Salwa Rizkalla Artistic Director
DEC 12 • 24
WELCOME IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU TO IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE. The holiday season is upon us and we’re so glad that you could spend this time with us. This is the Barclay’s 26th season and we hope you enjoy experiencing the eclectic programming that makes the Barclay such a special place in which to appreciate the performing arts. Our goal, as always, is to present culturally diverse music, theater and dance to Orange County audiences. For 25 years, Cheng Hall, with its intimate atmosphere, superb acoustics and production capabilities, has provided a home to Barclay-presented events, community cultural organizations, ArtsReach educational activities for young people, and university programs. We are indebted to all who help us maintain this unique community resource: our staff and our board of directors; our public partners — the City of Irvine and UCI; and you, the audience. Your continued contribution supports the programs we present and allows us to serve you and the entire community. The Barclay is defined by its innovative and adventurous arts programming. So, please take our new Patron Guide, available in the lobby, and see what entertaining offerings might catch your attention in the months to come. All ages will be delighted by our upcoming family shows: JazzReach: Yes Indeed!; Cirque Alfonse; Dr. Arthur Benjamin, Mathemagician; and Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience. We wish you and yours a happy holiday season. Thank you for being here with us.
Jerry Mandel, Ph.D. Interim President, Irvine Barclay Theatre
Board of Directors CHAIR Robert Farnsworth CEO Sonnet Technologies, Inc.
Stephen Barker Interim Dean, Claire Trevor School of the Arts University of California, Irvine
Ramona Agrela Associate Chancellor University of California, Irvine
Michelle Grettenberg Assistant to the City Manager City of Irvine
Francisco J. Ayala Professor and National Medal of Science Laureate University of California, Irvine
Sean Joyce City Manager City of Irvine
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Michael Kerr Community Leader William Parker Professor Emeritus Physics and Astronomy University of California, Irvine Ken Rohl Chairman/Founder Rohl LLC
Lynn Schott Councilwoman City of Irvine Mickie Shapiro Community Leader HONORARY Steven S. Choi, Ph.D. Mayor, City of Irvine Howard Gillman, Ph.D. Chancellor, UCI
FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE WELCOME TO FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE’S THE NUTCRACKER — a favorite Orange County family tradition at the beautiful Irvine Barclay Theatre. This year marks Festival Ballet Theatre’s 27th Nutcracker production, and our 9th year presenting at the Barclay. We are so happy that you can join us. Whether this is your first Nutcracker experience, or your fifty-first, we thank you for including our Nutcracker in your holiday celebrations and traditions. We hope that you and your loved ones will cherish the memories of this performance for years to come! Our star-studded Nutcracker cast will dance this cherished holiday classic with spectacular bravura. Festival Ballet Theatre is proud to present three brilliant sets of Sugar Plum Fairies and Cavaliers: Maria Kochetkova and Tiit Helimets (December 12–13), Sara Mearns and Fabrice Calmels (December 18–20), and Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky (December 22–24). Whenever you attend a Festival Ballet production, you are truly supporting arts in our community—our spectacular dancers have trained in Orange County and exemplify how hard work, dedication and passion can make dreams come true. This spring, we will sweep you into the romance of The Sleeping Beauty (March 19 & 20, 2016). In the summer, we will feature renowned professional dancers at our annually sold-out international Gala of the Stars (August 12, 2016). We hope to see you there! Thank you for your continued patronage and support. It has been an honor to lead Festival Ballet Theatre over the last 27 years; I truly feel that we have made a positive impact in the community through dance and arts education. Thank you for joining us in our mission to present world-class ballet, to provide local employment opportunities for our brilliant dancers, and to provide a nurturing environment for our young talented students. Enjoy the show! Salwa Rizkalla Founder and Artistic Director Festival Ballet Theatre
Salwa Rizkalla, Artistic Director of Festival Ballet Theatre, with American Ballet Theatre former principal dancer, Irina Dvorovenko.
Board of Directors & Guild Chairs Festival Ballet Theatre Board of Directors Salwa Rizkalla, President Lisa Yamashita, Vice President Willa Bouwens-Killeen, Treasurer Cathleen Hunter, Secretary Tom Lydon, Advisor
Guild Chairs Teri Schmidt, Grants Ann Drew, Volunteer Chair Kathryn Weber, Boutique Chair Sandy Mason, Hospitality Chair IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE | 3
12/12 December 12 | 2pm, 7pm December 13 | 1pm, 6pm December 18 | 7pm
December 19 | 2pm, 7pm December 20 | 1pm, 6pm December 22 | 2pm, 7pm
December 23 | 2pm December 24 | 11am
Choreography & Direction Salwa Rizkalla
Rehearsal Faculty Galina Barinova Lana Brooks Elizabeth Farmen Marci Goedl Christine Nunez Askar Kettebekov Natasha Miroshynk Salwa Rizkalla Stella Viorica
Costume Coordinator Willa Bouwens-Killeen
There will be a 20-minute intermission.
Music Peter I. Tchaikovsky
Scenery & Original Costume Design Simon Pastukh Galina Solovyeva
Lighting Design & Production Supervisor Brock Cilley Don Guy Artistic Assistant Elizabeth Farmen
Additional Costume Design & Construction Donna Dickens Cyndee Ely Cliff Faulkner Kaye Michel Jack Sykes Barbara Vieuretta
Communications/Marketing Michelle Maasz Of�ice Manager Tracy Sellers
Graphic Designer Marianne Hales
Production Coordinator Mark Blake Chris Schmidt Company Photographer Dave Friedman Rob Gage
Casting subject to change. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
AUGUST 12, 2016
Revered Guest Artists — Breathtaking Performances
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FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE
ABOUT FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE Under the direction of Salwa Rizkalla, since its founding in 1988, Festival Ballet Theatre has become one of Southern California’s most vibrant and accomplished professional ballet companies. Celebrating over 26 years of artistic service to Orange County, Festival Ballet Theatre strives to enrich the experience of Orange County’s dance audiences by presenting the highest level of professional classical productions and highlighting the works of world-renowned choreographers. With reverence to masterpieces of the past and a clear focus on developing future tours de force, Festival Ballet Theatre presents a varied repertoire of fulllength classical ballets, including The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Don Quixote, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, as well as contemporary works by some of the nation’s most sought-after choreographers. Boasting a roster of impressive, up-and-coming talent, the company’s productions feature internationally acclaimed guest artists from prestigious companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet. Aspiring to the heights of artistic excellence, Festival Ballet Theatre simultaneously attracts the best in professional dance to its home base while sending its own dancers out as artistic ambassadors to the nation. Arts Orange County named Festival Ballet Theatre an Outstanding Arts Organization of the Year in 2001. For more information on Festival Ballet Theatre, visit www.FestivalBallet.org. ABOUT SOUTHLAND BALLET ACADEMY Founded in 1983 by Salwa Rizkalla, Southland Ballet Academy has acquired a national and international reputation, and has played a prominent role in grooming world-class dancers while nurturing the love of dance in its Orange County home. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND GUEST ARTISTS Salwa Rizkalla Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla’s artistic vision and community involvement led to the creation of Festival Ballet Theatre and its precursor Southland Ballet Academy. Her credentials as a classical ballet dancer include an impressive list of leading roles in well-known classical ballets, as well as appearances in original contemporary pieces. During her distinguished career as a professional dancer, Rizkalla had the privilege of working under the direction of world-renowned choreographers, Leonid Lavrovsky and Serge Lifar. Trained in the Russian Vaganova method and having studied with ballet masters of the Bolshoi and the Kirov, Rizkalla holds a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Ballet Pedagogy. In addition to her responsibilities as the artistic director of Festival Ballet Theatre and her busy teaching schedule at the Southland Ballet Academy, Rizkalla was a faculty member at several area institutions, including Goldenwest College and the Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts. A fully credentialed California teacher, she has been a dedicated educator, a tireless promoter of the arts, and an active participant in the cultural life of her community for more than 25 years. Her contributions have been recognized by The Orange County Music and Arts Administrators and the Orange County Performing Arts Center with an Orange County Arts Educator of the Year Award for Secondary Dance (2003). Youth America Grand Prix awarded Rizkalla Outstanding Teacher accolades in 2002, 2004 and 2005. In 2014, Rizkalla was awarded the Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement by Arts Orange County. Maxim Beloserkovsky Guest Artist Dec. 22 at 2pm & 7pm, Dec. 23 at 2pm, Dec. 24 at 11am A former principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Maxim Beloserkovsky received his dance training at the Kiev Ballet Institute. In 1990, he danced as a leading soloist with the National Opera of Bulgaria where he remained for one year. From 1991 to 1994, he was a principal dancer with the National Opera Ballet of Ukraine. He performed most of the major roles in the classical repertory: the Prince and Bluebird in The Sleeping Beauty; Prince Siegfried and the pas de trois in Swan Lake; Albrecht in Giselle; Ferhad in Legend of Love; and the pas de deux from Le Corsaire, Don Quixote and La Sylphide. In 1993, Mr. Beloserkovsky was honored by the president of Ukraine for outstanding artistic achievement. Joining ABT in 1994, Mr. Beloserkovsky was made a soloist in 1995 and was appointed principal dancer in 2000. Equally confident in both classical and contemporary works, Mr. Beloserkovsky brings graceful dignity and elegance to his many roles. His repertoire with ABT included leading roles in Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Romeo and Julie, Giselle, Raymonda, The Dream, the lead in Theme and Variations, Le Corsaire, among others. His athleticism and style have also earned him leading roles in important contemporary works: Twyla Tharp’s Push Comes to Shove, The Elements and The Brahams-Haydn Variations; Nacho Duato’s Without Words and Remanso; Natalie Weir’s Hereafter; Mark Morris’s Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes. He and Ms. Dvorovenko are the proud parents of daughter Emma Galina. IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE | 5
Fabrice Calmels Guest Artist Dec. 18 at 7pm, Dec. 19 at 2pm & 7pm, Dec. 20 at 1pm & 6pm Born and raised in France, Fabrice Calmels began his ballet training at age three. In 1991, Mr. Calmels entered the Paris Opera School under the direction of Claude Bessy. He has worked with world-renowned dance masters such as Serge Golovine, Gilbert Mayer, Max Bozzoni, John Neumier, Jirí Kylián, Violette Verdy. He has performed at the beautiful Palais Garnier opera theatre. In 1998, Mr. Calmels was spotted by John Meehan, director of ABT’s Studio Company and moved to New York. He furthered his training by joining The Rock School in Pennsylvania and danced with the Pennsylvania Ballet. At Boston Ballet, under the direction of Anna-Marie Holmes, he learned the Russian technique with ballet masters, Tatiana Terekhova and Sergei Berezhnoi; he studied the Balanchine style at The School of American Ballet. Mr. Calmels joined the Joffrey Ballet in 2002 and has danced in the Age of Innocence, Apollo, Carousel a Dance, The Clowns, I/DNA, In the Middle…Somewhat Elevated, In the Night, Italian Suite, Light Rain, Les Noces, The Nutcracker, N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz!, Le Sacre du Printemps, “…smile with my heart,” Suite Saint Saëns, Valentine, Midsummers Night Dream, Apollo, Othello and After the Rain. Mr. Calmels enjoys choreographing, modeling and working on ILYS, his new company.
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Irina Dvorovenko Guest Artist Dec. 22 at 2pm & 7pm, Dec. 23 at 2pm, Dec. 24 at 11am A former principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Irina Dvorovenko was born in Kiev, Ukraine and began her ballet training at the Kiev Ballet School at the age of 10. She joined the National Opera Ballet of Kiev in 1990 as a soloist, rising to the rank of principal dancer in 1992. A dancer of infinite range, her repertoire with the National Opera Ballet included leading roles in many of the great classics: La Bayadère, Don Quixote, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty; Swan Lake, The Nutcracker; and Cinderella. Ms. Dvorovenko’s superlative style and technique have been recognized in numerous ballet competitions throughout the world. Her most notable awards include the 1994 Grand Prix at the International Ballet Competition Serge Lifar in Ukraine, the 1992 Gold Medal and the Anna Pavlova Prize at the International Ballet Competition in Moscow, and the 1990 Silver Medal at the International Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. Joining ABT in 1996, Ms. Dvorovenko was made a soloist in 1997 and was appointed principal dancer in 2000. Her diverse repertoire with ABT included La Bayadère, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Raymonda, The Nutcracker, among others. Dvorovenko also excels in contemporary choreography and has danced leading roles in Twyla Tharp’s Push Comes to Shove, The
FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE
Brahams-Haydn Variations and In The Upper Room; Symphony in C; and Kylian’s Petit Mort. She is married to former ABT principal dancer, Maxim Beloserkovsky; together, they are the proud parents of Emma Galine, born in March 2005. Tiit Helimets Guest Artist Dec. 12 at 2pm & 7pm, Dec. 13 at 1pm & 6pm Born in Viljandi, Estonia, Tiit Helimets trained at the Tallinn Born in Viljandi, Estonia, Tiit Helimets trained at the Tallinn Ballet School and began his career as a soloist with Estonian National Ballet. He was promoted to principal dancer six months later, making Estonian dance history when he danced the role of Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake at age 18. He joined Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1999 and became a principal dancer at San Francisco Ballet in 2005. Among Helimets’ major roles are Albrecht in Tomasson’s Giselle; Nutcracker Prince and King of the Snow in Tomasson’s Nutcracker; Prince Desiré in Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty; Prince Siegfried in Tomasson’s Swan Lake; Basilio in Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote; Gremin in Cranko’s Onegin; Prince in Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid; and Prince Gillaume in Wheeldon’s Cinderella. His repertory includes, among others: Balanchine’s Agon, Apollo, Allegro Brillante, Symphony in C; Adam’s A rose by any other name and Night; Ashton’s Symphonic Variations; Bintley’s The Dance House; Forsythe’s in the middle, somewhat elevated; Liang’s Symphonic Dances; Lifar’s Suite en Blanc; MacMillan’s Concerto (pas de deux); McGregor’s Chroma; Ratmansky’s Russian Seasons; Robbins’ Glass Pieces and In the Night; Welch’s Naked; and Wheeldon’s Quaternary. In 2008, Helimets received an Outstanding Performance Award for his guest appearances in The Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet in Estonia. Maria Kochetkova Guest Artist Dec. 12 at 2pm & 7pm, Dec. 13 at 1pm & 6pm Born in Moscow, Russia, Maria Kochetkova trained at the Bolshoi School in Moscow and danced with The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, and as a guest artist with Tokyo Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet and Mikhailovsky Theatre in St. Petersburg before joining San Francisco Ballet as a principal dancer in 2007. Among Kochetkova’s major roles are Giselle in Tomasson’s Giselle; Sugar Plum Fairy in Tomasson’s Nutcracker; Juliet in Tomasson’s Romeo and Juliet; Odette/
Odile in Tomasson’s Swan Lake; Kitri in Tomasson/ Possokhov’s Don Quixote; and Cinderella in Wheeldon’s Cinderella. She has created principal roles in Page’s Guide to Strange Places; Possokhov’s Classical Symphony, Diving into the Lilacs, and Francesca da Rimini; Ratmansky’s From Foreign Lands; Tomasson’s On a Theme of Paganini and Trio; and Wheeldon’s Within the Golden Hour. Her repertory also includes, among others: Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15, Theme and Variations; Lifar’s Suite en Blanc; McGregor’s Chroma; Morris’ Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes; Possokhov’s Fusion; Ratmansky’s Russian Seasons; Tomasson’s Chaconne for Piano and Two Dancers; and Wheeldon’s Ghosts. Kochetkova’s honors include, among others: a Gold Medal at the International Ballet Competition in Korea and Italy (2005); and a Bronze Medal at Moscow International Competition (2001). She was nominated for a Benois de la Danse Award in 2013 for her performance of Tatiana in Cranko’s Onegin. She won the Isadora Duncan Dance Award for Best Individual Performance for Giselle during the 2008 Repertory Season. Sara Mearns Guest Artist Dec. 18 at 7pm, Dec. 19 at 2pm & 7pm, Dec. 20 at 1pm & 6pm Sara Mearns is one of today’s most internationally celebrated classical ballet dancers. As a principal dancer with New York City Ballet, Ms. Mearns has performed featured roles in beloved Balanchine ballets such as Symphony in C, Jewels (Emeralds and Diamonds), Mozartiana and Walpurgisnacht Ballet, amongst countless others. In 2006, New York City Ballet’s Master-in-Chief, Peter Martins, selected Ms. Mearns, then age 19, from the corps de ballet to perform the role of Swan Queen in his Swan Lake. Ms. Mearns continues to perform the role to critical acclaim. In 2004, Ms. Mearns joined New York City Ballet as a member of the corps de ballet and was promoted to the rank of soloist in 2006. In 2008, she was promoted to principal dancer. Ms. Mearns has originated roles in works by world renowned choreographers, Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Peter Martins, Benjamin Millepied, Liam Scarlett, Richard Tanner, Susan Stroman, and Emmy Award-winning choreographer, Joshua Bergasse. Ms. Mearns was nominated for the Benois de la Dance award for best female performance of the year in 2012 for her role in Paul McCartney’s Ocean’s Kingdom, with choreography by Peter Martins. Recently, Ms. Mearns made her Broadway debut in the “Lonely Town Pas de Deux” from the Tony-nominated musical, On the Town. Sara lives in New York City with her two adorable pups and boyfriend, Joshua Bergasse. IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE | 7
Saturday, March 19, 2016 Sunday, March 20, 2016
Sleeping Beauty
The long-awaited kiss that started a love story for the ages. Meet the enchanting Lilac Fairy, the wicked Carabosse, Little Red Riding Hood and Puss In Boots in this classic fairy tale extravaganza.
Tickets online 24/7:
thebarclay.org | festivalballet.org | 949.854.4646 8 | IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE
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7pm 2pm
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COMPANY DANCERS AJ Abrams trained at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet and School of American Ballet. At 19, he began his professional career at Ballet Austin. His credits with Ballet Austin include original works by Stephen Mills, including Hamlet, a featured role in the ballet, Touch, and The Taming of the Shrew. He performed a solo role in Septime Webers’ Fluctuating Hemlines and principal roles as the Sugar Plum Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Albrecht in Giselle and the principal male in Balanchine’s Who Cares? Mr. Abrams has appeared in musicals, videos and movies, including a performance in a music video for Florence and The Machine, directed by David LaChapelle. He is currently a member of the Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles. This is AJ’s ninth season with Festival Ballet Theatre. Mariana Carrillo grew up in San José del Cabo, BCS and began her ballet training at age four with Luciano Gomez at Estudio del Angel. In 2006, Mariana joined Danza Tellez and studied ballet and jazz with Lourdes Téllez. Ms. Carrillo has trained at several summer intensive programs, including Pirouetteando, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Southland Ballet Academy. In August 2012, she moved to Texas to train at Ballet Austin. Currently, she continues her training in California at Festival Ballet Theatre under the direction of Salwa Rizkalla and Christina Lyon, who choreographs many pieces for her. This is Mariana’s third season with Festival Ballet Theatre.
Paolo Cervellera started training at age seven in all dance genres, and began attending workshops on scholarship with renowned choreographers at age 12. Cervellera studied at the ballet school of the San Carlo opera house in Naples, subsequently joining the professional company. Cervellera moved to Rome in 2009, where he danced in various major musicals with contemporary companies; and appeared on popular TV shows, including Amici di Maria de Filippi. In 2011, he began working for Royal Caribbean Productions as an aerial artist and actor. Cervellera had the opportunity to work with choreographer Spencer Liff. He moved to New York City in 2012 and joined Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, where he now dances principal roles. This is Paolo’s first Nutcracker performance with Festival Ballet Theatre.
Alexander Fost was awarded Mr. Dance USA in 2006 and Mr. Dance International 2007 in Tokyo, Japan. After high school, Alexander focused on classical training and competed in the prestigious International Youth America Grand Prix, where he was one of Top 10 finalists in 2008. Since then, Alex has been dancing ballet on a national scale. Aside from live theater and ballet, he has also appeared as an actor and dancer on multiple TV shows on Disney and ABC. He was a finalist on the eighth season of FOX’s hit dance show, So You Think You Can Dance. Alexander is currently teaching and choreographing in addition to dancing. This is Alexander’s third season with Festival Ballet Theatre.
William Geary began studying classical ballet at age 16 under the direction of Watmora Casey, Ariel Cisneros and Tatyana Mazur. After one year of training, William competed at the Youth America Grand Prix in Chicago. He received third place and was the highest scoring male in the Senior Division. He was also awarded first place for his pas de deux from La Fille Mal Gardee. He subsequently competed at the NYC Finals and was awarded a handful of scholarships. In 2011, William joined Festival Ballet Theatre and performed leading roles in The Nutcracker under the direction of Salwa Rizkalla. In 2014, he joined the Joffrey Ballet Trainee Program on full scholarship. There, he was cast as the lead, Tyltyl, in Alexei Kremnev’s production of The Bluebird of Happiness. This is William’s fourth season with Festival Ballet Theatre.
Tara Ghassemieh has garnered many honors, titles and awards throughout her 10 years of training: She was a finalist at Youth America Grand Prix Nationals; Teen Miss Dance of America 2004; Dance Masters of America; and National Training Scholar for American Ballet Theatre. At age 16, Tara was offered a full scholarship to ABT, where she danced Le Corsaire, among other works, and an apprenticeship with Washington Ballet. Tara performed as a lead ballet dancer in the popular film, Step Up, performed on the hit TV show, Dancing with the Stars as part of an ensemble feature dance, and has been featured in a music video by Florence and The Machine. This is Tara’s fifth season with Festival Ballet Theatre. Quenby Hersh began her dance training with Salwa Rizkalla at Southland Ballet Academy. At age 17, she was invited to attend the Royal Ballet School on a full merit scholarship. She graduated from the Royal Ballet School in 2006. She also earned a Diploma in Professional Dance from Trinity College, London. Upon graduation, she joined Scottish Ballet. During her nine years with the company, she danced soloist and principal roles in Ashton’s Scénes de Ballet, Balanchine’s Rubies and Tetley’s Pierrot Luniare, among others. Quenby was awarded the “Inspiring Achievement Award” as a Finalist at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition. She won the Youth America Grand Prix Silver Medal in New York; the Grand Prize at the Music Center Spotlight Awards; Orange County Performing Arts Center’s “Tomorrow’s Stars” Grand Prize; and the “Grand Prix” at Youth America Grand Prix in California. Carlos Hopuy began his ballet studies at age nine at the National Ballet School of Cuba. He competed in international dance competitions, winning gold medals in Cuba in 1999 and 2000. In 2002, he won gold medals in Cuba and Japan. Hopuy was a principal dancer with the National Ballet of Cuba before relocating to Costa Rica, where he danced as a principal with the National Contemporary Dance Company. He won the Best Dancer of the Year Award in 2008. Hopuy subsequently danced with Ballet San Antonio as a principal dancer for three seasons. He is currently a dancer with Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo, performing the company’s whimsical and unique repertoire on an international scale. This is Carlo’s first appearance with Festival Ballet Theatre.
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Charles Johnston. A native of California, Charles Johnston has called Festival Ballet Theatre his home since 1994. He has since danced all the lead character roles in the Company’s classical repertoire. Johnston continues to work as guest artist and has performed character roles with ABT, San Francisco Ballet and The Royal Ballet. A former teacher of dance and drama, he has studied with Frederic Franklin in New York; Michael Panaieff in Los Angeles; and Lila Zali, founder of the former Ballet Pacifica, in Orange County. Festival Ballet Theatre has been honored to present Mr. Johnston for over two decades.
Renee Kester began classical training at age 14 at Southland Ballet Academy. She was a trainee with The Washington Ballet in 2013 and apprenticed with Houston Ballet in 2014. She performed in David Bintley’s Aladdin in Chicago and Stanton Welch’s Marie in Montreal. Renee’s repertoire includes Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes (Washington Ballet) and Stanton Welch’s Swan Lake (Houston Ballet). Renee is a versatile dancer with expertise in hip hop, break-dancing, modern, and contemporary dance. She performed with Quest Crew (winners of season 3 of America’s Best Dance Crew) at the Harvest Moon Festival. Renee has also danced in a Florence and The Machine music video, and on an episode of Dancing with the Stars. She was awarded second place at Youth America Grand Prix, San Francisco, and received an Honorable Mention at the Music Center Spotlight Awards. This is Renee’s fifth season dancing in Festival Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker.
Natalie Matsuura began her training with Mrs. Hanna Przylvdzka-Karacic at age six and came to Southland Ballet Academy at age 14. She completed her BFA in dance performance and choreography with a minor in Spanish at the University of California, Irvine, graduating with honors and garnering many awards, including: Excellence in Dance Performance; Medici Circle Award; William J. Gillespie Scholarship in Ballet Studies; Phi Beta Kappa; and Campuswide Honors. As a dancer with Festival Ballet Theatre, Natalie has performed numerous principal and soloist roles, including Queen of the Dryads in Don Quixote; Sugar Plum Fairy, Dew Drop and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker and Monya in Giselle. As a choreographer, Natalie has staged work at the University of California, Irvine and at Youth America Grand Prix. Natalie has been teaching at Southland Ballet Academy since 2011 and also teaches and choreographs at Azusa Pacific University. This is Natalie’s eighth season with Festival Ballet Theatre.
Hannah Schiller started her ballet training at the age of eight. She has received many awards at world-class competitions, including The Youth America Grand Prix Award in 2006 and 2009; and gold medals for pas de deux and solo work in Berlin, Germany. She also received the Silver Medal at the 2009 Moscow International Ballet Competition in Moscow, Russia. Hannah is pleased to be performing with Festival Ballet Theatre. This is Hannah’s second appearance in Festival Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker. 10 | IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE
Skye Schmidt began her ballet training at Southland Ballet Academy at age four. Skye joined Festival Ballet Theatre in 2012. She has performed as a soloist and as a corps member in numerous Festival Ballet Theatre productions, including The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, The Secret Garden, Alice in Wonderland and Firebird. In 2011, she performed in the award-winning piece, Oops, in Youth America Grand Prix’s inaugural tour. Skye placed in the Top 12 in both classical and contemporary categories at Youth America Grand Prix Regionals in 2012. She has furthered her dance training by attending summer intensives at Houston Ballet. Skye is currently attending the University of California, Irvine. This is Skye’s eighth appearance in Festival Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker.
Tiffany Yamasaki started her training at Southland Ballet Academy at age six. She became a member of FBT II in 2007 and a Festival Ballet Theatre company member in 2010. Tiffany has participated in many competitions and has performed with Festival Ballet Theatre as a soloist and in corps roles in The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty and Giselle. Tiffany currently attends CSU Long Beach, and is working towards majors in dance and kinesiology. This is Tiffany’s eighth season with Festival Ballet Theatre. 2015–2016 FBT TRAINEES Festival Ballet Theatre is proud to present the members of FBT Trainees, a junior company of student dancers with outstanding potential. Through FBT Trainees, Festival Ballet Theatre secures a talented base of dancers, offers performance opportunities “at home” and nurtures the stars of the future to a professional career in dance.
Sage Bolar Renee Castonguay Alice Danci Rachel Deng Megan Ely Olivia Harrigan Bella Hoy Allison Langston Anya Lydon
Clara Mason Elise Newen Eila Neuroth Alysa Reinhardt Susanna Russell Bianca Wajack Nicole Weber Dayna Wiederin Pallas Ziebarth
2015–2016 FBT JUNIOR STUDENTS COMPANY Tatum Backer Sarah Bartholomew Maile Campagna Sydney Caggegi Taylor Carlin Lucy Chen Cassidy Doan Senna Hashimoto Anjoulie Kempton Tess Lethen
Ashley Lew Silvi Lybbert Marbella Marlo Moorea Pike Amaya Primiani Mina Shaffer Athena Skiathitis Lily Turner Sammy Werle Rachel Zafra
Official School of Festival Ballet Theatre
Dedicated to Excellence.
Year-long classes offered for ages 3-adult.
Ballet
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Pointe
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Boys Class
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CharaCter
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Modern
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Jazz
SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES. FOUnTAin VALLEy 714.962.5440 9527 Garfield ave., Fountain Valley, Ca 92708
iRVinE 949.757.1936
710 roosevelt, irvine, Ca 92620
SouthlandBallet.com IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE | 11
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SPECIAL THANKS TO FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE DONORS
Festival Ballet Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations for their contributions to our programs. DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $10,000+ Anonymous Salwa & Sabri Rizkalla
UNDERWRITER $5,000 – $9,999 Anonymous Bobbi Cox Lisa Ann & Tom Lydon
CHOREOGRAPHER $2,500 – $4,999 Anonymous Garret & Teresa Anderson
PRINCIPAL $1,000 – $2,499 Anonymous The Image Center Paul & Ellen Lee Pulmonary Care & Sleep Associates Rosanna & Patrick Minns Lydia Ringwald SOLOIST $500 – $999 Aire Rite Airconditioning & Refrigeration Anonymous James Carter Dawson Cole Fine Art Kristina Sar Teri & Chris Schmidt Teresa Van Dyck Steve Weston
ARTIST $250 – $499 Anonymous Jan Arnoldus Willa Bouwens-Killeen Mary Ellen Bowman Jennifer & Brent Cardani MaryAnn & Matthew Carroll Diana Casey Shey & Dennis Castonguay Wendy & Daniel Harrigan Karen & Thomas Hersh Diane & Wayne Kopit Becky Lew Diego & Rene Martzkin Teri Neumann APPRENTICE $100 – $249 Abril Turner Yoshi & Michael Yamamoto
For information or to join our list of donors, please visit FestivalBallet.org or call 714.962.5440. To make a donation, please send a check payable to: Festival Ballet Theatre, 9527 Garfield Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
Festival Ballet Theatre is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal ID #33-0283147.
SPECIAL THANKS TO FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE SPONSORS
Festival Ballet Theatre appreciates the generous support of its corporate partners.
Hal & Jeanette Segerstrom Foundation SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR NUTCRACKER VOLUNTEERS
Festival Ballet Theatre thanks all of the parents and volunteers who are integral to the success of this presentation of The Nutcracker. We appreciate all the time and energy you have put into fundraising, costumes, donations, marketing and development. Your efforts are truly priceless in allowing Festival Ballet Theatre to provide this holiday tradition. 12 | IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE
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Enriching life in our community and beyond! Each year, Irvine Barclay Theatre presents an imaginative roster of culturally diverse arts and entertainment. Did you know that for twenty-five years it has also been a provider of vital community outreach and awardwinning educational activities through its ArtsReach program? Through collaborations with artists, educators and community organizations, the Barclay offers innovative educational programs connecting featured artists with audiences of all ages in the most inspiring and transformative ways. Just next month, ArtsReach will take the Metta Quintet into local schools, providing more than 1,300 fourth, fifth and sixth graders with an interactive jazz and blues educational experience they won’t soon forget. Backhausdance will be taking it to the streets in late January to share the power of dance with young minds. Later in the spring, ArtsReach will give advanced dance students interested in entering the profession a priceless opportunity— to immerse themselves in the real world of contemporary dance by working directly with the companies in our International Contemporary Dance Series. The Barclay also continues to provide a first-rate venue at community-friendly rates, and is one of Orange County’s most desired venues of community cultural groups, university programs and youth arts organizations. However, we can’t provide this renowned community service without your support. To sustain and expand the Barclay’s outreach and educational programming, won’t you consider contributing to the Barclay’s ArtsReach program? ArtsReach is supported by
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Annual Fund for
THANK
EXCELLENCE
YOU
Irvine Barclay Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous contributions of our donors who help support the “big talent” in our “small hall.” Gifts to the Annual Fund for Excellence assist the Barclay in presenting an international roster of performers while keeping tickets reasonably priced. They also support our ArtsReach programs provided to the schools at little or no cost and “family-friendly” programming on stage. The Barclay’s mission also embraces making its beautiful facilities available to diverse community organizations, UCI, and other educational institutions. Thank you to all of our generous donors listed here for their contributions during the previous 12 months! If you would like to join the ranks of those who make it all possible at the Barclay, you may make a donation online at www.thebarclay.org or call (949) 854-4607. PUBLIC PARTNERS City of Irvine University of California, Irvine
BRAVO BARCLAY PRESENTING SPONSOR $10,000 AND ABOVE Allergan Foundation An Anonymous Fund of the Orange County Community Foundation Drs. Francisco and Hana Ayala Cheng Family Foundation Bobbi Cox Haskell & White LLP Patricia Murphy Hirata and Gerry Hirata HumanKind Philanthropic Fund Michael Kerr Toni and Terry McDonald National Endowment for the Arts Pacific Life Foundation William and Janice Parker Family Fund Sonnet Technologies, Inc. Richard & Elizabeth Steele Fund Trisha Steele Lynda Thomas BRAVO BARCLAY PARTNER $5,000 – $9,999 Arts Consulting Group
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Chris and Lori Burrill Gartley Charitable Foundation William Gillespie Foundation New England Foundation for the Arts Salwa and Sabri Rizkalla Michelle Rohe BRAVO BARCLAY BENEFACTOR $2,500 – $4,999 Rick and Wendy Aversano Yvonne and Damien Jordan Dr. Paul and Mrs. Ellen Lee Linda I. Smith Foundation Alan and Barbara Wiener
BRAVO BARCLAY PATRON $1,000 – $2,499 James and Elaine Alexiou The Beall Family Foundation The British Council Barbara Klein The Millstream Fund Donald and Ui Natenstedt Peter and Alexandra Neptune Tom and Marilyn Nielsen Barbara Roberts Rohl LLC – Ken and Amber Rohl Chiyo and Stanton Rowe Deborah and Frank Rugani Michael Shubert and Associates, LLC
ENCORE CIRCLE ENTHUSIAST $250 – $999 Oscar R. Aguirre Richard Alexander Brien Amspoker and Ellen Breitman John W. Ballantyne Robert and Delphi Ballinger Betty Barry Dr. Michael Bear Scott Berry Suzanne Boras Mary and Dave Bruce Lisa and Robert Burnand Harold and Eleanor Carpenter John Coyne Bob and Burnetta Denham Roger du Plessis Joel and Melanie Durst Robert and Nancy Eagan David Falconer Bonnie Rae Feers Nancy Field Cathie Fields Carol Foster Mark A. Franzen Robert and Margaret Green Ramya Harishankar and Hari Krishnamurthy Ginny and Chuck Hayward Barbara Helton Dan and Nicole Honigman Judy and Terry Jones Judy Kaufman and George Farkas Peggy and Alex Maradudin Michael L. and Nancy Meyer Reiko and Mitsuhiko Nakano
Keith and June Nelson Mike and Pat Noggle Ogilvie Family Robert Parker Suzanne T. Peltason Omar and Irene Perez Remembering Mel Posin Edward and Betty Quilligan Dennis Repp Dr. Stephen M. Rochford Nancy Lee Ruyter Judith M. Schmidt Jack and Katharine Schoellerman Dorothea Silavs Nancy Smith Dorothy J. Solinger Kia Stora Diane Stovall Thomas and Marilyn Sutton Shelley Thunen Neurocare, Inc Marilyn and Angelo Vassos Vendini, Inc. Emily Vogler and Daniel Flynn Michael Voronel Kim Waterson Charles and Marilyn Wright Xiaofan Yuan Majid and Sohaila Zarrinkelk
ENCORE CIRCLE SUPPORTER $100 – $249
Katherine Ahn Dennis and Cindy Alderson Steven and Alexandria Allan Debbie Aslanian
Diane and Dennis Baker Pauline Baker Sarah and David Ball Ms. Lindy Balmer Cindy and Steven Bandel Rivka Barasch Tony Battaglia and Meredith Lee George and Linda Bauer Larry and Sue Ann Beaty Shelley Beckham Henry Bennett Honorable Marian Bergeson Linda Berquist Jeannie Berryman Susan Bierlich Richard H. Bigelow Christopher Blank Eric S. Blum Michael and Margaret Bodeau Darci Bodin Lupe Borboa Laurie Brady Rosanna Brichta Scott Brinkerhoff Jon and Donna Brownell Susan Bryant and David Gardiner The Bukaty Family Douglas T. Burch, Jr. Linda and Roland Bye Sandra Jones Campbell Denise Chilcote Deanna Choi Kate and Michael P. Clark Tim Collins Jeff Corp Anahid Crecelius Madeleine and Alan Crivaro Shannon Davis Michelle Dean Arturo and Domna Del Rio Deborah Denise Sheila Dennis William Domino Joan M. Donahue Patsy and Douglas Downs Jacolyn Dudley Alan and Rosemary Dugard David Dupre Rad and Toni Dwyer Robert and Nancy Eagan Donna Emmett Peggie Fariss Delores Fields Paul and Sandra Findly Donna Fisher Constance and Dick Fleming
Nelson and Elizabeth Flores Ruby Foo Kimberly Fox Roberta Fox Ellen Fujikawa Heather Fuller Mary Ann Gaido Galeos Cafe Shelli and Majid Ghassemieh Supriya Ghorpadkar Bernard and Phyllis Gilmore Marcella Gilmore and Edward Muehl Lisa Glass S. Glass Family Valerie Glass Dennis Glauber Ben and Sandie Goelman Lawrence Goldberg Mariko Gooden Lori Grayson Linda and George Greene Janice Groh Paul and Nancy Groner Sanjiv and Geeta Grover Patrick and Trisha Guinet Ranjan and Angela Gupta Rebecca Hall Jim and Berri Harris Carole S. Harrison June and Miles Herman David Herzlinger Dan and Nicole Honigman Elizabeth Howard Yonghong Hu IBM Matching Grants Program Robert Ingold Dennis and Irene Iverson Lori Johnstone Christina Kaoh Dr. Mitchell Katz and Mrs. Linda Scott-Katz Michael Kaufman Kenneth Kelly Clare Kiklowicz Jay King Gregory and Maureen Kirkorowicz Steve and Lynne Koffler William Kroener Rosa Kwong Dr. and Mrs. John Lagourgue Dr. Martin G. Langer Edwina Lawrence Carter Lee Josephine Lee Benjamin and Sunny Leos
In Memory of Estelle Levy Alla Liberstein Anne Llewellyn Christa and Gerry Long Junling Ma Christian and Sharon Maas Robert D. and Pat MacDonald Glenn and Laura MacKinnon Peggy and Alex Maradudin William and Nancy March Marshall and Marilyn Martinez Goran Matijasevic William K. Maxwell David and Teryl McDermott William McKaig Helen McMillan Sharon McNalley Ken and Gisela Meier Tony and Barbara Mendoza Vivian Mendoza Wanda Mendoza Mark and Jan Merryfield Dr. Frank and Mrs. Linda Meyskens Gabriella Miotto Jean Montague Hiroko and Yoshiharu Moriwaki Nancy and William Murray John and Marjorie Murray John Nahina Julie Nakata Beth Nicholas Albert and Tricia Nichols Fund Michael and Sylvia Nieto Lorrie and John Odell James Olney and Laura O’Connor Orange County Community Foundation Thomas Paris and Lauren Smith Ann and Bernal Peralta Dan Pillasch Leo and Sheila Pinsky Janice and Richard Plastino Donna Powell Natalie and Nick Punto Sarah Quinn Miriam and Israel Ramirez Elaine Ramsay Margaret Redmond John and Sheryl Redpath Stephanie Reich Shari Rezai Claudia Ried-Kraemer and Alan Kraemer Jill Ries Margaret C. Riggs Betty and Nash Rivera Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Robins
Christopher Rochlen Thomas Roddel Ms. Francie Rope Charles R. Rusky De Anne Sbardellati Walter Scacchi and Christine Fluor-Schacci Psychiatry Schaepper Joann Schaum Carol Schwab Louise Schwennesen Frances Segal and Michael Friedson Trudy Vermeer Selleck Sandra and Arthur Selvan Diana Serio Lori Shapiro Thomas Shimada Diane and Igal Silber Jackie Smiley Shirley and Coy Smith Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith Betty and Hugh Spilsbury William Spurgeon Hugh Stevenson and Jan Burns Daniel and Jeannette Stokols Ingrid Strayer John and Margaret Sun Richard and Jane Sungaila Alice Swan Law Offices of Jeri E. Tabback Celia and Julio Taleisnik Michael Talens Steve Tamura Thomas Tancredi Earleen Thomas Andrew and Karen Thornburn Johanna Tilley Eric Tobiessen Gary and Peranza Topjon Robert Travers Howard and Marcia Tucker Sylvia C. Turner Lydia and Dennis Tyler Thomas Heinz and Denise Van Horn Kathy Vickers and Jeremy Freimund Anne Walthall Virginia Weddle Diane Wick Daniel and Courtney Wiercioch George and Flo-Ree Woodruff Jing Wu and Wing Wong Sara Yang Kurt Youngs Ruth Yunker Chi Zhang
NATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHERS INITIATIVE
David and Beverly Carmichael Concierge Podiatry Newport Beach Bobbi Cox Sophia and Larry Cripe Bronny Daniels Diane Diefenderfer and David Hanlon Roger du Plessis Gale Edelberg and Bob Butnik Henry and Janet Eggers David Emmes and Paula Tomei Mrs. Kay S. Faranda Robert Farnsworth Cliff Faulkner and Shigeru Yaji Gilian Finley and Robert Labaree Roberta Fox Mary and Andrew Franklin Sandy and Don French William Gillespie Foundation Judith A. Gorski Dr. and Mrs. Denis Gray Judy Jones Dr. Burton L. Karson Joanne and Dennis Keith Michael Kerr
Carolyn and William Klein Dr. Martin G. Langer Phuong and Joseph S. Lewis III Kathryn Lynch and Robert McDonnell Molly Lynch and Alan Andrews Jack Lyons Debra Maxwell Sharon McNalley Ed Moen and Janek Schergen John and Margi Murray Mr. and Mrs. Mitsuhiko Nakano National Endowment for the Arts Carl Neisser Tom and Marilyn Nielsen Northern Trust Bank of California Anne B. Nutt Mrs. J. Matthew Osborne Marshall Parker Cyrus Parker-Jeannette John and Charlene Pasko James Penrod Mrs. Jody Pike Janice and Richard Plastino Dolly A. Platt, Ph.D.
Edward and Diana Putz Barbara Roberts Robinson Foundation Michelle Rohe Andrew Rose Bruce and Jan Scherer Jack and Katy Schellerman Sally Anne and Don Sheridan Igal and Diane Silber Ann Sim Jackie Smiley Grace Songolo Elizabeth R. Steele Studio du Corps Pilates Center of Orange County Jennifer Szabo Chris Thayer Karen and Gary Thorne Barbara and Jack Tingley Gretchen and William Valentine Max and Peggy Weismair Mary Vensel White and T. Jason White Shigeru Yaji
As a partner in the annual National Choreographers Initiative, Irvine Barclay Theatre is also pleased to acknowledge all those who support this important contribution to American dance. Betty B. and Roy Anderson Betsy Andrews and Alex Moad Mrs. Alan V. Andrews Ann Marie DeAngelo Productions Diane and Dennis Baker Ballet Barres West William H. Bardens Victoria Barrett Dr. Michael Bear Honorable Marian Bergeson Paul Blank Theodore Bradshaw Stacie Brandt Laurie and Bart Brown Gale Edelberg and Bob Butnik
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For Your Information Ticket Services Order online 24/7 at www.thebarclay.org or www.facebook.com/IrvineBarclay/events
Call the Box Office at 949.854.4646 Monday through Friday from 10am until 6pm; Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4pm. On days of a performance, the Box Office remains open through intermission. MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover accepted. Late Seating To prevent disruption of a performance in progress, patrons who have not entered the theatre when the performance begins may be asked to wait in the lobby until there is a suitable interval.
Ushers Ushers are located at each auditorium entrance and at designated stations in the lobby. Please consult an usher if you need assistance. If you are interested in joining the usher staff, please contact the Patron Services Manager at: 949.854.4193; main@thebarclay.org. Public Parking Parking is provided for a fee in the structure located at the corner of West Peltason and Campus Drive.
Restrooms Restrooms are located on the main lobby level near the box office. Drinking fountains are located on either side of the main lobby staircase and on the second level. Listening Devices Listening devices for amplifying stage sound are available at the concessions bar free of charge.
Cellular Phones, Beepers, Watch Alarms As a courtesy to all patrons, please turn these units to off or non-audible before the performance begins. Cameras and Recording Equipment The taking of photographs and use of any mechanical or digital recording devices are strictly prohibited.
Children Children are welcome. However, not all events are appropriate for small children. A paid ticket is required for everyone entering the theatre, including infants and children. The box office can provide advice regarding an event’s suitability.
Theatre Tours Backstage tours of the Barclay are offered through the theatre’s ArtsReach program. For information, or to reserve tours for schools or community groups please call 949.854.4193.
Irvine Barclay Theatre Online Get the latest information on what’s happening at Irvine Barclay Theatre by joining the Barclay’s E-list to receive email updates and special offers. Go to the Barclay’s website at www.thebarclay.org or email us at info@thebarclay.org.
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Staff Jerry Mandel, Ph.D., Interim President Ginny W. Hayward, Assistant to the President
Christopher Burrill, General Manager Lori Grayson, Special Projects – Development Karen Drews Hanlon, Director of Communications Gary Payne, Director of Finance Douglas C. Rankin, Programming Advisor/ President Emeritus
Jeff Stamper, Production Manager Tim Owens, Associate Production Manager Lu Bauer, Box Office Manager Brianna Sparks, Assistant Box Office Manager Nathan Dwyer, Bar Manager Helena Danovich, Marketing Assistant Ingrid Strayer, Finance Assistant
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