SDSU SCHOOL OF THEATRE, TELEVISION, AND FILM
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ARTS ALIVE DISCOVERY SERIES Directed by Stephen Brotebeck Music Direction by Rob Meffe https://playplay.tv/patron/SDSU Virtual Performance Tickets $5 Music by Benny Andersson & Bjรถrn Ulvaeus December 3, 4, 5 at 7pm Lyrics by Tim Rice December 6 at 2pm Based on an idea by Tim Rice
in concert
WELCOME Hazlitt is appropriate in his coinage of the proverbial, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” This is so fitting in attempting to define the huge and relentless efforts assembled in putting this production together. Every facet of our School was involved in working to ensure that the vision for this musical production is transformed into reality. How is it possible to create collaborative art in the whirlwind of a mysterious and unforgiving pandemic such as COVID 19? While abiding by the CDC rules, of distancing and sanitization, our colleagues and students have brought to bear, and to full realization, Hazlitt’s words. As you can all imagine, this was not easy by any stretch of the imagination. Through the annals of history, one consistency is the admirable ability for the survival of the arts and human artistic expression. The School of Theatre, Television, and Film, working as one unit, in collaboration with the School of Music and Dance, proudly presents Chess. This is certainly another accomplishment for the history books. Thank you for your unending support. Enjoy the performance.
Niyi Coker, Jr., Director School of Theatre, Television, and Film
Acknowledgements and Special Thanks
Arts Alive, Eric Smigel, Elizabeth Allison, Dean Peggy Shannon, Associate Dean Donna Conaty, Dr. ‘Niyi Coker, Dr. Scott Lipscomb, Dr. Kurt Lindemann, Angie Parkhurst, Melanie Dumont, Michael Gerdes, Arian Khaefi, Andrew Grobengeiser, Nikko Nobleza, Colby Freel
Stock Video and Images courtesy of: ISTOCKPHOTOS.COM and STORYBLOCKS.COM. Used under license.
CHESS
Music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus Lyrics by Tim Rice Based on an idea by Tim Rice CHESS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com Director..................................................................................Stephen Brotebeck Music Director.................................................................................Robert Meffe SDSU Chorus Director....................................................................Arian Khaefi SDSU Symphony Orchestra Director.................................Michael Gerdes Costume Designer/Coordinator..............................................Stacey Olson° Integrated Media Design......................................................Adam Parrocha° Lighting Design............................................................................ Ashley Bietz°^ Sound Design....................................................................................... Lori Lopez Dramaturg..................................................................................Rebecca Ojeda+ Editor............................................................................................Justin Wilkinson Stage Manager.............................................................................Ryn Schroeder MIDI Orchestral Tracks.................................................................Robert Meffe
CAST
Florence Vassy..........................................................Victoria Matlock Fowler* Frederick Trumper..........................................................................Julio Catano* Anatoly Sergievsky............................................................ Kyle Montgomery* Walter de Courcey..........................................................................Casey Craig* Alexander Molokov..............................................................Christopher Shin* Arbiter (Act 1)......................................................................Clinton Sherwood* Arbiter (Act 2).................................................................... Sheldon Gomabon* Svetlana Sergievskaya.........................................................Melissa Glasgow*
ENSEMBLE
Danan Pacheco, Vivian Romero, Laura Odette Sandoval, Jackson Wright, Mary Rose Vadeboncoeur, Tracy Boronkay, Hunter Katz, Maxine Edmonds, Sarah Marie Hernandez, Chase Lowary, Joshua Radzinski + MA in Theatre Arts *MFA in Musical Theatre °MFA in Design and Technology for Theatre, Television, and Film ^Qualifying or Thesis/Capstone Production
MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT I PROLOGUE The Story of Chess.................................. Arbiter (Merano) and Ensemble
MERANO, ITALY - THE COLD WAR ERA OF THE EARLY 1980s A Station in Merano, Italy Merano............................................................Mayor and Citizens of Merano The Palace Hotel, Merano, Frederick and Florence’s suite Rock Merano......................................... Florence, Frederick and Ensemble Commie Newspapers............................................... Florence and Frederick Press Conference.................................. Florence, Frederick and Reporters Molokov’s suite in Merano Anatoly and Molokov..................................................Anatoly and Molokov Where I Want to Be..................................................................................Anatoly The Arbiter’s chamber Diplomats................................ Molokov, Walter, US and USSR Diplomats The Arbiter...................................................Arbiter (Merano) and Ensemble The arena Hymn to Chess............................................................................................... Choir Chess #1...................................................................................................Orchestra Arbiter - Reprise............................................................Arbiter and Ensemble Quartet....................... Molokov, Walter, Florence, and Arbiter (Merano) Florence and Molokov.........Florence, Molokov, Frederick and Walter A television studio and control room 1956 - Budapest is Rising..................Florence, Frederick and Ensemble Nobody’s Side............................................................ Florence and Ensemble The Merano Mountain Inn Mountain Duet...........................................Florence, Anatoly and Frederick The arena Chess #2...................................................................................................Orchestra Frederick and Florence’s suite Florence Quits............................................................. Florence and Frederick Pity the Child...........................................................................................Frederick
A consulate in Merano Embassy Lament............................................................................ Civil Servants Heaven Help My Heart......................................................................... Florence A train station in Merano Anatoly and the Press...............................................Anatoly and Reporters Anthem.........................................................................................................Anatoly
ACT II BANGKOK, THAILAND - ONE YEAR LATER The streets of Bangkok, Thailand Golden Bangkok....................................................................................Orchestra One Night in Bangkok........................................................Arbiter (Bangkok) The Oriental Hotel, Bangkok, Anatoly and Florence’s suite One More Opponent................................................... Florence and Anatoly You and I........................................................................... Florence and Anatoly The Oriental Hotel, Bangkok, Molokov’s suite The Soviet Machine....................................................Molokov and Russians A television studio Interview...........................................................Anatoly, Frederick and Walter Someone Else’s Story............................................................................ Svetlana The Dusit Thani Hotel and the Oriental Hotel, Bangkok The Deal........Florence, Frederick, Anatoly, Walter, Molokov, Svetlana, Arbiter (Bangkok) Pity the Child (reprise)..........................................................................Frederick I Know Him So Well.....................................................Florence and Svetlana A Buddhist Temple Talking Chess.................................................................Anatoly and Frederick The arena End Game...................Florence, Anatoly, Walter, Molokov and Svetlana The arena after all the crowds have gone You and I - Reprise....................................................... Florence and Anatoly Walter and Florence........................................................Walter and Florence Epilogue........................................................... Florence, Ensemble and Choir
DIRECTOR’S NOTE What you are about to watch is one of the most impressive examples of collaboration and innovation that I have been a part of. I am grateful to the phenomenal students, faculty, and staff that we have here at San Diego State who worked an untold amount of hours to pull off this major event. This is the fourth “mega-concert musical” collaboration between the School of Theatre, Television, and Film and the School of Music and Dance. While you will not see all of the participants on screen, rest assured, they are there. Actors, singers, musicians, designers, technicians, stage managers, television and film students, editors, and more. This production was rehearsed mostly virtually, with a short one-week, inperson component for our principal actors. In addition, every open space that could be found on campus was used to rehearse and record the chorus and the orchestra. If you happened to find yourself on campus within the past few months, you no doubt heard the score of this show at one point or another. Dorm rooms became rehearsal rooms and recording studios. Parking garages, too. Throughout all of it permeated a spirit of joy as we were able to continue to do what we all love: create art. Create art. Being able to come together and produce a concert musical during COVID times has stretched all of our collective artistic minds. I hope you will enjoy a new and different concert musical experience of Chess the way only San Diego State could do it. ‘ Stephen Brotebeck, Director Associate Professor, MFA Musical Theatre Program
SDSU Theatre and Film Events • For tickets and information, visit: ttf.sdsu.edu
DIRECTOR STEPHEN BROTEBECK is an Associate Professor in the MFA Musical Theatre program at San Diego State University where he has directed and choreographed multiple productions including James and the Giant Peach, The Full Monty and The Drowsy Chaperone (Craig Noel Award Nomination). Mr. Brotebeck is currently the Artistic Director of the Okoboji Summer Theatre in Okoboji, IA, where he has directed and choreographed multiple productions including Mary Poppins, Murder On The Orient Express, and The Spitfire Grill. Broadway: Ghost, Peter and the Starcatcher (Movement Associate). As a director Mr. Brotebeck has helmed the Off and Off-Off Broadway productions of The Shark Play, Breaking The Shakespeare Code, St. Francis (NY Fringe – Excellence in Directing Award), The Maltese Walter, Greasemonkey and Scenes from a Balcony. Kennedy Center: Spring Gala (Director), My Fair Lady, Camelot and Children Of Eden (Associate Director/Choreographer). Additional credits as a director and/or choreographer include Ghost at the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival; Girlfriend and The Loneliest Girl In The World at Diversionary Theatre; Peter and the Starcatcher, Monty Python’s Spamalot, And The World Goes ‘Round (Oscar Wilde Nomination), and I Love A Piano (Oscar Wilde Nomination) at Farmers Alley Theatre; Looking For Roberto Clemente at Imagination Stage; The Great American Songbook Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony presented by Michael Feinstein. Internationally, Stephen has directed productions for Creativiva Caribbean, and choreographed multiple projects in Indonesia, China, and Guatemala for Passport to Broadway. BFA, Western Michigan University. MFA, Penn State. www.stephenbrotebeck.com
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MUSIC DIRECTOR ROBERT MEFFE spent twenty-two years in New York City as a professional conductor, music director, keyboardist, orchestrator, arranger and music copyist. His Broadway credits include: Associate Conductor of Little Women and the last six years of Les Misérables, keyboards for Evita (2012 revival), Newsies, The Phantom of the Opera, Avenue Q, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Grey Gardens, and Bombay Dreams. National Tour credits include Music Director of Evita (2012 revival) and The Phantom of the Opera, Associate Conductor of Les Misérables, Little Women, and Sunday in the Park with George. Off-Broadway: Myths & Hymns, Violet, The Prince and the Pauper, Gutenberg! The Musical!, and music arrangements for Disenchanted. TV: Encore! (Disney+), Earth To America (TBS), Renee Fleming-Live at Lincoln Center (PBS). Las Vegas: Associate Conductor of Avenue Q, keyboards for Mamma Mia and Hairspray. Williamstown Theatre Festival: Ten Cents a Dance (directed by John Doyle). Paper Mill Playhouse: Peter Pan (Music Director), Forum, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Associate), A Wonderful Life, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (keyboards). San Diego credits include music direction for Fun Home (San Diego Rep-Craig Noel Award nomination), keyboards for Wicked, Waitress, Beautiful and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (San Diego Civic Theatre), Bright Star, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Looking for Christmas (The Old Globe), Fly (La Jolla Playhouse). and Far Away Places, a one-night cabaret show with Patti Lupone (Balboa Theatre).
DRAMATURG’S NOTE The Cold War En Passant: The Geopolitical Truth of Chess By Rebecca Ojeda, MA Theatre Candidate, Dramaturg In 1981, Tim Rice met with Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from the pop group ABBA to discuss ideas for a musical. Andersson and Ulvaeus wanted to branch away from pop, while Rice had an original idea for a musical, portraying the Cold War tensions between the United States and the USSR through their complicated rivalry in the game of chess.
The trio then collaborated on a Chess concept album in 1984, which became an international hit. At the time, the musical also featured singer Murray Head’s version of the song “One Night in Bangkok,” which reached #1 on the UK charts, and #3 on the US charts. The musical received multiple Tony Award nominations. The Cold War was a period of political tensions between Eastern European countries influenced by the Soviet Union and the Western countries that partnered with the United States and the Allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), spanning from the mid 1940s until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Although when one thinks of the Cold War, it may conjure up images of major armed conflicts, but instead “Proxy Wars” occurred, where neither side actually fought, but instead used threats and propaganda. In an attempt to escape the clutches of Communist countries, a person could make an attempt to escape from their home country, giving up their allegiance. Often, these “defectors” would be used by each side as propaganda trophies, similar to pawns in a chess game. During the escalating tensions between countries that favored Communism and those that favored Capitalism, one important event that occurred was the World Championship Chess match of 1972 in Iceland. It was a showdown between chess prodigies Bobby Fischer of the United States, and the defending World Champion, Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union. The significance of this match was hard to overstate, as the chess board acted as an arena for the battle between social and political beliefs, and the champion of the free world, Fischer, competed against a Soviet socialist, Spassky. The two were not only playing against each other as young chess prodigies, but were representing the dramatic political and ideological battle between their home countries. An intricate game of intellect, strategy, and creativity, chess represents much more than just the 32 pieces and 64 squares that make up its game board. With every move, a player purposely deceives, manipulates, and fights to survive against their opponent. Despite this, the characters in Chess are ultimately pawns within larger geopolitical systems, and are constantly threatened by the possible betrayal of those around them. Even those that have power are not exempt from this reality, because they represent the larger political and economic powers that employ them. Ironically, those who are deemed the best at the game are perhaps under the most manipulation of all, and while battling with the knowledge that they are likely being used as pawns at any given time, they must decide who they are and where they belong.
DRAMATURG REBECCA OJEDA (She/Her) is a 2nd year MA candidate at SDSU,
specializing in Dramaturgy. She earned her BA from Cal Poly Pomona in Theatre Education/Community. She has won the KCACTF’s Dramaturgy Achievement award for her work as the Dramaturg, Assistant Director and Teaching Artist for the debut production of the original play Visions of Boyle Heights at East Los Angeles College. She was on the Dramaturgy Debut Panel at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Conference, focusing on intimacy coaching and the use of safe spaces in theatre for the production of Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead at SDSU. She is the resident Dramaturg for the Southern California Shakespeare Festival Guild, and has worked as the Dramaturg for the San Diego Repertory Theatre’s Latinx New Play Festival’s The Cucuy Will Find You, and is the Co-Dramaturg for Mother Road at the San Diego Repertory Theatre.
LIGHTING DESIGNER ASHLEY BIETZ is excited to be
the Lighting Designer for Chess. This production serves as her thesis production towards her MFA in Lighting Design; she is in her third year of the program here at SDSU and will be graduating in December. Previously she has been the lighting designer for the premiere production of Lying With Badgers and for Red Bike at MOXIE Theatre. She has also recently worked on a production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid with Stagedoor Theatre. This show is particularly interesting to Ashley because she was able to use lighting to emulate a chess board and really utilize the floor as a canvas. She would like to thank the entire lighting team for helping her with her final show as a MFA! She would also like to extend her deepest and most humbling gratitude to all that supported her during her time here at SDSU.
SOUND DESIGNER LORI LOPEZ is a fourth year student pursuing two degrees in French
and Music Recording Technology and Audio Design. She is a creative person with an immense passion for languages and the arts. She is a prolific painter, guitar player, and an aspiring audio engineer and sound designer. She first sound designed for SDSU’s musical, ‘Til Death Do Us Part, and is thrilled to be a part of another production. She looks forward to people experiencing this unique production and hopes that you will enjoy the show!
INTEGRATED MEDIA DESIGNER ADAM PARROCHA is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Design
and Technology for the Theatre (Scenic Design) at San Diego State University. Recent designs for the School of Theatre, Television, and Film include Más (set) and Dog Sees God (projections) and The Mental State at Palomar College in San Marcos. He was nominated for an ACT Aubrey Award for Outstanding Scenic Design for Lend Me a Tenor at Vanguard Theatre in Point Loma. Adam was a recent recipient of the Tom Bollard Scholarship and the Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky Fellowship with Cygnet Theatre where he worked as a scenic design assistant on Rock of Ages. Adam was a semi-finalist in the 2019 ImagiNations competition for Walt Disney Imagineering. Upcoming projects include She Kills Monsters at SDSU (Spring 2021) and Nunsense the Musical at Vanguard Theatre (postponed due to Covid-19).
STAGE MANAGER RYN SCHROEDER is a senior
studying Theatre Design and Technology at SDSU, with a focus on stage management. However, her work in theatre also branches off into house management/box office, tour coordination, and sound design. Her other stage management credits here at State include The Pillowman (Spring 2018), Leonard Bernstein’s Mass (Fall 2018), The Vagina Monologues (Spring 2019), Spring Awakening (Spring 2019), Lying With Badgers (Fall 2019), and Time Is On Our Side (Spring 2020). The upcoming productions she’s involved in are sound designing She Kills Monsters (Spring 2021) and stage managing Pippin (Spring 2021).
CAST: WHO’S WHO PRINCIPALS Julio Catano
(Frederick Trumper) National/International Tours: The Addams Family (Ancestor), West Side Story Centennial World Tour (Chino). Regional: Kiss My Aztec! (La Jolla Playhouse); Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (Theatre Under The Stars); Camelot (Shakespeare Theatre Company); Anything Goes (Arena Stage); West Side Story (Barrington Stage Company, Musical Theatre West and Lamb’s Players Theatre). Film/TV: Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, FOX’s Pitch, TNT’s Animal Kingdom. Education: Dance B.F.A. from The Ailey School/Fordham University. @juliocatanoyee
Casey Craig (Walter de Courcey)
Casey is a performer/choreographer/arts educator originally from Seattle, WA. He has taught, directed, choreographed and been a guest speaker for several arts organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest most recently working with Village Theatre, Central Washington University, The Northwest Voice Conference, and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Select direction and choreography credits include Bye Bye Birdie (Leavenworth Summer Theatre), The Little Mermaid (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Chicago (Central Washington University) and Tarzan (Village Theatre SummerStock). Select performance credits include West Side Story (Baby John, 5th Avenue Theatre - 50th anniversary production), Zanna Don’t! (Zanna, Contemporary Classics), Hello Dolly (Barnaby, Village Theatre) and The Music Man (Tommy, ART). www.CaseyAdamCraig.com
Victoria Matlock Fowler
(Florence Vassy) Victoria is best known for playing Elphaba in the iconic Wicked. She also starred on Broadway as Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet, and reprised her role Off-Broadway and on the Las Vegas strip. She originated the role of Cindy Lou in the Off-Broadway production of The Marvelous Wonderettes, and can be heard on the cast album. Victoria has worked with Hal Prince, Jack O’Brien, Jerry Mitchell, and Frank Wildhorn, toured nationally and internationally, and once ran away with the circus. She’s been featured in numerous workshops of exciting new works, headlined in concerts to benefit charitable causes such as Sandy Hook Elementary and Hurricane Katrina, and belted out the national anthem in front of the Green Monster in Fenway Park. Currently she can be seen on streaming platforms starring in several films, including the feature film Love Meet Hope, the horror short Crib, and the psychological thriller The Voices.
CAST: WHO’S WHO Melissa Glasgow
(Svetlana Sergievskaya) Melissa is excited to begin her time at SDSU with Chess! She received her BFA in Musical Theatre at the University of California, Irvine, and since then has continued to work in Southern California and tour the country. Last year, she had the opportunity to travel to Saudi Arabia as a part of a new festival titled Riyadh Seasons, celebrating different cultures from around the world. Favorite credits include: Cathy Rigby’s Peter Pan (Mrs. Darling), The Little Mermaid (Aquata), and A Chorus Line (Sheila). Thank you to Stephen, Rob, Ron, and the rest of this team for your intelligence, skill, and dedication to making this production happen. I’m grateful to share the stage and the Zoom room with all of you.
Sheldon Gomabon
(Arbiter in Act 2) Sheldon is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii. His most recent work has been developing new shows regionally and in New York City. At SDSU, he looks forward to collaborating on projects as part of a creative team, and taking this experience, along with his background in cultural dance, to bring more new authentic works into the commercial realm. He holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Central Florida with concentrations in Theatre and Cultural Studies, and is a graduate of the American Musical Dramatic Academy.
Kyle Montgomery
(Anatoly Sergievsky) Regional Credits: DeafWest, Actors Co-Op, Uptown Players, Lyric Stage, Trinity Shakespeare Festival, WaterTower Theatre, Circle Theatre, Theatre Three, StageWest. Kyle played Hermey in the International Tour of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: the Musical for three years. Class of 2022, MFA in Musical Theatre at SDSU. BFA in Musical Theatre at Texas Christian University. AEA.
CAST: WHO’S WHO Clinton Sherwood
(Arbiter in Act 1) Clinton Sherwood is a teacher and multidisciplinary artist who is currently based in San Diego. After receiving his BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University, he began performing across the country in regional theaters (select credits: Mary Poppins, Starlight Express, Hair, Cats, Hairspray) and in the national tours of Cats and West Side Story. After working on 90210, Clinton finally landed in NYC where he joined the Broadway company of The Book of Mormon and would soon be a traveling swing to cover all 3 companies of the show. While in NYC, he began to music direct productions at universities in the tri-state area. Recently, Clinton finished a 3-year position as an associate voice teacher for the Matt Farnsworth Vocal Studio, where he was teaching singers of all ages from young high schoolers to Broadway performers.
Christopher Shin
(Alexander Molokov) Chris is a first year MFA Musical Theatre student at SDSU. He made his Broadway debut in Mary Poppins and most recently toured with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (directed and choreographed by Tony nominee Randy Skinner). Recent regional theatre credits include: Anything Goes at Arena Stage (directed by Molly Smith), South Pacific at Maltz Jupiter Theatre (directed by Gordon Greenberg), Thoroughly Modern Millie at Goodspeed Opera House (directed by Tony nominee Denis Jones), The Wizard of Oz at Walnut Street Theatre (directed by Glenn Casale). He has also worked at North Shore Music Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus, Kansas City Starlight, Arkansas Rep, and Westport Country Playhouse. Chris holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts (CAP21).
ENSEMBLE Tracy Boronkay
Tracy is pursuing a BA in Theater Performance and this is her first production with SDSU. She has always loved being a part of productions since a young age, and a few of her favorite roles include Louise in Gypsy, Marcy Park in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. She thanks her directors and fellow actors for making such an impressive “zoom show” and for the awesome experience!
CAST: WHO’S WHO Maxine Edmonds
Maxine is in her first year at SDSU pursuing a BA in Theatre, Performance emphasis: Musical Theater and Acting. Theater has been a central part of her life since she was seven years old and she is ecstatic to be given the opportunity to perform in Chess which will be her sixteenth show. Favorite past roles include Cosette in Les Misérables, Olive in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Mabel in Pirates of Penzance. In her free time, she is a cross country runner, music composer and songwriter, and practices improv games with friends. Taking on this virtual experience has been a thrill and a once-in-a-lifetime experience which she will always remember with fond memories of laughing and learning together in the zoom rehearsals. Since her main passion is singing, she absolutely loves the score of Chess and hopes the audience does, too.
Sarah Marie Hernandez
Sarah is a third year Theatre, Performance emphasis, specializing in musical theatre. Notable SDSU productions include Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, James and the Giant Peach, ‘Til Death Do Us Part, Modern, and the world premiere El Colibrí Mágico, a new opera in partnership with the School of Music and Dance. She’s also very excited to join the cast of Postcard American Town, part of SDSU’s New Musicals Initiative. This summer Sarah joined the San Diego cast of Off the Beaten Path, an audience-immersive fantasy musical. Outside of performing, Sarah currently serves as President of Skull & Dagger Dramatic Society for their 20-21 season. She would like to thank the cast and creatives of Chess for this experience unlike any other, and hopes you enjoy the show! sarahmariehernandez.com
Hunter Katz
Hunter is in his senior year at San Diego State University currently pursuing a B.A. in Theatre Performance and is thrilled to be returning to one of his favorite musicals. He recently appeared in the World Premiere production of Two Lakes, Two Rivers as Dodie in September at SDSU. Professional and community credits include: Doctor! Doctor! (Twain Fest), Tosca (Pacific Lyric Association), Sebastian in The Little Mermaid (Off Broadway Live Santee) and The Odyssey (The Old Globe.) His other SDSU Theatre Credits include; Malvolio in 12th Nite, Elijah in Modern, and Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. Hunter has trained at Open Jar Studios in NYC and at the Rehearsal Room Acting School. He is also the founder of Stardust Theatricals where he has directed Biloxi Blues and King Lear. He would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work on this production and his family and friends for their support.
CAST: WHO’S WHO Chase Lowary
Chase is a sophomore here at SDSU where he is pursuing a double major in Theatre Performance and Music Performance. This is Chase’s first year in the theatre program and also his first production with the program and he couldn’t be more excited. Chase has been doing theatre since his freshman year of high school and has been in love with it ever since. Some of his favorite theatre credits include: Tom Collins in RENT, Beast in Beauty & the Beast, Adam in The Mad Ones, and Sebastian in The Little Mermaid. Chase is a member of the SDSU Chamber Choir, and he is involved with the SDSU Opera Theatre program as well. This is the first virtual production Chase has been involved in and he is so ready for everyone to love what they have done with the production of Chess. Enjoy the show!
Danan Pacheco
This is Danan’s third production at SDSU and he is playing in the ensemble in your at home version of Chess. He can confidently say this is also his first production completed in his room. He is happy to work with such talented people and only wishes that he could have seen them in person every day. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to accomplish something that has never quite been done before. He would like to thank the amazing cast and crew for working together and staying positive & creative during such an unprecedented time. The gratitude he feels for everyone he has met and worked with is astounding! Even in the face of uncertainty we kept creating, checkmate pandemic!
CAST: WHO’S WHO Joshua Radzinski
Joshua is a Freshman at San Diego State University, pursuing a degree in Theatre, Performance. He is thrilled to be a part of Chess, which has kept the magic of theatre alive during these strange and challenging times. Josh feels lucky to be a member of such an accepting community that the SDSU theatre program offers. Some of his favorite roles in the past include Crutchie from Disney’s Newsies, and Lenny Ganz from Neil Simon’s Rumors. He would like to give thanks to his family, friends, and teachers for their constant support throughout his acting journey.
Vivian Romero
Vivian is a second-year Theatre, Performance emphasis student, and she is so thrilled to be cast in her first SDSU mainstage production! She has been attending performing arts schools since middle school, so it has been extra rewarding getting the chance to perform at the collegiate level. Some of her favorite roles include: Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Morticia Addams in The Addams Family, Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, and Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. She would like to thank the creative team for trusting her with this virtual theatrical challenge, her fellow ensemble members for their encouragement and collaboration, and her family for all of their endless love and support.
Laura Odette Sandoval
Laura is a third year Theatre, Performance emphasis student and this is her third SDSU main stage production. She is so happy to be able to continue creating art despite the unfortunate circumstances. Some of Laura’s favorite roles include Hannah in Modern, Judas in Godspell and the Baroness in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Laura is also a board member of the SDSU Musical Theatre Club and is excited to help produce Spring Awakening in spring of 2021! Socials: ig: @laura.odette website: lauraodettesandoval.com
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CAST: WHO’S WHO Jackson Wright
Jackson is thrilled to be a part of San Diego State’s production of Chess. He is set to graduate in the Spring of 2023 with a BA emphasis in Musical Theater. Jackson has been doing musical theatre since he was fifteen years of age. In the summer of 2018, he graduated from the Cal Arts Program CSSSA in Valencia, CA. Some of his favorite roles include Trevor Graydon from Thoroughly Modern Millie, Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid, and Dennis from All Shook Up. He hopes that you enjoy the show, comfy and warm!
Mary Rose Vadeboncoeur
Mary Rose is a second year Theatre, Performance major and is ecstatic to be a part of this revolutionary production of Chess! Some past credits include Eponine, Les Miserables; Maria, Sound of Music (Steele Canyon High School); Mrs. Wormwood, Matilda; Cat, Seussical; Millie, Thoroughly Modern Millie; Patrice, 13 (Young Actors’ Theater); Young Vi, Violet (in concert); Young Heidi, Follies (in concert); Diane, Bare (in concert) (Coronado Playhouse), and Rhoswen, Off The Beaten Path (Tory Doctor Musicals). Awards include Broadway San Diego Awards Best Actress 2019, NATS award winner 2018, NYA Best Supporting Actress 2019, NYA Best Actress 2017, Jimmy Awards nominee 2019 New York, Playwrights Project finalist. She is Co-writer of original musical For The Love of Theater performed at San Diego Emerging Fringe 2017. She would like to extend a huge thank you to the entire cast and creative team for making this unorthodox process so collaborative, supportive, and fun!
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SDSU CHAMBER CHOIR Arian Khaefi, Conductor • Zoey Jones, Pianist
Soprano Sierra Adams Elizabeth Gaitan Kymberlie Joyce Anna Lettang Julia Ortiz-Luis Skyla Wheeler
Tenor Diego Leon Alvarez Aaron Burgett Adam Helms Nick Newman Matthew Sutton
Alto Michelle Gallardo-Arias Sophia Gonzalez Hannanh Hollcraft Cambria Metzinger
Bass Trevor Haumschilt Chase Lowary Nils Olsen Allen Pace
SDSU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Michael Gerdes, Music Director & Conductor Kiya Klopfenstein, Librarian • Chris Garcia, Percussion Coordinator Flute Lionel Avilla Oboe Christian Arroyo Clarinet Breanna Hanisch Luke Loprete Bass Clarinet Jonah Mandel Bassoon Melissa Zaleta French Horn Kennnan Langsford Devin Hayworth Cello Melissa Espinoza
Bass Brendan Beck Christian Meija Trumpet Ben Abada Bryce Altevers Trombone Ryan Keefe Samantha Urbina Tuba Bonnie Stewart Violin I Nicole Shue Jazmin Rikard Samuel Jimenez-Romero Jiali Chen Kaylianne Chaffee
Violin II Jayson Resto Jazmine Cope Josh Olitoquit Nicole Kellis Nathaniel Williams Jazmin Figueroa Cesar Gonzalez Viola I Joseph Shanks Dayne Sakazaki Molly Gallagher Geovanny Ramirez Samantha Hurtado Seth Nixon Viola II Kiya Klopfenstein Charles Hines Diana Welch Maxwell Tooley
PRODUCTION STAFF VIDEO PRODUCTION
Video Direction................................................................................... Tim Powell Film Crew....................................................Mitchell Jimenez, McCoy Knapp, .................................................... Jing Lan, Brendan Mokler, Coster Montes, .........................Brooke Ochoa, Lauren Ochoa, Joyce Camille Rocacorba
MANAGEMENT
Production Manager & Stage Management Advisor....... Jay Sheehan Assistant Stage Manager........................................................... Auva Abedini Dramaturgy Advisor..........................................................................Shelley Orr
SCENIC DESIGN
Technical Direction Advisor......................................................Brian McVicker Scene Shop Foreman................................................................. Andrew Young Scenic Charge Artist and Prop Master....................................Kristen Flores Scenic Artists and Properties Construction.......................Reiko Huffman°, .....................................................................McKenna Perry°, Jahayla Overton° Set Construction................................................................................THEA 442A
MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN
Sound Mixer.....................................................................................Robert Meffe Sound Advisor................................................................................. Chris Warren Audio Crew....................................................Nick Czerwiec, Bereket Kearns, .........................................................................................................Brendan Collins Additional MIDI Orchestral Tracks.........................Andrew Grobengeiser Recorded Guitar Tracks............................................................ Nikko Nobleza Staff Accompanist and Vocal Coach.......................................Ron Councell Vocal Instructor..........................................................................Laurinda Nikkel
PRODUCTION STAFF PROJECTION/INTEGRATED MEDIA DESIGN
Integrated Media Design Advisor...................... Charles Murdock Lucas Assistant Integrated Media Designer....................................Kat Guzzetta°
COSTUME DESIGN
Costume Design Advisor................................................. Denitsa Bliznakova Assistant Costume Designers.......Waverly Strickland°, Faith A. James° Costume Shop Manager................................................................ Teri Tavares Costume/Wig Technician.......................................................... Peter Herman
LIGHTING DESIGN
Lighting Design Advisor .......................................................Anne E. McMills Assistant Lighting Designers....................Ally Wood°, Annelise Salazar° Lighting Programmer/Operator.......................................Hunter Stockwell Production Electrician........................................................... Camryn Senioris Followspot Operators....................................................................Colby Freel°, ................................................................. Hunter Stockwell, Annelise Salazar° Electricians......................................................................................Team Lighting Staff Lighting, Sound, and Projections Advisor ............Carl J. Whitaker
MARKETING & FRONT OF HOUSE
Box Office and Social Media Coordinator.................................Dina Perez House Managers...................................................................Alexis Cartwright, ...........................................................Angelica Garcia, Christian Scognamillo
+ MA in Theatre Arts *MFA in Musical Theatre °MFA in Design and Technology for Theatre, Television, and Film ^Qualifying or Thesis Production
SDSU SCHOOL OF THEATRE, TELEVISION, AND FILM
DONORS
We are pleased to thank our generous supporters, as all that we accomplish would not be possible without the generous support of alumni and community members, who make significant contributions to support our students and programs at SDSU. Thank you!
Endowed Funds ($50,000+)
Ages of Drama-Live Endowment Hayes Anderson Student Excellence Endowment Annas Endowed Scholarship in Costume Design Anonymous Endowed Scholarship Bolles Family Scholarship Endowment Julia R. Brown Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Ruth Anna, Louis F., Dorothy Cable Endowed Scholarship Brita C. Davis and Richard R. Davis Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Deborah M. Dexter Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre Joyce Gattas Musical Theatre Scholarship Nella Feldman Gross Scholarship Endowment Chuck and Robin Luby Endowment for Musical Theatre Mangan/Christensen Endowed Scholarship for Musical Theatre McCabe Family Scholarship Endowment Margaret McKerrow Scholarship Endowment Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Endowed Professorship supported by Carey Gail Wall, Ph.D. and Terry L. O’Donnell, Ph.D. Musical Theatre Scholarship Endowment Mack Owen Scholarship Endowment Don Powell Endowed Chair in Scenic Design Don Powell Endowment Roscoe-Tiffany MFA Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Marion Ross Scholarship Endowment Darlene and Donald Shiley Endowment for Student Excellence in Musical Theatre Henry Stanton Endowment Clarence and Catherine Stephenson Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship George and Judy Sunga Endowed Scholarship Theatre Endowment Fund Lee Rae Ulrich Costume Design Memorial Fund Judith and Jack White Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Paulette Wilson Endowment for Musical Theatre The Mary Ellen Trainor Zemeckis Student Enrichment Program in Theatre, Television, Film, and Journalism
An endowment can be established with a commitment of $50,000 or more. Thank you to these generous supporters.
SDSU SCHOOL OF THEATRE, TELEVISION, AND FILM
DONORS
Annual Funds and Scholarships (up to $50,000) Annas Costume Studio Fund Aztecs to Hollywood Bellinghiere Scholarship Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film Tom Bollard Fellowship in Design and Technology Clayton Brace Awards Scholarship Fund Drama Circle Michael and Anne-Charlotte “A.C.” Harvey Scholarship Ron and Sue Heller Fund for Musical Theatre Gale Anne Hurd TFM Program Marshall and Judy Lewis Musical Theatre Fund Love Letters Production Fund Los Lobos Documentaries Film Fund Denise Madruga Scholarship John J. and Katherine F. Martin MFA Musical Theatre Scholarship Thomas and Randi McKenzie Fund for Experiential Theatrical Opportunities Dennis Sanders Scholarship San Diego Theatre Arts Research Lab Michele Schlecht MFA Musical Theatre Scholarship Hunton Sellman Scholarship Chad Shelton Memorial Scholarship R P Shields Scholarship Student Success Fund Theatre, Television and Film
Generous Supporters ($500+) (7/1/2018-6/30/2019)
Emmet G. Barton Stephanie Brownyard Stephen and Robin Ching Sarah Elizabeth Jewett Coombs Jeff and Pam Cotta Sylvia J. Fitch Paul Giarrusso Barbara and William K. Graham, Ph.D. Brett K. Kelly Adam and Shelley Lambert
Mort Marcus and Deborah Klein Stewart Colin Mckearnan Toni B. McKerrow Allison Rossett, Ed.D. Sonia Silverstein Diane Shelton John Shelton Jane Smith, Ph.D. Kenneth and Joyce Ulrich Edward L. Underwood Debra Wanger
the future from sdsu theatre Feb. 12-14 & 17-21
Cloud 9
Virtual Platform $5 General Admission
“Both parody and spoof of the Victorian Empire and its rigid attitudes, especially toward sex. There is Clive, a British functionary; his wife Betty (played by a man); their daughter Victoria (a rag doll); Clive’s friend Harry, an explorer; Mrs. Saunders, who runs about dressed in a riding habit; Clive’s son Edward, who still plays with dolls and is played by a woman; and Joshua, a native servant who knows exactly what is really going on. What really is going on is a marvelous send-up and a non-stop round-robin of sexual liaisons. All this time the natives are restless in the background. The second act shifts to London in 1980. Except for the surviving characters, it is only twenty-five years later, and all those repressed sexual longings have evaporated, along with the Empire.” - Samuel French LTD.
7:00 p.m.
By Caryl Churchill Directed by Jesca Prudencio
Mar. 12-14 & 17-19
She Kills Monsters
Virtual Platform $5 General Admission
“A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly’s refuge. In this highoctane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed young playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.” - Samuel French LTD.
7:00 p.m.
May 14-15
By Qui Nguyen Directed by Peter Cirino
Pippin
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz May 15-16 (matinee) Book by Roger O. Hirson 2:00 p.m. Directed and Choreographed by Stephen Brotebeck 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Platform $5 General Admission
“With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated version of Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world. - Music Theatre International
Tickets and Information: ttf.sdsu.edu
television & film To be Announced
Emerging Filmmakers Showcases
Virtual Platform $10 General Admission
This showcase of outstanding short subject fiction and documentary films is the culmination of work completed each semester. In a competitive selection process, a faculty jury chooses the best student film submissions. No film is longer than 11 minutes, and all films are created by students of the SDSU acclaimed Television, Film and New Media program.
Feb. 14, 2021
Valentine’s Day Film Festival
Don Powell Stage $10 General Admission
If you love love (or love to hate love), this evening of short films is for you! A night of romantic films by SDSU student filmmakers for Valentine’s Day.
Support Arts Alive: psfa.sdsu.edu
SDSU SCHOOL OF THEATRE, TELEVISION, AND FILM
FACULTY & STAFF
ADMINISTRATION ‘Niyi Coker Jr., Professor & Director of the School of Theatre, Television, and Film Melanie Dumont, Financial Coordinator Angie Parkhurst, School Coordinator Dina Perez, Box Office Coordinator TELEVISION, FILM, AND NEW MEDIA FACULTY/STAFF Greg Durbin, Professor Alex Farnsley, Lecturer Mark Freeman, Professor Brian Hu, Assistant Professor Bob Jordan, Lecturer Martha M. Lauzen, Professor, Executive Director - Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film Stephanie Lee, TFM Shop Foreman David Morong, Professor, Graduate Advisor Greg Penetrante, TV/Film Studio Engineer Timothy A. Powell, Professor, Area Head James B. Ray, TV/Film Studio Engineer Rebecca Romani, Lecturer Sam Shpigelman, Lecturer Rich Underwood, Lecturer Stuart Voytilla, Lecturer, Undergrad Advisor
Jesca Prudencio, Assistant Professor Randy Reinholz, Professor Peggy Shannon, Professor, Dean of PSFA Jay Sheehan, Faculty Production Manager, Stage Management Advisor Teri McConnell Tavares, Costume Shop Manager Katie (Laura) Turner, Lecturer, Undergraduate Advisor Christopher Warren, Assistant Professor Andrew Young, Scene Shop Foreman
EMERITUS FACULTY Hayes Anderson, Professor Emeritus, Telecommunications and Film Carroll Blue, Professor Emerita, Telecommunications and Film Anne-Charlotte Harvey, Professor Emerita of Theatre Michael Harvey, Professor Emeritus of Theatre Elizabeth Heighten, Professor Emerita, Telecommunications and Film Kaye Jameson, Professor Emeritus, Telecommunications and Film Paula Kalustian, Professor Emerita, Head of MFA Musical Theatre Program THEATRE FACULTY/STAFF Margaret Larlham, Professor Emerita Adrian Alita, Associate Professor, Head of Acting Peter Larlham, Professor Emeritus Dani Bedau, Associate Professor Robert E. Lee, Professor Emeritus, Telecommunications and Film Denita Bliznakova, Professor, Head of Design/Technology MFA program Roy Madsen, Professor Emeritus, Telecommunications and Film Stephen Brotebeck, Associate Professor Donald R. Martin, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus Peter Cirino, Associate Professor Margaret McKerrow, Professor Emerita of Kristen Flores, Scenic Charge Artist/Prop Theatre Master Ralph Funicello, Don Powell Chair in Scene Tom Meador, Professor Emeritus, Telecommunications and Film Design Jack Ofield, Emeritus Professor of Film Peter Herman, Wig Making, Make-up Costume Construction Michael Real, Professor Emeritus, Telecommunications and Film D.J. Hopkins, Professor Charles Murdock Lucas, Associate Professor Beeb Salzer, Professor Emeritus of Theatre Loren Schreiber, Emeritus Professor, Anne McMills, Associate Professor, Design/Technology MFA Graduate Advisor Director of Technology Rick Simas, Lecturer Emeritus, Musical Brian McVicker, Technical Director Theatre Robert Meffe, Professor, Graduate Advisor Carolyn “C.J.” Keith, Lecturer Emerita Peter Nordyke, Master Electrician John Witherspoon, Professor Emeritus, Sharon Oppenheimer, Lecturer Telecommunications and Film Shelley Orr, Associate Professor, Graduate Craig Wolf, Professor Emeritus Advisor for MA Theatre Arts
GENERAL INFORMATION CELL PHONES As a courtesy to the actors and those around you, please turn off or silence cell phones while in the theatre. CAMERAS & RECORDING DEVICES The use of any cameras and/or recording devices is strictly prohibited without advance written permission from The School of Theatre, Television, and Film. LATE ARRIVALS & NO-SHOWS Please arrive on-time and do not be a no-show. Latecomers may be asked until an intermission to be seated; and, seats not claimed will be re-sold DON POWELL THEATRE BOX OFFICE
Hours of Operation: One-hour before Curtain
The Box Office is closed for all school holidays as well as during the summer vacation period.
Ticket Prices: $5 - Virtual Productions $20 - General Admission $17 - Students, SDSU Affiliates, Seniors (60+), and Active Military
(Prices may vary for special events/productions)
Phone: 619-594-6884 Email: ttf.boxoffice@mail.sdsu.edu Purchase Tickets Online: ttf.sdsu.edu ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES Phone: 619-594-5091 Theatre productions, film events, and TV programming are made possible by the generous support of our donors. To make a contribution to our outstanding programs, please call 619.594.4548 or visit psfa.sdsu.edu.
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School of Theatre, Television, and Film
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