DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE
2020-2021 Season
OTTERBEIN
THEATRE & DANCE and DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
present
Directed by THOM CHRISTOPHER WARREN
Musical Direction by LORI KAY HARVEY
Sound Design by DOC DAVIS
Choreography by STELLA HIATT KANE
Filmography by STEPHEN ROSSMAN & DAMON BROWN
Editing by KAELIN HAGLER
STEPHEN ROSSMAN & DOC DAVIS
Streaming on-demand December 18-20, 2020
Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville
THE LAUNCH: A SENIOR CABARET
Featuring the BFA Acting & Musical Theatre Class of 2021
Emma Lou Andrews
Marin D
Grace Dillon
Desmond Fernandez
Evan Kret
Emma Kate Lampe
Madeleine Norton
Trevin Parker
Hannah Roberts
Anna Sheridan
Madeleine VanRiper
Lauren Bibbs, Cameron Chang, Dee Hoty, Daria Pilar Redus, and Ben Roberts
accompanied by .... and special guests
Lori Kay Harvey, piano
Matthew Gittins, guitar
Lydia Namakydoost, bass
“The ‘Bein Bunch”..................................................................................... The Class of 2021
Original Music by Frank De Vol, Lyrics by Sherwood Schwartz
Parody Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
“Happiness” from You Go On Trevin Music and Lyrics by Matthew Gittins
Matthew Gittins, Guitar
Homework Horrors ....................................................................................
Madeleine Norton
Music: “Whipped Cream” by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
Unbearable Hotness ...........................................................................................................
Evan By Gabriel Davis
Music: “Revelations” by Tristan Barton
By the Water ....................................................................................................................
Marin
By Sharyn Rothstein
Music: “Horizon” by Cloud Cover
“Title of Launch” a parody of Title of Show Grace, Emma Kate, Cameron, & Hannah
Original Music & Lyrics by Jeff Bowen, Book by Hunter Bell
Script adapted by Grace Dillon
“Secondary Characters” from Title of Show ...................................... Emma Kate & Grace
Music & Lyrics by Jeff Bowen, Book by Hunter Bell
Radium Girls ......................................................................... Anna with Desmond & Marin
By D.W. Gregory
Music: “Corals Uner the Sun” by Sivan Talmor
Munch! ...................................................................................................................... Desmond
Music from “Modern Times” by Charlie Chaplin
Arranged & Orchestrated by David Roskin & Edward Powell, Conducted by Alfred Newman
THE LAUNCH: A SENIOR CABARET
“Changing My Major” from Fun Home ...................................................................Hannah
Music by Jeanine Tesori, Lyrics by Lisa Kron
As You Like It Madeleine VanRiper & Emma Lou
By William Shakespeare
“Everything Else” from Next to Normal ............................................... Madeleine Norton
Music by Tom Kitt, Lyrics by Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey
“Thank You For Asking” ................................................................................................ Evan By Foy Vance
Lydia Namakydoost, Bass
Smoke on the Mountain ....................................................................................................Grace By Connie Ray & Alan Bailey
Peter and the Starcatcher ................................................................................. Trevin & Anna
By Rick Elice
Music: “Arrow Flies” (Instrumental Version) by Paper Planes
“Master Harold”... and the Boys Desmond By Athol Fugard
Music: “Pilgrim” by Some Were At Sea
Stupid Fuc*ing Bird....................................................................................... Marin & Lauren By Aaron Posner
Music: “At Peace” by Roman P
2.5............................................................................................................................ Emma Lou
By Lisa Cron
Music: “Things We Wouldn’t Say” by Michael FK
Cowboy Mouth Madeleine VanRiper
By Sam Shepard & Patti Smith
Music: “Metamorphosis” by Ian Post
“My New Philosophy” from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown ............. Hannah & Ben
Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
“Someone To Fall Back On” ............................................................................. Emma Kate By Jason Robert Brown
Intro and Testimonial music: “Helation” by Evolv
THE CLASS OF 2021
Emma Lou Andrews is a senior Acting BFA with a double major in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies. During her time at Otterbein, she has been seen on the mainstage in The School for Scandal (Lady Sneerwell), Hay Fever (Clara), and virtually in An Enemy of the People (Aslaksen). She has also been seen in directing projects such as 2.5 Minute Ride (Lisa) and Butterflies are Free (Jill). She is also member of the Mainstage improv troupe. She would like to thank her professors, her fellow classmates and Marissa Davis for supporting her and helping her grow the past 4 years. Thanks to Karla and David Andrews for being her best friends and support system. Special thanks to Tammy Birk for her endless support and belief. She wouldn’t be here without you.
Marin D, formally known as Marissa Davis, is from West Chester and Gahanna, Ohio. Otterbein credits include Hovstad in An Enemy of the People, Mrs. MacNeil/Sob Sister/Mrs. Fryer/Clerk in Radium Girls, and Witch #1 in The Tragedy of Macbeth. They also had the pleasure of working with Jessie Glover and Theatre of Conviction to play Odessa in And In This Corner: Cassius Clay alongside men at Marion Correctional Institution. They were lucky to work with Sam Hoyer, Gracie Guichard, Tru Stites, and Brittany Koscinsky on their workshop, Seminar, and they’re very excited to direct Art by Yasmina Reza next semester. They are grateful for the love and support they’ve received here at Otterbein and will truly miss it. Special thanks to Melissa Lusher, Mark Mineart, Jessie Glover, Tau Delta, and the men at Marion Correctional Institution.
Grace Dillon is from Ellicott City, Maryland. You may have seen her in Smoke on the Mountain, Radium Girls, Theory of Relativity, The School for Scandal, or Guys and Dolls! She’s had a blast performing and learning at Otterbein Theatre, and she’s also a member of Ottertuned and Kappa Phi Omega. She is eternally and immensely grateful to her parents for all they give.
Desmond Fernandez is so excited to share his favorite moments with the Otterbein Theatre Department. He would like to thank all his professors (and now life-long friends) for pushing him beyond his limits, as well as his family for all their love and belief in his dreams. Desmond strongly cherishes the Westerville community for their unwavering support in him. They say it takes a village to raise someone, luckily his village is vast, supportive, and nurturing. Desmond plans to continue his career in TV/ Film and directing. OneLove.
THE CLASS OF 2021
Evan Kret is a senior Acting major at Otterbein University. He hopes to pursue a career in film acting or music after he graduates. He would like to thank his family for the endless support he has received throughout his life in the arts, and especially at Otterbein.
Emma Kate Lampe has had the best time at Otterbein as a Musical Theater Major. She could not be more thankful to her parents for supporting her throughout her time here. She would love to thank her professors Thom Christopher Warren, Melissa Lusher, Lenny Leibowitz, Mark “Coach” Mineart, Stella Kane, and Dr. Keyona-Willis for literally everything they have done for her. All of them spread joy, wisdom, and geniusness in every classroom they walk into. Emma Kate would also love to thank her roommate and class member, Desmond Fernandez, for being the best scene partner anyone could ever ask for; and Grace Dillon and Hannah Roberts for making the Musical Theatre class of 2021 unforgettable. Emma Kate is so excited to be interning at The Growing Studio in the spring as well as moving to NYC in the fall. She is so excited and hopeful for what the future holds.
Madeleine Norton is a 22-year-old senior BFA Acting Major from Dallas, TX. You may have seen her most recently as Morgan Kiil in An Enemy of the People, Lady Eugenia/Ensemble in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (before closing due to COVID-19), Kathryn Schaub u.s. in Radium Girls, Katurian in The Pillowman, Natalie in Next to Normal, The Second Witch in The Tragedy of Macbeth, and other assorted workshops and cabarets. Madeleine is excited to announce that after Launch she will be interning with The Growing Studio in the spring! She is honored to share her final performance with her fellow seniors and would like to thank her friends and professors for all their support throughout her college career. She will especially miss the Otterbein ghosts and coffee at Java Central. Lots of love to all her lovely grandparents, Mom, Dad, Johnathan, David Allen, and Patches! Madeleine is represented by The Campbell Agency. Check out her website at www.madeleinenorton.com!
Trevin Parker is an actor, singer, and creator originally from Ironton, Ohio. Regional credits include Grease (Sonny), Pajama Game (u/s Prez, Hines), Peter and the Starcatcher (Prentiss), and Catch Me If You Can (u/s Frank Jr.). Favorite Otterbein credits include An Enemy of the People (Peter Stockmann), The School for Scandal (Charles Surface), and Fun Home (Bruce). He would like to thank his incredible family for their unending love and support, as well as the Westerville Community for their encouragement, support, and commitment to the Dept. of Theatre and Dance. Follow him on social media @parker_trevin.
THE CLASS OF 2021
Hannah Roberts has absolutely loved her time at Otterbein! She will be interning at The Growing Studio in the spring. Her college experience would not have been the same without her wonderful MT and Acting class of 2021, her teachers, and her friends (shout out to Marley). Favorite credits include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Zilker Hillside Theater); Susan Waverly in White Christmas (ZACH Theater); Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, Little Red in Into the Woods (Summer Stock Austin); Ensemble in Carousel (Mary Moody Northen Theatre); Ensemble in Annie Get Your Gun (Georgetown Palace Theater), Laurie in Oklahoma!, Sally in Snoopy!!!, and Ensemble in Chicago, Singin’ in the Rain, Big Fish, and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Otterbein University).
Anna Sheridan is a senior BFA Acting major from Cleveland, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include Radium Girls (Grace Fryer), The How and The Why (Zelda), Seascape (Nancy), The Pillowman (Ariel), and The Tragedy of Macbeth (Witch 3). Anna would like to thank her parents, Ed and Louise, for always encouraging her to follow her dreams. She would also like to thank her grandparents, Nancy, Mary, Justin, and Sam, for their constant love and support throughout her time at Otterbein.
Madeleine VanRiper is excited to be featured in Otterbein’s Launch 2020! Madeleine is a graduating senior Acting BFA at Otterbein University. She has previously been seen on the Otterbein stage as Amy in The Theory of Relativity and as a featured ensemble member in Singin’ in the Rain Although it was cut short by the COVID 19 pandemic, she was also cast as Sibella Hallward in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder in the spring of 2020. Madeleine loves performing and would like to thank her family and friends for their support. She would also like to give a shout-out to her fellow classmates and her professors for their love and guidance throughout her college career.
SPECIAL THANKS
Lauren Bibb, Damon Brown, Cameron Chang, Matthew Gittins, Dee Hoty, Andrew Lippa, Lydia Namakydoost, Jessica Palagano, Daria Pilar Redus, Ben Roberts, Stephen Rossman, Josh Wechsler, & Westerville Grill
PRODUCTION STAFF
Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance ..................................................................T. J. Gerckens
Chair, Department of Music ............................................................................ Dennis Davenport
Managing Director .......................................................................................... Elizabeth Saltzgiver
Production Manager ...................................................................................... Kristen Cooperkline
Lighting & Sound Supervisor Doc Davis
BIOGRAPHIES
T.J. Gerckens (Chair, Producing Artistic Director, Lighting Advisor) is the lighting design faculty member at Otterbein University, a USA829 Union Lighting Designer, and proud Otterbein alumnus. At Otterbein, he has designed the lighting for Chicago, Snoopy!!!, Oklahoma!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Diary of Anne Frank, Adding Machine: A Musical, Damn Yankees, Dance 2016: The Goddess, The Crucible, Fiddler on the Roof, Dance 2015: Famously Yours...Forever, Dance 2014: Tell-Tale Poe, and Into the Woods. As a freelance lighting designer, T.J. has been part of the design team for the Tony Award winner and MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Mary Zimmerman for the last 27 years. Most recently, he designed lighting for the world premiere of the opera Eurydice, by Sarah Ruhl and Matthew Aucoin at the L.A. Opera in co-production with the Metropolitan Opera, The Music Man at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Mary Zimmerman’s world premiere of The Steadfast Tin Soldier at Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre, last year’s revival of Metamorphoses at the Guthrie Theatre and Berkeley Rep, and Rusalka at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC. Other notable designs include The Odyssey at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Wonderful Town at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Guys & Dolls in L.A., and Treasure Island at the Lookingglass Theatre and Berkeley Rep. His lighting designs have been seen at regional theatres across the United States, on and off Broadway, and at the Metropolitan Opera. Internationally, he has designed in England, Australia, and at the LaScala Opera House in Milan, Italy. He has received numerous awards for his designs including New York’s Drama Desk Award and Lortel Awards for his lighting of Metamorphoses on and off Broadway, Jefferson Awards for The Odyssey and Metamorphoses in Chicago, and an award for “Exemplifying the Art of Collaboration” given to the Zimmerman design team by Entertainment Design Magazine. You can see his designs for Lucia di Lammermoor and La Sonnambula on DVDs released by the Metropolitan Opera. T.J. holds a BFA from Otterbein University and an MFA from Boston University. He is married to set designer, scenic artist, and Otterbein adjunct instructor Stephanie R. Gerckens.
Thom Christopher Warren (Director) is currently in his fourth academic year at Otterbein, having come directly from the Broadway production of Disney’s The Lion King. During his short time at Otterbein, Thom has directed Thoroughly Modern Millie, Big Fish, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and classroom projects of Sweeney Todd, The Toxic Avenger, Title of Show, and the past three seasons’ Launch performances. Thom will be directing Into a Lamplit Room: The Songs of Kurt Weill in the spring. Broadway/Regional favorites include: the Broadway revival of Once Upon a Mattress, Peter and the Starcatcher at Theatre Aspen, the world premieres of Bruce Sussman and Barry Manilow’s Harmony at La Jolla, and Babes in Arms at the Guthrie, and more recently Dan in Next to Normal and Harold Hill in The Music Man at the Porthouse Theatre, Tateh in Ragtime at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre and, more locally, Albin/Zaza in La Cage Aux Folles and Charles/ Berthe in Pippin at the Short North Stage. Many thanks to LK and Stella, and of course the extraordinary class of 2021!
BIOGRAPHIES
Lori Kay Harvey (Music Director) is in her 14th year as a member of the musical theatre faculty at Otterbein. She has music directed over 35 shows in central Ohio and throughout the US and has performed extensively as an actor/ singer/ dancer on both national and international tours and in numerous regional theatres. Recent Otterbein credits include Chicago, Singin’ in the Rain, Big Fish, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Adding Machine: A Musical, Damn Yankees and The Addams Family. Tour credits: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease. Regional: Next to Normal, Beauty and the Beast, Jekyll and Hyde, The Taffetas, Camelot, The Who’s Tommy, Damn Yankees, Brigadoon, Carousel, The Desert Song and The Good War Concert credits: Soprano soloist - Bernstein’s West Side Story with Maestro Peter Stafford Wilson and the Springfield and Westerville Symphonies, Soprano soloist - Weathervane Playhouse New Year’s Eve Gala with Maestro Russ Mikkelson and the Newark-Granville Symphony, Soprano soloist - Excerpts from Claudel - CDT @ 20, Mozart “Requiem” with The National Chorale (Avery Fisher Hall), Puttin’ On the Ritz with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (Carnegie Hall and recorded on TELARC label), and The Magical Music of Disney (Cincinnati Music Hall and Circle Theatre, IN, recorded on TELARC label and GRAMMY- nominated). Television credits: Sex in the City, Guiding Light, Mel Torme’s Christmas Special, and various commercials and industrials. Education: BS in Voice Performance and Theatre from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Member of Actor’s Equity Association. Lori Kay and her husband, TJ, live in Galena with their 2 children, Macrae (8) and Clara (5). Best Wishes, Seniors!
Stella Hiatt Kane (Choreographer) is the Director of Musical Theatre and Director of Dance at Otterbein University, and the founding Artistic Director of JazzMet. Ms. Kane has been a member of the national companies of “Sugar” and Bob Fosses’ “Dancin’” and a member of the national and international companies of The American Dance Machine. She has made television appearances in productions such as PBS’ “Dance in America” and “The Ann Reinking Special” with Ann Reinking, Chita Rivera and Ben Vereen. Ms. Kane has taught for New York’s American Dance Machine/Harkness House and the Actors’ and Directors’ Lab. She has been a visiting guest artist/teacher at several universities including The Ohio State University and New York University and has been a master teacher in residence at the Northern Ballet Theatre in Leeds, England. She has also been a guest choreographer for BalletMet and Columbus Dance Theatre, including the world premiere of Women Leading. Her most current Otterbein collaborations have included Chicago, Singin’ In the Rain, Big Fish, Damn Yankees, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Oklahoma!. Additionally, she has directed and choreographed the recent Otterbein University productions of The Wild Within, Move Me, Gloriously Grimm and Together Again.
Doc Davis (Sound Designer/Lighting and Sound Supervisor) was born and raised in Pearl, MS. After receiving a BA in Theatre from Belhaven University, he continued his education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While completing his MFA in Sound Design, he worked as a sound engineer at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, assisting such acts as Mark Morris Dance Company, The National, Derek Trucks Band, Keb’ Mo’, Ralph Lemon Dance Company, and more. After receiving his MFA, he acted as a Mastering Engineer, Sound Designer, A1, Location Recordist, Video Designer, and ReRecording Mixer for various theaters, companies, and films. Since moving to Columbus, OH, Davis has worked at Otterbein University as Lighting and Sound Supervisor and Events Coordinator. He continues to design and mix shows many times a year and especially loves sharing his approach to Audio Engineering and Sound Design with students of all ages!
BIOGRAPHIES
Kristen Cooperkline (Production Manager) joined the Otterbein family in 2013. She was raised in Columbus and earned her Bachelor of Arts in History/Theatre from the College of Wooster and her Master of Arts in American Culture Studies at Bowling Green State University. She then received her MFA in Stage Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her Illinois credits include Macbeth, La Calisto, Battle of Angels, February Dance, and Our Town. Following her time at Illinois, Kristen served as the Event Coordinator for the first-ever American College Dance Festival Association South Regional Conference as well as a stage manager for Bebe Miller Company. She returned to the University of Illinois in 2016 to guest stage manage February 2016, featuring the premiere of American choreographer/director Ping Chong’s piece Baldwin/NOW.