Feburary 23rd 7:30 p.m.
Mercedes-Benz of Mobile
Presenting sponsor of Mouvement in Art
2013E550A
Mercedes-Benz of Mobile is proud to sponsor the Project Mouvement in Art premiere performance of “Carnival of the Animals.” We are helping raise funds for the hospital that raises standards- Thomas Hospital Birth Center delivers more than 1,100 babies a year & received 2012 WomenCertified award for Best Hospital for Patient Experience in Obstetrics.
Winner of the “Best of the Best” Award 3060 DAUPHIN STREET
251-472-BENZ (2369)
WWW.MBOFMOBILE.COM
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Leaders in Full Artistic Potential
O
ur mission is to foster and nurture young dancers who demonstrate the aptitude and ambition to achieve loftier levels of artistry and performance. Performances are designed to demonstrate technical and artistic excellence “earned through motivation and passion�; and instill the principles of empathy, teamwork, and communitybuilding through the donation of performance proceeds to charity.
Who we are:
Leaders in developing the mind and body of our youth to achieve full artistic excellence.
What we offer:
Leaders in intensive training and dynamic performance opportunities for local young artists.
What you can do:
Lead in supporting Performance Art: Dance: Music
WELCOME It’s an exciting time for Project Mouvement In Art. This evening’s inaugural performance signals a new day for Performing Arts opportunities in our community. Project Mouvement In Art is proud to present twenty-seven of our local youth and adult dancers, ranging in ages from 8 to 28 along with many talented professional dance artists and musicians for “An Evening of Broadway, Ballet, and Opera”. PMIA’s mission is to foster and nurture young dancers who demonstrate the aptitude and ambition to achieve loftier levels of artistry and performance beyond general classroom study. Project Mouvement In Art emphasizes the development of mind and body with the goal of propelling each dancer to his/her full artistic potential. Performances are designed to demonstrate the dancer’s technical and artistic excellence “earned through motivation and passion”; and instill the principles of empathy, teamwork, and communitybuilding through the donation of a portion of performance proceeds to charity. PMIA is open to dancers of any studio in the area. The dedication of these young dancers along with their families support is making Project Mouvement In Art a huge success as is evident by all in attendance at tonight’s first show. Project Mouvement In Art is excited to have you here tonight to see the passion that these dancers have for the art of dance. Thank you, PMIA Jamie Seeley Leatherbury Lori Bilbery-Vaghefi Mia Spicuzza Guzlas
inaugural event d privilege to serve as the It has been an honor an rmance of “Carnival of uvement In Art’s perfo visions of chairman for Project Mo ed watching the creative joy en ly gh rou tho ve ie Leatherbury the Animals”. I ha icuzza Guzlas, and Jam Sp ia M fi, he ag y-V bre each of the directors Lori Bil t. I would like to thank en ev ere mi pre t’s igh on. Many come to life for ton hard work and dedicati of s ur ho ir the for ers orary VIP Pre talented perform her beautiful contemp for d oo xw Bo of bb thanks to Fran Co n. Performance Party desig also like to Mary Wells and I would ol, Co Mc a gel An s. Dr their generosity My co-chairs des Benz of Mobile for rce Me sor on sp g tin thank our presen uld like to recognize the istic endeavor. We wo e, Southeast and support in this art and Grill, Sense Magazin r Ba cy ga Le of ns tio se sponsors altruistic contribu . Without the help of the ort rp Ai l na gio Re e bil Podiatry, and Mo ssible. would not have been po and others, this evening co-chairs and I see at Thomas Hospital, my As healthcare providers ter on a daily basis. We g needs of the birth cen benefit our firsthand the increasin tonight’s performance m fro ds cee pro the ve are thrilled to ha ur donations, Infirmary ty families. Through yo lent healthcare for growing Baldwin Coun urse of providing excel co its e nu nti co can Health Systems our community. Sincerely, Wendy Gavras, CRNA sia Eastern Shore Anesthe n Event Chairma
Founder
Jamie Seelye Leatherbury
Artsitic Director
Lori Bilbrey - Vaghefi
Production Stage Manager Mia Spicuzza Guzlas Marketing and Communications Cecilia Mace Jennifer Birge
Photography Jennifer Birge Ron Guzlas
Project Mouvement In Art | 251 S Greeno Road Fairhope Al, 36532 | 251-610-8902 | www.PMIart.com Out of courtesy to the dancers and musicians, the taking of photographs or recording of any nature is strictly prohibited during performances. PLEASE SILENCE ALL CELLULAR TELEPHONES, PAGERS AND AUDIBLE DEVICES.
Dear Friends, On behalf of Thomas Hospital, the Thomas Hospital Foundation and our Birth Center, thank you for your support of the Project Mouvement in Art. Through your generosity, Thomas Hospital, an affiliate of Infirmary Health, is able to continue our mission of LIFE by providing compassionate and excellent care to our community. We are thrilled to be the recipient of this inaugural event of ballet, Broadway and opera. At Thomas Hospital, we constantly strive to bring the best healthcare experience to our community. We are one of 100 hospitals nationally to be selected to participate in the March of Dimes “Quality Initiative to Eliminate Elective Deliveries with less than 39 Weeks Gestation�. Research supports elective deliveries before 39 weeks increase risk for babies. We are leading the effort to educate women on the best choices for delivering. The Birth Center recently received the WomenCertified award for Best Hospital for Patient Experience in Obstetrics. We deliver more than 1,100 babies each year and that number is growing! We are blessed to have top notch physicians and dedicated staff ready to serve families. To the donors, performers and organizers of this amazing event, thank you for helping provide a safe and compassionate experience to new moms in our community. Best regards,
William J. McLaughlin, FACHE Administrator, Thomas Hospital Executive Vice President, Infirmary Health
SOUTH EAST PODIATRY
SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor Mercedes of Mobile
VIP Pre-Performance Party Legacy Bar & Grill
Platinum Sponsor SENSE Magazine
Gold Sponsors
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SOUTH EAST PODIATRY
Faulkner State University Mobile Regional Airport Fairhope Youth Rotary Club South East Podiatry
Silver Sponsors Carla S. Corte, CRNP Dr. James Corte Fairhope Animal Clinic Dr. and Mrs. Jimmie Gavras Brown & McCool Todd and Joni Chaney
Like In Kind Southern Edge Dance Center Surfside Photography
ENSE
ECLECTIC INTELLECT FOR THE SOUL
TRaining • bReeDing • boaRDing • akC RegisTeReD kenneL
since 1958
12725 RiveR CReek DRive • FaiRhope, aLabama 251-709-0109
FEATURED ARTISTS NIKKI WHITE is a Montana native who trained on full scholarship at Pacific Northwest Ballet, National Ballet School of Canada, and Lines Ballet/SF before performing as a principal dancer with Smuin Ballet, Oakland Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, and Diablo Ballet. ETHAN WHITE started dancing while earning a B.S. in Psychology and Anatomy/ Neurobiology in Colorado. He spent 6 years with Smuin Ballet, and has danced with Oakland Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and Ballet Austin. Ethan and Nikki were on Paula Abdul’s CBS show ‘Live to Dance’ (known as ‘White Tree Fine Art’) and were one of the top 3 finalists. Nikki is also an actress, and has done commercials for Sony, Dell and Visalus, performed with the Theatricians Theater Group, and danced & choreographed for film with Ethan. Ethan is also a painter and sculptor with work in galleries in Santa Fe, Carmel, and Palm Desert. They’ve recently been competing in Ballroom Competitions in the Exhibition division and were the winners at the California Star Ball, Hollywood Dancesport Championships, and the US Open Swing Competition. Ethan and Nikki are very excited to have published the first in a series of children’s books teaching dance and movement in fun and creative ways. ‘Prima the Ballerina’ books inspire dancers of every age to get their bodies moving, and their imaginations going. The books can also be used as a teachers guide for pre-ballet and creative movement classes. Ethan and Nikki have also founded Urban Art Farm/ SF- a multi-disciplinary non-profit arts collective, Black Rock City Ballet- Burning Man’s first and only professional ballet company, and White Tree Fine Art- their umbrella organization in which they promote themselves as dancers, choreographers, and artists. LAUREN WOODS is a Mobile native and principal dancer with the Mobile Ballet Company. She began dancing at age 3 with Gale Frey, and then continued her training at Dunbar Creative and Performing Arts Magnet School under the direction of LoriBilbrey Vaghefi. While at Dunbar, she had the opportunity to perform with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra and in community outreach programs with the public schools. Upon leaving Dunbar, Lauren joined the Mobile Ballet, where she has been performing for the past 13 years. In addition to dancing in Mobile, Lauren has studied with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive, and Charleston Ballet Theater. Some of Lauren’s featured roles with Mobile Ballet include the title role in Cinderella; Lucy in Winthrop Corey’s Dracula; Swanhilda in Coppelia; Cygnets and Pas de Trois in Swan Lake; Clara, the Snow Queen, and the Dewdrop Fairy in The Nutcracker; and Winthrop Corey’s Mein Himmel pas de duex. In addition to dancing, Lauren is also a fine artist. She graduated from Spring Hill College in 2006 with a B.A. in Studio Art; and in 2010 she received her MFA in Painting from the New York Academy of Art in New York City. Since then, she has been a part of both local and national exhibitions and has collaborated with artists in the fields of dance and music. Currently, she is a drawing instructor at both Spring Hill College and the University of South Alabama.
SCOTT AND SARAH WRIGHT have performed on almost every stage along the Gulf Coast. Mobile Opera and Mobile Symphony have relied on their vocal talents in dozens of performances and concerts. Their musical theater skills have been put to good use at Mobile Theater Guild, Joe Jefferson Playhouse, and Chickasaw Civic Theater. Sarah’s passion for music education led her to develop nationally recognized programs for Mobile Symphony while Scott has composed award winning children’s programs for Mobile Opera. Their love of 40’s music resulted in two CD’s of World War II love songs recorded with the late Ira Swingle at the piano. Scott is the General Director of Mobile Opera and of the International Performing Arts Institute held each summer in Bavaria, and Conductor-in-Residence for the University of Mobile’s Center for Performing Arts. Scott and Sarah are tireless arts advocates who believe that music changes lives. JESSICA WEBER is a music educator with a passion for teaching and spreading her enthusiasm for music. A Texas native, she graduated from Houston Baptist University in 2005 as the music education student of the year. While at HBU, Jessica founded a campus chapter of TMEC, a professional organization for music educators. Upon graduating, Jessica began her teaching career on the new campus of Berry Miller Junior High in Pearland ISD. During Jessica’s first appearance at Texas’ UIL competition, both of her choirs brought home highest honors on stage and sight-reading. Annually, Jessica took four or more choirs to the American Classic Music Festival in San Antonio where her choirs repeatedly received highest honors and in 2010, her choirs were awarded Best in Festival. Lastly, among the rigorous vocal competitions Texas choral education is known for, Jessica’s students earned 44 chairs in the All Region Choir, surpassing all competing schools. Upon moving to Alabama in 2010 and transitioning to motherhood, Jessica began what is now known as Center Stage Performance. Center Stage offers students of all ages skilled instruction in vocal performance and the opportunity to take their talent to the stage. Children’s musical theatre, show choir and private voice instruction are a few of the performance opportunities offered by Center Stage at www.CenterStagePerformance. com. In addition to teaching, Jessica has led worship at women’s events for the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas and at Women in Worship and the Word summer conferences. Jessica is happy to be in Alabama with her husband and daughter and continues to create quality music experiences for children. DANIEL MAINWARING is a versitile veteran actor and director on area community stages. He has performed for Joe Jefferson Players, Mobile Theatre Guild, Theatre 98, Firehouse Theatre, South of the Saltline Theatre, UWF’s Playwright’s Repertory Festival, and Theatre USA. He is delighted to return to the Seanger stage for Project Mouvement in Art’s inaugural event RYAN ARNOLD received his Bachelors in Fine Arts from the University of Alabama in December of 2011 with a concentration in Performance. Under the direction of Cornelius Carter, he has performed and choreographed for multiple shows at the University including Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre II and Dance Alabama. Dancing lead roles such as the Cavalier for the Nutcracker, Prince Charming in Cinderella the ballet, and leading male soloist in Stars and Stripes the ballet, Ryan was afforded the opportunity to attend UA on a dance scholarship. As a dance scholarship recipient, Ryan was selected as an ABT (American Ballet Theatre) counselor for their summer intensive at UA for three consecutive summers (2007-2010). His choreographic works have been selected to represent the University in ADF (Alabama Dance Festival) as well as ACDFA (American College Dance Festival Association), both in the Spring of 2011. Prior to training under the faculty at the University, Ryan was a member of Moving Images Dance Company at John L. Leflore High School under the direction of Joann Christopher for 4 years and Dunbar Magnet School Dancers with Sheila Goodrich for 4 years. During his time at Leflore, Ryan also received training at Mobile Ballet and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre summer intensive. Most recently, Ryan taught and choreographed for a brief period at Thrive Robinson’s School of Dance II in West Mobile where he trained and competed with the Lynn Robinson Dancers, under the direction of Ashley Robinson Fuqua for 9 years.
AN EVENING OF BALLET, HIGHLIGHTS FROM CATS Overture The Naming of Cats
Ryan Arnold Mia Spicuzza Guzlas Elizabeth Frey Kaleigh Blount Meagan Hamm Madelyn Reed Mary Gafford Savannah Winters Kaitlyn Estes
Memory
Nikki White
Mr. Mistoffelees
Ryan Arnold
Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer Mary Gafford Savannah Winters Rum Tum Tugger
Ross Smitherman
The Jellicle Ball Ryan Arnold Mia Spicuzza Guzlas Elizabeth Frey Kaleigh Blount Meagan Hamm Madelyn Reed Mary Gafford Savannah Winters Victoria Miller Kaitlyn Estes
Brief Pause BIRDS OF A FEATHER The Cranes Dance Nikki and Ethan White Fish Gotta Swim, Birds Gotta Fly Jessica Webber Lark & Nightingale Scott and Sarah Wright Nikki and Ethan White
20 Minute Intermission
BROADWAY, AND OPERA CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Introduction March Royale du Lion
Ryan Arnold
Poulet et Coqs Hen Amy Forbes Rooster Lee Borowski Chicks Grace Busby Sarah Lu Priester Hémiones Donkeys
Lauren Phillips Elizabeth Frey
Le coucou au fond des bois The cuckoo in the Deep Woods
Nicole Roca
Tortues Brynn Borowski Tortoises Merritt Gambino Lydia Love Madelyn Rottger Reagan Yenewine L’éléphant Sarah Nolan Jernigan Elephants Abigayle Oswald Landyn Ross Kangourous Kara Coleman Kangaroos Alyssa Frank Abigale Lety Chloe Theriot Aquarium Mermaid Mary Thomas MacKinnon Volière Kathryn Behrens Aviary Sienna Borowski Michelle Roca Fossiles Ashlynn Fuqua Fossils Dorothy Mitchell Mary Hastings Puckett Le cygne Lauren Woods Swan Finale
Entire Cast
CATS CATS was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot. After his mother read the book to him when he was a child, Lloyd Webber fell in love with the poems. In late 1977, he began to set the book to music, partly because of his affection toward the poems, and partly because he wanted the challenge of writing music to Eliot’s words. Before CATS, lyricists had always written the words after Lloyd Webber composed his music, and he wanted to see whether it would work the other way around. The original production of CATS opened at the New London Theatre in 1981 and premiered on Broadway in New York on October 7, 1982. CATS has also been presented in 24 other countries and translated into ten languages. In addition to being the longest running show in Broadway history, CATS has won countless awards including the 1981 Laurence Oliver Award for Musical of the Year, the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 1983. CATS has also won the Moliere Prize for Best Musical in France, seven awards in Canada, and seven awards in Japan.
Project Mouvement in Art presents Highlights from CATS
The Naming of Cats
The cats are at first suspicious and proud, reluctant to allow an audience into their domain. In “The Naming of Cats”, however, they begin to reveal who they are and that cats have three different names: the one the family uses daily, a more dignified name, and a secret name. It is the contemplation of these secret names that keeps felines deep in thought: When you notice a cat in profound meditation, The reason I tell you is always the same; His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name: His ineffable effable Effanineffable Deep and inscrutable singular Name….. Memory
Mr. Mistoffelees
He is quiet and small, he is black From his ears to the tip of his tail; He can creep through the tiniest crack, He can walk on the narrowest rail. He can pick any card from a pack, He is equally cunning with dice; He is always deceiving you into believing That he’s only hunting for mice. He can play any trick with a cork Or a spoon and a bit of fish-paste; If you look for a knife or a fork And you think it is merely misplaced-You have seen it one moment, and then it is gawn! But you’ll find it next week lying out on the lawn.
Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer
We’re a notorious couple of cats As knockabout clowns, quick-change comedians Tight-rope walkers and acrobats Have an extensive reputation We make our home in Victoria Grove
This is merely our centre of operation For we are incurably given to rove
The Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat:
If you offer him pheasant he would rather have grouse. If you put him in a house he would much prefer a flat, If you put him in a flat then he’d rather have a house. If you set him on a mouse then he only wants a rat, If you set him on a rat then he’d rather chase a mouse.
The Jellicle Ball
Jellicle cats come out tonight Jellicle cats come one, come all The Jellicle Moon is shining bright Jellicles come to the jellicle ball Jellicle cats are black and white Jellicle cats are rather small Jellicle cats are merry and bright And pleasant to hear when we caterwaul Jellicle cats have cheerful faces Jellicle cats have bright black eyes We like to practice our airs and graces And wait for the Jellicle Moon to rise Jellicle cats develop slowly Jellicle cats are not too big Jellicle cats are roly-poly We know how to dance a gavotte and a jig Until the Jellicle Moon appears We make our toilet and take our repose Jellicles wash behind their ears Jellicles dry between their toes Jellicle cats are white and black Jellicle cats are of moderate size Jellicles jump like a jumping jack Jellicle cats have moonlit eyes We’re quiet enough in the morning hours We’re quiet enough in the afternoon Reserving our Terpsichorean powers To dance by the light of the Jellicle Moon Jellicle cats are black and white Jellicle cats as we said, are small If it happens to be a stormy night We will practice a caper or two in the hall If it happens, the sun is shining bright You would say we have nothing to do at all We are resting and saving ourselves to be bright For the Jellicle Moon and the Jellicle Ball Jellicle cats come out tonight Jellicle cats come one, come all The Jellicle Moon is shining bright Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball
Camille Saint-Saëns wanted to be considered a composer of serious, substantial music. He had no intention of offering “The Carnival of the Animals” to the public when he composed the piece early in 1886. He simply thought it would provide entertainment for his friends at Carnival time. Following the first private performance, Saint-Saens’ old friend and supporter, Franz Liszt, requested that the suite be given again. Thinking the work to be too frivolous to be considered as serious music, Saint-Saëns specifically disallowed any execution of the suite publishing only one movement, “The Swan”, in his lifetime. While that movement is a welcome addition to pieces written for the cello, the whole “zoological fantasy” is a most successful example of humorously themed music in the classical repertory. On February 26, 1922, a little more than two months after the composer’s death, the public premiere took place, and “The Carnival of the Animals” quickly became, with full right, one of the composer’s most popular works. Recognized as a whimsical introduction to classical music, “The Carnival of the Animals” consists of 14 movements, with each movement using different parts of the orchestra to embody the sounds of an animal, from roosters to elephants to kangaroos. Saint-Saëns cleverly used a small group of instruments to represent the sounds and characteristics of specific animals. In 1949,American poet Ogden Nash, known for his very clever wit and sense of humor, became interested in “The Carnival of the Animals” and provided some clever and poetic descriptions of the animals in the Carnival. ABOUT THE BALLET Inspired by French fashion with a focus on decorative curves, Artistic Director, Lori Bilbrey-Vaghefi takes a florid, feminine and graceful approach to “Carnival of the Animals”. Set in 1920’s Paris art studio, an artist inspired by animals, ponders their characteristics, habits, likes and dislikes as he attempts to bring the heart and soul of each one to life on his canvas. The Project Mouvement In Art dancers bring the characters to life through Vaghefi’s colorful, exotic and whimsical choreography.
INTRODUCTION Camille Saint-Saens Was wracked with pains, When people addressed him, As Saint-Saens. He held the human race to blame, Because it could not pronounce his name, So, he turned with metronome and fife, To glorify other kinds of life, Be quiet please - for here begins His salute to feathers, fur and fins. THE LION - March royale du lion The lion is the king of beasts, And husband of the lioness. Gazelles and things on which he feasts Address him as your highoness. There are those that admire that roar of his, In the African jungles and velds, But, I think that wherever the lion is, I’d rather be somewhere else. COCKS AND HENS - Poules et coqs The rooster is a roistering hoodlum, His battle cry is “cock- a- doodleum”. Hands in pockets, cap over eye, He whistles at pullets, passing by. DONKEYS - Hemiones Have ever you harked to the donkey wild, Which scientists call the onager? It sounds like the laugh of an idiot child, Or a hepcat on a harmoniger, Heriones. But do not sneer at the donkey wild, There is a method in his heehaw, For with maidenly blush and accent mild The jenny answers shee-haw. THE CUCKOO IN THE WILD - Le coucou au fond des bois Cuckoos lead bohemian lives, They fail as husbands and as wives, Therefore, they cynically disparage Everybody else’s marriage. THE TORTOISE - Turtues Come crown my brow with leaves of myrtle, I know the tortoise is a turtle, Come carve my name in stone immortal, I know the turtoise is a tortle. I know to my profound despair, I bet on one to beat a hare, I also know I’m now a pauper, Because of its tortley, turtley, torper. THE ELEPHANT - L`elephant Elephants are useful friends, Equipped with handles at both ends, They have a wrinkled moth proof hide, Their teeth are upside down, outside, If you think the elephant preposterous, You’ve probably never seen a rhinosterous.
KANGAROOS - Kangourous The kangaroo can jump incredible, He has to box because he is edible, I could not eat a kangaroo, But many fine Australians do, Those with cookbooks as well as boomerangs, Prefer him in tasty kangaroomeringues. THE AQUARIUM Some fish are minnows, Some are whales, People like dimples, Fish like scales, Some fish are slim, And some are round, They don’t get cold, They don’t get drowned, But every fishwife Fears for her fish, What we call mermaids They call merfish. BIRDS - Voliere Puccini was Latin, and Wagner Teutonic, And birds are incurably philharmonic, Suburban yards and rural vistas Are filled with avian Andrew Sisters. The skylark sings a roundelay, The crow sings “The Road to Mandalay,” The nightingale sings a lullaby, And the sea gull sings a gullaby. That’s what shepherds listened to in Arcadia Before somebody invented the radia. FOSSILS - Fossiles At midnight in the museum hall, The fossils gathered for a ball, There were no drums or saxophones, But just the clatter of their bones, Rolling, rattling carefree circus, Of mammoth polkas and mazurkas, Pterodactyls and brontosauruses Sang ghostly prehistoric choruses, Amid the mastodonic wassail I caught the eye of one small fossil, “Cheer up sad world,” he said and winked, “It’s kind of fun to be extinct.” THE SWAN - Le cygne The swan can swim while sitting down, For pure conceit she takes the crown, She looks in the mirror over and over, And claims to have never heard of Pavlova. THE GRAND FINALE Noises new to sea and land, Issue from the skillful band, All the strings contort their features, Imitating crawly creatures, All the brasses look like mumps From blowing umpah, umpah, umps, In outdoing Barnum and Bailey, and Ringling, Saint Saens has done a miraculous thingling. Now we’ve reached the grand finale, of animalie, carnivalie.
THE DANCERS Amy Forbes Lee Borowski Grace Busby Sarah Lu Priester Lauren Phillips Elizabeth Frey Nicole Roca Brynn Borowski Merritt Gambino Lydia Love Reagan Yenewine Madelyn Rottger Abigayle Oswald Landyn Ross Sarah Nolan Jernigan Abigale Lety Chloe Theriot Kara Coleman Alyssa Frank Mary Thomas MacKinnon Sienna Borowski Michelle Roca Kathryn Behrens Ashlynn Fuqua Dorothy Mitchell Mary Hastings Puckett Lauren Woods Ryan Arnold Mia Spicuzza Guzlas Elizabeth Frey Kaleigh Blount Meagan Hamm Madelyn Reed Mary Gafford Savannah Winters Victoria Miller Kaitlyn Estes
CREATIVE TEAM
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LORI
Bilbrey-Vaghefi began her dance training at age 3 under the direction of Marguerite Benson Hall Nelson. After high school she continued her training in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. at Americn Dance Center under the direction of Phyllis Latin. Upon returning to Mobile, she performed as a principal dancer and was faculty member for Mobile Ballet under the direction of Winthrop Corey for 25 years. The last five of those years she also served as Ballet Mistress. As ballet director for Dunbar Creative and Performing Arts Magnet School for 17 years, Bilbrey-Vaghefi’s students (including Mia Spicuzza Guzlas) performed annually with Mobile Symphony Orchestra in its Kinder Concert Series and for the Salvation Army charity fundraiser with Fred Baldwin. For four years she was the fine arts specialist for Mobile County public schools. Bilbrey-Vaghefi frequently was a guest teacher for Dance Masters of America and has performed at Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston, S.C. Her many dance roles include: Dew Drop Fairy, Arabian, and Snow Queen in “Nutcracker”, the Fairy Godmother in “Cinderella”, Carabosse, the Gold Fairy and the Fairy of Tenderness in “Sleeping Beauty”, Peasant Pas de Quatre in “Giselle”, Marie Taglioni in “Grand Pas de Quatre”, Love in Petrus Bosman’s “Isadora Dances.” and The Swan in “Carnival of the Animals” Initially the choreography for “Carnival” was inspired by Saens’ score. Choreographing on dancers of various ages and abilities can be challenging as well as Saint Saens’ sometimes tricky score. My approach to choreography is feminine and expressive and I wanted each animal to be beautiful and elegant. This was a simple task for some of the creatures such as the mermaid and birds, but how do you make elephants, donkeys and fossils look and move elegantly? The art of Edward Degas was the inspiration for the fossils. I decided to make them the fossils of degas’ ballerinas as opposed to the more often used dinosaurs. Lauren Woods’ design of the tortoise shell umbrellas inspired the Tortoises choreography and John Ross Thomas’ design of the Sun King’s ruff inspired the regal yet predatory Lion choreography. The process of creating each character with Woods and Thomas was synergistic and they were instrumental in bringing my vision to life. A French undercurrent runs throughout the entire ballet from the art nouveau Mermaid’s tail accentuating her fluid graceful movement, to the Hen’s french country white eyelet tutu with red bows and the Cuckoo’s Marie Antoinettesque bustled-up tail feathers. The choreography as well as the costume design is all conceptual. You will not see an actual trunk, tail or fin on the stage.
CREATIVE TEAM
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER MIA
Spicuzza Guzlas has an undeniable passion for the performing arts. In 2007, she founded Southern Edge Dance Center in Fairhope, Alabama to fulfill a lifelong dream. With characteristic exuberance, she continually explores opportunities in the world of performing arts. Mia has partnered with Jamie Leatherbury to run a very successful dance studio teaching everything from ballet, jazz, tap, hiphop, interpretive, and contemporary dance styles. In 2011, Mia Spicuzza Guzlas and Jamie Leatherbury were joined by Lori Bilbrey- Vaghefi, whom Mia’s studied under for many years. These three women have collaborated to form Project Mouvement In Art. PMIA is geared to students of any studio who would like additional opportunities to perform. Mia has always wanted her students to have a true theatrical experience, from costumes, set design, lighting...all aspects of a theatre performance. Mia’s years as event director for the Bowl Games of America helped to prepare her for producing a theatre production such as tonight’s performance. As a Director of PMIA, Mia wears many hats. She handles the scheduling of outside talent, the music, lighting, works with the theatre stage staff, the outside stage producers, and oversees prop and set design, and in this production, is one of the cats in CATS.
CHOREOGRAPHER RYAN
makes his mark with passion, sophistication and choreographic creativity that inspires dancers & delights audiences. His contagious exuberance, delightfully paired with our passionate performers on the PMI CATS team, translates into an unexpected celebration of perfect passion for their art. Ryan received his Bachelors in Fine Arts from the University of Alabama in December of 2011 with a concentration in Performance. Under the direction of Cornelius Carter, he has performed and choreographed for multiple shows at the University including Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre II and Dance Alabama. Dancing lead roles such as the Cavalier for the Nutcracker, Prince Charming in Cinderella the ballet, and leading male soloist in Stars and Stripes the ballet, Ryan was afforded the opportunity to attend UA on a dance scholarship. As a dance scholarship recipient, Ryan was selected as an ABT (American Ballet Theatre) counselor for their summer intensive at UA for three consecutive summers (2007-2010). His choreographic works have been selected to represent the University in ADF (Alabama Dance Festival) as well as ACDFA (American College Dance Festival Association), both in the Spring of 2011. Prior to training under the faculty at the University, Ryan was a member of Moving Images Dance Company at John L. Leflore High School under the direction of Joann Christopher for 4 years and Dunbar Magnet School Dancers with Sheila Goodrich for 4 years. During his time at Leflore, Ryan also received training at Mobile Ballet and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre summer intensive.
CREATIVE TEAM
COSTUMES JOHN ROSS THOMAS is a Mobile native and is soon to graduate from the University of South Alabama with a focus in theatrical costume design and art. His artistic interests include fabric and fiber arts, photography, sculpture, costuming, performance and installation art. Artists he is inspired by are Petah Coyne, Egon Schiele, and Alexander McQueen. He has shown his work throughout downtown Mobile galleries with a particular focus on fabric installations and costumes. His inspiration is pulled from texture, nature, historical fashion, human nature, and beauty. He plans to pursue his work in Costume Design upon graduation. He thanks his family, friends, and mentors for the constant support and love they provide. LAUREN WOODS In addition to dancing Lauren Woods is also a visual artist. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Spring Hill College in 2006 with a B.A. in Studio Art; and in 2010 she received her MFA in Painting from the New York Academy of Art in New York City. Since then, she has been a part of both local and national exhibitions and has collaborated with artists in the fields of dance and music. Currently, she is a drawing instructor at both Spring Hill College and the University of South Alabama. Her work can be viewed online at www.laurenwoodsart.com.
SET DESIGN Alicia Leatherbury Lamberti was thrilled when asked to design for this production in her hometown of Mobile. Alabama. After graduating from Parsons School of Design, she remained in New York City working over the years on projects in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, and Cheltenham, England. Mrs. Lamberti has art directed music videos such as for artists like “Take 6” and production designed music videos like 88 Keys and Colin Munroe’s “Wake Up Call”. She was art director for the Sundance Film “Yelling to the Sky” directed by Victoria Mahoney starring Zoe Kravitz and Gabourey Sidibe. Mrs. Lamberti was Scenic Charge and Camera Scenic for 2010 Oscar nominated film “Rabbit Hole” directed by John Cameron Mitchell starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart. Many other films as Scenic Charge include “Ceremony with Uma Thurman, “The Greatest” with Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon. “Shame” directed by British director Steve McQueen and starring Michael Fassbender and Carrie Mulligan. Scott McGeehee and David Seigel’s “What Maisie Knew” starring, Julianne Moore and Alexander Skaarsgard. Scenic Charge and Camera Scenic for soon to be out “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” directed by Ned Benson starring Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and William Hurt. She worked as Camera Scenic on horror film “Sinister” with Ethan Hawke. Most recently, she was Camera Scenic for John McNaughton’s “The Harvest”. A thriller starring Samantha Morton, Michael Shannon and Peter Fonda, which will be out around the end of 2013. Other films and TV shows she has worked as Scenic Artist include “American Gangster”, “The Switch”, “ The Wolf of Wall Street”, “ Amour and Turbulence”, “The Romantics”, “Gossip Girl”, “ Rubicon”, “Bored to Death”, “ Usual Suspects”, “The Today Show” and many more.
PRODUCTION CREDITS CHOREOGRAPHY - CATS Ryan Arnold COSTUMES - CATS Lindsey Smitherman Springfield Theatrical SCENERY - CATS William Hall Alicia Leatherbury Frank Leatherbury Stephanie Spradling SPECIAL EFX Dorsett Productions Unlimited CHOREOGRAPHY - CARNIVAL Lori Bilbrey- Vaghefi SCENERY - CARNIVAL Luke Edwards RENDERINGS Bethany Blount Special EFX Dorsett Productions Unlimited Lauren Woods FLORIST Southern Veranda GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jennifer Birge MUSIC EDITING Ryan Arnold Ross Smitherman
PHOTOGRAPHY Jennifer Birge Ron and Renee Guzlas with Surf Side Photography PROGRAM BOOKS Nall Printing VIDEOGRAPHER Ross Smitherman MAKEUP TEAM Shannon Blalack Bethany Blount Miranda Culpepper Jenny Garcia Brandi Hoover Chandise Ost Kayla Smith COSTUME DESIGN - CARNIVAL Lori Bilbrey- Vaghefi John Ross Thomas Lauren Woods COSTUME CONSTRUCTION Shannon Blalack Alison Kelley Jennifer Leonard Kaley Morgan Hope Nelson Devin Patrick John Ross Thomas Lauren Woods
SPECIAL THANKS Kathy Baugh Jennifer Birge Bethany Blount Judy Burtt Tiffany Clark Carl Clark Jarod Coates Vickie Curtis Nick Deslonde Hannah Driskell Luke Edwards Wendy Gavras Eric Guzlas Ron and Renee Guzlas Will Hall Rose Ann Haven Lee Lawshe Isabel Leatherbury Frank Leatherbury Mike Lyons Angela McCool Kristie Novay Gracie Parker Kayla Ritchie Horce Seelye Lindsey and Ross Smitherman Debbie Spicuzza Rhythm Dance Center Southern Edge Dance Center Elisha Wheeler Austin Willis Mary Wells
MEDICINE & SURGERY OF THE FOOT
Our Specialties:
DR. BRENT M. HARWOOD
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Member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science Completed residency training in New York City in Foot and Ankle Surgery Provided foot and ankle care to professional dancers and dancers in training in Manhattan, NY Has treated dancers for 17 years during private practice on the Eastern Shore Board Certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgeons
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