SDSU SCHOOL OF THEATRE, TELEVISION, AND FILM
PLAYBILL
WELCOME!
With profound joy and gratitude, we extend our heartfelt salutations to you on this remarkable evening as we proudly present Children of Eden, a testament to the collaborative spirit of our School of Music and Dance and the School of Theatre, Television, and Film. This evening marks the ‘genesis’ of a new chapter in our artistic journey, one that has been nurtured and brought to fruition through your unwavering support and belief in our creative vision. As the curtains rise in this splendid new theatre, we are humbled by the opportunity to unveil our first collaborative production within these magnificent walls. The labor of love and dedication that has been poured into both this breathtaking performance and the creation of this venue is a testament to the passion and devotion of our talented students, faculty, and staff. It is with profound appreciation that we express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your unwavering encouragement has been the realization of this Performing Arts District, a testament to the power of community and shared artistic enthusiasm. With this inaugural joint performance, we invite you to join us on a journey of wonder and introspection, as we weave a timeless tale that resonates with the very essence of the human spirit. As we embark on this collaborative adventure, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for future productions that promise to captivate your hearts and stir your imaginations. Your presence tonight is a cherished gift, and we ardently hope that this evening’s performance fills your hearts with joy, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for the profound beauty of the performing arts. Without further ado, we invite you to immerse yourselves in the enchanting world of Children of Eden and to savor every exquisite moment of this extraordinary theatrical experience. With deepest regards and warmest wishes,
‘Niyi Coker, Jr., Director School of Theatre, Television, and Film
Dr. Kevin Delgado, Director School of Music and Dance
Children of Eden is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
CHILDREN OF EDEN Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Book by John Caird Based on a Concept by Charles Lisanby Orchestrations by Manfred Knaak
Director: Stephen Brotebeck Music Direction/Conductor: Robert Meffe Choral Preparation: Arian Khaefi Orchestra Preparation: Michael Gerdes
Costume Coordination.........Kelan Yang°, Arianna Elizabeth Quintero° Lighting Design.........................................................................................Sierra°^ Sound Design.................................................................................Paul Peterson Assistant Director, Dramaturg.....................................................Maya Efrat+ Assistant Music Director............................................................... Van Angelo* Stage Manager..................................................................... Madison Mercado
CAST
Father......................................................................................................Justin Brill* Adam/Japheth.................................................................................. Van Angelo* Eve/Aphra.......................................................................... Sarah Jane Salonga* Cain/Ham.....................................................................................Zakk Mannella* Abel/Noah................................................................................. Wilfred Paloma* Mama/Storyteller........................................................................Lindsey Grant* Yonah/Storyteller....................................................................Natalie McClure* Aysha/Storyteller...............................................................................Ryan Flores Shem/Storyteller....................................................................................Milo Mee Storyteller.................................................. Alanna Morgan, Olivia Heumann .................................... Gianna Merghart, Quetzal Alcaraz, Vincent Colon, .................................................. David Lamb, Robert Bednar, Ashley Roche, ....................................................................Jazmine Watson, Stephanie Norris This production contains theatrical fog/haze and flashing/strobe lighting. There will be one 15 minute intermission.
+ MA in Theatre Arts *MFA in Musical Theatre °MFA in Design and Technology for Theatre, Television, and Film ^Qualifying or Thesis/Capstone Production
CHAMBER CHOIR & ORCHESTRA CHAMBER CHOIR VIOLA Lauren Carter Tommy Hines Catherine Marshall Dante Villegas Tyla Fraser Isiah Hughes Emily Broughton Hannah Lombardi Solein Lopez Robin Andrews-Gibson Katherine Forbes Diana Welch Chloe O’Mara Ella Federspiel Antonia Fuenzalida Jacob Herrera Dahlia Leung Cole Lee Gonzalo Ochoa Camarena Harry Pachchala Jacob Escalera Philip Lenud VIOLONCELLO Nathan Villamor Isadora Flores Paco Christman Carlos Morales Charlie Loos Claire Roberts Richard Brodsky Kellie Formanek Kyle Callan Alonso Gutierrez Magallon Jackson Shaffer Lauren Rindt Andrew Vega Jay Chmel Joey Cruz Belen Ochoa Natalie Peterson ORCHESTRA Nicole Kalzer Lauryn Moreno VIOLIN I Clare Hatter DOUBLE BASS Julia Umarova Cristian Mejia Genevieve James Avery Nelson Emily Zhang Sam Macarah Claire Thompson Felix Tanner Naomi Aramaki Daniel Moreno Rachel Noe Marissa Figueroa Diego Cardenas Garcia Gerry Reoyo FLUTE/PICCOLO Clair Groenewald VIOLIN II Radha Castro Luis Dorame Ran Zhou OBOE/ENGLISH HORN Andrew Soto Cameron Hartich Irina Guillermo Jennasea Fisher Jubilee Fazio Eric Guizar Miguel Tiscareno Jason Zheng Daniel Chavez Camilla Kae Zalma Basurto
REEDS Breanna Haenisch Jared Beers Jonah Mandel BASSOON Will Morris Rafael Cabrera HORN Edison Cartas Ruth Ann Kvamme Brook Hill Hannah Hratchian TRUMPET Nathan Christlieb Bryce Altevers Brennan Owen Trombone Kayla Aponte Ryan Keefe PERCUSSION Iris Workman Emily Mahumed Jeremy Meza HARP Bachir Rezagui DRUM SET Tyler Bao Buu KEYBOARD 1 Jack Holden KEYBOARD 2 Rebecca Jaworski GUITAR 1 Andrew Wagner GUITAR 2 Elyahn Arroyo ELECTRIC BASS Brendan Beck
LIST OF SONGS ACT I In the Beginning – Father, Storytellers Perfect (Part 1) – Storytellers, Father, Adam & Eve The Naming – Father, Adam, Eve & Storytellers Grateful Children – Adam & Eve Father’s Day – Father Perfect (Part 2) – Storytellers, Father, Adam & Eve The Spark of Creation – Eve In Pursuit of Excellence – Snake & Eve The End of a Perfect Day – Storytellers Childhood’s End – Storytellers, Father & Eve A World Without You – Adam, Father & Eve The Expulsion – Father & Storytellers The Wasteland – Storytellers Wilderness Family – Adam, Young Cain & Young Abel The Spark of Creation (Reprise 1) – Eve Lost in the Wilderness – Cain & Abel Lost in the Wilderness (Reprise) – Cain & Father Close to Home – Adam, Eve, Abel, Young Cain & Young Abel A Ring of Stones – Adam, Eve, Cain & Abel Clash of the Generations – Adam, Eve, Cain & Abel The Death of Abel – Eve & Storytellers The Mark of Cain – Father & Storytellers Children of Eden – Eve & Storytellers ACT II Generations – Storytellers The Gathering Storm – Noah & Father A Piece of Eight – Storytellers, Noah, Mama Noah, Japheth, Yonah, Ham, Shem, Aphra & Aysha Blind Obedience – Noah The Naming (Reprise)/Noah’s Lullaby – Storytellers & Noah Stranger to the Rain – Yonah In Whatever Time We Have – Japheth & Yonah The Flood – Father & Storytellers What is He Waiting For? – Noah, Mama Noah, Ham, Shem, Aphra & Aysha Sailor of the Skies – Yonah The Spark of Creation (Reprise 2) – Mama Noah The Hardest Part of Love – Noah & Father Words of Doom – Storytellers The Hour of Darkness – Noah, Mama Noah, Japheth, Yonah, Ham, Shem, Aphra & Aysha Ain’t it Good? – Mama Noah, Noah, Japheth, Ham, Yonah, Shem, Aphra, Aysha, & Storytellers Precious Children – Father In the Beginning – Japheth, Yonah, Noah, Mama Noah, Father, Ham, Shem, Aphra, Aysha & Storytellers
DRAMATURGS NOTE Production History of Children of Eden In the beginning… Charles Lisanby, a scene designer known for designing shows for Radio City, had an idea to create a piece based on The Book of Genesis as a pageant for the Los Angeles Crystal Cathedral. He brought the idea to lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked, Pippin) who felt the idea could be more than just a pageant but a musical piece about families and the generational conflict between parents and children. The show was first produced as a one-hour song cycle for Youth Sings Praise, a youth religious organization in Illinois, and was originally named Family Tree. After seeing the success and enthusiastic response, Schwartz knew this could turn into a full musical. He brought John Caird on board as director and book writer and the piece turned into Children of Eden. On January 8, 1991, the show opened on London’s West End but only ran for 100 performances. Schwartz and Caird didn’t let that stop them, and continued to rework the musical and traveled around the United States to work with regional theaters and stage improved versions of the show. The show rapidly began to gain popularity in regional and community theaters worldwide. Although the show never gained widespread commercial success, Music Theatre International ranked it one of its top 20 most frequently licensed titles. Biblical Characters The show begins at the start of the Book of Genesis when God (who in this show is known as Father) says “Let there be light” and creates the world and takes us all the way to the story of Noah and the Flood. Some of the characters that you will be introduced to throughout the show include the first man and woman, Adam and Eve; their children Cain and Abel; Noah and his three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Important Themes The themes explored within this musical exhibit a timeless resonance. Children of Eden delves profoundly into the complexities of familial relationships, specifically the dynamics between parents and children. From the moment their child is born, parents grapple with the challenge of ensuring their children’s well-being and safety, while also allowing them to explore their curiosities, embrace risks, and confront the repercussions. In this show, the characters undergo a poignant realization: the hardest part of loving is letting go. Why are we doing this show in 2023? Regardless of time, location, or culture, Family has always taken a central role in human existence. Generational conflicts within families have been a recurrent motif since the beginning of time between older and younger generations due to differing values, worldviews, and life experiences. Tensions may arise where the older generation clings to traditional norms and values, while the younger generation embraces change and innovation.
These conflicts can become a never-ending cycle and behaviors are passed on from parent to child to grandchild. But with self-awareness and strength, you can break the cycle, and by doing so, help create a better future generation. —MAYA EFRAT, DRAMATURG AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Our production of Children of Eden is momentous for a few reasons. First, it is the first production in our newly renovated Main Stage Theatre as a part of the new SDSU Performing Arts District. It is fitting that this production is a largescale collaboration between the School of Theatre, Television, and Film and the School of Music and Dance, the two main entities that will call this theatre and the entire Performing Arts District home. Secondly, Children of Eden marks the return of our “mega-concert” format that brings together students from the MFA and BA Theatre programs, the SDSU Symphony and the SDSU Chamber Choir. It is hard to believe that 2018 was our last foray into this format with Leonard Bernstein’s Mass but the events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the renovation of this space resulted in this five year pause. I couldn’t think of a better, more epic and sweeping musical to mark this return. My history with Children of Eden spans over 20 years and four different productions. Most recently, I was fortunate to work with composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz on a 2014 concert production at the Kennedy Center. Mr. Schwartz has been known to say that Children of Eden is his favorite of all the shows that he has written, and that was quite evident during our rehearsal process. It was amazing to watch him revisit and rewrite this material that is so close to him, “Close to Home,” you might say. While based on two stories from the Book of Genesis, the story of Children of Eden is a universal story no matter what your beliefs are. Stephen Schwartz has gone on record saying that one of the main themes of the show “is the implication that there is a cycle of violence that is passed down from generation to generation.” At a time when there is a deep divide between generations both here in the United States and abroad, seeing how our characters break this cycle and change their behavior leading toward a renewed hope for the future is a message that I think we can all get behind. —STEPHEN BROTEBECK, DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
STEPHEN BROTEBECK is a Professor in the MFA Musical Theatre program where he has directed and choreographed numerous productions including Cabaret, Postcard American Town (World Premiere), Steel Pier, Pippin, James and the Giant Peach, The Full Monty and The Drowsy Chaperone (Craig Noel Award Nomination). Mr. Brotebeck is also the Interim Artistic Director at Diversionary Theatre where he has directed Head Over Heels (Co-Director), Girlfriend and choreographed the World Premiere of The Loneliest Girl In The World. Most recently as the Artistic Director of the Okoboji Summer Theatre in Okoboji, IA, he directed and choreographed A Comedy of Tenors, An Inspector Calls, Grease, Clue: On Stage, Mary Poppins, Murder On The Orient Express, and The Spitfire Grill among others. 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 and Greasemonkey. 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 Rev (SALT Nomination), Peter and the Starcatcher, Monty Python’s Spamalot (Oscar Wilde Nomination), 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. www.stephenbrotebeck.com.
MUSIC DIRECTOR ROBERT MEFFE
Broadway: 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, Spelling Bee, Grey Gardens and Bombay Dreams. National Tours: Music Director of Evita, The Phantom of the Opera, Associate Conductor of Les Misérables, Sunday in the Park with George. Off-Broadway: Myths & Hymns, Violet, The Prince and the Pauper, and Gutenberg! The Musical!. TV: Encore! (Disney+), Earth to America (TBS), Renee Fleming-Live at Lincoln Center (PBS). Recently he could be seen conducting and playing the accordion for Cabaret at the Old Globe. At SDSU, he has music directed Little By Little, Pal Joey, Les Misérables, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Into the Woods, The Drowsy Chaperone, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Full Monty, Enchanted April, Company, James and the Giant Peach, She Loves Me, Chess, Pippin, Steel Pier, Postcard American Town, and ...Spelling Bee.
Tickets and Information: ttf.sdsu.edu
COSTUME COORDINATOR
KELAN YANG is a first-year costume design MFA candidate at SDSU. Born and raised in China, she grew up in an artistic environment. She loves fashion, fine arts, crafts, and everything related to stage and performance. She graduated from SDSU in 2022 with a BA in Theatre Arts and found her interest in costume design. She worked as a designer for the dance show Perpetual (E) Motion at the Malashock Dance Company in San Diego, and she also worked as an assistant designer for Cabaret and The Weight of Dreams at SDSU. She would like to thank her family and all the people behind the scenes for supporting her.
COSTUME COORDINATOR ARIANNA ELIZABETH
QUINTERO is a first-year MFA student. She is excited to have Children of Eden be her first costume coordination here at SDSU. Arianna completed her BA in Theatre Arts at San Francisco State University. While in undergrad she had the opportunity to design for SFSU’s production of Doubt: A Parable. Ariana also got to assistant design for SFSU’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Marisol. Arianna is looking forward to what comes next and she would like to thank all her family and friends that have supported and encouraged her along her journey.
LIGHTING DESIGNER
SIERRA (They/Them) is in their final semester of a MFA in Lighting Design here at San Diego State. Their previous lighting designs at SDSU include The Wolves and The Long Christmas Ride Home in addition to being the projection designer on Ziggy, Stardust & Me earlier this semester. They are excited for the next stages of their career upon graduating in December and are thrilled to be working alongside so many talented artists on their capstone design.
SOUND DESIGNER PAUL PETERSON San Diego State MFA
Musical Theatre Program: Ziggy, Stardust & Me, Cabaret, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Postcard American Town. The Old Globe: over 100 shows, including The Taming of the Shrew, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Brothers Size, Nobody Loves You, Kingdom, Hold Please, Restoration Comedy, Pig Farm, Moonlight and Magnolias, Lucky Duck, The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow, Blue/Orange, Time Flies, Pentecost, Compleat Female Stage Beauty and many more. Regional: Milwaukee Repertory Theater, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Center Stage, La Jolla Playhouse, Sledgehammer Theatre (Associate Artist), San Diego Repertory Theatre. Radio Plays: Hamlet: On the Radio. Podcasts: Gather Round, Cocktails with the Canon. Film: Krapp’s Last Tape. Education: B. A. in Drama with an emphasis in Technical Design from San Diego State University. Paul is a Lecturer with San Diego State University’s School of Theatre, Television, and Film.
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ORCHESTRAS DIRECTOR
MICHAEL GERDES works each season with the next generation of musicians and music teachers at San Diego State University as Director of Orchestral Studies. A conductor, performer, and educator, Gerdes has spent the last decade of his life working to build the program at San Diego State University into a thriving community of orchestral music and musicians. His students teach throughout the state of California and perform across the world from The Los Angeles Philharmonic to the Armenian National Opera. As an educator, Gerdes devoted a decade of his life to the creation of one of America’s finest public school orchestra curricula in Loudoun County, Virginia. He is fortunate to work with young musicians all over the United States and recently led over 1,000 student musicians at the South Dakota All-State Orchestra and Chorus. This past season, he was honored to lead the California Orchestra Directors All-State Orchestra. Gerdes has conducted youth orchestras from Shanghai, China to Faquier, Virginia.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, DRAMATURG MAYA
EFRAT is thrilled to be working on this beautiful project. She is a first year MA in Theatre Arts student who comes from Los Angeles. She has her BFA in Musical Theatre from University of California, Irvine. She is very excited to become a theatre educator, post grad and wants to be able to inspire future generations and help guide their aspirations to reach their full artistic potential. Directing credits include Curtains the Musical and Annie.
STAGE MANAGER
MADISON MERCADO is ecstatic to be working on this production of Children of Eden. She is a second year undergrad pursuing a degree in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in stage management. This is her first time stage managing at SDSU. She worked on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Bloodletting as an assistant stage manager. She is also on the Skull & Dagger board as CO Production Manager. She hopes to pursue a career in entertainment management. You can follow her future projects on instagram @madison.mercado
CHAMBER CHOIR DIRECTOR ARIAN KHAEFI is
Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at San Diego State University where he conducts the SDSU Chamber Choir, Treble Choir, U-Chorus, teaches choral literature, and directs the graduate choral conducting program. In 2017, Khaefi was appointed as the Director of the Cornish American Song Institute (now Music Across the Pond) Choral Scholars Program, a monthlong intensive summer conducting program held in the United Kingdom in conjunction with Oxford University. In 2022 he was appointed Chorus Director of the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, and now helms the symphonic chorus through performances of canonic masterworks as well as commissions and new music. Khaefi maintains an active schedule leading ensembles and conducting workshops for high-schools, colleges, and universities across the country, and is particularly passionate about collaborating with leaders in education to promote the advancement of choral arts within secondary schools.
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CAST: WHO’S WHO Van Angelo (Adam/Japheth)
Van Angelo (they/them) Van is an MFA in Musical Theatre Candidate at San Diego State University and the Director of Education for San Diego Musical Theatre. Select Regional Credits: Something Rotten, Memphis (Moonlight), Catch Me If You Can (SDMT), Seussical as Wickersham #1 (Candlelight Pavilion), West Side Story, Tarzan, Hairspray as Seaweed (Performance Riverside), The View UpStairs as Wes (Desert Rose Playhouse). Select Music Directing Credits: Urinetown, Anything Goes (SDMT), Leonard Bernstein’s New York (NVA). Other performances with New York Philharmonic, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Zelda Symphony Orchestra, and Philadelphia Orchestra including the recording of Bernstein’s MASS with conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Van is a two-time Inland Theatre League Award winner, and a recipient of the Desert Theatre League Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. “Till there’s no one left. Who has ever known us apart.” IG: @ vanangelo
Wilfred Paloma (Abel/Noah)
Wilfred is a multi-hyphenate theatre artist & is the Director of Arts Education & Community Engagement at Diversionary Theatre. He is an Actor’s Equity member with an MA in Theatre Arts and a BA in Theatre, Performance: Acting and Musical Theatre. Wilfred is also a graduate of the Meisner and Chekhov Integrated Acting Studio (MCIT). He is currently in the final year of the MFA Musical Theatre program at San Diego State University. For over the last 10 years, Wilfred has been a teaching artist working in residency in partnership with La Jolla Playhouse, Arts Education Connection, Imagine Brave Spaces, Coronado Junior Arts League, Young Actors Theater, San Diego Junior Theatre, and Blindspot Collective. Apart from SDSU, Wilfred is an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, Southwestern College and Grossmont College. Wilfred’s artistic work includes directing and choreographing as well as developing new works. His favorite work fuses social activism and community engagement to his wide array of theatre and dance performance experience. His artistic practice spans Opera, Dance Theatre, Musical Theatre, dramatic works to Theatre for Social Change. Wilfred has directed over 30 productions. wilfredpaloma.com
MISSION The School of Theatre, Television, and Film provides a high quality education for undergraduate and graduate students that emphasizes excellence in the arts and technology, grounded in conceptual and historical foundations. support at psfa.sdsu.edu
CAST: WHO’S WHO Justin Brill (Father)
Justin Brill (he/him/his) - Justin is currently in year two of the Musical Theatre MFA program at SDSU. Justin is a director, educator and performer that came to SDSU after serving four years on the musical theater faculty of Columbia College Chicago. Some favorite projects from his 24-year career as an Equity actor include Rent, All Shook Up (original Broadway cast) on Broadway, Puck in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at NY’s Metropolitan Opera, over 1200 performances as Boq on the 1st National Tour of Wicked, and a production of Singin’ In the Rain in 2016 where he played Cosmo and his wife, Shanna VanDerwerker, was the choreographer and the Lady in Green. As an educator and director Justin strives to facilitate an atmosphere of joy where all participants feel a foundational sense of belonging and are welcomed to bring their full selves into the work
Natalie McClure (Yonah/Storyteller)
Natalie McClure is a 2nd year MFA in Musical Theatre candidate and is thoroughly excited to be performing and collaborating with all of the amazing talent at SDSU. She recently appeared as Fraulein Schneider in SDSU’s production of Cabaret. Natalie holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University. She has performed in the Broadway sit-down of Mamma Mia! in Las Vegas; multiple roles in regional theaters across the US; in tv/films; and in national commercials for Labatts, 1-800 Contacts, Nike, and more. One of her favorite projects was starting an all female production team in New York where she created, produced, and starred in an award winning web series called Kid Friendly*. Thank you to everyone involved in Children of Eden and her scholarship donors for making this possible! Special thanks to Scott and Declan for their love and support.
Lindsey Grant (Mama/Storyteller)
Lindsey Grant was born and raised in San Diego. She received her BFA from NYU Tisch School Of The Arts and is currently an MFA Candidate in Musical Theatre at San Diego State University. Lindsey has performed in numerous productions both on the East and West Coasts, including the roles of The Drowsy Chaperone in The Drowsy Chaperone, Madame in Cinderella, Netflix’s Stranger Things Experience, Logainne Schwartzy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Lindsey has also directed main stage productions for youth theatres in San Diego and has enjoyed teaching acting courses for both youth and undergraduate students. Lindsey is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful concert of Children of Eden!
CAST: WHO’S WHO Zakk Mannella (Cain/Ham)
Zakk Mannella is proud to be a part of the MFA in Musical Theatre Class of 2024. Originally from Pittsburgh, he is a performer, educator, choreographer, and director that has worked professionally across the country. He is currently a teaching associate at SDSU where he teaches Musical Theatre Dance and Acting for Non-Majors. Recent credits include: Crime & Punishment (The Old Globe), Cabaret (SDSU - Cliff), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (SDSU - Mitch), Legally Blonde (Choreographer), Newsies (Pittsburgh Musical Theatre - Albert), West Side Story (Riff), Side Show (Buddy), Into the Woods (Director), Peter and the Starcatcher (Ted), and American Idiot (Choreographer). In 2015 he received his BA in Theatre Arts/Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. He is thrilled that he has been awarded the opportunity to further his education at SDSU, and wanted to take the time to thank the generous scholarship donors that made his education possible. Endless thanks to his family for always supporting his dreams. IG: @zakkmannella www.zakkmannella.com
Sarah Jane Salonga (Eve/Aphra)
Sarah Jane (she/her) is excited to be a part of Children of Eden in Concert! She’s in her final year of the MFA Musical Theatre program here at SDSU and has a BA in Education and BSc in Biochemistry. Sarah is a credentialed school teacher and has also taught voice, ukulele, dance, and theater to students of all ages. In addition, Sarah is a Registered Dental Hygienist and loves to apply her knowledge in dentistry to vocal pedagogy and singing. Some of her favorite recent credits include: Mom/Tracy in Underground: A Musical Mashup, Olive Ostrovsky in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Melanie in lit: a new musical, Pocahontas in Disenchanted! and Anna in High Fidelity (Canadian Premiere). Lots of love to her family and friends for their endless love and support!
Ryan Flores (Aysha/Storyteller)
Ryan is very excited to be involved in her first production at SDSU! She has been involved in theater for 10 years and a few of her favorite credits include The Witch in Into the Woods, Fiona in Shrek The Musical, and Daniela in In the Heights. Ryan is very grateful to all the faculty here at SDSU and her loving friends and family!
Tickets and Information: ttf.sdsu.edu
CAST: WHO’S WHO Milo Mee (Shem/Storyteller)
Milo Mee is a third year at SDSU as a Theatre, Performance major. Some of his most recent roles have been Vice Principal Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (SDSU), Dom in Steel Pier (SDSU), Cole in The Free Play Project (SDSU), Mr. Lindner in A Raisin In the Sun (SDSU), Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (CMTSJ), Patrick Star in The Spongebob Musical (CMTSJ), and the Minister, Grandmother, Grandfather, and Dancer in The Long Christmas Ride Home (SDSU). Milo was awarded Best Actor in the 2021 California High School Rita Moreno Awards, where he went on to represent the Bay Area at the Broadway League’s annual Jimmy Awards. He is so excited to perform alongside such a talented cast and hopes you enjoy the show.
Alanna Morgan (Storyteller)
Alanna Morgan is a senior at SDSU and is so excited to be making her SDSU debut in Children of Eden. Alanna was born and raised in San Diego and has been in over 21 productions with numerous theater groups such as Young Actors Theater, CYT, Moonlight Theater, San Diego Musical Theater and Off Broadway theater company. After graduating, she began studying musical theater at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. Alanna is back, continuing her education at San Diego State University and is majoring in Theatre, with a Performance emphasis. Alanna would like to thank her family for always being a huge support and the Children of Eden artistic team for this opportunity.
Olivia Heumann (Storyteller)
Olivia Heumann is a third year Theatre Arts, Performance major at SDSU and so excited to be working on her first mainstage production! Before coming to San Diego State, she worked in the Bay Area theater circuit; some of her favorite credits include Jo March in Little Women, Katherine in Freaky Friday, Gloria in Wedding Crashers, and Olive in Spelling Bee. Olivia spent this last summer on the other side of the table, choreographing Matilda the Musical and having a blast doing so. She has also spent a large part of her life in the choral circuit, training in Regional and State honor choirs (CCDA). A special thank you to Olivia’s teachers, family, and coaches for their love and support!
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CAST: WHO’S WHO Gianna Merghart (Storyteller)
Gianna Merghart (she/her/hers) is thrilled to be making her mainstage debut! She is a third year Theatre, Performance major with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. A San Diego native, she has been performing locally for much of her life. Some favorite roles include Sophie (Mamma Mia), Claire u/s (Ordinary Days), Linda (Evil Dead), and Toffee (Zombie Prom). She is also currently performing at LEGOLAND California Resort. She thanks her parents and siblings for their endless love and support, as well as her teachers and the creative team behind this production for all their guidance. Thank you for coming and enjoy the show!
Quetzal Alcaraz (Storyteller)
Quetzal is a first year Theatre, Performance emphasis major and is so excited to be working with such a wonderful group of people on his first production with SDSU. Some of Quetzal’s favorite roles include Troy in High School Musical, The Baker in Into the Woods, and Wadsworth in CLUE. At SDSU, along with being a performer, Quetzal is Vice President of the Design And Technology Association (DATA) and also a part of Team Lighting. So “Let there be light” on the debut of this beautifully renovated theater and enjoy the show.
Vincent Colon (Storyteller)
Vincent Colon has been involved in musical theatre projects for eight years now. He has been involved in several projects at the Dance Center in Carmel, starring as Emmett in Legally Blonde, participated in the Trentino Music Festival in Italy, was a swing in SDSU’s production of Cabaret, and was involved with James and the Giant Peach at Southwestern College. He has also been in several high school music productions before attending SDSU.
Ashley Roche (Storyteller)
Ashley Roche (she/her) is thrilled to be in her first theater production at SDSU. Previous experience includes her high school’s productions of Mamma Mia! (Sophie), The Wolves (#7), and She Kills Monsters (Vera). She would like to give a special thank you to her friends and family.
CAST: WHO’S WHO David Lamb (Storyteller)
David is currently a first year at SDSU as a Theatre, Performance major and is so thrilled to be performing in his very first main stage show! He grew up in LA, discovering theater in middle school and continued to perform throughout high school. Some of his recent shows include: Puffs (Cedric Diggory), Frozen The Musical (Prince Hans), The Laramie Project (Dennis Shepherd), and Into The Woods (Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince). He would like to give a huge thanks to all his family and friends who came to see the show and continue to support his acting journey!
Robert Bednar (Storyteller)
Robert is taking to SDSU’s stage in this amazing production of Children of Eden. Previously he was a swing in Cabaret on the Don Powell Stage. Other Credits include Composing for Summer Shakespeare Studio Old Globe, Ares in Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief, and Polonius in Hamlet. He loved the experience of being in this incredible show with an amazing creative team, cast, and crew. Also, his mom thinks he’s quite handsome.
Stephanie Norris (Storyteller)
Stephanie is thrilled to be making her SDSU mainstage debut in Children of Eden! She is a third year Theatre, Performance major with minors in Interdisciplinary Studies and English. Recent credits include Beth (Little Women), Florinda (Into the Woods), Princess Winnifred (Once Upon a Mattress), Morticia (The Addams Family), and Rapunzel (Into the Woods). She is the Vice President of Skull & Dagger Dramatic Society, where she is also the co-writer and co-director of Medea, running November 16-19. You can follow along with her upcoming projects on Instagram @thestephanienorris.
Jazmine Watson (Storyteller)
Jazmine is currently a sophomore here at San Diego State University. She’s been a part of the theater world since she was five years old. Doing a variety of shows like Into the Woods, Emma, A Christmas Story, The Little Mermaid, James and the Giant Peach, Xanadu, Willy Wonka, SchoolHouse Rock, Alice in Wonderland, The Haunting of Hill House, Rumors, Phantoms and more. She’s thrilled to have this be her first main stage show! She would like to personally thank her family and friends for all of their support and encouragement. Enjoy the show!
PRODUCTION STAFF MANAGEMENT & CREATIVE
Assistant Stage Manager................................................Brenna Hughbanks Assistant Stage Manager.....................................Giovana Espinoza-Lopez Stage Management Advisor....................................................... Jay Sheehan Production Facilitator...................................................................TaiReikca L.A. Dramaturgy Advisor..........................................................................Shelley Orr
SCENIC
Scenic Design Advisor................................. Ralph Funicello, Nick Ponting Technical Director..................................................................Brian J. McVicker Scenic Charge Artist and Prop Master.............................Kristen E. Flores ........................................................................................................Heather Larson° Run Crew.............................................................Billy Baumeister, Julie Morin
COSTUME
Costume Design Advisor................... Denitsa Bliznakova, Brooke Kesler Costume Shop Manager................................................................ Teri Tavares Costume/Wig Technician.......................................................... Peter Herman Costume Crew........................Jazz Autencio, Ethan Cruz, Carter Hudson Costume Construction..............................Thea 442B and Costume MFAs
LIGHTING
Lighting Advisor.......................................................................Anne E. McMills Lighting Shop Supervisor.....................................................Kat Makarushka Assistant Lighting Designer................... Emily Johansson, Mia Nuciforo Programmer................................................................................. Reid Semmens Electricians.........................................................THEA240 and Team Lighting Light Board Operator..........................................................Lorenzo Mestidio Followspot Operators................................................Abril Olivares Cisneros .............................................................................Isaiah Moore, Sha’Neek Swan
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PRODUCTION STAFF SOUND & MUSIC
Sound Design.................................................................................Paul Peterson Audio Shop Supervisor..........................................................Kat Makarushka Sound Board Operator.......................................................... Hillari Hampton Assistant Music Director............................................................... Van Angelo* Rehearsal Accompanists.............................................................Ron Councell, ..................................................................................... Jack Holden, Sarah Amos Extra Choral Preparation.................................................Antonia Fuenzalida Keyboard Programming................................................................Jack Holden
PROJECTION
Projection Design Advisor.................... Nicholas Ponting, Daniel Hobbs Projection Shop Supervisor..................................................Kat Makarushka Assistant Projection Designer....................................... Barbara Two Stars° Projections Operator..................................................................Phoebe Appel
PUBLIC RELATIONS & FRONT OF HOUSE
Box Office Manager...................................................................... Bryan Martin Marketing and Publicity Assistants ....Bekah Blackburn, Julia Dimson House Manager.........................................................................Emerson Clarke Box Office Staff.............................................Kristie Arenas, Alana Marshall, .......................................................................................................... Amanda Mann Poster Artwork.....................................................................................Sarah Glick Concessions................................................................................ Skull & Dagger
MA in Theatre Arts *MFA in Musical Theatre °MFA in Design and Technology for Theatre, Television, and Film ^Qualifying or Thesis Production +
Acknowledgments & Special Thanks • Brad Haak • Ron Councell • • Laurinda Nikkel • Dr. Niyi Coker • Ashlee Vizcaino • Elvira Delgado •
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
Established with a commitment of $50,000 or more
Ages of Drama - Live! Endowment • Allison Rossett Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre • Bellinghiere Endowed Scholarship • Bolles Family Musical Theater Endowed Scholarship • Brita C. Davis and Richard R. Davis Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Carol Vassiliadis Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre • Chad Shelton Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Theatre Design and Technology • Chuck and Robin Luby Endowment for Musical Theatre • Clarence and Catherine Stephenson Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Clayton Brace Awards Endowment • Darlene and Donald Shiley Endowment for Student Excellence in Musical Theatre • Deborah M. Dexter Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre • Denis Sanders Memorial Endowment • Denise Madruga Endowed Scholarship in Theatre • Don Powell Interface Program Endowment • Drama Circle Endowment • Gordon J. Lusk Endowment • Hayes Anderson Student Excellence Endowment • Henry Edward and Gail Johnson McAdams Memorial Endowed Scholarship • Henry Stanton Endowment • Hunton D. Sellman Endowment • James Chris Nichols Memorial Endowment • Judith and Jack White Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Julia R. Brown Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Maggi McKerrow Endowed Scholarship for Theatre • Maggi McKerrow Endowed Scholarship for Study Abroad • Mangan/Christensen Endowed Scholarship for Musical Theatre • Marion Ross Endowed Scholarship • MFA Musical Theatre Endowed Professorship • Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Nella Feldman Gross Endowment • Paulette Wilson Endowment for Musical Theatre • Powell/SCE Design Endowed Chair • Robert Shields Memorial Endowment • Ron and Sue Heller Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Roscoe-Tiffany MFA Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Ruth Anna, Louis F., Dorothy Cable Endowed Scholarship • Sybil E. Jones Endowment • The McCabe Family Endowed Scholarship • Theatre Endowment
Annual Funds & Scholarships Up to $50,000
Aztecs to Hollywood • Bellinghiere Scholarship • Clayton Brace Awards Scholarship Fund • Drama Circle • Nella Feldman Gross Scholarship Endowment • Michael and Anne-Charlotte “A.C.” Harvey Scholarship • Ron and Sue Heller Fund for Musical Theatre • Gale Anne Hurd TFM Program Love Letters Production Fund • Los Lobos Documentaries Film Fund • Denise Madruga Scholarship • John J. Martin and Katherine Fitzhugh • MFA Musical Theatre Scholarship • Gail Johnson McAdams Memorial Scholarship • Musical Theatre Musical Theatre Archive Operations • Musical Theatre Production Fund • Dan Prentice Memorial Musical Theatre Fund • 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 • Judy White Scholarship
SDSU SCHOOL OF THEATRE, TELEVISION, AND FILM
DONORS
Generous Supporters
$500+ in the Last 5 Years thru August, 2022
Hayes L. and Marilyn J. Anderson Jim A. and Deborah D. Marshall Emmet G. Barton John Andrew Mateja Vince Bertoni and Damon Hein Stewart Scott Mc Donald Louis and Elisa Betancourt-Ruvalcaba Timothy Mccalister Thomas Bollard and Holly Martin-Bollard McCulloch Family Charitable Fund Ron K. and Reina Bolles Oliver R. McElroy James S. and Marilyn C. Brown Paul S. Mcintyre and Cynthia McIntyre Julia R. Brown Colin Mckearnan Stephanie Brownyard Randi and Thomas L. McKenzie, Ph.D. Dorothy Ann Cable Margaret McKerrow, Ph.D. Stephen and Robin L. Ching Martin McKerrow Ben and Nikki Clay Toni B. McKerrow Sarah Coombs Kevin J. O’Connor and Katherine D. O’Connor Jeff Cotta and Pamela Cotta Terry Lee O’Donnell Michael J. and Judith M. Darweesh Mike and Chris Pack Adela de la Torre, Ph.D. and Stephen Bartlett Adam Parrocha Karen H. DeLaurier Michael James Perkins Alice and Doug Diamond Paula Perry Gregory C. Durbin James P. and Gale S. Petrie David and Marilyn Eisenman Richard Sellers and Ellen Porter John Ellison Marshall A. Lewis and Judy M. Price-Lewis Roselyn E. and Chukuka S. Enwemeka, Ph.D. Linda J. Rankin and Rodney T. Whitlow Daniel and Phyllis Epstein Jon Carl Ringbom Esther Fischer Dr. Patti Roscoe and James Tiffany Sylvia J. Fitch Allison Rossett, Ed.D. Katherine L. Fitzhugh and John Martin Michele Schlecht and Richard Alan Covey Joyce M. Gattas, Ph.D. The Shelton Family Sherman George John A. Shelton David Arthur Glass Mike Shelton Michael S. Gregory Karen and Christopher (Kit) Sickels Justin Samuel Halpern Fred and Sonia Silverstein Hal Lawrence and Sheila Harrison Jeffrey H. and Malka Silverstein Michael and Anne-Charlotte “A.C.” Harvey Emily Norine Smith Ronald and Susan Heller MFA Fund Jane K. Smith Bruce A. and Jane W. Hopkins Nancy A. and Alan Richard Spector, M.D., Ph.D. Margaret A. Howard Clarence E. and Catherine Ann Stephenson Osborn and Dea Hurston Charles J. and Nancy M. Stewart Blair G. Irwin James J. Tarbox Jay W. Jeffcoat Ronald T. Thornton Paul H. Jozwicki Seth and Cynthia L. Trostler Paula Kalustian C. Anne Turhollow Koji C. K and Susan F. Kasuyama Kenneth G. and Joyce Ulrich Georgette M. Katz Edward Law Underwood Dennis G. Keith Carol Vassiliadis Brett Karl Kelly and Chad Stewart Birmingham Richard and Patricia Wagner Gary A. and Maxine A. Kreitzer Carey Gail Wall Michelle Anne LaGrandeur Debra Wanger Dr. William and Evelyn M. Lamden Judith and Jack White Jeremy Lane Rodney T. Whitlow Kathleen M. Lemieux Carole Wilson Charles S. Luby and Robin B. Luby Joshua A. Young Denise Madruga and Michael Lesniak The Conrad Prebys Foundation Mort Marcus and Deborah Klein
SDSU SCHOOL OF THEATRE, TELEVISION, AND FILM
FACULTY & STAFF
ADMINISTRATION ‘Niyi Coker Jr., Professor & TTF Director Ashlee Vizcaino, School Coordinator Elizabeth Anderson, Financial Coordinator Bryan Martin, Box Office & Social Media Coordinator TELEVISION, FILM, AND NEW MEDIA FACULTY/STAFF Marwa Abdalla, Lecturer Abraham Amkpa, Lecturer Uri Bar-On, Lecturer Ralph Blanchard, Lecturer Jose De Matos, Tech Engineer Krystal Dawkins, Lecturer Jeff Deverett, Lecturer Greg Durbin, Professor Alex Farnsley, Lecturer Michael Feinstein, Lecturer Lizzette Flores, Equipment Supervisor Mark Freeman, Professor Ángel Granados, Lecturer Glenn Heath, Lecturer/Undergraduate Adviser Brian Hu, Associate Professor Brie Iatarola, Lecturer Donn Johnson, Lecturer Brendan Julian, Lecturer Martha M. Lauzen, Professor, Executive Director Center for the Study of Women in Television/Film Stephanie Lee, TFM Shop Foreman Jessica McGaugh, Assistant Professor David Morong, Professor, Graduate Advisor Vernon Mortensen, Lecturer Ron Najor, Lecturer Greg Penetrante, TV/Film Studio Engineer Dane Picard, Lecturer Mary Posatko, Assistant Professor Timothy A. Powell, Professor, Area Head Sam Shpigelman, Lecturer, Area Head of New Media Production Genadi Radiul, Lecturer David Steinberg, Lecturer Rich Underwood, Lecturer Stuart Voytilla, Lecturer, Undergrad Advisor THEATRE FACULTY/STAFF Adrian Alita, Associate Professor, Head of Acting Caroline Andrew, Lecturer Dani Bedau, Associate Professor Denitsa Bliznakova, Professor, Head of Costume Design & Technology Cynthia Bloodgood, Lecturer Stephen Brotebeck, Professor Peter Cirino, Associate Professor Ronald Councell, Staff Accompanist/Vocal Coach Kristen Flores, Scenic Charge Artist/Prop Master Ralph Funicello, Don Powell Chair, Scene Design
TaiReikca Glover, Production Facilitator Peter Herman, Wig Making, Make-up Costume Construction D.J. Hopkins, Professor Brooke Kesler, Lecturer Noah Lange, Scene Shop Foreman Kat Makarushka, Theatrical Lighting, Projection, & Sound Lead Randi McKenzie, Emerita Assistant Dean Anne McMills, Associate Professor, Design/Technology MFA Graduate Advisor Brian McVicker, Technical Director Robert Meffe, Professor, Graduate Advisor, Head of Musical Theatre Charles Murdock Lucas, Associate Professor, Head of Scenic Design & Integrated Media Laurinda Nikkel, Lecturer Shelley Orr, Associate Professor, Graduate Advisor for MA Theatre Arts Paul Peterson, Lecturer Nicholas Ponting, Lecturer Jesca Prudencio, Associate Professor Randy Reinholz, Professor Jill Rovatsos, Lecturer Jay Sheehan, Faculty Production Manager, Stage Management Advisor Teri McConnell Tavares, Costume Shop Manager Katie (Laura) Turner, Lecturer, Undergraduate Advisor Alison Urban, Lecturer/Internship Adviser Christopher Warren, Associate Professor Andrew Young, Scene Shop Foreman EMERITUS FACULTY Hayes Anderson, Professor Emeritus Carroll Blue, Professor Emerita Anne-Charlotte Harvey, Professor Emerita Michael Harvey, Professor Emeritus Elizabeth Heighten, Professor Emerita Kaye Jameson, Professor Emeritus Paula Kalustian, Professor Emerita Margaret Larlham, Professor Emerita Peter Larlham, Professor Emeritus Robert E. Lee, Professor Emeritus Roy Madsen, Professor Emeritus Donald R. Martin, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus Margaret McKerrow, Professor Emerita Tom Meador, Professor Emeritus Jack Ofield, Professor Emeritus Michael Real, Professor Emeritus Beeb Salzer, Professor Emeritus Loren Schreiber, Emeritus Professor Rick Simas, Lecturer Emeritus Carolyn “C.J.” Keith, Lecturer Emerita John Witherspoon, Professor Emeritus Craig Wolf, Professor Emeritus
GENERAL INFORMATION CELL PHONES As a courtesy to 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.
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.
Purchase Tickets Online: ttf.sdsu.edu General Admission Tickets: Theatre $20 / Film $10 (Prices may vary for special events/productions)
Email: ttf.boxoffice@mail.sdsu.edu Phone: 619-594-6884 Administrative Office 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.
Take a Seat! SDSU performing arts invites you to take part in an exciting opportunity to support its new Performing Arts District in a meaningful way by participating in the Take A Seat campaign. You have the opportunity to Take A Seat in the spotlight and enjoy having your name, a sentiment, anniversary date, or the name of another person you wish to honor laser-engraved on an elegant nameplate placed on one of the theater seats. Your sponsorship will support performances, students, faculty, and the greatest needs of the SDSU performing arts program.
The engraving you select promises that you or your loved one will be a visible part of this dynamic Performing Arts District for years to come.
Interested in reserving a seat? Scan the QR Code above for more information, or visit psfa.sdsu.edu/takeaseat