa and Robert Rollins Mikel and Diane Ryan Chryll and Wayne Salow Anne and Steve Schmitt Anjali Shah Emilie and Gene Sharbaugh Peggy and Pope Shuford Skinkle Tona Family Judith Smith Dr. Ramada Smith and Mr. Kevin Smith Tom E. Smith Cindy and David Soliday Jeri Dianne Stancil Sheri and Kelly Straub Suzanne and Michael Stritch Dr. and Mrs. Robert Sullivan Joseph and Christine Thomas David Thomason Sandy and Greg Vlahos Abby and James Warren Lisa Whitney Mary Ellen and Reid Wilkerson Teresa and Stick Williams Johnnie Willis and Michael Green Elechia Wimbish In loving memory of my Rip Cathey Winfield Jennifer and John Wozniak $1,000+ Anonymous Scott Bengel Laura and Sam Bowles Rachel E. Brackett Susan and Ralph Brackett Mona Brandon Mary and Frank Brown Rich and Beth Buchanan Peter and Cynthia Buck Caroline and Matt Chambers Karen and Kevin Chapman Melissa M. and Howard R. Cohen Linda and Richard Cook William Cooper Brooke and Steve Cornwell Lori and Roger Cuddy Bill Dantos Meg and Jay Dees Tara DellaVecchia and Ryan Zepp Dena R. Diorio Mrs. Roddey Dowd Sr. Christine and James Drost Marcy and Fred Dumas Lorine and Ray Edwards Sandra and Eddie Edwards Elaine and Jeffrey Fagan Kayla Freeman Mr Michael Garcia Continued on next page

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Blumenthal Performing Arts recognizes with gratitude the dedication and generosity of the following supporters.

PRODUCER'S CIRCLE (CONTINUED) Darcy and Steven Garfinkel Glenn and Krissa Gaston John R. Georgius Robin Gershen Robert W. Graf Family Fund Neil and Sharyn Handelsman Fred Handsel and Ben Bellante Eric Hauser and Phillip Butts Leland Helms Jennifer Henry Kathy and Ben Hill Carol Hitselberger Arlene and Randy Hobart Jim and Frankie Honeycutt Michelle and Brian Howell Cathy and Michael Hyzy Katina Cole Jakubowski Dr. Leslie Y. Johnson Karen and Newmoon Jung Jerri Kallam Charity Kates

Edward and Florence Kim Joan Kirschner Tricia and Ryan Knatz David and Amy Kulbok Janice S. Ladley Zack Lansat Chase and Ron Law Laney and Wood Lay James Ledbetter Tara and Matt Livingston Richard and Anna Marriott Marie-Claire Marroum-Kardous Jane and Hugh McColl Laurie and Kevin McCormick Darlyne Menscer Dr. and Mrs. Alden Milam Shelley and Andy Misiaveg James and Koh Morrisey Amy and Jason Murphy Donna Nellis Jill and Ed Newman

Keith Oberkfell Wendy Oglesby and David Higbe Jack Page and Robert Myers James Parker Anne Patefield Donna and Steve Pernotto Brad Platt and Steve Cook Fidel and Laura Prieto Cynthia and Steve Reese Irena and Lee Rimler William R. Rollins Ken Rothmel Carol and James Salisbury Beth and John Schleck Dr. Marvin Shapiro and Mrs. Anita Shapiro Charles Shelton Chip and Jennifer Shelton Jan and Scott Smith

Wayne B. Smith, Jr. and Indun Patrick Wendy and Brian Smith Sara and Morgan Spencer Ken Spielfogel and Richard Withem Rochelle and Peter Stewart Claire and Jim Talley Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Thomas Sandi and Ben Thorman Debi and Bill Timmerman Ellen and Jim Wade Jacqueline and Rusty Wasco Drs. James and Jackie Wheeler Pat and Bill Williamson Velva and Tom Woollen * Members of The Legacy Society at Blumenthal.

Contributions received from Nov. 6, 2017 - Nov. 6, 2018

CORPORATE PARTNERS $7,500+ Directing Partners Publix Super Markets Charities

$5,000+ Executive Partners British American Business Council C design Inc. Collier Law

Grove Engineering McKenneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Inc InterCon Building Corporation Moore & Van Allen PLLC Keatley Wealth Management, LLC Rodgers Builders Inc. KPMG

SteelFab, Inc. Troutman Sanders LLP UTC Aerospace Systems

$2,500+ Managing Partners Adams Electric Company Adsworth Media Baird Private Wealth Management BDO Bradley LLP Bryan Cave Leighton and Paisner LLP Charlotte Insurance

Charlotte Paint Co. Inc. Chicago Title Insurance Company Deloitte Foundry Commercial Gray Dog Investments, Inc. Hood Hargett & Associates King & Spalding LLP McCracken & Lopez, PA

McGuireWoods LLP McIlveen Family Law NARENCO Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP PMMC Premier Golf, Inc. Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson P.A. Rogers Unloading Service

RSM US LLP Sentinel Risk Advisors The Dowd Foundation, Inc. Tippens & Zurosky LLP Walbridge Southeast White Knight Engineered Products, Inc.

Mechanical Contractors, Inc. NC Interiors Contracting, Inc. Odell Associates PAGE Powersystem Piedmont Properties Preferred Electric Co., Inc. Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. Savills Studley

Schindler Elevator Corp. Ty Hardee Financial Velligan Medical Services, PC Waterstone Multi-Family Group

$1,000+ Associate Partners BB&T Cabarrus Glass Company Inc. Charlotte Labor Source Carousel Capital Charlotte Business Journal Crosland Southeast Curvature Donald Haack Diamonds & Fine Gems

Galvan Industries, Inc. Garmon & Company, Inc. Commercial Flooring High Performance Technologies Hoopaugh Grading Company, LLC Howard Brothers Electric Jenkins Peer Architects Lil and Associates McVeigh & Mangum

Contributions received from Nov. 6, 2017 - Nov. 6, 2018

HOSPITALITY PARTNERS Our Restaurant Partners help make your Blumenthal experience even more special. We gratefully acknowledge their generous support and hope you will patronize them frequently.

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Blumenthal Performing Arts recognizes with gratitude the dedication and generosity of the following supporters.

CATALYST PARTNERS

THE DOCTOR FAMILY FOUNDATION The Arts & Science Council supports Blumenthal Performing Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2019 fiscal year budget with operating and programmatic grants.

Blumenthal Performing Arts receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.

LEADERSHIP PARTNERS

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

SIGNATURE PARTNERS

$15,000+ CEO PARTNERS

$10,000+ PRESIDENTIAL PARTNERS

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the arts are the highest form of expression. Inspiring. Thought Provoking. PNC is proud to sponsor PNC Broadway Lights. Because we believe in and support everything the arts can accomplish.

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FOR THE CAROLINAS

Every day, more than 32,000 people choose us for their healthcare. From the region’s most advanced heart program and cancer institute to a nationally ranked children’s hospital, we remain strong in our commitment – not just to delivering better care, but to delivering the best care. For all.

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Pub: Blumenthal Playbill

Client: Atrium Health

Charlotte Ballet

charlotteballet.org

Fly Into 2019 With Peter Pan

et to a beautiful score by Gioachino Rossini, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s gravity-defying Peter Pan tells the beloved story of the mischievous boy who never wants to grow up, his sassy sidekick Tinker Bell and the frightful Captain Hook. The dancers fly high above an extravagant stage, transporting the audience to a fantasy world of adventure. Charlotte Ballet’s presentation is based in tradition, but includes unique twists like steampunk-style Lost Boys battling the ghastly Captain Hook. Peter Pan promises high-flying adventure, extravagant sets and costumes, and marvelous dance for an experience you’ll never, never forget. Take the whole family on an adventure this spring at Charlotte Ballet’s Peter Pan! Tickets start at just $25.

—Dancer Drew Grant

—Dancer Elisabeth Baehman Sarah Hayes Harkins as Tinker Bell Photo by Jeff Cravotta

Photo by Jeff Cravotta

Peter Pan

March 8-17 • Knight Theater For tickets and information, visit charlotteballet.org 14

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Available Now!

2442 Vail Avenue - Elizabeth Simonini.com

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Holly Gantt | 980.722.3641 holly@simonini.com 15

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

charlottesymphony.org

Dancing With the Symphony

hall we dance? Music Director Christopher Warren-Green and the Charlotte Symphony invite you to countdown to 2019 with an evening of waltzes and other festive favorites. The Symphony then kicks off the New Year in January with Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances.

New Year's Eve Celebration Monday, Dec. 31 • 9 p.m. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts Ring in the New Year with your CSO! For the first time, party the night away as Maestro Warren-Green leads a program featuring your favorite Strauss waltzes and some of Gershwin's most famous tunes. After the concert, the Knight Theater stage will transform into a dance floor until the ball drops. Your evening includes a post-concert party with desserts and champagne.

Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances Friday and Saturday, Jan. 25-26 • 7:30 p.m. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts From John Adam’s Chairman Dances to Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, the dancing melodies will continue throughout the whole night. Venezuelanborn rising star Gabriela Montero also brings virtuosity to Prokofiev's warm, vivid piano concerto, a complement to the lush sounds of Rachmaninoff's final work.

For tickets or information on these and other Charlotte Symphony events, visit charlottesymphony.org. 16

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Can’t see the performance clearly? The problem may not be your seat. A checkup by one of Horizon Eye Care’s specialists is sure to sharpen your view. Make an appointment today – because we want you to see everything. 6 convenient Charlotte area locations

horizoneye.com

At Charlotte Prep, talents within come alive.

THE FIRST STEPS TO

EXCELLENCE 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

www.charlotteprep.org

Opera Carolina

operacarolina.org

Carmen Sweeps Into Charlotte in January

armen has been called the most famous opera of all time. You’ll recognize the music even if you’ve never seen the opera. The iconic melody, “Habanera” has been featured in pop culture for many years including “Sesame Street,” the 2008 movie Fool’s Gold and Super Bowl commercials. But nothing is more legendary in opera than the character Carmen herself … she’s a drinking, smoking, gypsy-spirited women who gets what she wants. Alyson Cambridge plays our leading soprano in Carmen, which premieres in January, and she is ready to bring the house down with her power house voice. “I am very excited to portray opera's greatest femme fatale,” said Cambridge. “She is an iconic character, and I am particularly looking forward to exploring all of her dimensions and complexities.”

ABOUT ALYSON CAMBRIDGE

Hometown: Arlington, Virginia/Washington, D.C. Dream vacation: Barbados Future roles: Carmen and Porgy and Bess Inspiration: My family

Alyson Cambridge

“I want to make a real difference in this world; whether it be through my music and performances or charitable causes,” Cambridge said. “I also want to play a pivotal role in bringing opera back to the forefront once again in the entertainment world, for diverse audiences and for all ages.”

I am very excited to portray opera's greatest femme fatale. —Alyson Cambridge

Carmen

Jan. 19, 20 and 24 • Belk Theater operacarolina.org • 704.332.1000 18

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#PDSinnovates

Typically Atypical At Providence Day, learning looks different here. Our classrooms are intentionally designed to support self-directed discovery as well as active, participatory and collaborative group learning.

www.providenceday.org/admissions 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

If there is a fountain of youth, it looks a lot like this. t The Cypress of Charlotte, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken the notion of an active retirement far beyond shuffleboard. Our stunning new Sports & Fitness Center boasts an architecturally dramatic swimming pool, an exercise room, replete with energetic classes, and a sport court that caters to your competitive side. And all the indoor activities are rivaled by the seemingly endless acres of fun found around our scenic, private lake. Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you join us for the good times to come?

thecypressofcharlotte.com | 704.714.5500

704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

WHERE PERFORMANCE MEETS POTENTIAL Providing a structured, individualized, K-12 college preparatory curriculum for students with learning differences.

704.365.4658 | thefletcherschool.org | 8500 Sardis Road | Charlotte, NC 28270

GRAND DEBUT

SOUTHMINSTER TERRACES New Residences Designed for Sophisticated Living 704.551.6800 | southminster.org 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Celebrating All of Life’s Stages From establishing your first charitable fund to planning your estate – and every generous act in between – FFTC helps you make a lasting impact.

Celebrating 1958-2018

www.fftc.org | 704.998.6412 | philanthropy@fftc.org 22

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A long tradition of helping our community perform at its best. At Moore & Van Allen we have a long tradition of supporting the arts. Whether they entertain, inspire or simply add beauty to our community, the arts can have an impact on everyone. There are very few things in life that can achieve that. Which, in our minds, is an uncommon art.

mvalaw.com Charlotte Office 100 North Tryon Street, Suite 4700 Charlotte, NC 28202

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