Director: Laura Shatkus^ AEA Stage Manager: Nichole Hamilton*^ AEA Assistant Stage Manager: Olivia Bradshaw* Scenic Designer: Mihai Ciupe^ Costume Designer: Erin Jester Sound Designer/Mix Engineer: Amanda Yanes Production Manager/Lighting Designer: Robert P. Robins^ Master Electrician: Jay Mathey Technical Director/Props Designer: Warren Goodwin Music Coordinator: Brian Hargrove Puppet Designer: Elaine Shoaf Voice & Dialect Coach: Susan Schuld Select Original Costume Pieces Designed by Marilyn A. Wall
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 Isabella Lara. 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.
THE CAST Scrooge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gregg Jones*^ Bob/Partier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Niall McGinty*^ Fred, Young Scrooge, Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Vazquez Solicitor, Belle, Mrs. Cratchit, Partier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacqueline St. Pierre Solicitor, Present, Old Joe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrick T. Horn Marley, Mrs. Fezziwig, Fred’s Wife. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Atkins*^ Past, Stout Sister, Merchant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrea Matos Devesa Fezziwig, Topper, Merchant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shamrock McShane Martha / Ensemble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ava VanBourgondien, Anna Tomlinson Peter / Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Blue Johnson, Valyx Stokes Belinda/ Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ella Grace, Mimi Macklin Tiny Tim / Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaya Weiser, Ellison Hill Young Scrooge / Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noah Preble, Kenna Blackburn Fan /Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lula Ney, Evelyn George Young Belle / Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isla Diaz, Lena Morgan Ignorance / Turkey Kid / Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evelyn Titus, Reina Graham Want / Haunt / Ensemble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Willow Titus, Amira Souik Caroler / Haunt / Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maddi Rispoli Dick / Haunt / Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yosef Weiser Dolly / Haunt / Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gracelyn Hill Swing / Ensemble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finn Peck
“Originally commissioned and produced by Hippodrome Theatre, Gainesville, Florida Stephanie Lynge, Artistic Director; Nicole Daenzer, Managing 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. ^ Member of The Hippodrome Theatre’s company members 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: Destination Florida, the Traveler Wine Bar, Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS: JVC Media Group, Gator Moving & Storage Co., Oak Hammock at the University of Florida
Artistic Director’s Note The Hippodrome Theatre’s 51st Season - Empower Welcome to the Hippodrome’s 51st Season. From its inception in 1973, the Hippodrome Theatre has brought stories to the stage that explore and celebrate the human condition. 50 years ago six determined individuals, (Marilyn Wall, Bruce Cornwell, Greg Von Hausch, Kerry (McKinney) Oliver-Smith, Mary Hausch , Owen Wechsberg) took a leap into the unknown, creating a theater that challenged expectations. And what a challenging time this is. While the pandemic is (mostly) in our rearview mirror, its financial impacts on the whole of regional theater are still reverberating. Theaters across the country reopened with audiences down 50% in 2021, and the Hippodrome was no exception. Nationwide, audience numbers are back to 70% attendance and again, the Hippodrome is right on target. We are coming back. The issue is Regional theater needs a longer runway than the federal pandemic funding supplied, and again The Hippodrome, while beating the national trend, is facing similar issues. But we are strong and resilient! Even as we cut back the number of full productions in our season, we are building new creative programming into the main stage, basement, and cinema spaces. You will have even more opportunities this coming season to experience the power of theater and community storytelling. So what better theme could we have this season than Empower. You, our community, empower us. This collaborative art form brings us all together to experience something special, something that connects us to each other, which is powerful and strong. Art springs from times of struggle and change as we try to navigate our world. And, just like the characters in our plays, the Hippodrome is weathering this challenge and tackling our future head on. Thank you for being a part of our community and keeping Gainesville Hipp.
-Stephanie Lynge (Hippodrome’s Artistic Director)
Director’s Note Exactly 180 years ago this month, on December 19th, 1843, A Christmas Carol was released. Dickens took on the cost of publication personally and was praying for it to be a success. He had been an outspoken advocate for the wretched conditions of the poor, children in particular, and publicly railed against the miserable conditions inside the “Ragged Schools,” as they were called – the last bastion of education for desperately poor children. In a letter to a friend, he states: “The children in the Jails are almost as common sights to me as my own; but [those in the Ragged Schools] are worse, for they have not arrived there yet, but are as plainly and certainly traveling there, as they are to their Graves…” When his “little Christmas story” as he called it finally came to him, he deeply believed that its message would resound more deeply than any letter he could ever write or any speech he could ever give. And he was right. Almost overnight, the book was sold out and by December the 22nd, 1843, (180 years, almost to the day that we close our show), there was not a copy to be found. What is it about this story that lights up our hearts and inspires us to take action against such atrocities today just as much as it did then? Is it the fact that we were all once children, delighted by puddings and party games, gasping in wonder at trick props and thrilled to be screaming at a giant puppet head? Is it a reminder that we too know what it feels like to be belittled, dismissed, and ignored, like the caroller asking for alms in Scrooge’s counting house? Our youth actors demonstrate an immense depth of artistic curiosity, generosity, and passion for story-telling and their creative impact is an essential part of our show and humanity at large. We see ourselves in them. Perhaps we seek out this story because we see ourselves in Scrooge too; angry, selfish, righteous, and cruel…but deeply capable of change. Through Scrooge’s nephew Fred, Dickens reminds us that Christmas is, “...the only time …in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave and not just another race of creatures bound on other journeys.” As you enjoy our show for the first time or perhaps for the 180th time, I hope you will take a moment to look to the person sitting to your left, or someone you pass on the street, or in the lobby, or in your own home and be brave enough to meet their eyes and to look for the fellow passenger that dwells within them. To remember that they too were once children (or still are) and that they too have suffered, just as you have, just as Scrooge does. I’m with Fred: I think we should throw open the shutters of our hearts and treat one another, and especially our children, as if they were more precious than gold, not just during the holidays, but year-round. Dickens’ “little Christmas story” gives us that opportunity. -Laura Shatkus^ (Director)
WHO’S WHO IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL Laura Shatkus^ (Director) Laura Shatkus is a director, actor, producer, and writer originally from Chicago where she worked and trained for a decade before receiving an MFA from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She’s excited to be back with The Hipp for this, her second year in the director’s chair for A Christmas Carol! Recent directing credits include Carving (a short film currently in post-production), Second Nature for Opera Fayetteville, Englebert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel for the University of Arkansas’ Opera Theatre Department, 10,000 Balconies (with Kholoud Sawaf in tandem with The Doris Duke Foundation) and new media spots for International Women’s Day among various other readings and performances. At The Hipp, she devised and adapted a workshop reading of The Walmart Book of The Dead by Lucy Biederman and appeared in Silent Sky, A Christmas Carol, 1984, Ripcord, and Miracle on South Division Street and several new works in progress. In 2020, Laura co-created Hold Fast, a site-specific theatre piece, that was devised, delivered, and performed at households and community sites in pandemic isolation in Northwest Arkansas. Look for her on the big and small screens in Mindcage (starring John Malkovich), Follow Your Heart (Hallmark), Freedom’s Path, (streaming on Apple, and which she still hasn’t seen), and The Magician’s Raincoat (currently in post production) in which she plays a wicked witch.
Gregg Jones*^ (Scrooge) Gregg returns to the Hipp for his twenty-fifth 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 28 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: Farenheit 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).
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.
Tom Vazquez (Fred, Young Scrooge, Future) Tom is finishing his third and final year as an MFA in Acting candidate at the University of Florida (May 2024) and is thrilled to reprise jolly Fred! UF performance credits: Antigone (Chorus, Swing), Marisol (Man w/ Ice Cream, Male U/S); Dust (Boy); Hippodrome performance credits: Bootycandy (Hipp Unplugged), Evie and Loren (New Works Festival 2022), and A Christmas Carol (2022). Tom will be working with the theatre collective “Y no había luz” in Puerto Rico this coming January through May to complete his graduate internship. Hi Mom! Hi Dad!
Jacqueline St. Pierre (Solicitor, Belle, Mrs. Cratchit, Partier) Jacqueline St. Pierre is a senior BA Theatre major at the University of Florida from Winter Springs, Florida. She ii is incredibly excited to share some holiday cheer with you! She is grateful to her friends, family, and mentors for their love and support. Recent performances: Dust (University of Florida); The Art of Floating, Fahrenheit 451 (Hippodrome Theatre). @jacqueline.st.pierre
Patrick T. Horn (Solicitor, Present, Old Joe) 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 stage credits: 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).
Andrea Matos Devesa (Past, Stout Sister, Merchant) Andrea Matos Devesa is currently a first-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) Shamrock McShane, Atlanta Black Theatre Best Supporting Actor Award-winner, 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, followed by a turn as the tortured writer Paul Sheldon, at the mercy of Mandy Fugate’s Annie Wilkes in Misery at the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre in March.
Ava VanBourgondien (Martha): Ava loves everything theatre. She has participated in many performances using her talents in acting and singing. She is returning again this year for A Christmas Carol. Blue Johnson (Peter): Blue is an aspiring actor whom has been following their dream of acting through various plays and acting classes. Blue enjoys time on and off the stage as both an actor, and giving a helping hand on the tech crew. Ella Grace (Belinda): Ella Grace, 14, in the theater program at P.K. Yonge DRS, is excited to take on a Christmas Carol for the third time at the Hipp! She has grown up loving acting, dance, and singing, and has participated in school productions and the Hippodrome Summer Spectacular. Ella thanks her loving family and friends and hopes you enjoy the show! Chaya Weiser (Tiny Tim): Chaya is thrilled to be returning to the Hippodrome stage as Tiny Tim for the second time this year. Chaya loves to sing, act and dance among her many talents. She loves sharing her love for performing with the audience. Past performances include Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome Theater, Cook Weasel in Wind in the Willows at High Springs Theater and Kaa in Mowgli at the Hippodrome Theater. Enjoy the show! Noah Preble (Young Scrooge): Noah is thrilled to be back at the Hippodrome. Past credits include plays, musicals, and short films. Love to his family, animals, cubes, and pasta. Lula Ney (Fan): Lula is thrilled to be in A Christmas Carol - her 12th production so far! She would like to thank her family and her theater teacher. Isla Diaz (Young Belle): Isla Diaz is an exceptionally talented eleven-year-old actress hailing from Gainesville, FL. With a passion for the performing arts, Isla has already showcased her skills in two remarkable productions, Jungle Book and Robin Hood, as part of the summer program at the prestigious Hippodrome. Currently in sixth grade at Resilience Charter School, Isla continues to explore her love for
theater as an active member of the theater department and the esteemed Junior Thespians Club. Her dedication and talent make her a rising star in the vibrant Gainesville theater scene. Evelyn Titus (Ignorance/Turkey Kid): Evelyn Titus (she/hers) is in 6th Grade at Howard Bishop. This is Evelyn’s first year in A Christmas Carol. She most recently played Omi in Haint Blues this summer at The Hipp. Evelyn has attended summer camp at The Hipp since 2021. Evelyn is grateful for the support of her friends and family. Willow Titus (Want/Haunt): Willow Titus (she/hers) is in 9th Grade at Santa Fe College Academy. This is Willow’s second year in A Christmas Carol. Willow has attended summer camp at The Hipp since 2020. Willow was active in Resilience Charter School’s theatre program. Willow is grateful for the support of her friends and family. Maddi Rispoli (Caroler/Haunt/Robe): Maddilyn Rispoli is excited to return to the Hipp in her favorite show! Credits include performances at Star Center and student films. Maddi’s studied dance for 10 years, loves her family, friends, drawing, and Taylor Swift. Yosef Weiser (Dick/Haunt/Robe): Yosef Weiser is happy to return this year to the Hippodrome stage as Dick in A Christmas Carol. He absolutely loves being a part of the cast and looks forward to performing this year. Past performances include Dick in A Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome Theater, Tom Weasel in Wind in the Willows at High Springs Theater and Raging Waters in Peter Pan at High Springs Theater. Enjoy the show! Anna Tomlinson (Martha): Anna is a junior at Buchholz High School and participated in their theater program. She is excited for her first year in Christmas Carol! Valyx Stokes (Peter): Valyx is 14 and has been acting for 6 years. This is Valyz’ second time being in A Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome. Mimi Macklin (Belinda): Mimi is very excited to be part of A Christmas Carol for the 6th time. Other credits include Anne of Green Gables (Anne), Lost in Yonkers (Arty). She won superior at FL State Thespians and Districts for her piece from, Children of a Lesser God. She is currently in The Addams Family at GCP. Ellison Hill (Tiny Tim): Ellison is a 4th grader at High Springs Community School. When not on stage she enjoys entertaining her family with characters she has created. Kenna Blackburn (Young Scrooge): Kenna is thrilled to be where it all started, this time making his Mainstage debut! Thanks to the community he has supporting his dreams. Evelyn George (Fan): Evelyn is 10 years old and has 3 younger siblings. She has appeared in Little Miss Sunshine, Grease, & Rudolph. Her interests include theater, gymnastics, and volleyball. Lena Morgan (Young Belle): Lena is thrilled to return to A Christmas Carol, having appeared last year as Tiny Tim. She is a fourth grader at Lawton Chiles and also studies piano and dance. Her other favorite activities are making artwork and acting. Reina Graham (Ignorance/Turkey Kid): Reina Graham is 11 years old and has been in theatre at Expressions (ELAA) and the Hippodrome’s youth programs, and in Ballet at Pofahl Studios. Amira Souik (Want/Haunt): Amira Souik is a Junior at PK Yonge. She recently attended NYU’s summer theater program, played Ms. Hannigan in Annie, and is active in dance and school theater. Amira is excited to be in her first Hippodrome performance.
Gracelyn Hill (Dolly/Haunt/Robe): Gracelyn is in the 5th grade at High Springs Community School. In her spare time, she enjoys doing art projects, sewing and playing volleyball. Finn Peck (Swing): This will be Finn’s 8th production and first year assistant directing. As always, he is excited to work with and act alongside his amazing cast and crew!
WHO’S WHO IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL Amanda Yanes (Sound Designer/Mix Engineer) Amanda is thrilled to be in her eleventh 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 Gaiensville, 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 premiered at 621 Gallery in Tallahassee, FL in 2017, and her drawings and paintings have been exhibited across the coutnry. 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. Erin Jester (Costume Designer/Shop Supervisor) is delighted to return to the Hippodrome for its 51st season. Erin is a UF alumna and a former Hippodrome costumes intern (2015-16 & 2016-17 seasons), and in 2020 recieved her MFA in 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 reporoduction for the Laura 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. Jay Mathey (Master Electrician) Jay is excited to be starting his very first season at the Hippodrome. He recently graduated from Florida Southern College and was involved in numerous shows as Props Master, Assistant Master Electrician, and Master Electrician. He is proud to have worked on many shows at FSC’s historic Buckner Theater including Songs for a New World, Godspell, Tom Jones, The Diary of Anne Frank, Carrie, Something Rotten!, and many more. 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. In1991, 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. Nichole Hamilton*^ (AEA Stage Manager) Nichole first realized she enjoyed stage managing while attending Space Camp in middle school and was assigned the role of Flight Director for her team’s mission simulation. At the Hippodrome, Nichole stage managed or assisted in previous incarnations of A Christmas Carol from 2010-2015 as well as productions of Venus in Fur and Avenue Q. Previous credits include Festival Opera: Un Ballo, Candide, Tosca, Don Giovanni, and Carmen; Mission City Opera: Carmen; Teatro Vision: Drive my Coche, The Lady from Havana; Busbarn Theatre Company: W;t, The Laramie Project, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Arms and the Man. Additional favorites include stage managing the San Jose Mariachi Festival and the World Music Festival opening night in San Francisco. Olivia Bradshaw* (Assistant Stage Manager) Olivia is pleased to be working her second year at The Hippodrome State Theater. During her time at The Hipp, she has been the Assistant Stage Manager for the 49th and 50th Season’s Productions. Some credits include Honky Tonk Laundry, Fahrenheit 451, Murder for Two: Holiday Edition, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Alongside being our Assistant Stage Manager, Olivia was the Stage Manager for the HIPP UNPLUGGED: Staged Reading Series. For The Hippodrome’s 51st season, Olivia will be the Production Manager for the HIPP UNPLUGGED: Staged Reading Series and Assistant Stage Manager for the Mainstage. Outside of The Hippodrome, Olivia has worked on multiple productions at Limelight Theater including their Mainstage Productions of A Christmas Story, A Shayna Maidel, and August Osage County. She has also worked as Deck Electrician and Run Crew at SUNY Purchase College. This is her first year working on A Christmas Carol and it has been a blast. She wishes all a Happy Holiday Season and hopes to see you back at The Hipp soon! Robert P. Robins^ (Production Manager/Lighting Designer) Bob is enjoying his 40th season here at the Hippodrome, where he has designed lighting for over 700 Hippodrome productions and events. He has worn many Hipp hats throughout the decades: Lighting Designer, Production Manager, Facility Manger, IT Manager, AEA Stage Manager, TYA Tour Stage Manager, Safety Officer, Intern Recruiter, Light Board Operator, Sound Mixer, Mainstage State Tour Technical Director, and Bartender, just to name a few. Bob also continues 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. 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/Props Designer) 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.
NONPROFIT PARTNERS Community Foundation of North Central Florida Matheson History Museum Pride Community Center of North Central Florida (PCCNCF)
FOUNDATION SUPPORT Amazon Smile Foundation Florida Blue Foundation Google
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 11/1/22 through 11/1/23
PRODUCER $50,000+ Nathan S. Collier
PLAYWRIGHT $5,000-$9,999 Bill Bryson ● Mary Trew & Weaver Gaines ● Anne Margoluis ● Janet Silverstein ● Gary & Suzy Miller, the Miller Family Foundation ● Ken and Colleen Rand ● Janet Silverstein
DESIGNER $2,500-$4,999 Debbie & Michael Conlon ● Merry Lynne Wilson ● James & Terie DeFord COMPOSER $1,000-$2,499 Tim Altmeyer ● William Anderson ● Wayne & Penny Archer ● Kenneth & Laura Berns ● In Memory of Nelson & Mary Gene Blanchard ● David & Linda Bloom ● Chris & Rusty Forsmark ● Linda Kallman ● Joseph & Lucille Little ● Trevor & Charlene Luke ● Tony Maurelli ● Eileen McCarthy Smith ● Hallie & Ted McFatridge ● Chris M. Morris ● Joy & Richard Segall ● Midge Smith ● Betsy Styron ● Farol Tomson ● Nel & Daniel Webster ● Kate Wilkinson CHOREOGRAPHER $500-$999 Michael Avery ● Phoebe H. Bowers ● Frederick J Brenneman ● J.F. & Charme Burns ● Daniel & Lisa Duncanson ● D.A. Fosser ● Frederick & Patricia Harden ● Heather Harrell ● Ann Hatfield ● Anonymous ● Judge Karen Miller ● Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Lauren Miller ● Sally Ryden ● John & Duane Spindler ● Connie & Bob Stern ● Kenneth Wald ● Dr. Elaine Young ● The Jelks Family Foundation
CAST $250-$499 Linda Boyles ● Mr. John Freeman ● Dr. Lynne Holt ● John & Carol Koogler ● Phyllis Lotzkar ●Richard & Valentina Mankin ● Pat & Robert Moore ● Michael & Jaquelyn Resnick ● Carol & Jim Sarisky ● Anonymous ● Jane S. Townsend ● Christine Tucker ● Steve & Judy Watkins ● Samuel Welker ● Robin West ● Harvey & Missy Ziegler
Thank you to Michael A. Eaddy for photographing The Hippodrome's moments for the last 20 years. Donations made from 11/1/22 through 11/1/23
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 ● Florida Division of Cultural Affairs ● Visit Gainesville, Alachua County EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS $20,000+ 98.5 KTK, 97.3 The Sky, Country 103.7 The Gator, AM 850 ● CBS 4 / NBC 9 ● James Moore Consulting ● Michael & Phyllis Warrren – on behalf of AMJ Group Inc. ● UF School of Theatre + Dance PRODUCERS $10,000+
Gainesville City Lifestyle ● EFN Properties ● Gainesville Health and Fitness Center ● Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille ● Wind-FM 92.5 Gainesville/95.5 Ocala ● Lake and Emerald Publications ● Quality Plumbing ● WUFT-FM, WUFT-TV ● Nell Rainsberger Page PRODUCTION SPONSORS $5,000+ Ben E. Keith Foods ● Bevis Chiropractic ● Colortyme Furniture Sales & Lease ● Destination Florida ● Greater Gainesville Chamber ● Carly Spoto Photography ● The Traveler Bar ● Ken and Linda McGurn McGurn Investment Company ● Marc Radio Group ● Renaissance Printing ● UF Health ● ALTA Printing PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS $2,500+ Gator Moving and Storage Co. ● Mini Maid ● Rush and Frisco Law ● Sherwin Williams ● Oak Hammock at the University of Florida ● JVC Media Group ● Rip’s Cleaners ● Alliance Credit Union PERFORMANCE SPONSORS $1,750+ The Bagel Bakery ● JohnRussell Salon ● Kelley D. Jones P.A. ● Tonewood Family Music ● 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.
2023-2024 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 2023-2024 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 Maria-Elena Augustin ● Jan Baur ● Dr. Theresa Beachy ● Dr. Azra Bihorac ● Kim Bosshardt ● Patrice Boyes, ESQ ● Mary Day Coker ● Amanda Rodriguez Demaria ● Sheila K. Dickison ● M. Susan Fulford ● Joy Glanzer ● Carol Gwin ● Nancy Herring ● Cornelia Holbrook ● Marie House ● Diane Jacobson ● Linda Kallman ● Leslie Klein ● Lucinda Lavelli ● Jennifer Lee ● Melanie Leonard ● Judy Locascio ● Stephanie B. Lynge ● Ginny Maurer ● Linda McGurn ● Carol F. Meyer ● Kat Moore ● Chris M. Morris ● Marni Most ● Allison Nordqvist ● Kerry Oliver-Smith ● Nell Page Rainsberger ● Julie Penrod-Glen ● Emily Pritchett ● Vera Rabino ● Lynn Rousseau ● Vivian Ruth Sawyer ● Molly Sexton ● Ilene Silverman ● Jan Snyder ● Florence M. Turcotte ● Justine Vaughen ● Helen Warren ● Jorgia Wooten ●Nicole Yucht
COLLIER CHALLENGE DONORS Jessica Abel ● Erika Aenlle ● Richard Alllen & Susan Mastin ● Sherri & Eric Amundson ● Julie Anspach ● Lisa Anthony & Isaac Simmons ● James & Karen Archer ● Christine Aytug ● Robert Bachus ● Walter & Pamela Barry ● Gil & Suzie Baxter ● Theresa Beachy ● John & Barbara Bengston ● Azra Bihorac & Charles Hobson ● David & Linda Bloom ● James & Tara Blythe ● Joyce Bono ● Ralph Bowden ● Lisa Bowley ● David & Nancy Boyd ● Sherry & Carter Boydstun ● Martha Brane & Lewis Sussman ● Patti Breedlove ● Jane Brockman ● Tom Brunson & Debbie Savage ● Jane & Russell Burman-Holtom ● Cheryl Calhoun &
Ester De Jong ● Neda Caneva ● Alan Carlson & Theresa Guecia ● Peter Carpenter ● Charlotte & Paul Chadik ● Candace Clift & Mark Woolett ● Amy Coenen ● Debbie Conlon ● Erin Connelly ● Wes Corbett ● Bruce Cornwell ● Diane Craig ● Phylis & James Craig ● Ed & Sheila Crapo ● Michael Curry ● Katie D’Amato ● Eddie Daniel & Jason Monroe Newman ● Fonda Davis & John Eyler ● Nancy Deren ● The Dharma Endowment Foundation ● Sheila Dickison ● Lee & Barbara Dockery ● Cheryl & Paul Doering ● Jeff Dunn & David Etherington ● Mark Elliot ● Robert Emerson ● Jane Emmeree & Erick Smith ● Jean Epling ● Guy & Rhea Epstein ● Skip & Lynda Everitt ● Tara & Bill Ezzell ● Carol Faas ● Rebecca Falmlen ● Cassandra Farley & Christie Mclaughlin ● Mark Fenster ● Mark & Terrie Flaherty ● Griselda Forbes ● The Friends of Melrose Elementary School ● Arts & Science Council ● Paul & Mary Ellen Funderburk ● Jessie Furman ● Reisa & Paul George ● Ira Gessner ● Karen & Danny Gilliland ● Matt & Rae Gitzendanner ● Julie & layton Glenn ● Harvey Goldstein ● Dick & Caren Gorenberg ● Jim & Sibet Grantham ● Aubrey Greene ● Jess & Barbara Gregory ● Mary & Joe Haldeman ● Jeff & Tashia Hale ● Anne Hastings ● Cliff Haynes ● Bruce & Elizabeth Hicks ● Colin Hines ● Guenther Hochhaus ● Robert & Lynne Holt ● Hogtown Brewers ● Chad Hood ● Nora Lee Hoover & Amor Villar ● John Howard ● Sharon (Shea) Huey ● Rosemary Hume ● Myiah Hutchens & Jay Hmielowski ● Gary & Joann Ihas ● Michael Jester ● Karen & Jodie Johnson ● Elta Johnston ● Gilda Josephson & Jeff Weingarten ●Clay Kallman & Lauren Groff ● The Kaplan-Stein Charitable Fund ● Kim Kazimour ● Jim & Melissa Keefer ● Barbara Keener ● Loren Keldsen ● Rev. Maureen Killoran & Peter Hyatt ● Paul & Leslie Klein ● Marshal & Laura Knudson ● Reggie Kramel ● Jim & Melissa Keefer ● Barbara Keener ● Loren Keldsen ● Rev. Maureen Killoran & Peter Hyatt ● Paul & Leslie Klein ● Marshal & Laura Knudson ● Reggie Kramel ● Scott & Joanne LaFramenta ● Sandra Lambert & Pamela Paris ● Jeremy Lesifko-Bremer ● Marc & Kaye Linden ● Carol Locascio ● Debbie Louis ● Brenda & Morgan Lynge ● Stephanie B. Lynge ● John Malanchuck ● Richard Mankin & Valentina Komaniecka ● Anne Margoluis ● Hayley Mathis ● Hilary Mathis ● Sarah Maxwell ● Helen McCune ● Gary & Laura McGill ● Kathleen McGlone ● Martin & Caryl McKellar ● Sue & Jack Mecholsky ● Carol F. Meyer ● Catie Miller & Kirsten Engstrom ● Jeff & Lauren Miller ● Georgia & Ron Mills ● Charlie Mitchell ● John Morgan ● Richard & Joanna Morrow ● Marni Most ● Esther Negrin ● Dorothy & Gale Nevill ● Madge Nipper ● Kimberlee & Bill Oakes ● Robert K. & Carol Anne Oglesby ● Debi Pais & Bob Kolb ● Amy Pazzalia & Jeff Stokes ● H. S. & Susanne Pennypacker ● Liz Perdue & Sally Bethart ● Susan Peters ● Peggy & Nancy Peterson ● Ed & Sandra Pettegrew ● Bradley & Marta Pollitt ● Lisa & James Posteraro ● The Pozek’s ● Gary Prowe ● Barbara Jean Raskin ● Gabrielle Redfern ● Sandy & Larry Reimer ● Ralf Remshardt & Caron Cadle ● Churchill & Gay Roberts ● Janet Roberts ● Gail Robinson & Carol Heymann ● Arthur & Joyce Rosenblatt ● Jane & Mike Ryals ● Betsy & David Sanders ● Whitney Sanford & Kevin Veach ● Carol & Jim Sarisky ● Karen Scarborough ● Suzanne Scheraga ● Suzanne Schiemann ● Diane & Jeff Shamis ● Brian & Cindy Shea ● Allison & Jason Shinn ● Beth & Jeff Siegel V Brenda Smith & Ronald Burrichter ● Eileen McCarthy Smith ● Halbert & Ruth Smith ● Pamela Smith & Carol Barron ● Madeline Smyth ● The Smyth’s ● Jan Snyder & Steve Wilson ● Caroline H Stanhope ● Mike Still ● G. W. Swicord ● Joe Thigpen & Becky De Marie ● The Thompson Family ● Farol Tomson ● Tonewood Family Music Inc. ● Martin & Vibeke Vala ● PJ van Blokland ● Kirk van Meter ● Vasanthi Vanniasingham ● Gary & Martha Waltman ● Marta Wayne ● Tom & Mary Louise Weber ● Robin West & Ken Wald ● Roger & Ellen West ● Tom & Julie Whitney ● Carol Willis ● Gene Witmer ● Dr. Sarah Wittstruck ● Carole & Bill Zegel
AUDIENCE SERVICES PLEASE NOTE: Infants are not permitted in the theater. Food is not permitted in the theater. Please turn off all cellular phones, watch alarms, and all other noise-making equipment when in the theater. Photographing and/or sound recording any performance or the possession of any device for such photographing or sound recording in this theater is prohibited. Violators may be subject to confiscation of equipment and ejection. Violations may render the offender liable to financial charges. The Hippodrome reserves the right to ask any patron causing a disturbance to leave the premises without refund. In an emergency, evacuate through the external exits on either side of the lobby.
HIPPODROME STAFF ADMINISTRATION Accounting Assistant: Alexandra Erickson ● Building Caretaker: Amador Santiago ● Development Consultant: Amanda Rodriguez Demaria ● Company Manager: Amber Wilkerson ● Development Associate: Amie Thompson ● Marketing & Sales Manager: Franziska Raeber ● Director of Education: Gabrielle Byam ● Marketing Associate: Isa Lara ● Assistant Building Caretaker: Jacques Harris ● Projectionist: Jerry Papi ● Bookkeeper: Marie House ● Group Sales/Box Office: Matt Dibble ● Cinema Program Manager: Matthew Cugini ● Development Consultant: Nell Rainsberger ● Artistic Associate: Nichole Hamilton ● Graphic Designer: Nicole Brown ● Front of House Manager: Nyq Smith ● Production & Facilities Manager: Robert P. Robins ● Projectionist: Rowan McKwon ● Artistic Director: Stephanie Lynge
PRODUCTION Sound Designer: Amanda Yanes ● AEA Stage Manager: Amber Wilkerson ● Costume Shop Manager: Erin Jester ● First Hand: K. Evans ● Master Electrician: Jay Mathey ● Scenic Artist: Ken Brown ● Carpenter: Meredith Klump ● Assistant Stage Manager: Olivia Bradshaw ● Technical Director: Warren Goodwin
FRONT OF HOUSE Box Office Representative: Nick Bacho ● Elevator Operator/Box Offce Representative: Cristian Gonzalez ● House Manager: Carol Richardson ● House Manager: McKensi Houston ● House Manager: Resli Ward ● House Manager: Vivienne Serret ● House Manager: Zixia Li ● House Manager/Bartender: Emily Nadine Smith ● House Manager/Bartender: Isabela Estrada ● Bartender: Cassie Urbenz
ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY STAFF
Child Actor Supervisor:l ● Assistant Director: Emily Nadine Smith ● Assistant Director: Finn Peck ● Wardrobe Assistant: Naomi Glaser
