A Christmas Carol & Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Gainesville Christmas Show Playbill
PROUDLY PRESENTS
Written by Gordon Greenberg & Steve Rosen
AEA Stage Manager
Amber Wilkerson*^
Costume Coordinator Helen Dominguez
Director
Stephanie Lynge
Production Manager/ Lighting Designer
Robert P. Robins^
Scenic Designer/ Technical Director Warren Goodwin
Sound Designer Amanda Yanes
Properties Designer Elaine Shoaf
The Hippodrome Theatre recognizes and acknowledges that it resides on the historic territories of the Timucua and Seminole peoples who long inhabited this land.
Actors’ Equity Association
Actors’ Equity Association (“Equity”), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 50,000 actors and stage managers. Equity seeks to foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. #EquityWorks
Hippodrome programs are sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture; Visit Gainesville Alachua County, and by the City of Gainesville, Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. Playbill by Nicole Brown.
Please do not use the entrances and exits during the performance. The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
PROUDLY PRESENTS
Written by Gordon Greenberg & Steve Rosen
THE CAST
Tom Vazquez Stefania Gonzalez* Savannah Simerly David Patrick Ford*^ Patrick T. Horn*
“Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Gainesville Christmas Show!” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service imprint. (v.rww .dramatists.com)
Originally commissioned by and world premiere presented by New Hope Productions (Alexander Fraser, Robyn Goodman, Stephen Kocis, Josh Fielder, Producers), 2017
Hippodrome productions are supported in part by: the National Endowment for the Arts, the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, Visit Gainesville Alachua County, and by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department.
*Appearing through an Agreement between the Hippodrome Theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
^ Hippodrome Company Member
There will be a 15 minute intermission THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: concordtheatricals.com/ resources/protecting-artists
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
Ben E. Keith Company, Greater Gainesville Chamber, Gator Moving and Storage Co.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Igniting the night with stories - that is the Hippodrome’s 52nd Season. We are proud to bring to our community a season full of passion, joy, curiosity, challenges, and change.
In times of upheaval and uncertainty, it’s important to look at what makes us a community, what ties us together. Since the beginning of mankind, we’ve sought solace and connection through shared stories. Live theatre embodies this essence, offering a sacred space where diverse voices converge, inviting us to lean in and become active participants in the unfolding narrative.
And what a story the last couple of months have been. With the sudden loss of the state funding and our struggle with the summer musical, the start of our 52nd Season was in question. But you, our community, answered that question loudly and strongly that the arts are important and part of who we are. The support and commitment of our patrons, our city, and our county has buoyed us to this moment. We know the way forward will be challenging, but as artists and art lovers, we will always find a way together.
This season we will continue to offer our Alternate Access Theatre on our Cinema Second Stage for each show until we have a working elevator again. And of course, on all the other nights of the year, our Cinema brings you series like the National Theatre Live and Cocktails and Classics along with new independent films.
And our new season will feature new creative outlets in our Basement venue. Be sure to check out Scene Queens and Basement Sessions, and we are proud to announce our new Hipp Spotlight Cabaret program and the Underground Comedy Series as well.
So join us. Lean in this season and be a part of the conversation, and be a part of the community.
-Stephanie Lynge (Hippodrome Artistic Director)
WHO’S WHO IN EBENEZER SCROOGE’S BIG GAINESVILLE CHRISTMAS SHOW
Stephanie Lynge^ (Director)
Stephanie Lynge is an accomplished actor, director, producer, teacher and coach. Stephanie has enjoyed a career of more than 27 years in professional theater and education. Since 2013 she has worked on more than 50 productions at the Hippodrome either as an actor, director, choreographer, or dramaturg. She was seen on stage in The Wolves and Let The Right One In. Her other acting credits include performances in New York City on Broadway and Off Broadway at Lincoln Center, BAM, Jean Cocteau Rep, and the York Theater Workshop. Regional theaters include Freefall, Goodspeed Opera House, Sacramento Music Circus, Pasadena Playhouse, Rep Theater of St. Louis, Flat Rock Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Seaside Music Theater, as well as several National Tours. Directing credits include the Hippodrome’s Every Christmas Story Ever Told, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Sex With Strangers, The Blameless, and Lone Star Spirits as well as plays at the 45th Street Theater (NYC), New York Musical Theater Festival, and the University of Florida. Stephanie has served as a Visiting professor at Indiana University, and an Adjunct professor at New Jersey City University and University of Florida. After receiving her BA in Musical Theater from Indiana University, Stephanie lived and worked as an actor in New York City for over 20 years. Stephanie holds a Master of Fine Arts in acting from University of Florida and is a proud member of Actors Equity Association since 1996.
WHO’S WHO IN EBENEZER SCROOGE’S BIG GAINESVILLE CHRISTMAS SHOW
David Patrick Ford*^ (Mr. Cratchit, Marley, Charles, Fezzi, Purser, Jack, Jean, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come)
Broadway National Tours: The Full Monty (Keno, Ethan U/S, DC); Footloose (Lyle, Chuck U/S) Off-Broadway: Sessions (Dylan) Off- Off Broadway: Macbeth (Macbeth), Othello (Iago), Merchant (Antonio) Gallery Players; Year One of the Empire (Beveridge) Metropolitan Playhouse. & NY Theatre Workshop Regional: Pitts. CLO, Sac. LOA, Walnut Street, NC Theatre, North Shore, Alliance, Playhouse on the Sq., Westchester B’way, KC Starlight, MUNY St Louis At the Hipp recently: Next to Normal (Dan), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (D’Ysquith Family), Fahrenheit 451 (Beatty), The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (EKO). David is a member of the Hippodrome acting company. www. DavidPatrickFord.com. Love to my family!
Patrick T. Horn* (Scrooge)
New York based actor/professor and MFA recipient from the New School for Drama. Resident Technical Supervisor for Hunger and Thirst as well as Adjunct Professor for NYU and Circle in the Square for Mask/Character Mask (Movement Department Chair). Recent NY and regional stage credits: Present (A Christmas Carol, Hippodrome), Peter (Strangers in the Night, Hunger and Thirst Theater) Dr. Gary McIntyre (8000m, Golden Shards Productions), John (Your Invisible Corset, Hunger and Thirst Theater), Alex (The Dead, Irish Repertory Theater) and He (Shooting Rats, Second Circle Theatre Co.). Recent NY film credits: Kent (King Lear, DMTheatrics), After Party (Kate Stahl, NYU Graduate Film) and Parental Pride (Lisa Vear, Forever Home Productions).
Stefania Gonzalez* (Gertrude Saint, Lavinia, Ghost of Christmas Present, Team Captain, Boy, Maxine, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come)
Stefania Gonzalez is a New York based actor, originally from Ann Arbor, MI. Other credits include Native Gardens (Meadow Brook), The Thanksgiving Play (Dezart Performs), The Heart of Robin Hood (U. Of Michigan), Romeo and Juliet (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts). BFA University of Michigan. Go Blue! Thanks to family & friends! stefaniagonzalez.com
WHO’S WHO IN EBENEZER SCROOGE’S BIG GAINESVILLE CHRISTMAS SHOW
Savannah Simerly (Prudence Saint, Ghost of Christmas Past, Lady Marmalade, Mrs. Cratchit,Jennie, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come)
Savannah Simerly is a Hippster who has previously played in The Hipp’s productions of Silent Sky, It’s A Woman’s World, A Christmas Carol and The Hipp Unplugged: A Staged Reading Series. Her dramatic research has recently been published in The Journal of Applied Arts & Health and The International Journal of the Inclusive Museum.
Savannah holds a MFA in Acting & Theatre Studies from UF, and a BFA in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Music from UWF.
Tom Vazquez (Fred, Young Scrooge, Medium Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Isaac, Leader of the Sons of Pitches, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come)
Tom is thrilled to return to the Hippodrome for his third holiday season! Originally from Syracuse, NY, Tom recently earned his MFA in Acting/Performance (May 2024) from the University of Florida, and just before graduating, Tom spent four months studying and performing alongside the theatre collective Y no había luz in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He just finished working in Salem, MA as a creative consultant, stage manager, and wardrobe supervisor with Blackcraft Cult to run one of the premier haunted house experiences in Salem. Contact: thomasanthonyvazquez@ gmail.com
WHO’S WHO IN EBENEZER SCROOGE’S BIG GAINESVILLE CHRISTMAS SHOW
Elaine Shoaf (Properties Designer) Alma Elaine Shoaf is a painter, illustrator and book artist based in Gainesville, Florida. She graduated from The Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in illustration, and has created illustrations for Radix Media, the Florida Trail Association, Hachette Books, Before the Door Pictures, Keepers of the Springs, Swamp Witch Pedals, and the Tampa Bay Brewing Company. Her second solo show, Ghost Lines, premiered at 621 Gallery in Tallahassee, FL in 2017, and her drawings and paintings have been exhibited across the country. Additionally, she makes and sells handbound journals and sketchbooks under the moniker Inky Cap Books using a combination of repurposed materials and her original prints and drawings/paintings.
Helen Dominguez (Costume Coordinator) is delighted to return to the Hippodrome for its 52nd season. Erin is a UF alumna and a former Hippodrome costumes intern (2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons), and in 2020 received her MFA in costume design and technology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Previous costume design credits include productions of Cabaret, Much Ado About Nothing and Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses. Other credits include costume historical research for North Carolina State University’s Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies, historical costume reproduction for the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel, MS, and costume coordination for the Moscow Ballet’s The Great Russian Nutcracker and the independent film series 12 Westerns in 12 Months, directed by Travis Mills.
Amanda Yanes (Sound Designer) Amanda is thrilled to be in her twelfth season at the Hippodrome. Other regional credits include Cape Fear Regional Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar, Legally Blonde: The Musical, and The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ’61 Freedom Riders, and as the mix engineer in Fayetteville, North Carolina at Dorset Theatre Festival: Keep moving forward.
Amber Wilkerson*^ (AEA Stage Manager) Amber is a professional Stage & Event Manager. She has been affiliated with the Hippodrome Theatre since 2003, first as Properties Intern, then as Assistant Stage Manager before moving to New York City to pursue a career in theatre. She returned to the Hipp as the AEA Stage Manager of A Christmas Carol in 2005 & 2006. She has worked professionally for The Metropolitan Opera (NYC), The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (Madison, NJ), North Shore Music Theatre (Beverly, MA), and Times Square New Year’s Eve 2006-2010 (NYC). In 2006, Amber served as a Production Assistant on the Broadway musical, Grey Gardens. Amber spent five years working with Manhattan Theatre Club as a Subscriber Services Representative and two years as a House Manager at Playwrights Horizons, both in New York City. Originally from Maryland, she holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Salisbury University. Amber is a proud member of the Hippodrome Company and the Actors’ Equity Association.
WHO’S WHO IN EBENEZER SCROOGE’S BIG GAINESVILLE CHRISTMAS SHOW
Robert P. Robins^ (Production Manager/Lighting Designer) Robert P. Robins (Lighting Designer, Production and Facility Manager). This is Bob’s 40th season here at the Hippodrome, where he has designed lighting for hundreds and hundreds of productions and events. His first show was Revenge of the Space Pandas, running a followspot during the first season the Hippodrome was in its current downtown location, 44 years ago. As Production Manager for the last 8 years, Bob finds and hires all designers and production staff. He helps set policy for the production department and helps facilitate communication and collaboration within the creative team.
As Facility Manager for the last 8 years, Bob has overseen day to day management of the historic building the Hippodrome calls home including housekeeping and maintenance and repair of all physical plant systems. He has overseen a number of major renovations including the lobbies, cinema and restrooms, repair of the oldest running elevator in the state of Florida, repair and improvements to roof’s drainage system, ADA accessibility, installation of new computer, phone and internet security systems, design of the exterior building LED lighting system and new lighting and sound systems in the mainstage among many other projects.
Bob and his company, RPR Lighting Designs, continue to provide lighting designs throughout the country, working with clients that include architects, theatres, dance companies, industrial events, schools, colleges and universities, municipalities, various types of small and large companies, and homeowners. He proudly holds a BFA in Theatre Production from the University of Florida.
Warren Goodwin (Technical Director) Warren joined the Hippodrome in 2004 as a carpenter in the scene shop, and assumed the role of Master Carpenter in 2006. In addition to helping build over a hundred of Hippodrome sets, Warren served as co-scenic designer on The Christians and The Wolves. He is thrilled to be currently serving as Technical Director. In his free time, Warren enjoys painting, and is an accomplished local artist. You can often find his work on display next door at Maude’s Cafe.
PROUDLY PRESENTS
By Charles Dickens
Adapted By Niall McGinty
Director
Andrea Young
AEA Stage Manager
Adrian Griffey*
Costume Coordinator
Helen Dominguez
Voice & Dialect Coach
Susan Schuld
Select Costume Pieces by Marilyn A. Wall
AEA Assistant Stage Manager
Olivia Millwood*
Production Manager/ Lighting Designer
Robert P. Robins^
Scenic Designer Mihai Ciupe^
Music Coordinator
Brian Hargrove
Sound Designer Amanda Yanes
Puppet Designer
Elaine Shoaf
Technical Director
Warren Goodwin
Select Costume Pieces by Erin Jester
The Hippodrome Theatre recognizes and acknowledges that it resides on the historic territories of the Timucua and Seminole peoples who long inhabited this land.
Actors’ Equity Association
Actors’ Equity Association (“Equity”), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 50,000 actors and stage managers. Equity seeks to foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. #EquityWorks
Hippodrome programs are sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture; Visit Gainesville Alachua County, and by the City of Gainesville, Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. Playbill by Nicole Brown.
Please do not use the entrances and exits during the performance. The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
“Originally commissioned and produced by Hippodrome Theatre, Gainesville, Florida
Stephanie Lynge, Artistic Director
Hippodrome productions are supported in part by: the National Endowment for the Arts, the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, Visit Gainesville Alachua County, and by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department.
*Appearing through an Agreement between the Hippodrome Theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
^ Hippodrome Company Member
There is NO intermission.
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
Ben E. Keith Company, Greater Gainesville Chamber, Gator Moving and Storage Co.
WHO’S WHO IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Andrea Young (Director)
Andrea is thrilled to be making her Hippodrome directorial debut with A Christmas Carol. Other directorial credits include Cabaret, Little Women, The Tempest, and The Importance of Being Earnest with Acrosstown Repertory Theatre. She holds a BFA in acting from Wright State University.
Gregg Jones*^ (Ebenezer Scrooge)
Gregg returns to the Hipp for his twenty-seventh run of A Christmas Carol. Before playing Scrooge, he had the infinite pleasure of playing Jacob Marley opposite Hippodrome legend Rusty Salling for 16 years. Mr. Jones has performed on the Hippodrome stage since the 1978-79 season when he first appeared in They Shoot Horses Don’t They? Since then, he has played various roles in more than 50 productions at the theatre including: (Tom) Dinner With Friends, (Salvador Dali) Hysteria, (Adrian) Private Eyes, (Leslie, Phyllis and Tom) Sylvia, (Sid Caesar) Laughter on the 23rd Floor, (Det. Nick Rosetti) Shear Madness (2 Runs), (Adrian) Stage Kiss, (Walter Flood) Becky’s New Car. Film and television: Waterways, Miami Vice, A Flash of Green and Coastlines (Victor Nunez). Gregg is a former Santa Fe College theatre faculty where he taught for 30 years, retiring in 2016, and is a proud member of both Actors Equity (1974) and SAG-AFTRA (1985).
Niall McGinty*^ (Bob,Partier)
Niall is a proud ensemble member of the Hippodrome. Hippodrome credits include: What the Constitution Means to Me (Legionnaire), Fahrenheit 451 (Guy Montag), As You Like It (Touchstone), Lone Star Spirits (Ben), Miracle on South Division Street (Jimmy), Ripcord (Derek), 1984 (Winston), Hamlet (Laertes), Peter & the Starcatcher (Peter), Eurydice (Orpheus), The Glass Menagerie (Tom), Romeo and Juliet (Romeo), The Diary of Anne Frank (Peter), The Play About the Baby (Boy), Proof (Hal), Macbeth (Ross). He has also, in various ways (acting, directing, & adapting), been involved in A Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome for 10 years. Chicago credits include work at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Victory Gardens, TimeLine Theatre, Griffin Theatre, Eclipse Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, & 16th St Theatre. Niall also owns a Gainesville themed business (gnvee.com) and photography business (felixphoto.us).
WHO’S WHO IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Kelly Atkins*^ (Marley, Mrs. Fezziwig, Fred’s Wife)
Kelly was seen earlier this Hipp season in Gentleman’s Guide and POTUS, and is happy to be returning for her third run of Carol. Past Hipp favorites: starring roles in Living on Love, Souvenir, The Toxic Avenger, Hand to God, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Alice in Wonderland, Scrooge in Rouge, and many summer jukebox musicals. As a member of Actor’s Equity Association for 27 years, Kelly has performed leading ladies at theatres around the country, ranging from classics like The King and I, Hello Dolly, My Fair Lady, Camelot, and Pirates of Penzance, as well as contemporary musical comedies including Mamma Mia, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Victor/Victoria, Little Shop of Horrors, ...Spelling Bee, and Hairspray. Film/ TV: HBO’s Recount, America’s Most Wanted, guest hosting on Lifetime Network’s Designing Spaces, numerous commercials. Concert engagements: soloist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Opera Theatre of Connecticut, national finalist in the American Traditions Vocal Competition.
Jennifer Hutton (Solicitor, Present, Old Joan)
A steady presence in Gainesville community theatre, Jennifer’s past credits include The Yellow Wallpaper (The Woman), Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (Lucy), Twelfth Night (Olivia), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [abridged](revised) (Adam), and No Exit (Inez). You may have also seen (and heard) her live foley work with UFPA’s Driveway Theatre Project. She is delighted to be making her Hippodrome debut by participating in a beloved Gainesville holiday tradition.
Leo Anderson (Fred, Young Scrooge, Future)
Leo Anderson is thrilled to be a part of this holiday production. Some of his acting credits including Fish (The Royale), Omari (Pipeline), Ain’t Misbehavin, Collins (Rent). Dance credits: The Nutcracker (The Nutcracker Prince, Arabic, Russia ) The Urban Nutcracker. Company credits include Shanghai Disney resort, Ballethnic ballet company, Tampa Bay ballet, Ocala civic ballet company.
Rikki Baynard is proud to be making her Hippodrome debut. A graduate of the University of Florida and Circle in the Square Theater School, Rikki is continuing her work on and off the stage at UPFA, the ART and now, the Hipp! She was last seen slinking around as Sally Bowles in Cabaret but she has been in a wide variety of productions between Gainesville and New York including The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), Top Girls, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and The Importance of Being Earnest.
Andrea Matos Devesa (Past, Stout Sister, Merchant)
Andrea Matos Devesa is currently a second-year BA Theater and English student at the University of Florida and is very excited to be making her professional theater debut at the Hippodrome. She has previously appeared in many high school productions with her favorites being Bye Bye Birdie (Rose Alvarez), Curtains (Carmen Bernstein), and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (KatrinaVan Tassel). She also portrayed Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez in Charley’s Aunt at the District V Thespian Festival One Act Competition and at the Florida Theater Conference, and was given the Outstanding Cast Member award at both, before moving to the Florida State Thespian Festival where the production was awarded Top Honors. She wants to thank her parents, Nancy and Nelson, and her high school theater teacher, BambiEllen Fadoul, for their unending love and support.
Shamrock McShane (Fezziwig, Topper, Merchant)
Atlanta Black Theatre Best Supporting Actor Awardwinner, stars in the Tom Miller films The Seven Sides of Shakespeare and Audience. After celebrating the holidays as Mr. Fezziwig, he’ll play opposite E. Stanley Richardson in February in An Evening with Frederick Douglass & John Brown in February.
WHO’S WHO IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Noah Preble - Peter
Noah is thrilled to be back with his Hippodrome family for the third year! Recently seen on stage as Jim Hawkins (Treasure Island), Noah’s other credits include short films, plays, and musicals. Off-stage, he enjoys video games and cubing. Thank you to: Mom and Dad, Grandma, friends, brothers, and cats.
Evelyn Titus - Belinda
Evelyn is in 7th Grade at Howard Bishop Middle School where she is a member of the Symphonic Winds Band where she is a percussionist. This is her second year in “A Christmas Carol.” She loves The Hipp and has been in numerous summer performances. Evelyn enjoys spending time with her friends and loves reading books. Evelyn is grateful for the support and encouragement of her friends and family.
Willow Titus - Turkey Kid, Ignorance, Haunt
Willow is in 10th grade at Santa Fe College Academy of Science and Technology. This is her third year in “A Christmas Carol.” Willow loves The Hipp and has been in numerous summer performances. Willow enjoys spending time with her friends, practicing Tae Kwon Do and enjoys advocating for children with special needs. Willow is grateful for the support and encouragement of her friends and family.
Max Titus - Tiny Tim
Max is in the 3rd grade at Talbot Elementary School. This is his first year in “A Christmas Carol.” He loves all things Florida Gators, especially the football team. Max practices Tae Kwon Do and loves all animals. Max loves The Hipp and had a great time in the summer camp. Max is grateful for the support and encouragement of his friends, teachers, and family.
Evelyn George - Fan
Evelyn (11 years old) is a 5th grader at Talbot and has 3 younger siblings. She has appeared in Little Miss Sunshine, Grease, & Rudolph3 and had the role of Fan in last year’s A Christmas Carol. Her interests include theater, singing, gymnastics, running, volleyball, math and reading.
Vera Ney - Fan
Vera is excited to play Fan in her first Christmas Carol performance! She loves watching and performing theater. Her most recent roles include Dory in Finding Nemo Jr. and Scuttle in The Little Mermaid Jr. She wants to thank her friends and family for putting up with all the jazz hands.
Marco Ramos - Peter
Marco is a junior at Trilogy School. He is 17 years old and has been in several of the Hippodrome’s Summer Spectacular productions. Most recently he played Scrooge in Alachua Children’s Theater’s production of A Seussified Christmas Carol. Marco enjoys photograph, music, and biking. He plans to study theater when he goes to college.
Susana ‘Susu’ Ramos - Martha
Susana is in 8th grade at St. Patrick School. She has been in several summer children’s productions at the Hippodrome. She most recently played Aunt Spiker in the production of James and the Giant Peach Susana plays volleyball and is a cheerleader. She plays violin in the Annesemble Orchestra.
Lua Delancy Cao - Young Belle, Haunt
Lua is currently an 8th grader at Alachua Learning Academy. She loves animals, swimming, Dungeons & Dragons, and her family. Lua would like to thank The Hippodrome for including her in this magical show and wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season!
WHO’S WHO IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Esme Aurora Cao - Tiny Tim
Esme is a 5th grader at Talbot Elementary School. She can often be seen upside down in a cartwheel or choreographing dances at the end of her driveway. Esme is grateful to share the 2024 holiday season with this amazing cast and The Hippodrome family!
Rowan Macgregor - Young Belle, Haunt
Rowan’s other credits include Lady Capulet in the Hippodrome summer teen intensive, Ethel Tofflemeyer in the Music Man Jr, and Ugly Old Woman in The Canterbury Tales. When not at the theatre, Rowan enjoys riding her pony Poncho, playing piano, Jui jitsu, and Stephen King novels.
Keo Evans - Young Scrooge
Keo is excited to be in his second play and is diving deeper into his love for theater. A sophomore in Loften High’s Graphic Art and Design program, he’s passionate about visual arts. Outside of drawing, Keo enjoys musical theater soundtracks and cooking.
Lena Morgan - Turkey Kid, Ignorance, Haunt
Lena is thrilled to return to A Christmas Carol for her third season, this time as the Turkey Kid. She has having previously appeared as Young Belle and Tiny Tim. Lena is in the fifth grade at Lawton Chiles Elementary. In addition to acting, her hobbies include dance classes, making arts and crafts, and musical theatre.
Alexis Santiago - Dolly, Haunt
As a toddler I remember I would always love to perform at family events. I started performing in front of large crowds at the age of 3 years old and up to current dancing with a dancing company Doxa Dance Studio. That’s where I developed my passion for performing. I then start acting at the age of 4 and up to current with The Hippodrome Summer Spectacular Theater camp. I also cheerlead for PK YONGE from the age of 5 to current . That is where I am currently attend school at UF’s Research School PK Yonge and I make the A B honor each quarter. I love to perform and when I am not performing I enjoy swimming, traveling and reading different books.
Zion Timotheus Davis - Dick, Haunt
This is my first time participating in a Hippodrome production outside of summer camp. I enjoy learning about the theatrical arts. It’s very fun and exciting to be apart of the cast. I hope everyone is entertained by our performance, happy holidays!
Valyx Stokes - Young Scrooge
I’m fifteen years old and I’ve been acting for about seven years. This is my third year in A Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome.
Olive Shepper - Belinda
Olive is a current 7th grader at Howard Bishop Middle School. Her love for theatre began there when she joined Ms. Collin’s theatre 1 class in the 6 th grade. She has attended theatre camp at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre and has also performed at The Hippodrome Theatre in Alice in Wonderland in the role of the Cheshire Cat. Olive is extremely excited to be a part of this year’s Christmas Carol and continue her love for acting.
Erin Gwaltney - Martha
Erin is a sixth grader. She enjoys performing in the arts and has been performing for the past six years. Her favorite roles have been “Baloo” from The Jungle Book and “Bloat” from Finding Nemo. She is excited to be performing in her first production at the Hippodrome Theater.
WHO’S WHO IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Adrian Griffey* (Stage Manager) Adrian is grateful and excited to be making his stage management debut at Hippodrome Theatre. A Florida Native, Adrian has worked over nine years at a variety of theatrical companies and theatrical houses across the United States and is very happy to be part of this wonderful company for A Christmas Carol. He would like to thank Hippodrome Theatre for giving him this opportunity, and for his family and friends for their support.
Amanda Yanes (Sound Designer) Amanda is thrilled to be in her twelfth season at the Hippodrome. Other regional credits include Cape Fear Regional Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar, Legally Blonde: The Musical, and The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ’61 Freedom Riders, and as the mix engineer in Fayetteville, North Carolina at Dorset Theatre Festival: Keep moving forward.
Brian Hargrove (Music Coordinator) Brian has served as accompanist for the School of Music and the School of Theatre and Dance at the University of Florida since 2004. He earned his undergraduate degree in composition and studied piano performance at the University of Florida. As Assistant Music Director, he has been involved with numerous productions including Tosca, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, and West Side Story. Brian also works with Apex Theatre Studio in St. Augustine, Florida and the UF Opera Outreach. He is currently faculty at UF as Assistant in Musical Accompaniment.
Elaine Shoaf (Puppet Designer) Alma Elaine Shoaf is a painter, illustrator and book artist based in Gainesville, Florida. She graduated from The Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in illustration, and has created illustrations for Radix Media, the Florida Trail Association, Hachette Books, Before the Door Pictures, Keepers of the Springs, Swamp Witch Pedals, and the Tampa Bay Brewing Company. Her second solo show, Ghost Lines, premiered at 621 Gallery in Tallahassee, FL in 2017, and her drawings and paintings have been exhibited across the country. Additionally, she makes and sells handbound journals and sketchbooks under the moniker Inky Cap Books using a combination of repurposed materials and her original prints and drawings/ paintings.
Helen Dominguez (Costume Coordinator) Helen is excited to join The Hipp team and contribute to the legacy of theatre in Gainesville. Helen holds an MFA in Costume Design from the University of Florida. Some of her recent design credits include Seussical, Jr at Gulfshore Playhouse, POTUS: or, Behind Every Great…here at The Hipp, The Pliant Girls and Yemaya’s Belly at UF, and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Murderers, Happy Day’s at Snowy Range Summer Theatre. Through costume, Helen strives to combine the respect of historical and cultural differences of people and characters with the grounding and unifying commonalities of humanity. This was demonstrated most notably in her work for Agbedidi: Beginnings in 2021, which was presented at the Prague Quadrennial of Performance, Design, and Space. Soli Deo Gloria. Website: https://www.dominguezdesigns.com/
Susan Schuld (Accent/Dialect and Text Coach) has been acting and vocal coaching nationally for over 25 years and is an Associate Professor of Voice and Speech here at the School of Theatre and Dance. M.F.A in Acting from Rutgers University, Designated Linklater Teacher, Certified Teacher of Knight-Thompson Speechwork, and a National Michael Chekhov Association Teacher.
Warren Goodwin (Technical Director) Warren joined the Hippodrome in 2004 as a carpenter in the scene shop, and assumed the role of Master Carpenter in 2006. In addition to helping build over a hundred of Hippodrome sets, Warren served as co-scenic designer on The Christians and The Wolves. He is thrilled to be currently serving as Technical Director. In his free time, Warren enjoys painting, and is an accomplished local artist. You can often find his work on display next door at Maude’s Cafe.
WHO’S WHO IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Mihai Ciupe (Scenic Designer) Originally from Romania, Mihai Ciupe received a double MFA degree in costume and set design from Carnegie Mellon University and his BFA from Art and Design University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. During his MFA he was awarded the George Kimberly Scene Design Award and the Oren Parker Award in Design and Production. Prior to the United States he was resident scenographer at The National Theatre of Cluj, Romania. During his former years he traveled extensively in Europe in tours with the shows that he designed, getting exposure to the various schools of theatre from England, Scotland, Hungary, France, and Yugoslavia. As a designer he worked with some of the greatest Romanian directors: Gabor Tompa, Alexandru Dabija, Iulian Visa, Mihai Manutiu, Victor Ion Frunza. In 1991 he received a scholarship to attend The London International Festival of Theatre. Since 1995 he is a member of The United Association of the Romanian Fine Artists in the scenography section. In1999 he joined the theatre and dance faculty at University of Florida, where he was assigned to start the graduate program in Set Design. By 2013 his graduate students won The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Award three times: in 2005, 2007 and 2013. During his tenure at UF he has built a strong artistic relationship with The Hippodrome State Theatre, the only professional theatre in North Central Florida, where he has designed the sets for over twenty-five productions. He has continued to work professionally at national and international level.
Robert P. Robins^ (Production Manager/Lighting Designer) This is Bob’s 40th season here at the Hippodrome, where he has designed lighting for hundreds and hundreds of productions and events. His first show was Revenge of the Space Pandas, running a followspot during the first season the Hippodrome was in its current downtown location, 44 years ago. As Production Manager for the last 8 years, Bob finds and hires all designers and production staff. He helps set policy for the production department and helps facilitate communication and collaboration within the creative team. As Facility Manager for the last 8 years, Bob has overseen day to day management of the historic building the Hippodrome calls home including housekeeping and maintenance and repair of all physical plant systems. He has overseen a number of major renovations including the lobbies, cinema and restrooms, repair of the oldest running elevator in the state of Florida, repair and improvements to roof’s drainage system, ADA accessibility, installation of new computer, phone and internet security systems, design of the exterior building LED lighting system and new lighting and sound systems in the mainstage among many other projects.Bob and his company, RPR Lighting Designs, continue to provide lighting designs throughout the country, working with clients that include architects, theatres, dance companies, industrial events, schools, colleges and universities, municipalities, various types of small and large companies, and homeowners. He proudly holds a BFA in Theatre Production from the University of Florida.
Olivia Millwood* (Assistant Stage Manager) Olivia is a recent graduate from The University of the South, Sewanee. She was introduced to theatre through extensive dance training and transferred that experience and work-ethic from on-stage to off-stage throughout her collegiate career. Recent collegiate credits include A Streetcar Named Desire, Big Love, and Urinetown. This is Olivia’s first season with The Hipp, and it is also her first time doing A Christmas Carol. She is grateful for the wonderful opportunities The Hipp has given her and is looking forward to the Spring season! Olivia would like to thank her family and friends for all their constant support and encouragement.
AEA Stage Manager
HIPPODROME STAFF
Amber Wilkerson Production Manager Bob Robins
Assistant Stage Manager Olivia Millwood
Venue Manager Liz Baer
Artistic Director Stephanie Lynge
Box Office Gabriel Davis
Technical Director Warren Goodwin Scenic Artist Ken Brown
Building Caretaker Amador Santiago Graphic Designer Nicole Brown
Marketing Associate Cristina Cabada First Hand Asia Weiss
Costume Coordinator Helen Dominguez First Hand Mary Robinson
Marketing Coordinator Chris Bailey Bookkeeper Marie House
Education Director Gabrielle Byam
Development Associate Amie Thompson
Office Manager Bionca Kleinberg
Facilities Manager Bob Robins
Group Sales/Box Office Matt Dibble Lead Electrician Gavin Cassel
Development Consultant Nell Rainsberger Carpenter Meredith Klump
Assistant Building Caretaker Jacques Harris Bartender Ellie Baumgartner
Bartender Jessica Cada
Bartender Vivienne Serret
House Manager McKensi Houston
House Manager Adam Azoulay
Bartender Cai Husband
House Manager Resli Ward
House Manager Amanda Barwick
Wardrobe Assistant Naomi Glaser++
Costume Shop Volunteer Leslie Klein Wardrobe Assistant Loren Meza+
Costume Shop Volunteer Amber Law
Costume Shop Volunteer Gabe Carreras
Assistant Stage Manager Emma Rose Agnelli+
Light/Sound Board Operator Miranda Campos+
Assistant Director (Youth Cast) Talia Porter++
Child Actor Supervisor Celina Azebeokhai++
+ Staff on Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Gainesville Christmas Show Only ++ Staff on A Christmas Carol Only
OUR GENEROUS DONORS
The Hippodrome thanks its many donors for their generous contributions to support our productions and programs! For more information on how your gift supports the Hippodrome, please contact Matt Dibble at (352) 373-5968 ext. 217. Donations listed are from 8/1/23 through11/8/24.
PRODUCER $50,000+
Nathan S. Collier
Cindy Dorfeld Bruckman
DIRECTOR $10,000+$49,999
(anonymous)
PLAYWRIGHT $5,000-$9,999
Margaret Ford
Colleen & Ken Rand
Dr. Janet & Burt Silverstein
Mary Trew & Weaver Gaines
COMPOSER $1,000-$2,499
Tim Altmeyer
Bill & Trina Anderson
Wayne & Penny Archer
David C. Bloom
Jill K Bohlin
Cheryl Calhoun
Dr. Chris & Rusty Forsmark
Nora lee Hoover
Michelle Koidin Jaffee
Joseph & Lucille W Little
Charlene Luke
Anthony Maurelli
DESIGNER $2,500-$4,999
Debbie & Mike Conlon
Anne Margoluis
Midge Smith
Nel & Daniel R Webster
Merry Lynne Wilson
Carol F Meyer
Judge Karen Miller
Jon & Leah Morris
Ted & Hallie McFetridge
Bill & Deborah Rossi
Mary M Sanford
Dr. Farol Tomson
Donna & Wilt Wagner
Dr. Roy & Marjorie G Weiner
Kathleen Wilkinson
Dr. Elaine Young
Bill & Carole Zegel
OUR GENEROUS DONORS
CHOREOGRAPHER $500-$999
Joy & Michael Avery
Walter Barry
Dr. Joanne & Ed R. Block
Phoebe Bowers
Frederick J Brenneman
Charna & Stuart Cohn
Dr. Daniel & Lisa Duncanson
Albert Eid
Saundra J Fisher
D.A. Fosser
Dr. Ira H Gessener
Laura Gillman
Micheal Gorham
Deborah Haggett & Ed Wurzburg
Dr. Carolyn Hanson
Fred Harden
Heather Harrell
Ann Hatfield
Barry & Elaine Jacobson
Gregg Jones
Kerry A Keenan
Rev. Maureen Killoran
Nelson & Kami Boon Landy
Sallie Maxwell
Sally E Ryden
Betty Schelske
Jennifer K Smith
John & Daun Spindler
Connie & Bob Stern
Dr. Jeff Weingarten
Dr. Cynthia J White
CAST $250-$499
Bryce & Catherine Ackerman
Janice & Tom Bird
Dr. Erin Cooke
Robert & Collen Cornwell
Allison Cunningham
Anne D’Amico
John Freeman
Bryan & Cady Garey
David Hammer
Dr. David Hastings
Robert & Lynne Holt
Dr. Gerald & Kathryn Kidder
Dr. John & Carol Koogler
Phyllis Lotzkar
Dr. Timothy Martin
Dr. Michael & Jeannene Mironack
Pat & Robert Teller Moore
Dr. Dan Rimkus
Whitney Sanford & Kevin Veach
Carol & Jim Sarisky
David & Carole Silverman
John & Susan Stanton
Jane Townsend
Timothy & Christine Tucker
Kenya Ward
Steve & Judy Watkins
Samuel Welker
Robert Stan & Peggy Williams
Mz. T Yurkovich
Harvey & Missy Willis Ziegler
Thank you to Michael A. Eaddy for photographing The Hippodromes moments for the last 20 years
Donations made from 8/1/23 through11/8/24
CORPORATE SPONSORS
The commitment of the corporate community is critical for the Hippodrome to sustain its highly acclaimed productions and programs. To learn more about corporate partner opportunities, contact the Hipp at development@thehipp.org
SEASON PRODUCERS $50,000+
City of Gainesville
The Collier Companies
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS $20,000+
98.5 KTK, 97.3 The Sky, Country 103.7
The Gator, AM 850
CBS 4 / NBC9 / WGFL
James Moore Consulting
PRODUCERS $10,000+
EFN Properties
Sweetwater Inn
Gainesville Health and Fitness
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille
Wind-FM 92.5 Gainesville/95.5 Ocala
PRODUCTION SPONSORS $5,000+
Ben E. Keith Company
Bevis Chiropractic
Colortyme Furniture Sales
Destination Florida
Greater Gainesville Chamber
PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS $2,500+
Gator Moving and Storage Co.
Mini Maid
Sherwin Williams
Oak Hammock at the University of Florida
Milam Funeral Home
PERFORMANCE SPONSORS $1,750+
Tonewood Family Music
JohnRussell Salon
The Bagel Bakery
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Michael and Phyllis Warren on behalf of AMJ Group inc.
UF School of Theatre + Dance
Lake and Emerald Publications
Quality Plumbing
WUFT-FM, WUFT-TV
Gainesville City Lifestyle
Ken and Linda McGurn Investment Company
Alta Printing
Marc Radio Group
Renaissance Printing UF Health
The Traveler Bar
UF Psychiatric Health
Rip’s Cleaners
JVC Media Group
Alliance Credit Union
Hampton Inn & Suites
Myers Briggs Foundation
Watchguard Technologies
Allstate Agent Judy Locascio
Bingo Deli & Pub
The Hippodrome would like to thank the City of Gainesville and Alachua County for years of generous support.
FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Google
Bryson Foundation LTD
Amazon Smile Foundation
Florida Blue Foundation
The Jelks Family Foundation
NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Matheson History Museum
Community Foundation of North Central Florida
Pride Community Center of North Central Florida(PCCNCF)
2024-2025 LEADING LADIES
This annual women’s philanthropy group officially launched in 2015 for women who love and support the arts. We thank all of our past supporters. Below is our 2024-2025 list of supporters (so far!). If you’d like to renew your membership to this dynamic group of women or become a new member, please contact development@thehipp.org
