Proudly Presents
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics by Tim Rice
STARRING
Emily Goldberg
John Gurdian
Maxwell DeTogne
Michael Baylon Caitlin Borek Alex Campea Tyler Collins Jacob Craig Cara Cundari Carlos Garcia Amanda Giles Carisa Gonzalez Harmony Elise Jones Dimokratia Michalopoulos Mia Moore Alyssa Nunez Kelsey Overberg Kyle Stephens Jameson Wentworth Damian Wille
Katie Campbell Ernie Cottrell Erin Feldman Amara Gonzalez Steve Malone Samantha Nieves Samantha Pauly Ann Marie White JZ Zaeske
Directed by DANTE J. ORFEI & CHRISTOPHER PAZDERNIK Musical Direction by John Warren Choreography by Christopher Pazdernik Scenic Design by Michael Nedza Lighting Design by Dante J. Orfei Costume Design by Lindsay Prerost Multimedia Design by Micheal A. Kott Stage Managed by Barbara Charlene Sound Design by Luis Vidal-Ruiz EVITA is presented through special arrangement with Rogers and Hammerstein Theatricals 601 West 26th Street, Suite 312, New York, NY 10001 Evita
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SET TING Junin and Buenos Aires, Argentina Between 1934 – 1952. There will be one 15-minute intermission. The use of flash photography and video recording devices without the written permission of the management is prohibited. Please remember to silence or turn off your cellular phones and other messaging devices.
CAST Ché........................................................................................................................................Maxwell DeTogne Eva............................................................................................................................................. Emily Goldberg Perón............................................................................................................................................ John Gurdian Mistress.................................................................................................................................. Samantha Pauly Magaldi.........................................................................................................................Jameson Wentworth Ensemble: Michael Baylon, Caitlin Borek, Katie Campbell, Alex Campea, Tyler Collins, Ernie Cottrell, Jacob Craig, Carlos Garcia, Amanda Giles, Carisa Gonzalez, Steve Malone, Dimokratia Michalopoulos, Samantha Nieves, Kelsey Overberg, Samantha Pauly, Kyle Stephens, Ann Marie White, Damian Wille, JZ Zaeske Children’s Ensemble: Cara Cundari, Erin Feldman, Amara Gonzalez, Harmony Elise Jones, Mia Moore, Alyssa Nunez
BAND Keyboard 1....................................................................................................................................Bobby Dietz Kebyoard 2......................................................................................................................................Joey Lugay Flute................................................................................................................................. Ashley DeFrancisco Oboe/English Horn................................................................................................................... Katie Adams Clarinet..........................................................................................................................................Yarelys Pinto Clarinet............................................................................................................................................. Lara Regan Horn............................................................................................................................................ John Catomer Trumpet.........................................................................................................................................Cyndi Salata Trombone.................................................................................................................................. Kaj Fagerberg Violin........................................................................................................................................... Ayako Kikuchi Cello.......................................................................................................................................................Emily Hu Bass.................................................................................................................................................... Brett Lewis Guitar............................................................................................................................................. Brent Moore Percussion................................................................................................................................Mike Pryzgoda Drums........................................................................................................................................Nick Anderson 2
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MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT I Requiem for Evita..........................................................................................................Ensemble Oh What A Circus.................................................................................................... Ché & Crowd On This Night of a Thousand Stars............................................................................. Magaldi Eva and Magaldi/ Eva, Beware of the City..........................Eva, Magaldi & Eva’s Family Buenos Aires.............................................................................................................. Eva & Crowd Good Night and Thank You...................................................... Ché, Eva, Magaldi & Lovers The Lady’s Got Potential.........................................................................................................Ché The Art of the Possible......................................................................... Perón, Generals & Eva Charity Concert..............................................................................Perón, Ché, Magaldi & Eva I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You..........................................................................Eva & Perón Hello and Goodbye................................................................................................................... Eva Another Suitcase in Another Hall................................ Perón’s Mistress & Men’s Chorus Perón’s Latest Flame........................................................... Ché, Aristocrats, Soldiers & Eva A New Argentina..............................................................................Eva, Ché, Perón & Crowd ACT II On The Balcony of the Casa Rosada...................................................Perón, Ché, & Crowd Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.................................................................................................... Eva High Flying Adored.......................................................................................................Ché & Eva Rainbow High........................................................................................................Eva & Dressers Rainbow Tour..........................................................................................Perón, Advisers & Ché The Actress Hasn’t Learned the Lines............................................ Eva, Aristocrats & Ché And the Money Kept Rolling In......................................................................... Ché & Crowd Santa Evita...................................................................................................... Children & Chorus A Waltz for Eva and Ché..............................................................................................Eva & Ché Perón’s Latest Flame........................................................................................................ Soldiers She is a Diamond...................................................................................................................Perón Dice Are Rolling/Eva’s Sonnet...............................................................................Perón & Eva Eva’s Final Broadcast................................................................................................................. Eva Montage.............................................................................................Eva, Ché, Perón & Chorus Lament.....................................................................................................Eva, Embalmers & Ché
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T H E AT R E S TA F F Artistic Director............................................................................................................................ Dante Orfei Managing Director..................................................................................................... Melanie Lamoureux Technical Director.................................................................................................................Michael Nedza Director & Choreographer..................................................................................Christopher Pazdernik Musical Director......................................................................................................................... John Warren Stage Manager & Fight Director.................................................................................Barbara Charlene Costume Designer...............................................................................................................Lindsay Prerost Multimedia Designer...............................................................................................................Micheal Kott Sound Designer......................................................................................................................Luis Vidal-Ruiz Dance Captain.................................................................................................................... Kelsey Overberg Public Relations.................................................................................................................David Rosenberg Set Construction.....................................................................................................................Justin Dashiell Theatre Assistant..............................................................................................................Samantha Nieves Technical Crew.................. Antonio Barrios, Chris Herrera, Juan Valencuela, Jasmine Santana, Paulina Para, Margaret Bystrek, Tiffany Perez, Cesar Lopez House Staff..................Anna Garcia, Marian Lamoureux, Jesus Montero, Alex Tello, Diana Visk
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CAST PROFILES Michael Baylon (Ensemble) Michael is excited to be part of JPAC Theatre’s production of Evita. A University of Illinois graduate, he is grateful for the opportunities that have been given to him that is performance related. His most recent credits include, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Provision Theater), Sweeney Todd (Oakton Community College), and a regional performance of Miss Saigon in the DC area (Signature Theatre). He would like to thank his family and friends for all their support and especially to those who have given him the opportunity to perform on stage. Caitlin Borek (Ensemble) This is Caitlin’s second production with JPAC. She was recently seen in Love Story. Her regional credits include: The Wizard of Oz (Glinda), State Fair (Melissa Frake), Plain and Fancy (Katie Yoder), and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Liza) at the Round Barn Theatre; The Confession (Rosie) at Bluegate Family Musicals; A Flea in Her Ear (Antoinette), Chicago (Hunyak) and South Pacific (Nellie) at Maples Repertory Theatre. She recently completed her BFA in Musical Theater from Illinois Wesleyan University. Katie Campbell (Ensemble) is excited to be working with the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center! Katie graduated from the Chicago College of Performing Arts with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, where she was seen in the ensembles of Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Sweeney Todd. Regionally, she has performed with Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse and Unto These Hills. Katie is from Louisville, KY, and has worked at such
theatres there as Music Theatre Louisville and Stage One. Favorite credits include Ti Moune in Once on this Island, Ophelia in Hamlet, and Marian in The Music Man. Thanks Mom and Dad for your support! Alex Campea (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of this production of Evita! Alex recently received his BA in Music Theatre and Theatre Performance from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin and has since been keeping busy. Alex has appeared as Clarence Darrow in And On The Eighth Day: Bryan Vs. Darrow, which performed at the 2013 Scopes Trial Festival in Dayton, Tennessee; as a dancer in the Bollywoodinterpreted Fidelio at the Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee; and recently completed a run as the Clown in Cuff Me: The Unauthorized Fifty Shades Of Grey Musical Parody right here in Chicago. Alex would like to thank his wonderful and supportive parents, his incredible roommate Katie, his college trio: Katie Swanson, Lindsey Townsend, and Anna Treudt, and everyone who has kept his dreams alive thus far. Enjoy the show! Tyler Collins (Ensemble) is delighted to make his debut at JPAC. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Tyler graduated with a B.M.E. from the University of Northern Colorado. His regional credits include: Christopher in Date Night as part of Cut to the Chase (Artistic Home), (Dr. Madden/Fine in Next to Normal (Towle Theatre), and understudy Eric/Frank in Unnecessary Farce (First Folio). Some favorite roles include John Utterson in Jekyll & Hyde (Performance Now), and John Hinckley Jr. in the Henry Award winning Assassins (Next Stage Denver). Evita
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Ernie Cottrell (Ensemble) is very excited to be working with JPAC! A new arrival to Chicago, he most recently worked with Twenty Percent Theatre on G.B Shaw’s Fanny’s First Play. Ernie is a transplant from the Buckeye State and a recent graduate from the Capital Conservatory of Music in Columbus, Ohio. Favorite collegiate productions include Urinetown, Company, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Psycho Beach Party, and The Crucible. Jacob Craig (Ensemble) This is Jacob’s third time here at JPAC, as well as his fourth semester as a full-time student at Morton College. Jacob first appeared in Spamalot last spring, and then was in Whistle Down the Wind this past summer. Jacob is very excited to be back on stage after working the last two plays backstage. Jacob has always been very involved in the theater and his experience at Morton College is no different. Jacob is also the Vice President of Broadway Club, the resident theater club at Morton College. Jacob would like to thank you very much for coming out to see the show, and he would also like to thank his family for all the love. Cara Cundari (Children’s Ensemble) is a 3rd grader at Our Lady of Charity located in Cicero, Illinois. Known to family and friends as “CC” she loves to read, make loom bracelets, sing, play guitar and she is an avid figure skater. CC has been taking private singing lessons and guitar lessons at Morton College for the past two years. CC was also part of the Children’s Ensemble in Whistle Down the Wind. CC is very excited to join the Evita 6
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group and aspires to be an actress someday in Hollywood. Maxwell DeTogne (Ché) is very excited about performing with JPAC again! This is his second consecutive show at JPAC, having just performed as Oliver Barrett IV in Love Story. Maxwell graduated from North Central College in June ‘13 and continues to grow and learn in a profession that he loves. He graduated with a degree in Theatre and Speech Communications and performed in roles such as Robbie Hart in Wedding Singer, Jinx in Forever Plaid and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. He would like to thank his loving and devoted family who is always pushing him stay motivated, both in theatre and in life. A big thank you to JPAC, too, for giving him this great opportunity. Erin Feldman (Children’s Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of Evita! Erin is 15 and theatre is her life. She enjoys singing (a little too loudly), theatre, and photography. Enjoy the show! Carlos Garcia (Ensemble) is a well know actor in the Chicago Latino community. His most recent appearance was as the lead role of “Leonardo” in the Chicago production of Lorca Vive “Lorca’s Blood Wedding” at the Olympic Theater. Carlos has been doing theater since the age of 16 years old and has appear in musicals such as Beauty and the Beast and Once Upon a Mattress. For the last 5 years Carlos has been working with the Latino community doing several commercials, and starring in many theater productions. Carlos has been studying
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theater since high school and just finished a two year course of Sebastian Ligarde’s theater and Meisner technique. At the moment Carlos is finishing SAH’s intense acting studio. Carlos feels lucky he was born in this country and at the same time proud of his Mexican roots. Carlos thanks his parents for all their hard work and thanks the JPAC for this amazing opportunity. Amanda Giles (Ensemble) is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Evita. Her most recent credits include Birdfish (Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer) and Anna (Spring Awakening). A recent graduate from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, Amanda is looking forward to continuing her journey in the bustling world of Chicago theatre. She would like to thank the amazing cast and crew for making this such a positive experience, and her unbelievably supportive family and friends. “Oh what a circus, oh, what a show!” Emily Goldberg (Eva) is honored to return to Jedlicka’s stage in such a thrilling role. She was last seen at JPAC in Das Barbecü. More recent theatre credits include Alice In Wonderland at the Marriott Theatre and Oliver at Light Opera Works. You may have also seen her at Davenport’s Piano Bar in one of her cabarets or with her a capella group, ClusterfuNk. Up next, she will be a part of Sisters Of Swing- The Andrews Sisters Story at Fox Valley Repertory Theatre. Emily is a proud graduate of The Boston Conservatory. To learn more, visit her website at www.emilygoldbergchicago.com.
Amara Gonzalez (Children’s Ensemble) Amara Gonzalez is thrilled to be back at JPAC for their production of Evita! She was last seen in the children’s ensemble of JPAC’s Whistle Down The Wind. Favorite credits include Gretl (Sound Of Music), Becky Thatcher (Becky Thatcher), and Diana (Off To Olympus). Amara would like to thank her family for their help and support! Carisa Gonzalez (Ensemble) is so happy to be back at JPAC after just finishing their production of Love Story, where she played Jenny Cavilleri. Ever since the age of nine, Carisa has been involved in various suburban theater companies such as North Riverside Players, BAMtheatre, Circle Theater and The Actor’s Garden, as an actor as well as an accompanist and stage manager. Favorite credits include: Nine (Mama), Fiddler on the The Roof (Chava), The Fantastiks! (Louisa), and All Shook Up (Natalie). Carisa would like to thank her family for their constant support and rides, as well as the cast and crew of Evita for being so talented and welcoming. John Gurdian (Perón) is thrilled to be making his JPAC debut as Perón. Other Chicago credits include: Arthur in Spamalot (NightBlue), Kiss of the Spider Woman (BoHo), Barnum (Quest Theatre), as well as work with MidWest New Musicals. He is also a member of adapt Theatre Productions, and a board member of the Foundation for Artists Mentored in Entertainment (www. fame-chicago.org). Thanks to his fellow cast mates, JPAC, friends, family, and most important his mom. If not for her none of this would be possible. Cheers! Evita
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Harmony Elise Jones (Children’s Ensemble) began acting at the age of 5, training and participating in small films and commercials. At 6, Harmony was cast in a musical where she led the first half practically on her own. It was at that moment that she truly fell in love with acting. Her most recent credits include a co-star role on the season 1 finale of the ABC network television drama Betrayal. Harmony is at her best when simply indulging in life’s splendor. She loves having the opportunity to work with other talented professionals while displaying her talent for the world. She enjoys reading, watching movies, gymnastics, drawing, singing, dancing, and playing. Harmony is a very active, bright, fun spirited little girl. Steve Malone (Ensemble) is thrilled to be in his fourth JPAC musical having been recently seen as Phil in Love Story (2014), Patsy in Spamalot (2013) and as Sammy in Sunset Boulevard (2012). Steve is a Chicagoland theatre veteran having featured roles in more than 75 productions over a 40 year span and is proud to represent the only over 40 cast member in Evita...go gray or go home! Other favorite roles include Molokov (Chess), Bun Foo (Thoroughly Modern Millie...spoke in Chinese, sang in Mandarin), Wilbur (Hairspray), Callahan (Legally Blonde), Herr Shultz (Cabaret) and Officer Barrel (Urinetown). Special thanks to Dante, Chris, John, Michael, Barbara, Lindsay and the entire production staff, crew and orchestra...amazingly supportive, creative and fun people! And always, thanks to the audience. Without your continued support, the should would not go on! For my mom, family and friends! 8
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Dimokratia Michalopoulos (Ensemble) is originally from Chicago and is excited to do her first show with JPAC Theater. Dimokratia graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a B.A. in Musical Theater Performance where she played Joanne in Rent. She currently works as an actor and facilitator with Imagination Theater, an interactive children’s theater that focuses on social issues such as bullying and teasing. She is also a professional singer and can be seen singing cabaret at Davenport’s Piano Bar and Greek music at Spectrum in Greektown. Dimokratia would like to thank Mike and Angelo for all of their love and support. Mia Moore (Children’s Ensemble) is an 8 year old young performer with many theatre credits to date. Mia most recently appeared as Belinda Cratchit/Want in A Christmas Carol at the highly noted Goodman Theatre and as Molly in Annie at the Harold Washington Cultural Center Theatre. Additional stage credits include High School Musical at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, Fences a Loop Players Production, Have You Seen My Daddy at ETA Creative Arts Center and Broken Windows at the Broadway in Bronzeville Theatre. Samantha Nieves (Ensemble) Growing up Samantha had always wanted to be involved in the “acting biz,” and she finally gained the courage to begin her career her senior year in high school when she was granted the role of Curly, the leading lost boy, in Peter Pan. For Samantha this was a life changing experience, and she has since trained at the
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Second City Theatre and participated in many Chicago area productions. Samantha is currently the theatre aid for Jedlicka Performing Arts Center and a full time student at Morton College. Samantha is very excited to be cast in Evita, her first JPAC production, and she hopes it will be the first of many. Most recently Samantha was seen as Carla in BAMtheatre’s production of NINE. Look out for Samantha’s next role as Savannah in How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back directed by Melanie Lamoureux! Alyssa Nunez (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of Evita at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center. She previously performed in last summer’s production of Whistle Down the Wind. She loves to sing and hopes to be involved in many productions in the future.
Samantha Pauly (Mistress, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her JPAC debut. Professional and regional credits include Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), RENT (Mimi), Evita (Mistress), Annie (Grace Ferrell), Buddy Holly Story (Vi Petty), Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona Lisa), The Last Five Years (Cathy). You can also see Samantha this summer at The Marriott Theater as Morgan in Godspell. BFA, Viterbo University. Much love to Mom, Dad, Regina and Nick, fiancé Matthew, friends and long-time supporters. www.samanthapauly.com
Kyle Stephens (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his JPAC debut in Evita. Kyle was last seen on stage traveling and double dribbling as Josh Kelsey Overberg Sampson in the original (Ensemble, Dance Captain, Tango Choreog- basketball musical Lockout: The Musical with Six Hours Short. Previous favorite roles raphy) is excited to be returning to JPAC’s stage include Barfée in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Frank-N-Furter in The for Evita! She is a Rocky Horror Show and Collins in Rent. Kyle graduate of Oklahoma City University with a B.S. wishes to congratulate the cast and crew of Evita for their hard work, dedication and in Dance Management, where she focused her studies on tap and musical theatre styles talent. “Thanks to my family and friends for your (oft times undeserved) support, and of dance, as well as arts administration. Her thank you mommy for signing me up for first Chicagoland performance was as a children’s choir when I was seven, thus Laker Girl in JPAC’s 2013 production of creating a monster. You’ve made it so that I Spamalot (for which she also did the tap will be poor and happy the rest of my life.” choreography and was dance captain). Kelsey continued her work with JPAC by Jameson Wentworth choreographing the summer musical, (Magaldi) is excited to be Whistle Down the Wind. And in a year filled working with the with a lot of SPAM, she went on to choreoJedlicka Performing Arts graph and understudy NightBlue Theatre’s Center again! Jameson Spamalot in the fall. This past summer, she has most recently performed with tap organization Audible appeared as Anthony in Odyssey in an original piece “Girl(s).” She’ll Sweeney Todd with be tapping again soon in AO’s next show Harper Ensemble Theatre, and as Sir this upcoming August. Love to her friends, Galahad in Spamalot with JPAC. He has also family and husband, who constantly push worked with Light Opera Works in The her in the direction of her dreams. Evita
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Student Prince; and Illinois Theatre Center in The Glorious Ones (Francesco), The Light In The Piazza (Fabrizio), and The Apple Tree. Other favorite roles include Jules in Sunday in the Park with George, Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Anatoly in Chess. A special thanks to his girlfriend, Katharine and his family and friends for their collective love, support and encouragement. Ann Marie White (Ensemble) is excited to make her debut at JPAC! Ann Marie moved to Chicago in September 2013 from Lubbock, Texas where she earned her MM in Vocal Performance. Chicago credits include Moon Jays and Motorcylces with Three Cat Productions, The Little Match Girl Passion at the Logan Center, and Trial By Jury at the Unity Temple. Ann Marie’s repertoire features new works and interdisciplinary productions including the title role in the
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tango opera Maria de Buenos Aires and the premiere of The Lost Childhood with the National Philharmonic. Regional Theatre: Guenevere in Camelot, Maria in The Sound of Music, and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. annmariewhitesoprano.com Damian Wille (Ensemble) is beyond thrilled to perform in his first show in Chicago! He is originally from Wisconsin and moved to Chicago this past fall to attend DePaul University. Favorite Credits: Dickon (The Secret Garden), Francis (Forever Plaid), Buddy (Side Show). He hopes you enjoy the show and looks forward to being a part of more productions in Chicago. JZ Zaeske (Ensemble) is excited to be making her JPAC debut as part of the ensemble in Evita! She is also a proud EMC member. Her performance credits include Infinity Theatre Company: Understudy for Joan/Ruby in Dames At Sea, which was directed and choreographed by Randy Skinner; Steel Beam Theatre: Sister Mary Leo in Nuncrackers, The Ghost of Christmas Future in A Christmas Carol the Musical; Catholic University of America: Featured Dancer in Finnian’s Rainbow which was directed and choreographed by Parker Esse, Helga/ Gorillia in Cabaret, Diana/Dance Captain in Nine. She attended the Catholic University of America where she recently graduated with honors with a B.M. in Musical Theater and a Minor in Psychology. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their love and support.
C R E AT I V E S TA F F P R O F I L E S Dante J. Orfei (Director, Lighting Designer) has been the Artistic Director at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center for over 25 years. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and has produced and directed a travel documentary titled European Sojourn, which aired on PBS. Dante also directed the U.S. Premiere of the musical Metropolis and worked closely with the show’s creator, Academy and Grammy Award-winner Joseph Brooks on the development of the show. Dante directed the national regional theatre premiere of Brooks’ most recent Broadway show, In My Life. He has studied with Tony Award-winners Harold Prince and Jules Fisher. He directed the Midwest Regional Premiere of the Queen rock musical, We Will Rock You, and has also directed the World Premiere of Nefertiti – The Musical, as well as Premiere Chicago Productions of Little Women, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love, Blood Brothers, Jekyll and Hyde, The Baker’s Wife, and numerous plays by Olivier Award-winning playwright Ray Cooney, including the U.S. Premiere of Cooney’s It Runs in the Family. Dante has directed well over 175 stage productions on the professional, dinner theatre and academic levels.
serves as the Artistic Producer for Bailiwick Chicago, and as an Artistic Associate at Porchlight Music Theater. Next up, he will be directing and choreographing the Chicago Premiere of Carrie for Bailiwick Chicago.
Christopher Pazdernik (Director, Choreographer) has been a Chicago-based director, choreographer and producer for the last five years. His directing credits include Miracle on 34th Street and Anyone Can Whistle (Porchlight Music Theatre), Songs for a New World (Elmhurst College), A Streetcar Named Desire (Jedlicka), and workshop productions of the new musicals Far From Freud and Perpetual Possibility. His choreography credits include Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Bailiwick Chicago), The Full Monty (Villlage Players), Bombs Away (Bailiwick Repertory) and Spamalot (Jedlicka). He also co-hosts Option Up!, a cabaret talk-show, monthly at Stage 733 with music director Aaron Benham. He
Barbara Charlene (Stage Manager, Fight Director) is thrilled to be working again with the talented production team at JPAC. Past JPAC shows include Standing in Mattoon (SM and Fight Director). Barbara is an actor, fight director, stage manager and designer who has worked in Chicago, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Singapore and Italy, and with such companies as Theater Wit, Halcyon Theatre Company, Duplicity Ensemble, Towle Theatre, Big Noise Productions, The Lost Colony, Bright Star Touring Theatre, WOW Cafe Theatre, Stolen Chair Theatre Company and the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. www.barbaracharlene.com
John Warren (Music Director) is excited to collaborate on another JPAC production. Previous music directing credits here include Spamalot, Sunset Boulevard, and Legally Blonde. No stranger to the JPAC stage, John has performed in both Phantom of the Opera and Man of La Mancha. John is the head of music studies at Morton College, and he is excited to get a chance to work with another wonderful group of musicians! Michael Nedza (Scenic and Properties Designer/Technical Director) is a full-time faculty member at Morton College, and has been designing throughout the Midwest for over 25years. He has designed over 75 shows here at the JPAC. Some of his favorite designs include: Spamalot, Sunset Boulevard, Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, In My Life, We Will Rock You, Jekyll and Hyde, and 1776. Michael has been recognized twice with the “Award of Merit” from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
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Melanie Lamoureux (Managing Director) is the Theatre Manager for Morton College, and the Managing Director of the JPAC company, where she recently directed Love Story, the new musical adaptation of the famous Erich Segal novel. She holds a Bachelors of Music Education (Voice) from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Music (Musical Theatre) from the Boston Conservatory. She is the Founding Artistic Director of BAMtheatre, a youth educational theatre program that involves over 200 youth every summer. Through BAM, Melanie has directed over 20 productions including Violet, Nine, Chicago, and others. At the Boston Conservatory, Melanie established the Theatre for Young Audiences program. For her graduating thesis project, Melanie wrote, directed and performed in an original musical based on the Jeannette Walls’ memoir The Glass Castle. Melanie is also on the faculty of Fenwick High School, directing the Honors Choral and Theatre programs. This spring, Melanie will be directing How Can You Run With A Shell On Your Back? through the JPAC Theatre for Young Audiences program which she developed and initiated. Lindsay Prerost (Costume Designer) This is Lindsay’s third season costuming at JPAC. Lindsay is a designer at fifth Avenue Costumes in Naperville and also has her license in cosmetology. On top of all that, she is also a performer, about to start rehearsals for How To Succeed In Show Business at Porchlight Music Theatre. Micheal A. Kott (Multimedia/Sound Designer) has directed numerous plays and musicals both stateside and in Europe, including his critically acclaimed production of Murderer, by Anthony Shaffer. His JPAC directing credits include Doubt, Lilies of the Field and The Boys Next Door. Micheal is also a veteran performer at the JPAC having been involved in 18 shows over the last 12 years. Among his 12
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favorites are Blood Brothers, Moonlight and Magnolias, Peter Pan, and Tuesdays with Morrie. He is very grateful to Dante Orfei for his friendship, support, encouragement and trust. Micheal played the scenestealing Psychic in Brain Damaged Film’s 2008 release Secrets of the Clown, available at www.blockbuster.com! Micheal is the founding director of the Green Door Theatre in Garlstedt, West Germany. Currently he is the Artistic Director of Master’s Backstage Players in Carol Stream, Illinois. Micheal was also an ensemble member of Cenacle Theatre in Chicago, where he acted and directed numerous productions. Mike is the multimedia specialist for Morton College by day and at night divides his time among the various theatres in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. He is very thankful to Dr. Felicity Thoet for her guidance and direction. She is a wonderful director and I thank her for her knowledge. Luis Vidal (Sound Engineer/ Technician) is a Chicago Native and has been heavily involved with audio and music production for over 7 years. A graduate from Tribeca Flashpoint Academy with the focus of studio recording and live audio, Luis Vidal has been involved in previous productions at the JPAC including Accomplice and Love Story. Asides from working with the JPAC, Luis Vidal is also a songwriter and music producer; engineering and mixing local and out of state music. Luis is very excited and grateful to be a part of the stage and production team working to achieve the stellar performances that are delivered every show night.