Applause -- Mean Girls, February 25-March 2, 2025 by The Publishing House

APPLAUSE

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Photographed at the Denver Art Museum.

SIGHTLINE

BY JOHN EKEBERG

HHello and thank you for joining us at the theatre.

Whether you’re attending Mean Girls, Life of Pi, and/or THE WIZ, I hope your experience at the Buell is full of the theatrical magic that is uniquely Broadway! And if this happens to be your ﬁrst time at the theatre…welcome!

I was fortunate enough to see each of these shows during their Broadway runs in New York and think back fondly on those experiences. I also remember thinking that I couldn’t wait for each of them to go on the road to entertain audiences across the country. We are fortunate in Denver to have so many of the most entertaining and moving shows from Broadway come to the Buell Theatre. In fact, at the time of this writing, we are putting the ﬁnal touches on our 2025/26 season, which we plan to announce in the ﬁrst quarter of the year.

I’m very much looking forward to all of the exciting new shows that are hitting the road and making their way to Denver. I’m also appreciative of you, the audience, because it’s your support of the theatre that makes the Buell one of the top tour destinations in the country.

In the pages of this Applause magazine, you’ll see many exciting theatrical projects that are playing our stages in the months ahead. I hope you ﬁnd something that intrigues you and invite you to join us again.

Vladimir Script

With appreciation,

John Ekeberg

Executive Director, DCPA Broadway & Cabaret

HONORING OUR ELDERS

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts honors and acknowledges that it resides on the traditional and unceded territories of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples. We also recognize the 48 contemporary Indigenous Tribes and Nations who have historically called Colorado home.

VOLUME XXXV • NUMBER 6 • FEB - APR 2025

EDITOR: Suzanne Yoe

DESIGN DIRECTOR: Kyle Malone

DESIGNER: Brenda Elliott

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS: Paul Koob, Lucas Kreitler

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lisa Bornstein, Emma Holst

Applause is published eight times a year by Denver Center for the Performing Arts in conjunction with The Publishing House, Westminster, CO. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Call 303.893.4000 regarding editorial content.

Angie Flachman, Publisher For advertising 303.428.9529 or sales@pub-house.com coloradoartspubs.com Applause magazine is funded in part by

Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization that engages and inspires through the transformative power of live theatre.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Hassan Salem, Chair

Ruth Krebs, Vice Chair

David Jacques Farahi, Secretary/Treasurer

Nicole Ament

Dr. Patricia Baca

Brisa Carleton

Jerome Davis

Elizabeth Hioe

Deb Kelly

Kevin Kilstrom

Lynn McDonald

Susan Fox Pinkowitz

Manny Rodriguez

Alan Salazar

Richard M. Sapkin

Martin Semple

William Dean Singleton

Robert Slosky

Tina Walls

Dr. Reginald L. Washington

Sylvia Young

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Navin Dimond

Margot Gilbert Frank

Jeannie Fuller

Robert C. Newman

Daniel L. Ritchie

Cleo Parker Robinson

Judi Wolf

HELEN G. BONFILS FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Martin Semple, President

William Dean Singleton, Vice President

Dr. Reginald L. Washington, Secretary/Treasurer

Nicole Ament

Marco D. Chayet

David Jacques Farahi

Kevin Kilstrom

Ruth Krebs

Susan Fox Pinkowitz

Hassan Salem

Robert Slosky

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

Janice Sinden, President & CEO

Jamie Clements, Vice President, Development

Chris Coleman, Artistic Director, Theatre Company

John Ekeberg, Executive Director, Broadway & Cabaret

Angela Lakin, Vice President, Marketing & Sales

Glen Lucero, Vice President, Venue Operations

Laura Maresca, Chief People & Culture Officer

Charlie Miller, Executive Director & Curator, Off-Center

Lisa Roebuck, Vice President, Information Technology

Charles Varin, Managing Director, Theatre Company & Off-Center

Allison Watrous, Executive Director, Education & Community Engagement

Jane Williams, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

UNDERLINES WOMEN-CENTERED STORYTELLING MEAN GIRLS

FFrom a pop culture phenomenon in the 2000s to a feminist shift in Broadway representation, Mean Girls always comes along at a time when we need it the most.

Twenty-five years ago, the box office was dominated by action-packed fantasy film franchises; from pirates to wizards, superheroes to jedis — audiences couldn’t escape the spectacle. That is so not fetch.

But, a new kind of ﬁlm was emerging through the decade: movies written by women, about women, and for women.

Not necessarily a genre, but a movement, reaching the height of its popularity in the 2000s. Think Bring It On, a 2000 teen comedy written by Jessica Bendinger; Erin Brockovich, a 2000 biographical legal drama by Susannah Grant; Legally Blonde, a 2001 comedy written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith; The Princess Diaries, a 2001 coming-of-age ﬁlm written by Gina Wendkos; The Devil Wears Prada, a 2006 comedy-drama written by Lauren Weisberger. We could do this all day long.

These aren’t solely romantic comedies either — a genre mainly identiﬁed as being “for women.” These stories feature ﬂawed female protagonists as they navigate life, challenges, relationships with other women, and love. Audiences were asking for and engaging with (mostly) realistic, relatable, and relevant characters.

An iconic submission to this category? The 2004 teen comedy Mean Girls, written by Tina Fey. The

BY EMMA HOLST

story explores social dynamics and the high school experience through the eyes of teenage girls, focusing on bullying and the idea of “ﬁtting in,” told with humor and authenticity. Plus, there’s a Burn Book, a wayward school bus, Mathletes, and lots of pink.

Lauded as one of the greatest comedies of all time, Mean Girls had immense staying power, ultimately creating a pop culture phenomenon. References, quotes, memes, and more — to this day — are heard and seen everywhere. Mean Girls isn’t like a regular movie. It’s a cool movie.

In 2013, Fey conﬁrmed a stage musical adaptation was in the works and the production transferred to Broadway in 2018.

A successful movie-to-musical adaptation requires ﬁnesse, striking at the heart of what makes the story so relatable: an overarching message of acceptance.

A successful musical also needs great music, written by Jeﬀ Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin. Featuring beloved tracks such as “I’d Rather Be Me,” “World Burn,” and “Meet the Plastics,” Mean Girls was nominated for 12 awards at the 72nd Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, Best Book, and Best Musical.

Mean Girls tells the story of Cady, the new girl at her public high school, who has been homeschooled her entire life. After befriending other outsiders, she inﬁltrates the popular clique at school: the “Plastics.” What starts as

Pictured (L-R): Natalie Shaw (Cady Heron), Kristen Amanda Smith (Gretchen Wieners), Maya Petropoulos (Regina George), Maryrose Brendel (Karen Smith),

Alexys Morera (Janis Sarkisian), and the Tour Company of Mean Girls.

Photo by Jenny Anderson, 2023

a revenge story becomes a tale of staying true to yourself, discovering your chosen family, and an ode to self-respect.

Lively and hilarious, Mean Girls speaks to generations of women, from teenagers to their grandparents. Cady and the “Plastics” may be a certain age of a certain era, but the universal message speaks to all women, especially those who developed a tough outer shell in high school, protecting the tender human parts of themselves.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Broadway saw a marked shift in women-centered storytelling, with an increasing number of women taking the helm behind the scenes. Before the Mean Girls adaptation was a Legally Blonde adaptation with a book by Heather Hach. Other modern classics such as Waitress by Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles, SIX by Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow, The Color Purple with a book by Marsha Norman, and Wicked with a book by Winnie Holzman have changed the landscape of theatre.

Mean Girls has a knack for showing up at a time when we need it most, inciting change as industries start to realize the need for more stories by, for, and about women.

In an interview with Variety in 2018 upon the opening of the musical, Fey said, “I think it’s long overdue. I’d like to believe from here on out, this gives people a point of reference.” She went on to say, “I think in comedy rooms, especially, women are treated like expensive cappuccino machines. Where it’s like, ‘We have one. Why would we have two?!’ That’s too much pressure on that one person — to carry that, to be the African-American writer, the female writer. It’s always about changing the chemistry of the room. The more diverse the room is, it automatically becomes better.”

Mean Girls has a knack for showing up at a time when we need it most, inciting change as industries start to realize the need for more stories by, for, and about women.

Of course, Mean Girls the musical was both a critical and cultural success, spurring its own ﬁlm adaptation. A movie turned musical turned movie-musical — right on time.

The women-centric movie-movement of the 2000s never went away, it only evolved into bigger, more emotional, and wilder stories to suit the social temperament and landscape of the 2020s. Think Promising Young Woman, a 2020 drama by Emerald Fennell; Priscilla, a 2023 biographical drama by Soﬁa Coppola; The Substance, a 2024 horror ﬁlm by Coralie Fargeat.

Another submission to the cultural register: Mean Girls, a 2024 musical comedy by Tina Fey. Over 20 years later and Mean Girls is still reaching new audiences on the big screen and on tour, taking part in seismic cultural shifts. Now that is fetch.

The only question is: what new iteration will we see next? Until then, wear pink, celebrate women’s stories, and uplift the women in your life. And when you look in the mirror, be sure to tell yourself “You’re, like, really pretty.” Because it’s true.

MEAN GIRLS

FEB 25 – MAR 2 • BUELL THEATRE

ASL Interpreted, Audio Described, and Open Captioned performance: March 1 at 2pm

Pictured (L-R): Kristen Seggio (Mrs. George) and Natalie Shaw (Cady Heron). Photo by Jenny Anderson, 2023.

Pictured (L-R): Maryrose Brendel (Karen Smith), Maya Petropoulos (Regina George), Kristen Amanda Smith (Gretchen Wieners). Photo by Jenny Anderson, 2023.

Adrift A Dream Photography for the Santa Fe Opera

BRING SOME SHOW TO YOUR BUSINESS CORPORATE EVENTS AT DCPA

Whether you’re planning a Board meeting, corporate retreat, or employee appreciation event, look to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for your corporate needs. From planning and logistics to lighting design and catering, we’re able to pull oﬀ showstopping aﬀairs for the ultimate show of appreciation for your clients and guests!

Working with our theatrically trained, in-house Event Services team, you can select from the spectacular Seawell Ballroom or intimate Directors Room plus your choice of:

• Eight caterers

• Customized bar package from Sodexo Live!

• Dramatic lighting design and Broadway-caliber sound

TICKETS ON SALE

JANUARY 28, 2025

JUNE 19 - 22

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF EUROPE

DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

JUNE 28 - JULY 4 THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA JULY 6 - 13 THE

JUNE 19 - JULY 31, 2025

JULY 16 - 23

SPECIAL FREE CONCERT: SINFÓNICA DE MINERÍA IN AVON JUNE 26

by Amanda Tipton

Photos

SEEING YOURSELF IN T H E WIZ

BY LISA BORNSTEIN

SStanding in the pastel-blue living room, hair in some incongruous “Broadway” style, an 8-year-old sings “Home,” wistfully crooning in her best Stephanie Mills style. Three years later, she and her friends choreograph a dizzying, spinning version of “Tornado” for the school dance show.

That little white girl? She loved The Wiz, but she had no idea of the impact the 1975 musical and its 1978 film version had on generations of Black audiences and artists. The Wiz wasn’t the first all-Black Broadway musical (Purlie and Raisin came first), but it was the most impactful.

“On the 50th anniversary, it’s great to be able to step into these shoes and to tell the story,” says actor

Elijah Ahmad Lewis who plays Scarecrow in the national tour. “The Wiz was my ﬁrst introduction to musical theater and the role that I played was Scarecrow in my eighthgrade production. It is the American story of believing in yourself and knowing that whatever we go through in life, we are able to conquer.”

Lewis was not the only one impacted by the show. Broadway national tour choreographer and leading local Black artists recall the joy and power that their experiences with The Wiz brought.

because it was such a strong part of my childhood.”

For a young Black artist, the show’s impact was particularly powerful. “The meaning of seeing yourself on screen and stage is invaluable; there’s no other feeling like that,” he says. “Knowing you have a place in this industry, that there’s space and room for you was such a big part of my upbringing in understanding art, dance, and movement. Seeing The Wiz and falling in love with it inspired who I’ve become today.”

Cleo Parker Robinson, founder, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Cleo Parker Robinson had wellestablished her Denver-based dance company by the time she saw the original Broadway cast of The Wiz.

“It was sort of like a radical cultural thing that took place for an all-Black cast to do The Wizard of Oz,” she says. “We were so inspired by it.”

Robinson choreographed numbers from The Wiz for local performances with Shadow Theatre founder Je rey Nickelson playing the title role. Her son, Malik was just in kindergarten and asked to be in the show.

JaQuel Knight, choreographer, Broadway revival

Knight has had plenty of moments in the spotlight, from choreographing Beyonce’s 2009 hit “Single Ladies” to multiple awards shows and Super Bowls. Still, he says, “Getting the call to be a part of The Wiz was probably more special than any other job

“I said, ‘Malik, this is not for children. There are no children in the show,’” she says. “Well, he managed to get his own audition in the show, and we had a few little ones in there. I think he invited his whole kindergarten class.”

Later, Robinson took the show into schools. She remembers the particular power of the gospel-inﬂuenced song “A Brand New Day,” written for the musical by Luther Vandross. “We were coming out of the ’60s and coming out of some real turmoil in our communities, and I think that was like a theme song, that things are going to be brighter.”

Pre Broadway Production of THE WIZ featuring Kyle Ramar Freeman as Lion, Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Phillip Johnson Richardson as Tinman, Avery Wilson as Scarecrow.

Photo by Tyren Redd

Mary Louise Lee, actor and singer

Denver native Mary Louise Lee has spent her life performing in area theaters including playing Glinda in The Wiz for Afterthought Theatre, now Vintage.

“I remember as a little girl, we would be in the basement, and that was when your basement was mirror-cork, mirror-cork,” she says with a laugh.

“My sister and I would be in those mirrors just singing away to the soundtrack of The Wiz. The very ﬁrst time I saw The Wiz in the movie theater, I was absolutely awed. I loved seeing people who looked like me on the screen.”

“I’ve always loved The Wizard of Oz, but to see a production like The Wiz just gave a whole new meaning to a little Black girl. I would just use my hand, pretending like that was me up onstage, and just singing those songs of joy and hope and love. It was amazing.”

Today, Lee frequently performs “Home” and “Ease on Down the Road” with her band. Her most frequent choice to perform is the song “Believe in Yourself.”

“It has such a powerful meaning for everybody,” she says. “You’ve got to believe in yourself and know that you can do anything you set your mind to. That’s what Lena Horne (as Glinda on Broadway) was telling Dorothy.”

The very ﬁrst time I saw The Wiz in the movie theater, I was absolutely awed. I loved seeing people who looked like me on the screen.

— MARY LOUISE LEE, DENVER ACTOR AND SINGER

Betty Hart, actor, director and co-artistic director of Local Theatre Company

“[The Wizard of Oz] never resonated with me,” says Betty Hart. “I grew up in Miami, we had orange groves, but farms?”

Seeing The Wiz as a teen was a di erent story. “Something about The Wiz caused me to lean in in a way that The Wizard of Oz caused me to lean back,” she says. “The movie aspect of The Wiz is one of the touchstones as a teen to be able to look up and see incredible Black artists performing with passion and heart and humor. It was a further conﬁrmation that I wasn’t crazy for wanting to do it.”

The magnitude of the stars populating the screen further swayed her.

To see iconic celebrities such as Diana Ross, comedian Nipsey Russell, and Michael Jackson in the roles is “an a rmation of what Black artists and all artists are seeking. You want to be perceived as artists, and you want to be perceived as the best, and they all were. You think, I can be a part of that.”

APR 8 – 26 • BUELL THEATRE

ASL Interpreted, Audio Described, and Open Captioned performance: Apr 26 at 2pm

COMING UP FROM BROADWAY & JULIET

It’s time to ﬂip the script on a centuries-old tale. & Juliet hits the Buell Theatre this summer, bringing your favorite pop anthems and a new romance to the stage. Forget the Juliet you thought you knew and see what might have happened if she ditched her untimely ending for a new life and a new love.

With a book by Emmy and Golden Globe-winning writer David West Read (“Schitt’s Creek”) and music by internationally recognized producer Max Martin, & Juliet was launched into the spotlight after transferring to the West End. Upon its Broadway opening, audiences fell in love with the timely, hilarious, and high-energy show. Variety said “& Juliet is exactly the show Broadway needs right now: fun, exuberant, supremely joyful, [and] hilarious…”

& Juliet features beloved tracks like “Baby One More Time,” “Stronger,” and more by Britney Spears; “Roar,” “Teenage Dream,” and other hits from Katy Perry, plus dozens of other recognizable songs from artists including The Backstreet Boys, Demi Lovato, and Ariana Grande.

With great music comes dancing — and Tony Award-nominated choreographer Jennifer Weber delivers. The Washington Post says & Juliet is “a pull-out-all-the-stops sensation that gets your heart racing.”

Catch this romantic comedy when it comes to Denver on June 4 – 15 and see what life could be after Romeo. The only tragedy would be missing it.

Rachel Simone Webb and the company of the North American Tour of & JULIET . Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy.

BY SUZANNE YOE

TThese days, there’s a commemorative day for everything. A quick Google search led to the National Today website, which lists 132 dates dedicated to literature alone.

To celebrate National Reading Month (March), Read Across America Week (March 2-6), Shakespeare Week (March 21-27) and, of course, Edible Book Day (April 1) — because who doesn’t like to nibble on paper and ink? — it’s a perfect time to introduce Denver Center for the Performing Arts audiences to Book Stars.

Statistically speaking, the value of early childhood literacy is enormous. According to E ective Early Childhood Programs: Turning Knowledge Into Action, 37% of children start kindergarten without the literacy skills necessary for lifelong learning and only 2% can read simple sight words. Yet, the National Commission on Reading has identified that the single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school.

So, in 2016, DCPA Education & Community Engagement introduced Book Stars, an early childhood literacy program designed for PreK through Kindergarten students. Each year, the Education team carefully selects a variety of beloved children’s stories to take to area schools and community centers. This year’s selection includes Yoko by Rosemary Wells, The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle, They Say Blue by Jillan Tamaki and Goodnight Moon by Doreen Cronin among a dozen others.

The team of 15 teaching artists doesn’t just read a book to excited children; instead, they come prepared with props and activities that are used by the children to act out the stories, embody the characters, and solve the problems posed in the plot. Unbeknownst to the children, they are learning literacy concepts for life including print motivation, print awareness, letter recognition, and phonological awareness.

These free 30-minute workshops are so popular that the program currently has a waitlist. In fact, last year the program oﬀered 1,380 workshops for 27,026 children. That’s nearly eight workshops per day throughout the school year. The program continues to see exponential growth, increasing more than 15% in each of the previous years. In total, more than 121,000 students have participated in Book Stars since its inception.

Schools and community centers serving PreK through Kindergarten students are encouraged to join the waitlist at education@dcpa.org

Theatre Education at the DCPA

PreK - Adult

No Experience Required

1-Day Workshops

Multi-Week Courses

Daytime, Evening, and Weekend Classes

YOURSELF ON STAGE

A MOUTH-WATERING SEASON FINALE

The 2024/25 Theatre Company season wraps with a pair of award-winning comedies that are guaranteed to leave you hungry for more.

FEAST ON A BELOVED SCI-FI MUSICAL THAT HAS ROCKED THE GLOBE FOR GENERATIONS!

APR 11 – MAY 25

Little Shop of Horrors Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman Music by Alan Menken

Based on the ﬁlm by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griﬃth

Directed by Chris Coleman

A FIERCE COMEDY ABOUT THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF CELEBRATING WHO YOU ARE

BYEXTENDED DEMANDPOPULAR

The Hot Wing King By Katori Hall

APR 25 – MAY 25

Directed by Timothy Douglas

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NETworks Presentations presents

Based on the Paramount Pictures film Mean Girls with Katie Yeomans Maya Petropoulos

Kristen Amanda Smith MaryRose Brendel Alexys Morera Joshua Morrisey Kristen Seggio José Raúl Kabir Gandhi Tym Brown

Megan Arseneau Gino Bloomberg Armani Brown Connor Buonaccorsi Paloma D’Auria

Kayla Goins Owen Kent Ing Madeline Kendall Giulia Marolda Tay Marquise Brandon Moreno Kevin Ivey Morrison Michael Mottram Lucy Rhoades Ariel Shani Jocelyn Darci Trimmer

Scenic Design Scott Pask

Hair Design Josh Marquette

Costume Design Gregg Barnes

Makeup Design Milagros Medina-Cerdeira

Vocal Arrangements

Lighting Design Kenneth Posner

Sound Design Brian Ronan

Dance & Incidental Music Arrangements Glen Kelly Orchestrations John Clancy

Music Director

Music Coordinator

Mary-Mitchell Campbell Jeff Richmond Julius LaFlamme John Mezzio Natalie Tenenbaum

Production Stage Manager Kathleen Carragee

Online Marketing Situation Interactive

Production Management NETworks Presentations Alex Williams

Company Manager Soldanela Rivera

Casting The Telsey Office Bethany Knox, CSA

Executive Producer Mimi Intagliata

Music Supervision Mary-Mitchell Campbell

Tour Marketing & Press Allied Global Marketing

Tour Booking Agency The Booking Group Meredith Blair

General Management Gentry & Associates Madeline McCluskey Tour Direction by Casey Hushion Tour Choreography by John MacInnis

Original Direction and Choreography by Casey Nicholaw

by Tina Fey

by Jeff Richmond

by Nell Benjamin

CAST

(in order of appearance)

Damian Hubbard............................................................................................................................. JOSHUA MORRISEY

Janis Sarkisian ALEXYS MORERA

Cady Heron KATIE YEOMANS

Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George KRISTEN SEGGIO

Mr. Heron/Coach Carr/Mathletes Moderator MICHAEL MOTTRAM

Kevin G ........................................................................................................................................................... KABIR GANDHI

Aaron Samuels JOSÉ RAÚL

Martin J OWEN KENT ING

Tyler K KEVIN IVEY MORRISON

Mr. Duvall TYM BROWN

Regina George ............................................................................................................................ MAYA PETROPOULOS

Gretchen Wieners KRISTEN AMANDA SMITH

Karen Smith MARYROSE BRENDEL

Art Students ARMANI BROWN, OWEN KENT ING, TAY MARQUISE

ENSEMBLE

GINO BLOOMBERG, ARMANI BROWN, PALOMA D’AURIA, KAYLA GOINS, OWEN KENT ING, MADELINE KENDALL, GIULIA MAROLDA, TAY MARQUISE, BRANDON MORENO, MICHAEL MOTTRAM, ARIEL SHANI, JOCELYN DARCI TRIMMER

SWINGS

MEGAN ARSENEAU, CONNOR BUONACCORSI, KEVIN IVEY MORRISON, LUCY RHOADES

UNDERSTUDIES

Understudies never substitute for the listed performers unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the appearance.

for Damian Hubbard— CONNOR BUONACCORSI, TAY MARQUISE, BRANDON MORENO; for Janis Sarkisian—PALOMA D’AURIA, ARIEL SHANI; for Cady Heron MEGAN ARSENEAU, GIULIA MAROLDA; for Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George—MEGAN ARSENEAU, ARIEL SHANI; for Kevin G— OWEN KENT ING, BRANDON MORENO; for Aaron Samuels— GINO BLOOMBERG, OWEN KENT ING; for Mr. Duvall—TAY MARQUISE, KEVIN IVEY MORRISON; for Regina George—PALOMA D’AURIA, JOCELYN DARCI TRIMMER; for Gretchen Wieners—MADELINE KENDALL, GIULIA MAROLDA; for Karen Smith—MEGAN ARSENEAU, LUCY RHOADES, JOCELYN DARCI TRIMMER.

DANCE CAPTAIN & FIGHT CAPTAIN: MEGAN ARSENEAU

ASSISTANT DANCE CAPTAIN: BRANDON MORENO

TO VIEW THE CAST LIST FOR THIS PERFORMANCE, SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW:

CAST

KATIE YEOMANS MAYA PETROPOULOS

KRISTEN AMANDA SMITH

MARYROSE BRENDEL ALEXYS MORERA

JOSHUA MORRISEY KRISTEN SEGGIO

JOSÉ RAÚL

KABIR GANDHI TYM BROWN

MEGAN ARSENEAU

GINO BLOOMBERG

ARMANI BROWN

CONNOR BUONACCORSI

PALOMA D’AURIA

KAYLA GOINS

OWEN KENT ING

MADELINE KENDALL

GIULIA MAROLDA

TAY MARQUISE

BRANDON MORENO

KEVIN IVEY MORRISON

MICHAEL MOTTRAM

LUCY RHOADES

ARIEL SHANI

JOCELYN DARCI TRIMMER

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT 1

“A Cautionary Tale” Janis, Damian

“It Roars” Cady, Ensemble

“Where Do You Belong?”

“Meet the Plastics”

Damian, Janis, Cady, Ensemble

Damian, Janis, Regina, Gretchen, Karen, Cady

“Stupid with Love” Cady, Ensemble

“Apex Predator” Janis, Cady

“What’s Wrong with Me?” ...................................................................................................................................Gretchen

“Sexy” Karen, Ensemble

“Someone Gets Hurt” Regina, Aaron, Ensemble

“Revenge Party” Janis, Damian, Cady, Ensemble

“Fearless” Gretchen, Karen, Cady, Ensemble

ACT II

“Stop” Damian, Karen, Ensemble

“What’s Wrong with Me?” (Reprise) Gretchen, Mrs. George

“Whose House Is This?”

Kevin G, Cady, Gretchen, Karen, Ensemble

“More Is Better” Cady, Aaron

“World Burn”........................................................................................................................................... Regina, Ensemble

“I’d Rather Be Me” Janis, Ensemble

“Fearless” (Reprise) Cady

“Do This Thing” Cady, Ms. Norbury, Kevin G, Mathletes, Ensemble

“I See Stars” Cady, Janis, Full Company

THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION.

PLACE: Kenya/Illinois

TIME: The Present

ORCHESTRA

Conductor/Keyboard 1—JULIUS LaFLAMME

Associate Conductor/Keyboard 2—ALICIA FERRIN

Reeds— CHRISTOPHER BURROW, MEGAN TRACH Trumpet—TALITHA DUCKWORTH Trombone/Bass Trombone—THOMAS WOYTKO Guitar—MILLISA HENDERSON Bass—RYAN CRUM

Drums—MACKENNA TOLFA

Music Coordinator: JOHN MEZZIO

Electronic music design by Billy Jay Stein, Adam Wiggins, Hiro Iida and Fuso Murase for Strange Cranium Productions, Inc.

Music Copying: Emily Grishman Music Preparation/Emily Grishman & Alden Terry

The photographing or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device or such photographing or sound recording inside this theater, without the written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Violators may be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for money damages.

KATIE YEOMANS (Cady Heron) is thrilled to be making her national tour debut! Proud graduate of Belmont University, B.F.A. MT. Previous: Norwegian Cruise Line (Lead Vocalist). Special thanks to The Telsey Office and the entire creative team! Big shoutout to her family, friends, and mentors for their endless love and support! For Mom and Dad. katieyeomans.com / @katie.yeomans

MAYA PETROPOULOS (Regina George) is a Detroit native who promises she’s a little more friendly than Regina. Proud Montclair State University BFA Musical Theatre 2023 graduate. Recent credits include Head Over Heels (Philoclea). Television credits include “Betty” (HBO). Maya is making her national tour debut! Many thanks to The Telsey Office and to her wonderful team at Bloc. Maya also wants to thank the many educators she’s had over the years, and her amazing vocal coach, Ereni SevastiRosenthal. Love to Mom, Dad, Alexa, Noah, and Stella.

KRISTEN AMANDA SMITH (Gretchen Wieners) is so thrilled to be making fetch happen across the country!! Tour: A Charlie Brown Christmas Live (Patty). Off-Broadway: A Symphony for Portland (Starr). Others: Spring Awakening (Wendla Bergman), Curtains (Georgia Hendricks). Gratitude to The Telsey Office and the entire creative team! She is endlessly grateful to her Mom, Dad, family and friends for their continuous love and support. To God be the Glory! kristenamanda.com @kvistena

MARYROSE BRENDEL (Karen Smith) is thrilled to be making her national tour debut! Recent Penn State BFA Musical Theatre graduate. Previous credits: Lippa’s Wild Party (Queenie) and Songs for A New World (Woman 1). Special thanks to her friends, family, mentors & her team at Hudson Artists Agency! maryrosebrendel.com @maryrosebrendel

ALEXYS MORERA (Janis Sarkisian) is blessed in making her national tour debut! Endless love to mom and dad (te quiero mucho mis padres lindos), big brother, family, friends, and mentors who have been a tremendous support system. Thank you - Minarik & IAMT, Craig & Avalon Artists Group team. To all her small town folks with big dreams. “Don’t give up, Seek your joy.” @lexymorera

WHO’S WHO

JOSHUA MORRISEY ( Damian Hubbard) is very excited to be a part of his first tour. He attends East Carolina University where he is getting a BFA in Musical Theatre. Joshua would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support. Regional credits: Jelly’s Last Jam (Young Jelly), Matilda (Ensemble), Sister Act (u/s Pablo, Male Swing), The Color Purple (u/s Adam & Bobby).

KRISTEN SEGGIO (Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George ) is beyond grateful to be making her national tour debut in this iconic show! Regional: Newsies (Katherine, WPPAC), Aida (John W Engeman Theatre), Beauty and the Beast (WPPAC), 90210: The Musical (Broadway Playhouse, Chicago). Endless gratitude to BWA, Telsey & Co., and our creative team. Love to Philip, Vivi & Sophie. This one’s for you Mom & Dad! @kristenseggio

JOSÉ RAÚL (Aaron Samuels). Hey, star! I see you. Featured credits: TV/Film “American Horror Story” (Co-Star), “War Game” (Armando). Theatre: CATS (Principal Swing, 202123 Tour), WOLFCRUSH (Beecher), Godspell (Jesus), Fabulation (Hervé/ Guy), Romeo and Juliet (Mercutio), American Pops Orchestra’s NextGen 2019 Winner. “The road to a friend’s house is never too long.” @joserauliii

KABIR GANDHI (Kevin G) is excited to make his national tour debut at North Shore High! Kabir is from Georgia, and a proud Indiana University MT 2023 graduate. Recent credits include: Aladdin (Dreams, Disney Cruise Line), Shboom! (Sierra Rep), Rock of Ages (Franz, Music Theatre Wichita), Beauty and the Beast (MTW) and more. Many thanks to Hell’s Kitchen Agency, The Telsey Office, and his friends and family for their relentless support :) thekabirgandhi.com / @kabir.gandhi

TYM BROWN (Mr. Duvall) is an AMDA grad hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Recent credits include: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Andrew), Next To Normal (Dan), Sister Act (Curtis) and lead vocalist for Jazz Mafia, The Detroit Nights and Sunset Singers. Tym has worked with the likes of Smokey Robinson, Peabo Bryson and BTS. Much love and adoration for his tribe and family. @tymcb

MEGAN ARSENEAU (Swing, Dance Captain, Fight Captain) is thrilled

to be in her second year at North Shore High! Recent credits include Goodspeed’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Swing) and the North American Tour of CATS (Swing, u/s Grizabella). Always grateful for friends and family for their support. <3 Proud Wright State grad. We’re all stars! @megskilove

GINO BLOOMBERG ( Ensemble ) couldn’t be happier to be joining the cast of Mean Girls. Regional: Bandstand (Michael), Singin’ in the Rain (Swing), White Christmas (Phil), Ghost: The Musical (Carl), Holiday Inn (Ted), Dogfight: The Musical (Bernstein), Newsies (Romeo), On the Town (Ensemble). Huge thanks to Ryan and Lucille at LDC, and my Bea.

ARMANI BROWN (Ensemble) is a performer born and raised in Houston, Texas. He is extremely excited to be making his Broadway national tour debut in the ensemble of Mean Girls! Credits include: Newsies (Henry), Footloose (Jeter), Esther (Dance Ensemble).

CONNOR BUONACCORSI (he/him) (Swing) is thrilled to be joining Mean Girls ! Previous tours: Hairspray! Connor is a proud graduate of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee! Much love and gratitude to family, friends, mentors, Boco, and Avalon Artists Group!@connorbuonaccorsi

PALOMA D’AURIA (Ensemble). National tours: Elf (Jovie), Spamilton, 1st nat. (leading Lady). Select regional: Rent (Maureen), Company (Marta), American Idiot (St. Jimmy), Rocky Horror (Janet). Film/television: “American Horror Stories” (FX), “FBI” (CBS), and “Full Circle” (HBO). Much thanks and respect to Hell’s Kitchen Agency. Forever Love to seat AA-7, Mom, Dad, Claud, & Alex. IG:@palomadauria TT:@thatpalomakid

KAYLA GOINS (Ensemble) is a New York based performer. Credits: TV: NBC’s “Annie Live!” (Orphan/dance ensemble), Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Annie Live!). Kayla recently performed in SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical onboard the NCL PRIMA playing the role of Young Mary Ellen. Regional theater: Theatre Aspen’s Gypsy (Dainty June), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Little Eva/ Shirelles). Kayla is overjoyed to be joining the cast of Mean Girls!

OWEN KENT ING (Ensemble) (any) is thrilled to be making his tour debut! Favorite credits include Rent (Angel)

@CRT, Kinky Boots (Angel), and Head Over Heels (Musidorus). Many thanks to their family, Jim, Sir Basil, and everyone that got them here! owenkenting.com @oweningeverything

MADELINE KENDALL (Ensemble). Select credits: Anastasia National tour (Ensemble, u/s Anya). Regional: Elf, Grease (Patty), Disney’s BATB, A Chorus Line (Connie). Special thanks to The Telsey Office, Brian Herrick @HKA, and the entire creative team. Much love and gratitude to her Mom, Dad, family and friends. Wagner College, BA Theatre and Speech. @maddie_kenda11

GIULIA MAROLDA ( Ensemble ). National tour debut! Overseas: Six the Musical (Swing). Regional: The Addams Family (Wednesday), Head Over Heels (Mopsa). Off-Broadway: Legally Blonde (Elle Woods). Proud NYU Tisch alum! Much love to Mom, Dad, & Luke. @giuliamarolda

TAY MARQUISE (Ensemble) hails from Sarasota, Florida. You might’ve seen him dancing on social media @taymarquise. His goal is to be a beacon of light in every space he enters and to inspire others to find a light of their own.

BRANDON MORENO (Ensemble, Assistant Dance Captain). His limit does not exist! His credits include Legally Blonde (Carlos, national tour) and A Chorus Line (Larry)! Brandon thanks his teachers at AMDA, AV Dance Studio 81, and DNA Studios. He sends love to his family and friends. Insta: @busy. with.brandonnn

KEVIN IVEY MORRISON (Swing) is thrilled to be going back to high school at North Shore High! National tour: Annie. Select regional: Ogunquit Playhouse, City Springs Theatre Company, Theatre by the Sea and Syracuse Stage. Off-Broadway: In Harmony. TV: “And Just Like That” (MAX) and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon Prime). B.F.A. Syracuse University. Huge thanks to his family, friends and his team at PMA for all of their love and support. @kevinivvey

MICHAEL MOTTRAM (Ensemble) incredibly excited to be making his National tour debut in Mean Girls! Most recently seen in Anastasia (Swing, u/s Dmitry), Bucks County Playhouse. Other credits: Hairspray (Fender, u/s Link Larkin/Corny Collins), Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas; Footloose! (Ren); South Pacific (Lt. Cable); and The Prom (Trent). Thanks to Avalon Artists Group and his friends and family for their constant love and support. @michaelmottram21

LUCY RHOADES (Swing). Y’all… this is SO FETCH! National Tour: Charlie Brown Christmas. Select Regional: SALEM (Goodspeed New Musicals); Kira in Xanadu and Lois in Kiss Me, Kate (Mac-Haydn); Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet (Riverside Theatre); Grease (Cape Playhouse). TikTok: @LucyRhoades_

ARIEL SHANI (Ensemble) is thrilled to join the cast of Mean Girls! She is an Israeli-Canadian performer and NYU Tisch graduate. Recent credits: The Wolves (#25), The Addams Family (Ensemble), Young Frankenstein (Ensemble), and Cabaret (Lulu/ Gorilla). Endless gratitude and so much love to my wife, friends, and fam! @arielshani

JOCELYN DARCI TRIMMER (Ensemble) is overjoyed to make her tour debut! A KSU ‘24 graduate with a BFA in MT and BA in Dance. Credits: Head Over Heels (Mopsa), The Prom (Alyssa), and Cabaret (Lulu u/s Sally). Many thanks to HCKR, The Telsey Office, and my teachers, friends, and family! <3 @jocelyndarcitrimmer

TINA FEY (Book) is an award-winning writer, actress, author and producer. Fey is best known for creating and starring in the award-winning series “30 Rock.” She is also known for her award-winning work as an actress and writer for “Saturday Night Live.” Currently, Fey is co-executive producing Season 2 of the critically acclaimed series “Mr. Mayor,” Season 2 of “Girls5Eva,” “Mulligan,” and Carrie & Me, the film adaption from the novel by Carol Burnett. Simultaneously, Fey adapted the Broadway version of Mean Girls into a feature film with Paramount. The musical is a comingof-age story that debuted on Broadway in 2018, marking Fey’s Broadway debut, and based off the 2004 cult classic film Mean Girls, written by Fey. She is thrilled to be taking the show nationwide.

JEFF RICHMOND (Music) is an awardwinning composer, songwriter and producer for television, theater and film. He served as composer and an Executive Producer on NBC’s “30 Rock,” winning three Primetime Emmy Awards alongside his wife Tina Fey. He was a musical director at The Second City in Chicago and at “Saturday Night Live,” where he spent five seasons composing original songs for stars like Jack Black, Queen Latifah and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Jeff’s New York theater credits include the musical Melancholy Baby!, the inaugural

production of the Ars Nova Theater and Mean Girls on Broadway, which opened in April 2018. His most recent television credits include “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix), “Great News” (NBC), “Mr. Mayor” (NBC), and “Girls5eva” (Peacock). Richmond was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Original Score in 2018 for Mean Girls. He currently lives in New York City with his wife and their two daughters.

NELL BENJAMIN (Lyrics). Broadway: Legally Blonde, with Laurence O’Keefe (Olivier Award, Tony nomination). Off-Broadway and regional: The Explorers Club (Outer Critics Circle, Best Play); Cam Jansen; Sarah, Plain and Tall; Because of Winn-Dixie; Half Time; Pirates!; 3hree; New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve and Young Peoples’ concerts. Upcoming: Huzzah!, Life of the Party, Dave, Come Fall In Love, Walk of Shame, Cursed Pirate Girl. Member of ASCAP and Dramatists Guild. Grateful recipient of a Kleban Foundation Award and a Jonathan Larson Grant. Most grateful for Larry and Persephone.

CASEY NICHOLAW (Original Director and Choreographer). Represented on Broadway as director/choreographer of Some Like It Hot (2023 Tony Award-winner for Best Choreography), director/choreographer of Disney’s Aladdin (2014 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award nominations for Best Choreography), and co-director and choreographer of The Book of Mormon (2011 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for co-director and nominations in the same categories for Choreography; Olivier award winner for Best Choreography). Other Broadway credits as director/choreographer: The Prom (2019 Tony nomination for Best Direction), Mean Girls (2018 Tony nominations for Best Direction and Choreography), Tuck Everlasting, Something Rotten! (2015 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award nominations for Best Direction and Choreography), Elf: The Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Tony and Drama Desk nominations for Best Direction and Choreography, Outer Critics Circle nomination for Best Choreography), Monty Python’s Spamalot directed by Mike Nichols (2005 Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations for Best Choreography). West End credits as director/choreographer: The Drowsy Chaperone, The Book of Mormon, Dreamgirls and Aladdin

SCOTT PASK (Scenic Design) has received Tony Awards for The Book of Mormon, The Coast of Utopia and The Pillowman. Selected Broadway credits include Shucked (Tony Nom.), Some Like It Hot (Tony Nom), Aint No Mo’, Grey House, American Buffalo (Tony Nom.), Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? (2020), The Prom, The Band’s Visit (Tony Nom.), Mean Girls (Tony Nom.), Waitress, Something Rotten!, Pippin (Tony Nom.), I’ll Eat You Last, Pal Joey (Tony Nom), The Visit, HAIR, and Urinetown. Netflix: Oh, Hello, John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City and John Mulaney: Baby J., Hasan Minhaj: The Kings Jester (ADG nom). Peter Grimes - Metropolitan Opéra, Cirque du Soliel’s Amaluna. Insta @scottpaskstudio

GREGG BARNES (Costume Design). TonyAward-winner for Best Costume Design of a Musical for Some Like It Hot. Additional Broadway credits include: Pretty Woman, Mean Girls (Tony nom.), Tuck Everlasting (Tony nom.), Something Rotten! (Tony nom.), Aladdin, Kinky Boots (Tony nom., Olivier Award), Follies (Tony Award, Drama Desk Award), Elf, Legally Blonde (Tony nom.), The Drowsy Chaperone (Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Olivier nom.), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Flower Drum Song (Tony nom.), Side Show. Other: Dreamgirls (Olivier nom.), Sinatra (Radio City), Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Pageant (Olivier nom.). TDF Young Master Award.

KENNETH POSNER (Lighting Design) designs extensively Off-Broadway and for resident theaters and touring productions throughout the U.S. as well as internationally. Selected Broadway credits: One More Time, Mr. Saturday Night, Beetlejuice, Pretty Woman, War Paint, Tuck Everlasting, On Your Feet!, If/Then, Kinky Boots, Pippin, Cinderella, Hairspray, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Legally Blonde, The Coast of Utopia: Shipwrecked, Other Desert Cities, The Merchant of Venice, Side Man, Wicked. Recipient of Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics’ Circle, Lucille Lortel and Obie awards.

BRIAN RONAN (Sound Design). Over 40 Broadway designs, including Some Like It Hot, Funny Girl, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Prom, Tootsie, Mean Girls, Margaritaville, Springsteen on Broadway, War Paint, The Last Ship, Beautiful, If/Then, Anything Goes, American Idiot, Next to Normal, Spring Awakening, Grey Gardens. On the West End: Spring Awakening, Book of Mormon and Beautiful. Off-Broadway designs

include Bowie’s Lazarus, Giant, Rent, Everyday Rapture, Saved, 10 Million Miles and Bug. He is the recipient of Obie, Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Olivier and Tony awards.

JOSH MARQUETTE (Hair Design). N.Y./London: Some Like It Hot, The Prom, Pretty Woman, Mean Girls, Present Laughter, Dreamgirls, Paramour, Tuck Everlasting, School of Rock, Something Rotten!, Aladdin, Kinky Boots, The Book of Mormon, Trip of Love, First Date, Elf, Dogfight, The Best Man, Look Back in Anger, The Drowsy Chaperone, Pig Farm, The…Trailer Park Musical, Altar Boyz, Show Boat at Carnegie Hall, Mamma Mia! Encores!: Call Me Madam, Most Happy Fella and Follies. West Coast: Robin and the 7 Hoods, Peep Show, Minsky’s, Vanities. Television: “The Slap,” “30 Rock,” “SNL.” Instagram: @josh_marquette.

MILAGROS MEDINA-CERDEIRA (Makeup Design). Broadway: Some Like It Hot, The Prom, Mean Girls (New York and U.S. tour), Tuck Everlasting, Something Rotten! (New York and U.S. tour), Aladdin (New York, Japan, London, Hamburg, Australia, U.S. tour), Rocky Horror Show. Makeup Design Consultant: Present Laughter; Sister Act. Television: “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” (2018 Emmy nomination), “The Affair” (2016 Designing Women Award).

MARY-MITCHELL CAMPBELL (Music Supervision). Some Like It Hot, The Prom, Finding Neverland, Big Fish, Company, Sweeney Todd, Tuck Everlasting, Sweet Charity, Next to Normal, The Addams Family. Drama Desk Award for Best Orchestrations for Company TV: “Girls5Eva,” “Homeschool Musical.” She is the executive director of ASTEP (asteponline.org), which helps young people develop agency through the arts. She is a founding member of MUSE (museonline.org) and Maestra (maestramusic.org).

JULIUS LaFLAMME (Music Director) is a Music Director, Arranger, and Composer from Portsmouth, NH. Credits include: Hairspray National tour; Regional: Passing Strange, West Side Story, Tommy, Xanadu, Spring Awakening, Songs for a New World, A New Brain, Rocky Horror Picture Show. He studied musical theater writing and direction at Berklee College of Music.

JOHN CLANCY (Orchestrations). Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo (Tony nom.), Diana (Netflix 2021), Mean Girls (Tony nom.), Fun Home (Tony/ Drama Desk noms.), The Prom, Tuck Everlasting, Shrek The Musical (Tony/

Drama Desk noms.), Cats 2016 (dance arr.). Off-B’way/regional: The Secret Life of Bees (w/Duncan Sheik), Gun & Powder, Becoming Nancy, Soft Power (dance arr.) Fortress of Solitude, Jasper in Deadland, Rhianna: NBA All-Star Game (string arr.), New Irish Tenors: Orlando Symphony, 2018 Tony Awards opening by Sara Bareilles/ Josh Groban, Goodspeed: Just So

GLEN KELLY (Dance and Incidental Music Arrangements) was the arranger and music supervisor for The Producers, Young Frankenstein and Bullets Over Broadway, for which he also wrote lyrics. Additional arranging credits include Some Like It Hot, Beauty and the Beast, Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Book of Mormon, A Christmas Story, The Scottsboro Boys, Aladdin and Something Rotten! He won the New York Drama Desk Award for his original score to The Nance

NATALIE TENENBAUM (Vocal Arrangements). As composer, arranger and music director: Benjamin Button (York Theatre), Little Black Dress (Second City Toronto), John Guare’s More Stars Than There Are in Heaven (Tennessee Williams Festival). Video game: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar Games). TV: NBC’s “Maya & Marty”. Member: BMI Lehman Engel Workshop, Dramatists Guild. Broadway: David Byrne’s American Utopia Graduate: The Juilliard School. Love to Julie and Benjamin.

JOHN MEZZIO (Music Coordinator) has conducted national tours including State Fair starring John Davidson, Victor Victoria starring Toni Tennille, and Cinderella starring Eartha Kitt and Debbie Gibson. Additionally, Mr. Mezzio was Associate Conductor for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express at the Las Vegas Hilton. National tours: Oklahoma!, The Producers, Spring Awakening, Hairspray, The Book of Mormon, A Bronx Tale, Beauty and the Beast, and Fiddler on the Roof

BILLY JAY STEIN (Electronic Music Design). Founder of Strange Cranium Productions and STRIKE AUDIO Music Licensing Company. Winner of the 2015 Grammy Award for producing and mixing Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Composer, arranger and music producer for The Radio City Rockettes N.Y. Spectacular. Broadway credits include keyboardist and/or electronic music designer for Diana, MJ, Paradise Square, The Band’s Visit, Fun Home, Beautiful, Spider-Man:

Turn Off the Dark, Hairspray, Amélie, Tuck Everlasting, The Rocky Horror Show and Jekyll & Hyde

THE TELSEY OFFICE (Casting). With offices in both New York and Los Angeles, The Telsey Office casts for theater, film, television and commercials. The Telsey Office is dedicated to creating safe, equitable and anti-racist spaces through collaboration, artistry, heart, accountability and advocacy. www.thetelseyoffice.com

CASEY HUSHION (Tour Director). Broadway: Mean Girls, The Prom, Aladdin, Elf, In the Heights, The Drowsy Chaperone, To Be or Not to Be, Good Vibrations. NY: Call Me Madam (City Center Encores), Fat Camp Artistic Director of North Carolina Theatre (2009–2019). TV: “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”. Recent regional credits include world premieres of the new musicals Joy and Mystic Pizza. Upcoming: national tours of Clue and The Cher Show, Beautiful at Paper Mill Playhouse. Love to Marc and her three kids, Lincoln, Violet, and Jane. www.caseyhushion.com

JOHN MacINNIS (Tour Choreographer). Associate credits: Broadway and national tour productions of The Book of Mormon, Disney’s Aladdin, Something Rotten! and the London production of Dreamgirls. Choreography credits: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Japan), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Europe). Director/Choreographer credits: the Olympic medals ceremonies at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes 1998–2000 (Mexico).

THOMAS SCHALL (Fight Director). Over 100 Broadway shows… A Soldier’s Play (Drama Desk Award: Fight Choreography), Company, To Kill a Mockingbird, True West, War Horse, Romeo and Juliet. Off-Broadway: N.Y. Theater Workshop (Othello—Drama Desk nomination, Red Speedo), The Public Theater (Hamlet, The Low Road), Roundabout Theatre (Scotland, PA; Waiting for Godot), MTC (Choir Boy, Murder Ballad), The Armory (The Hairy Ape—Drama Desk nomination).

SOLDANELA RIVERA (Company Manager) AKA Sol. Over 150 credits in production and publicity for music, theater, and film. National and international bus & truck tour credits My Fair Lady, Annie, and thrilled to be part of Mean Girls!

TAYLOR PARRIS (Assistant Company Manager) is originally from Atlanta,

Georgia and a graduate of Valdosta State University. He previously worked as an Assistant Company Manager for two seasons at Maine State Music Theatre and as the Company Manager/House Manager at Peach State Summer Theatre. Many thanks to his family and friends for all their endless love and support!

KATHLEEN CARRAGEE (Production Stage Manager) is very excited to be a student at North Shore High this season! National tour: Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof, and Elf the Musical Broadway: How I Learned to Drive, and Skeleton Crew. Off-Broadway: Misty and Prayer for the French Republic. UNCSA, Pickles all the way! Love to Mom, Dad, Erin, and everyone who has helped me along the way.

MARIS KELLER (Assistant Stage Manager) is so excited to join the incredibly fetch Mean Girls team! National tour credits include: The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise and Peter Pan. She received her BFA from Michigan State University- Go Green! Love to her family and friends for their endless support

THE BOOKING GROUP (Tour Booking Agency) has represented 28 Tony Award® winning Best Musicals and Plays. Current tours include The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Funny Girl, Hadestown, Hairspray, Hamilton, Mamma Mia!, Mean Girls, MJ The Musical, Mrs. Doubtfire, My Fair Lady, Pretty Woman, Six, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, To Kill A Mockingbird, Waitress and The Wiz. Future tours include: A Wonderful World, How to Dance in Ohio, The Karate Kid, Parade, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Some Like It Hot and Sweeney Todd.

ALLIED GLOBAL MARKETING (Tour Marketing & Press) is an integrated marketing agency working w is a fullservice integrated marketing agency working with the world’s leading entertainment, consumer, and lifestyle brands, including 80+ Broadway shows over three decades. Current tours: Ain’t Too Proud, Back to the Future, Beetlejuice, The Book of Mormon, Elf, Funny Girl, Hadestown, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Mamma Mia!, Mrs. Doubtfire, Pretty Woman, Some Like It Hot, Wheel of Fortune LIVE! Upcoming tours: Mystic Pizza, The Notebook, The Outsiders, and more.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES ( Mean Girls Film Producer), a division of Paramount Global, has for more than 110 years produced and distributed

some of the world’s most iconic films. Paramount Global’s Broadway and West End titles include Mean Girls and The SpongeBob Musical, each nominated for 12 Tony Awards; Sunset Boulevard, returning to Broadway in 2024; Almost Famous; School of Rock; Ghost; The Kite Runner; and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Stage projects in development include Clueless the Musical

GENTRY & ASSOCIATES (General Management) has managed nearly 250 national and international touring theatrical productions over the past 25 years. Current and upcoming productions include A Beautiful Noise, Beetlejuice, The Book of Mormon, Come From Away, Funny Girl, The Great Gatsby, Les Misérables, Life of Pi, Mean Girls, Peter Pan, The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music and The Wiz.

MIMI INTAGLIATA (Executive Producer) (she/her) has spent 30+ years working in theatrical production as a Stage Manager, Production Manager, and Producer. Credits: Director of Production Operations, Disney Theatrical Group - Beauty and the Beast (Shanghai Disneyland Resort), Frozen (Broadway), Newsies the Musical (national tour, theatrical film), The Lion King (Rafiki tour), developmental productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Shakespeare in Love. Director of Production, Paper Mill Playhouse – over 40 productions including the World Premiere of Newsies the Musical, the North American premiere of the 25th Anniversary tour of Les Misérables (in partnership with NETworks). Production Manager, The Dodgers - 42nd Street (Broadway/ Tour), Urinetown (Broadway/Tour), and Bare: A Pop Opera (original off-Broadway), among others. She and her wife, Alicia Duran, are proud parents of their two children, Celeste and Lucas.

NETWORKS PRESENTATIONS (Producer) is an industry-leading producer of touring theatrical productions, committed to delivering quality entertainment to audiences worldwide for more than 25 years. Current and upcoming productions include A Beautiful Noise, Beetlejuice, The Book of Mormon, Come From Away, Funny Girl, The Great Gatsby, Les Misérables, Life of Pi, Mean Girls, Peter Pan, The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music and The Wiz.

STAFF FOR MEAN GIRLS

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Mimi Intagliata

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Gentry & Associates

Gregory Vander Ploeg

Madeline McCluskey Steven Varon-Moore

Maia Sutton

COMPANY MANAGER

Soldanela Rivera

Assistant Company Manager ................. Taylor Parris

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

NETworks Presentations

Jason Juenker

Hector Guivas Matthew Reardon Alex Williams

pesci Aimeé Mangual Pagán

TOUR BOOKING AGENCY

THE BOOKING GROUP

Meredith Blair

Rich Rundle Brian Brooks

Jonathan Pearson Maryruth Grabez thebookinggroup.com

TOUR MARKETING & PRESS

ALLIED GLOBAL MARKETING

Andrew Damer

Jennifer Gallagher Scott Praefke

Jessica Cary Davis Adina Hsu Amenkha Sembenu

Jessica Steans-Gail Emily Toppen Anne Waisanen

CASTING THE TELSEY OFFICE

Bethany Knox, CSA

Alexis Brown Miles Kight

FIGHT DIRECTOR

Thomas Schall

Production Stage Manager Kathleen Carragee

Assistant Stage Manager Maris Keller

Associate Scenic Designer Orit Jacoby Carroll

Assistant Scenic Designer .................. Anton Volovsek

Associate Costume Designer Matthew C. Hampton

Assistant Costume Designers Devon Horn, Stephanie Levin

Costume Shoppers AJ Jones, Matt Torbett

Associate Lighting Designer Kirk Fitzgerald

Assistant Lighting Designer Charlotte McPherson

Associate Sound Designer Stephen Jensen

Associate Hair Designer Angela Hooper

Associate Makeup Designer Rachel Roberts

Associate Music Supervisor Elizabeth Doran

Electronic Music Design Billy Jay Stein, Adam Wiggins, Hiro Iida and Fuso Murase for Strange Cranium Productions Inc.

Music Copying Emily Grishman Music Preparation/ Emily Grishman, Alden Terry Ableton Live/Max Music Systems

Music Programmer Chris Petti

Head Carpenter Jaidin Ptasnick

Assistant Carpenter............................. Mason M. Fick

Flyman Dylan Walker-Chargin

Production Electrician Olivia R. Doniphan

Head Electrician Rebecca J. Brissette

Assistant Electrician Connor Vincek

Moving Light Programmer David Arch

Production Sound Engineer Heather Augustine

Head Sound Carlo Castoro

Assistant Sound Lauren Petrocelli

Production Properties Brittany Maxwell

Head Properties .................................... Jake Williams

Production Wardrobe Madeline Simpson

Wardrobe Supervisor Emily Karr

Assistant Wardrobe .............................. Bailee Booser

Hair and Makeup Supervisor Andii Benn

Swing Technician Eason Clark

Rehearsal Pianist Braden Chudzik

Production Assistant Melody Czukoski

Video Production Cinevative, HMS Media

Production Photographers Jenny Anderson, Jeremy Daniel

Safety Consultant Bryan Huneycutt

Physical Therapy NEURO TOUR Physical Therapy, Inc., Kaelin Agar

Online Marketing Situation Interactive

Merchandising Creative Goods

Merchandise Manager ......... Edmarie Martinez Rosado

Accounting NETworks Presentations LLC

Legal Services David F. Schwartz, Esq., Gray Schwartz LLP

HR Support K+K Reset, LLC

Housing Road Rebel

Travel Agency Kessler & Co. / Direct Travel

Trucking Janco Ltd.

FOR NETWORKS PRESENTATIONS

Chief Executive Officer Orin Wolf

President/Chief Production Officer Seth Wenig

Chief Financial Officer/

Chief Operating Officer Margaret Daniel

Business Affairs Scott W. Jackson

Executive Producers Mimi Intagliata, Trinity Wheeler

Associate Producer Hannah Rosenthal

Executive Assistant Isabella Schiavon

Vice President of Finance Scott Levine

Sr. Director/Finance John Kinna

Controller Jennifer Gifford

Director of Tour Accounting Laura S. Carey

Tax Director ............................................ Pat Guerieri

Accounts Payables & Receivables Clerk Lisa Loveless

Sr. Director, Booking and Engagements Amanda Laird

Directors, Booking & Engagements....... Stacey Burns, Colin Byrne

Director of Sales Zach Stevenson

Director of Marketing Heather Hess

Sr. Director/General Management Gregory Vander Ploeg

General Managers Madeline McCluskey, Steven Varon-Moore

Associate General Manager Maia Sutton

Sr. Director/Production Management Jason Juenker

Sr. Production Manager Hector Guivas

Production Managers Matthew Reardon, Alex Williams

Technical Director pesci

Production Coordinator Aimeé Mangual Pagán

Director of Operations ............Pearce Landry-Wegener

Resource Director Kayla Rooplal

People Operations/Payroll Manager Sara Clayton

Office Manager .................................... Michelle Adye

Music Coordinator John Mezzio

Warehouse Manager Joseph Spratt

Warehouse Costume Manager Bobby Maglaughlin

Warehouse Costume Shop Assistant Grace Santamaria

CREDITS

Scenery and Scenic Effects built, painted, electriﬁed and automated by PRG Scenic, New Windsor, NY. Lighting Equipment from PRG Lighting; Sound equipment provided by Masque Sound, Costumes by Arel Studio, Inc. Bethany Joy Costumes, Giliberto Designs, and Tricorne Costumes. Custom shirts by CEGO. Costume painting, dyeing, and distressing by Jeff Fender Studio. Custom sportswear by BQ Sports. Custom mascots by Shafton, Inc. Custom Crafts by Mio Design NYC, LLC, Yvette Helin and Bad Monkey Props. Custom millinery by Lynne Mackey Studio, Ann Claire Millinery and Tommy Cobau Millinery. Custom fabric printing by Dyenamix and Sky Printing. Custom knitwear by Maria Ficalora. Custom Shoes by LaDuca Shoes. Tap shoes provided by The Miller and Ben Tap Shoes. Tom Carroll Scenery; Bad Monkey Props; Behind The Mule Studios; Paper Mache Monkey; Brenbri Properties; Wigs made by Magnolia Wigs; Photo of George Michael by Michael Putland. Rehearsed at Boulevard Carroll Studies, New York, NY; South Orange Performing Arts Center SPECIAL THANKS

Micah Frank, Rebecca Habel, Adam Miller, Garrett Holtz, KelliAnne Hanrahan. Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, NY; NAC Enterprises, Al Nocciolino, President; and Tom Combs, Marketing and Programming Executive. The Carson Center, Paducah, KY; Mary Katz, Executive Director.

Insurance Broker Services

EPIC Entertainment & Sports

Financial Services and banking arrangements by Flagstar Bank N.A.

Souvenir merchandise designed and created by Creative Goods

MeanGirlsOnTour.com Facebook, X, Instagram: @MeanGirlsBway

The Director and Choreographer are members of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union. All stage work performed by employees represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.).

United Scenic Artists represents the designers and scenic painters for the American Theatre.

DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT IN ITS 2024/25 BROADWAY SEASON

PLEASE BE ADVISED

• LATECOMERS and those exiting the theatre are seated at predetermined breaks in designated areas.

• PHOTOS, RECORDING & CELL PHONE USE are prohibited.

• CHILDREN 6+ are welcome in our theatres and must be ticketed.

• DRINKS are allowed in provided containers.

• ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES, LARGE PRINT PROGRAMS & BOOSTER SEATS are available in most theatres. Ask an usher to direct you.

• BRAILLE PROGRAMS are available with 2 weeks’ notice to amcmullen@dcpa.org or 303.446.4836

Members of Denver Theatrical Wardrobe, Wigs, Hair and Make-up, IATSE Local 719

Robin Appleton

Julie Bassignani

Vonnie Clough

Craig Cory

Cyndie Cory

Steve Davies

Anne Davis

Amber Krimbel

Carolyn Dore

AnnSue Gunter

Judy Holabird

Will Holabird

Lauren LaCasse

Kelsey Lambert

Mark Anthony

Perry Elliott

Kiko Marra

Leslie Lambert

Sarah Lambert

Sharon Millikan-Hale

Callie Morrow

Tim Nelson

Lisa Parsons Wagner

Laura Payne

Dave Poole

Alan Richards

Elisa Spadi

Amy Tepel

Eliza Vlasova

Barbara Wilson

DPAC House Crew

Albert Sainz Sr.

Josh Thurman

Derek Tovar

David A. Wilson

Allen Olmstead

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is owned and operated by Denver Arts & Venues for the City and County of Denver.

City and County of Denver

Mike Johnston, Mayor

Denver Arts & Venues

Gretchen Hollrah, Executive Director

Tariana Navas-Nievas, Deputy Director

Denver Arts & Venues, Arts Complex Operations

Mark Heiser, Venue Director

Jody Grossman, Assistant Venue Director, Booking

Todd Medley, Facilities Superintendent

Kelly Graham, Safety, Security and Garage Operations Manager

Carol Krueger, Patron Services Manager artscomplex.com | (720) 865-4220

For immediate assistance & security (720) 865-4200

GO BEHIND THE SCENES

Find out how costume designers, set builders, propmakers, and technical specialists create our shows from scratch.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours take place Mondays and Saturdays at 10am During these walking tours, you will experience recent updates to our storied performance spaces and discover the people and processes that bring theatre to life.

$12 • 90-minute guided tour

EVERY PLAY HAS A STORY

Visit the DCPA NewsCenter for in-depth coverage of the Colorado arts scene, bonus content from your favorite shows, and local tips for your next adventure downtown — all from nationally recognized writers.

MAKE SHOWTIME A NIGHT ON THE TOWN!

DRINK, DINE AND DELIGHT IN THE CULTURAL HUB OF DENVER.

Consider joining one of the DCPA’s premium membership societies for an exclusive experience before and after the curtain rises.

BEST OF BROADWAY SOCIETY

For unforgettable evenings all Broadway season long, treat yourself to first-class dining and seats. Enjoy the best seats in the house, pre-show cocktails, dinner in Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House and private intermission in the fabulous Wolf Room.

Contact: Marc Ravenhill • mravenhill@dcpa.org • 303.572.4594

DIRECTORS SOCIETY

Want the premium subscription experience at all of Denver Center Theatre Company’s subscription shows for you or your clients? Enjoy our most exclusive seating, fine dining pre-show in the Seawell Ballroom, post-show parties with artists and creatives, behind-the-scenes discussions, and more.

Contact: Marc Ravenhill • mravenhill@dcpa.org • 303.572.4594

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

DCPA Corporate Member nights help you enhance client relationships, make new connections, motivate employees, and improve your bottom line. In addition to insider ticketing and pre-show cocktails and dining for eight of our most popular shows each season, your company will receive brand recognition and exclusive perks for your employees.

Contact: Caitie Maxwell • cmaxwell@dcpa.org • 303.446.4840

SCFD.org We Fund Culture.

TPUPPETEERS BRING ANIMALS TO LIFE IN

The life of Pi has been long and fruitful, although full of challenges for the title character. The peregrinations of Piscine Molitor Patel began with the best-selling 2001 novel by Canadian author Yann Martel, continuing 11 years later with the Ang Lee ﬁlm, which won four Academy Awards. In 2023, it moved to Broadway in an adaptation by British playwright and actor Lolita Chakrabaty, in a production that won three Tony Awards and ﬁve Olivier Awards.

With the self-given nickname Pi, young Pi explores and adopts as his own Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity while helping his family run their zoo in Pondicherry, India. Leaving the repressive government of Indira Gandhi in India, the family emigrates to Canada with the zoo. But when a storm sinks their ship, Pi is left adrift on a lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a tiger named Richard Parker for company.

As the boat drifts, so too does the story, an examination of domination, cooperation and the quest for survival. The novel was considered unﬁlmable but instead emerged as a critical success. Onstage, animalistic natures are recreated through puppetry, created for the London stage by Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell. Last month, the stage production began its North American tour in Washington,

BY LISA BORNSTEIN

D.C., with Jon Hoche as the associate puppetry and movement director.

“The puppets in Life of Pi are like no other,” Hoche says. “You could say that they use concepts and ideas from Bunraku puppetry, a Japanese traditional puppetry style, where a small human-like puppet is puppeteered by three people.”

In fact, three actors are required to puppeteer Richard Parker, in order to give him both lithe felinity and maneating ferocity. Animals are not the only parts of the awardwinning set brought to life by the puppeteers.

“Besides the animals, there are objects in the show being puppeteered to act as objects in the ocean after a massive shipwreck,” Hoche says. “We have eight dedicated puppeteers in our cast that focus mainly on the animals but every member of the acting ensemble also puppeteers something in the show.”

Hoche’s own love of puppetry began as a child, watching TV shows including “The Muppet Show” and “Eureeka’s Castle.” As a young actor in New York, he was cast by the downtown company Vampire Cowboys in a sci-ﬁ comic play called Fight Girl/Battle World. On the ﬁrst day of rehearsal, he was told his character had become a puppet.

Illustration by Kyle Malone

Puppets appeal to the audience’s sense of play, and there is a silent contract between the audience and the puppeteers to suspend all disbelief.

— FINN CALDWELL, PUPPET CO-DESIGNER

“I took to it rather quickly,” he says. He continued performing with them as a puppeteer, leading him to study with The Jim Henson Company and serve as puppet captain on the national tour of War Horse. Hoche made his Broadway debut in King Kong as the title character.

“I think we all are puppeteers as children,” Hoche says. “We have such active imaginations, we bring action ﬁgures, dolls, or stuﬀed animals to life. I love to keep that essence, that spark alive through puppetry. I also love the ensemble nature of multiple people coming together to bring a single entity to life.”

Puppets are often thought of as children’s fare, but those in Life of Pi can be terrifying and vicious. The tiger alone had to jump, climb, attack prey, and even swim. Barnes and Caldwell began their design process by experimenting with simple shapes cut from wood, then moved on to computer aided design and manufacturing. Puppets were milled, 3D printed, and laser cut.

“Richard Parker is made to look weather beaten and like driftwood, but the audience will consistently see the form of the tiger,” Barnes says. “The orangutan is more like a traditional Japanese bunraku puppet with a ﬂexible nylon rod creating its rib cage. The operation of the giraﬀe is more like object puppetry, whilst Richard Parker and the orangutan are operated by three people and are the most complex puppets in the show.”

As former performers, Barnes and Caldwell were aware that the puppeteers had to create character as well as manipulate the puppets.

“The most important thing to remember is that the audience needs to believe the puppet is alive. If that doesn’t

happen, everything else is lost,” Caldwell says. “Puppets appeal to the audience’s sense of play, and there is a silent contract between the audience and the puppeteers to suspend all disbelief. It’s the same as two children agreeing to play with a toy. There’s an unspoken agreement that the object is alive.”

That tacit agreement reﬂects the play’s themes through its design. When Pi eventually arrives in Mexico, the police there prefer one version of his story to the other. The question of a reliable narrator and storytelling in general pervade the tale, much as the puppets create a ﬂexible reality.

Nearly every member of the cast takes on at least one puppet during the play. Bringing them to life requires precise breath control and ﬂexible bodies with backgrounds in dance, acrobatics or martial arts. All of that physical labor onstage takes a toll oﬀstage, says Fred Davis, one of the puppeteers who originated the role of the tiger Richard Parker.

“We all had to do quite intense weight, endurance and stamina training in order to be able to puppeteer the tiger eﬀectively,” he says. “We achieved this with thorough physical warm-ups, wearing ankle, wrist, or chest weights while rehearsing, and by just using the puppets for as long as we could bear to in each rehearsal session. It was essential to build the required muscles as early on as possible so as to reduce the chance of injury and to facilitate us to be able to rehearse the show and not have to stop for a rest because of fatigue.”

The puppets and actors are coworkers, bringing the mystical, spiritual essence of Life of Pi to live performance, says Hoche.

“I could not imagine this amazing story being told on stage any other way.”

Supplemental material for this story was provided by the company of Life of Pi.

LIFE OF PI

MAR 18 - 30 • BUELL THEATRE

ASL Interpreted, Audio Described and Open Captioned performance: Mar 30 at 2pm

A PROUD PARTNER OF THE DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

CChevron has invested in Colorado for more than 90 years and today Chevron is the largest oil and gas producer in Colorado, with close to 1,000 employees. We know how to deliver affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy and we are investing resources and time to find ways to drastically lower the carbon intensity of the energy we produce while maintaining the important pillars of affordability and reliability.

Our company and our employees take pride investing our time and talent into the many communities we call home. Chevron invests millions of dollars and volunteers thousands of hours with community organizations across the state. Our focus areas include meeting essential needs, promoting diversity and inclusion, enhancing education, providing arts experiences, and protecting the environment.

Through several diﬀerent partners, Chevron supports science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects at universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, career technical education centers on the Front Range and Western Slope.

We also work with non-proﬁts whose programming encourages young boys and girls to explore STEM in various ways. Our support of robotics programs in several schools enables youth to have hands-on learning.

We have proudly supported the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for more than three years, believing in its vital contribution to the state’s creative energy. The arts are for everyone, and Chevron’s contribution enables DCPA’s educational programs, youth theater, budding teen playwrights, Denver’s own theater company, and Broadway productions.

Congratulations on another wonderful year bringing the performing arts to all the Front Range, and indeed, Colorado.

To learn more about Chevron and our community investments, please visit https://colorado.chevron.com/

Supporting communities is a treasured and fundamental ethic of Chevron employees. They are proud to volunteer at food banks, environmental projects, fundraisers, and more.

EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON

Tuesday, April 22

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Sheraton Downtown

Denver Hotel

Tickets and sponsorship at jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon

OFFICIAL PROUD SPONSOR OF DCPA BROADWAY’S PRESENTATION OF LIFE OF PI

[The arts] inform, inspire, and uplift while bringing the community together.

— ANDY AYE, CO/AZ/NV/NM MARKET LEADER, GIS

TThe arts are a signiﬁcant part of making Denver an amazing place to live and work. U.S. Bank believes in the power of play, which includes the arts, because it brings joy, encourages creativity, teaches problem-solving skills, and builds emotional learning. That is why U.S. Bank is a long-time supporter of the magniﬁcent programs and spectacular performances at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA).

The arts educate, promote understanding, broaden our perspectives, and enable communities to share rich cultural experiences. Denver is fortunate to have a thriving arts community, which is home to some of the nation’s ﬁnest theatres, museums, and artists.

“We’re proud to serve the DCPA because it provides the best in live entertainment, in addition to education for all ages through the art of theatre,” said Andy Aye, Global Industrials and Services Market Leader for Colorado, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. “We know the critical role that the arts play in our society. They inform, inspire and uplift while bringing the community together.”

In 2023, the U.S. Bank Foundation committed $96.4 million in corporate contributions to nonprofit organizations across the entire enterprise, $3.1 million of which was invested to Colorado nonprofits. Those contributions had an emphasis on community development diversity and inclusion, financial education, and the environment. Additionally, its employees volunteered more than 360,000 hours, demonstrating that employee engagement is a major component of its community success.

“The DCPA brings us together to appreciate our diversity of thought, perspective, and talent,” said Aye. “I am always amazed at how much we share when we all laugh or gasp during a key moment in a performance. It is a sense of participation and belonging that strengthens our community. Supporting the DCPA is making an investment in ourselves, the arts, and the place we call home.”

Union Paciﬁc is proud to support the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and its commitment to embed diversity, equity and inclusion into its organization and programs.

PROUD UNDERWRITER OF THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES TICKET SCHOLARSHIPS

UUnion Paciﬁc Railroad, through our Community Ties Giving Program, is proud to underwrite scholarships for DCPA Education’s Theatre for Young Audiences program, ensuring equitable access to underserved populations in the Center’s surrounding communities.

Union Paciﬁc proudly supports organizations that improve the quality of life where our employees live and work. Investing in high quality, nonproﬁt programs positions communities for future growth and prosperity.

Union Pacific is proud to support the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and its commitment to embed diversity, equity and inclusion into its organization and programs. Theatre for Young Audiences introduces children to the joy of live theatre and invites them to see themselves in a story or on stage. This program meets the community’s need for an affordable, family-friendly program that showcases differences and unites us through storytelling.

Every Saturday from April 5 – May 10, our troupe of actors will stage 60-minute versions of the Bard’s most beloved plays in and around our pickup truck “set.”

LEARN MORE denvercenter.org/community-events

Fun family event! Please bring your own lawn chairs.

WELCOMING COMMUNITY THROUGH TICKET PROGRAMS

BY SUZANNE YOE

THANKS to ongoing citizen support of the Scientiﬁc and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and the generosity of donors, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts provides a variety of free and low-cost programs to welcome underrepresented communities.

DCPAccess

Made possible by the SCFD, the Denver Center oﬀers low-cost tickets to select productions throughout the season. Individuals are invited to sign up to receive a notiﬁcation of sales on designated dates for both locally produced and Broadway shows. Last season, more than 17,000 tickets were sold through DCPAccess. Pricing is good while supplies last, so if you’ve never been to the theatre, want to try something fun, or just need a few extra seats, sign up at denvercenter.org/ dcpa-access-sale.

Radvantage Memberships

Designed especially for individuals 30 and under, Radvantage is a $25 membership that gets you access to savings of up to 75% oﬀ face value of tickets to select shows all season long. Tickets are generally available to Broadway, Theatre Company, Oﬀ-Center, and Cabaret shows. Learn more at denvercenter.org/radvantage.

Advance Oﬀers for Students, Military, Seniors, & Educators

Buy your tickets in advance and save with special oﬀers for special groups!

• Students can purchase purchase low-cost tickets to select Theatre Company and Oﬀ-Center shows

• Military personnel, Seniors (62+), and Teachers can save on select Broadway and Theatre Company shows

Visit denvercenter.org/special-oﬀers for details.

Last-Minute Oﬀers for Students, Military, Seniors, First Responders, & Teachers

While the oﬀers vary show-by-show, members of these groups can save up to 50% on two rush tickets. These tickets are based on space availability. Just swing by a DCPA ticket counter one hour before the show with your ID to check out your options.

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

Each fall and spring, DCPA Education & Community Engagement takes its show on the road to a community center near you. The Shakespeare in the Parking Lot troupe oﬀers three abridged productions — Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream — using a pickup truck as a set. Upcoming free performances will be held on Saturdays April 5 –May 10 and September 7 – October 11 throughout the seven-county SCFD area. Locations will be announced as they are scheduled; visit denvercenter. org/community.

Subscriptions

Subscribers still get the best prices paired with the best beneﬁts around — plus guaranteed seats to some of the hottest shows. Broadway and Theatre Company subscription packages feature the best seats at the best price, priority access to added attractions, free and ﬂexible ticket exchange, and discounts for friends and family. New seasons will be added in the coming months. Visit denvercenter.org/subscriptionsmemberships to see your options.

Ticket Donations

Need an auction item for your area non-proﬁt? Submit a request 90 days in advance at dcpa.approveforgood. com. Donations are based on availability.

The cast of A Little Night Music

•

Photo by Amanda Tipton Photography.

INSET: Katherine George and Sekou Laidlow in Clyde’s.

Photo by Jamie Kraus Photography.

PROUD SPONSOR OF THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES AND SATURDAY NIGHT ALIVE

DAVITA: COMMUNITY FIRST

AAs a leading provider of kidney care services in the United States, DaVita is committed to making a lasting impact, starting with the care it provides and extending to the broader communities it serves.

Since ﬁrst calling the Mile High City home in 2010, the company has remained dedicated to supporting causes that uplift the Denver community while fostering a culture that encourages teammates to get involved. As a company, DaVita invests in opportunities that advance leadership, sustain cultural institutions, and respond to the community’s most pressing needs.

DaVita is proud to support the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, a vibrant organization committed to increasing access to performing arts for all individuals. DCPA’s mission to serve, engage and inspire its community aligns with DaVita’s eﬀorts to support healthy communities around the world, as well as in its own backyard of Colorado. DaVita is proud to play a role in DCPA’s Theatre for Young Audiences program, engaging more than 15,000 pre-K through 3rd grade students and educators from 128 schools across metro Denver.

Following are examples of other local community collaborations DaVita is proud to support:

Funding 10 Denver Scholarship Foundation recipients as they pursue a pathway to healthcare related careers.

Preparing teen moms at Florence Crittenton Services for future livable wage opportunities through a summer exposure program that matches them with paid internships. The program provides them with ﬂexibility of job choice over the summer while helping to ensure they are ready for medical internships and gain necessary professional skills.

DaVita is a proud premier supporter of Urban Peak’s annual fundraiser, Urban Nights. The nonproﬁt is the only organization in Denver that provides wrap-around support services for youth experiencing homelessness.

DCPA

Janice Sinden President & CEO

Donna Hendricks Executive Assistant, President & CEO

Julie Schumaker Manager, Board Relations

ACCOUNTING & FINANCE

Jane Williams CFAO

Sara Brandenburg Director, Accounting Services

Jennifer Je rey Director, Financial Planning & Analysis

Kristina Monge Associate Accountant

Jennifer Siemers Director, Accounting

Audrey Smith Associate Manager, Accounting

BROADWAY & CABARET

John Ekeberg Executive Director

Administration

Ashley Brown Business Manager

Alicia Bruce General Manager

Lisa Prater Operations Manager

Garner Galleria Theatre

Abel Becerra Technical Director

Jason Begin+, Anna Hookana+ Core Stagehands

DEVELOPMENT

Jamie Clements Vice President

Connor Carlin Associate Director, Major & Planned Gifts

Sarah Darlene Manager, Grants & Reports

Caroline Eppers Manager, Corporate Partnerships

Kara Erickson-Stiemke Coordinator

Emily Kettlewell Associate Director, Annual Giving

Caitie Maxwell Senior Director, Major Gifts

Marc Ravenhill Director, Donor Relations

Megan Stewart Associate Director, Special Events

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Allison Watrous Executive Director

Stuart Barr Technical Director

Leslie Channell Director, Business Operations

Lyndsay Corbett Teaching Artist & Manager, Bobby G

María Corral Director, Community Engagement

Heather Curran Teaching Artist & Manager, Playwriting

Elliot Davis Evening Registrar & O ce Coordinator

Rachel Ducat Executive Assistant & Business Manager

Rya Dyes Registrar & On-Site Class Manager

Gavin Juckette Teaching Artist & Manager, TYA Engagement & Music

Timothy McCracken Head of Acting

Rick Mireles Manager, Community Engagement

David Saphier Teaching Artist & Manager, In-School Programming

Charlotte Talbert Librarian

Rachel Taylor Teaching Artist & Manager, Literary Engagement & Resiliency

Justin WalvoordTeaching Artist & Manager, Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

Samuel Wood Director, Education & Curriculum Development

EVENT SERVICES

Samantha Egle, Cody Gocio Senior Sales & Event Managers

Stori Heleen-O’Foley Event Technical Manager

Shane Hotle Audio Engineer

David Mandlowitz Video Engineer

Natalia Marroquin, Phil Rohrbach Sales & Event Managers

DCPA TEAM

Tara Miller

Event Sales & Operations Director

Brook Nichols Event Technical Director

Kate Olsen Event Sales Coordinator

Benjamin Peitzer Event Technical Lead

Michael Harris,

Alex Taylor Lighting Designers

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Lisa Roebuck Vice President For security purposes, the IT team has been omitted.

MARKETING & SALES

Angela Lakin Vice President

Whitney Testa Executive Assistant, Marketing & Broadway

Marketing

Heidi Bosk Associate Director, Press & Promotions, Broadway & Cabaret

Erin Bunyard Senior Digital Strategist

Soﬁa Contreras, Lucas Kreitler Graphic Designers

Brenda Elliott, Paul Koob Senior Graphic Designers

Harper Anne Finch Manager, Social Marketing

TJ Forlenza Copywriter

Claire Graves Director, Produced Programs

Brittany Gutierrez Associate Director, Communications

Linda Horan Program Manager

Je Hovorka Director, Sales & Marketing, Broadway & Cabaret

Emma Holst Associate, Communications & Content

Emily Kent Director, Insights & Strategy

Michael Ryan Leuthner Director, Digital Marketing

Emily Lozow Associate Director, Sales & Marketing, Broadway & Cabaret

Kyle Malone Director, Design

Dan McNulty Analyst

Todd Metcalf Media Producer

Hannah Selwyn Manager, Email Marketing

Sergio von Kretschmann Manager, Website

Julie Whelan Manager, Produced Programs

Mikayla Woods Coordinator, Produced Programs

Suzanne Yoe Director, Content & Communications

Ticketing & Audience Services

Jennifer Lopez Director

Jessica Alverson*, Tamika Cox*, Zeah Edmonds*, Lauren Estes*,

Luke Fish*, Jen Gray*, Noa Halpern*, Noah Jungferman*, Noelle Norris*, Alexander Roy*, Holly Stigen*, Bronwen

VanOrdstrand*, Alfonso Vazquez*, Rob Warner* Ticket Agents

Kirsten Anderson*, Scott Lix*, Liz Sieroslawski*,

Greg Swan* Subscription Agents

Jon Collins Manager, Subscription

Katie Davis Manager, VIP Ticketing

D.J. Dennis*, Edmund Gurule*, Lane Randall*, Hayley Solano*,

Sam Stump*,

Andrew Sullivan* Counter/Show Leads

Billy Dutton Associate Director, Operations

Danielle Freeman Manager, Customer Service

Claire Hayes, Ella Mann,

Robert McCowan Managers, Box O ce

Chris Leech Coordinator, VIP Ticketing

Katie Spanos Associate Director, Subscriber Services

Group Sales

Jessica Bergin Associate Director

Tucker Kamin Manager, Audience Development

Elias Lopez Coordinator

Maddie Young Associate, Education & Group Sales

OFF-CENTER

Charlie Miller Executive Director & Curator

Cat Huck Assistant Operations Manager

Courtney Ozaki Creative Producer

Mike Pingel Operations Manager

OPERATIONS

Sarah Arzberger Administrator

Vincent Bridgers Manager

Adam Busch Analyst

Aaron Chavez Lead

Ruben Cruz, Jordan Latouche Engineers

Simone Gordon Associate Director

Kyle Greufe Senior Analyst

Maria Herwagen Junior Analyst

Brandon LeMarr Manager

Alison Orthel, Tara Perticone Analysts

Joseph Reecher Senior Engineer

Cordelia Taylor Coordinator

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Laura Maresca CPCO

Equity & Organization Culture

Seán Kroll Coordinator

Human Resources

Brian Carter Senior Business Partner

Andrew Guilder HR & Recruiting Specialist

Michaela Johnson Interim Mailroom Assistant

Paul Johnson Manager, Payroll & Compliance

Jocelyn Martinez Business Partner Kinsey Scholl Manager, Operations

THEATRE COMPANY

Administration

Charles Varin Managing Director

Emily Diaz Business Admin./ Asst. Company Manager

Alex Koszewski Company Manager

Ann Marshall General Manager

Artistic

Chris Coleman Artistic Director

Jessica Eckenrod Artistic Associate

Grady Soapes Artistic Producer & Casting Director

Leean Kim Torske Director, Literary Programs

Madison Cook-Hines Literary Assistant

Costume Crafts

Kevin Copenhaver Director

Chris Campbell Assistant

Costume Shop

Janet MacLeod Director/Design Associate

Meghan Anderson Doyle Design Associate

Katarina Kosmopoulos First Hand

Ingrid Ludeke,

Carolyn Plemitscher Drapers

House Crew

Douglas Taylor+ Supervisor

James Berman+, Forest Fowler+, Dave Mazzeno+, Kyle Moore+, Piper Stormes+, Matt Wagner+ Stagehands

Joseph Price+, Kelley Reznik+ Assistants

Lighting Design

Charles MacLeod Director

Connor Baker+ Production Electrician

Lily Bradford Assistant

Paint Shop

Kristin Hamer MacFarlane Charge Scenic Artist

Melanie Rentschler, Sasha Seaman Scenic Artists

Production

Je Gi ord Director

Julie Brou Administrative Assistant/ O ce Manager

Matthew Campbell Production Manager

Peggy Carey Associate Production Manager

Prop Shop

Meghan Markiewicz Supervisor

Sara Pugh Associate Supervisor

Bennet Goldberg, Georgina Kayes, Ashley Lawler Artisans

Andrew McGlothen Prop Carpenter

Scene Shop

Eric Moore Technical Director

Albert “Stub” Allison, Robert L. Orzolek, Josh Prues Associate Technical Directors

Jeremy Bantho , Tyler D. Clark, Amy Wynn Pastor,

Kyle Scoggins Scenic Technicians

Louis Fernandez III Lead Scenic Technician

Brian “Marco” Markiewicz Lead Carpenter

Scenic Design

Lisa Orzolek Director

Kevin Nelson, Nicholas Renaud Assistants

Sound Design & Technology

Alex Billman Supervisor

Meagan Holdeman+, Timothy Schoeberl+, Dimitri Soto+ Technicians

Elena Martin Associate Supervisor

Stage Management

Anne Jude Supervisor

Wayne Breyer, Liz Campbell, Corin Davidson, Harper Hadley, Brandon T. Holmes, Sage Hughes, Lara Maerz, Nick Nyquist, Malia Stoner Stage Managers

Anna Cordova, Sam Forrest, Megan Franco Apprentices

Wardrobe

Heidi Echtenkamp Supervisor

Robin Appleton^, Amber Krimbel^, Lauren LaCasse^, Lisa Parsons Wagner^, Nicole Watts^, Kami Williams^ Dressers

Wigs

Diana Ben-Kiki Supervisor

Abby Schmidt^, Marisa Sorce^ Wig Assistants

VENUE OPERATIONS

Glen Lucero Vice President

Merry Davis Financial Manager

Jane Deegan Administrator

Kristi Horvath Director of Venue Operations

Facilities

Craig Smith Director

Dwight Barela, Mark Dill, Bryan Faciane, John Howard, Iver Johnson Engineers

Steven Bilbao, Abraham Cervantes, Lindsey Cervantes, Carmen Molina, Judith Primero Molina, Juan Loya Molina, Blanca Primero Custodians

Michael Kimbrough Manager, Engineering

Brian McClain Manager, Custodial

Patron Experience

Evan Gendreau Associate Director

Kaylyn Kriaski, Leilani Lynch, Aaron McMullen, Stacy Norwood, Wendy Quintana, Valerie Schaefer Assistant Managers

Kelly Breuer, Nora Caley, Amy Howard, Robin Lander, Barbara Pooler, Ayden Smith House Managers

Safety & Security

Quentin Crump Director

Jacquelyne Schmidt Manager, Health & Safety

Timothy Allen, Jodi Benavides Lead Security O cers

Mayte Armendariz, David Bright, Ariana Cuevas, Erika Gajarszki, Ethan Kemberlin, Jack Leatherwood, Ian Nelson, Jason Porquis, Isabella Samaniego, Marcus Sanders, Pamela Winston, Tori Witherspoon, Angel Zanudio Security Specialists

Judy Briggs Front Desk