Sweet Charity Playbill

WELCOME TO THE SHOW!

We are thrilled to welcome you back to the School of Theatre at Florida State and to our exciting 20222023 season of plays and musicals! Each year, we present performances that build on our rich past to reflect on the now, stimulate discussion among our community, and significantly enhance our students’ education.

Brad Brock Director, School of Theatre Florida State University

For over 50 years, the School of Theatre has trained students not just for Broadway stages but as theatremakers, leaders, artists, and advocates for theatre across the world. None of this would be possible without our immensely dedicated faculty and staff and the generous and loyal support from members of our community. It is no wonder that with such shared effort the School of Theatre continues to be recognized as one of the top programs in the country.

Kris Salata Chair, School of Theatre Florida State University

We hope that you will join us for each and every production as we celebrate the incredibly talented students, faculty, and staff who have worked tirelessly to create what you see on stage. Thank you for supporting the arts and the School of Theatre at Florida State as we could not do it without you!

- Brad Brock & Kris Salata

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The School of Theatre is located on land that is the ancestral and traditional territory of the Apalachee Nation, the Muscogee Nation, the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. We pay respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to their descendants, to the generations yet unborn, and to all Indigenous people.

Book by Neil

Lyrics by Dorothy Fields

STATE

Music by Cy Coleman

Based on an original screenplay by Fedrico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli, and Ennio Plaino

McNutt

Music Director

Ossowski

Movement Choreographer

Armit

Sound Designer

Scenic Designer

Choreographer

Gelabert

Wethington Costume Designer

Lipscomb

The

Cramer Technical Director

other

Lighting Designer

Wren

Calling Stage Manager

Seiderman

Theatricals

Produced for the Broadway Stage by Fryer, Carr, and Harris. Conceived, Staged, and Choreographed by Bob Fosse.

behalf of

MUSICAL NUMBERS

Time and Place

York City, 1960s

ACT I

"Overture"

"Charity's Theme"

"You Should See Yourself"

"Big Spender"

"Charity's Soliloquy"

Orchestra

Orchestra

Charity

Nikki, Helene, and Fandango Girls

Charity

"Rich Man's Frug"

"Too Many Tomorrows"

Charity

Ensemble "If My Friends Could See Me Now"

Vittorio Vidal

Charity, Nikki, and Helene "Bravest Individual"

"There's Gonna Be Something Better Than This"

Charity and Oscar - 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION -

ACT II

"Entr’acte"

Orchestra

Daddy Brubeck, Assistants, and Ensemble "Baby, Dream Your Dream"

"Rhythm of Life"

Nikki and Helene "Sweet Charity"

Helene and Girls

Oscar and Bystanders "Big Spender" (Reprise)

"Where Am I Going?"

Charity

Charity and Ensemble "I’m A Brass Band"

"I Love To Cry At Weddings"

Orchestra

Herman, Nikkie, Rosie, Helene, and Ensmeble "Finale"

THE SCHOOL OF THEATRE AT FLORIDA STATE

As one of the top-tier theatre training programs in the nation, the School of Theatre at Florida State provides its students with a wide variety of theatrical and educational opportunities. The primary mission of the School of Theatre is to offer students a comprehensive education in theatre and to prepare emerging artists to enter the professional theatre industry. As a result, the School of Theatre provides both student artists and community audience members a diverse array of productions that explore the spectrum of our shared humanity.

Founded in 1973 under the vision and leadership of then-Dean Richard G. Fallon, the School of Theatre enjoys a national reputation, in large part, because of the excellence of its undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a gifted faculty of nationally recognized professional artists and educators. The London Theatre Studies program, the chance to work side by side with guest artists and eminent scholars, as well as showcase opportunities in New York City and Los Angeles are just a few of the many reasons why students are attracted to our various professional and academic degrees from all over the United States, many foreign countries, and every county in Florida.

Alumni of the program include Broadway stars Christiani Pitts, Montego Glover, and Leslie Flesner, television producer Steven Sears, Emmy Award-winners John Papsidera and John Brace, Broadway producers Heather Provost and Darren Bagert, Playwright and Professor Suzan Zeder, and a host of talented entertainment industry professionals. Through their creative work, research, publication, and service, School of Theatre alumni contribute to the commercial, educational, and cultural life of the citizens of Florida and the nation.

The School of Theatre at Florida State is a member of the University/Resident Theatre Association, Inc. and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

THE CAST

Charity Hope Valentine

Oscar

Charlotte Ennen

Thomas Richardson

Vittorio Vidal Griffin Wilkins

Herman Mateo Marquez Parodi

Daddy Brubeck

Nikki

Helene

Ursula

Ensemble

Roger Borrell

Jessica Chunta

Marco

Catherine Roddey

Jason Alvarez, Bo Bailey, Alanna Boyd, Shanna Brajevic, Benjamin Britton, Christian Collins, Angelica Concepcion, Gerald Davis, Jade Krystal Dyer, Isabella Farrugia, Gabrielle Hagenlocker, Emma Katz, Zakeyia Lacey, Nick Nasta, Kyra Paternoster, Catherine Roddey, Jessie Roddy, Max Rosenbush, Noah Sprague, Griffin Stanley

THE

Charity

Isabella Farrugia

Oscar.................................................................................................................Gerald Davis

Herman

Nikki

Helene

Max Rosenbush

Gabrielle Hagenlocker

Angelica Concepcion

Ursula Leah Holewyne

Vittorio Vidal

Spender

Frug Swings

Christian Collins

Adia Sofía Cotto, Leah Holewyne

Jason Alvarez, Teegan SinClair

Ossowski

Lupsha, Sudarat Songsiridej

Songsiridej

Bianca Lupsha

Parker Franklin

Patricia Crispino

Cyrus Paul

Elijah Barrios

Michael McKenzie

Gooding

Patrick Hill

Jodie Cheung

Chris Manuel

Tovah Lovely

Graham Harris

Roes, Megan Sahely, Hope Welsh

Emma Hoster, Giancarlo Ortiz

Brant, Jose Sorrano

CAST HEADSHOTS

Charlotte Ennen

Isabella Farrugia

Gabrielle Hagenlocker

Leah Holewyne

Shanna Brajevic Benjamin Britton

Jessica Chunta

Christian Collins

Jason Alvarez

Bo Bailey

Roger Borrell

Alanna Boyd

Angelica Concepcion

Adia Sofía Cotto

Gerald Davis

Jade Krystal Dyer

Emma Katz

Zakeyia

Lacey

Kylie Marco

Mateo Marquez Parodi

Nick Nasta

Jessie Roddy

Griffin Stanley

Kyra Paternoster

Max Rosenbush

Griffin Wilkins

Thomas Richardson

Teegan SinClair

Catherine Roddey

Noah Sprague

WHO’S WHO

Jason Alvarez (Ensemble, Frug Swing) is a freshman BA Theatre major from Jacksonville, FL. This is his first production with the SOT. He thanks his family, friends, and the cast & crew of Sweet Charity . Special shout-out to Shirley Kirby-Sacks.

Bo Bailey (Frug Dancer, Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Lakeland, FL. Previous credits include Once Upon A Mattress (Sir Harry), Hunchback of Notre Dame (Clopin Trouillefou), and Newsies! (Crutchie). He would like to thank the cast and crew for making his FSU debut such a welcoming and wonderful experience.

Roger Borrell (Daddy Brubeck) is a senior BA Theatre major from Miami, FL. Previous credits include The Spongebob Musical (Perch Perkins) and Plaza Suite (Bellhop). He would like to thank his family, girlfriend, and the cast and crew of Sweet Charity for their love and support.

Alanna Boyd (Frug Dancer, Ensemble) is a sophomore Theatre major from Merritt Island, FL. Previous credits include Last Stop on Market Street (Ensemble), Newsies! (Katherine), 42nd Street (Gladys), Mamma Mia! (Ali), and Brigadoon (Jean MacLaren). She would like to thank her family as well as the cast and crew of Sweet Charity for all their love and support.

Shanna Brajevic (Ensemble) is a senior BM Music Theatre major from Huntington Beach, CA. Previous credits include A CIP (Jessie), As You Like It (u/s Phoebe/Audrey), and Last Stop on Market Street (u/s Jojo). She would like to thank her family, the cast and crew of Sweet Charity , Alisa Hauser, and Gayle Seaton for their love and support.

Benjamin Britton (Ensemble) is from Tallahassee, FL. Previous credits include Into the Woods (Cinderella's Prince), Shrek the Musical (Donkey), and Matilda the

Musical (Mr. Wormwood). He would like to thank his family and friends for their endless love and support.

Jessica Chunta (Nikki) is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from Atlanta, GA. Previous credits include Cinderella (Ella), Newsies! (Katherine Plumber), and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Sally Brown). Jessica would like to thank God, her family, Erika Macleod, and the faculty for their love and support. She dedicates this show to her grandmother, Nancy.

Christian Collins (Ensemble, u/s Vittorio Vidal) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from New Orleans, LA. This is his first show at FSU. He would like to thank his family and friends for always supporting him. Live Like Keith.

Angelica Concepcion (Spender Dancer, Ensemble, u/s Helene) is a sophomore BM Music Theatre major from Puerto Rico. Previous credits include Newsies! (Swing), As You Like It (u/s Rosalind), and West Side Story (Anita). She would like to thank her family, as well as the cast and crew of Sweet Charity for being the best!

Adia Sofía Cotto (Spender Swing) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Caguas, Puerto Rico. Previous credits include Frozen Jr. (Anna), Matilda the Musical (Miss Honey), and Shrek the Musical (Fiona). She would like to thank her family for all their love, support, and care.

Gerald Davis (Frug Dancer, Ensemble, u/s Oscar) is a Junior BA Theatre major from Tampa, FL. Previous credits include Newsies! (Mush), Something Rotten (Minstrel), and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Man #1). He thanks his lovely cast, family, friends, and partner.

WHO’S WHO

Jade Krystal Dyer (Trixie, Ensemble) is a senior BA Theatre major from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Previous FSU credits include Men on Boats (u/s Hall, Hawkins) and The True Story of The Three Little Pigs (Prudence). She thanks her friends for their overwhelming love and support.

Charlotte Ennen (Charity) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Norfolk, VA. Previous credits include Cinderella (Ensemble) and Newsies! (Jojo). She would like to thank her family, her class, the cast, the crew, and the 'fickle finger of fate'!

Isabella Farrugia (Ensemble, u/s Charity) is a sophomore Music Theatre major from New Orleans, LA. Previous credits include Disney's Newsies! (Spot Conlon) and Into the Woods (Lucinda). She thanks her family for their love and support!

Gabrielle Hagenlocker (Ensemble, u/s Nikki, Fight Captain) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Miami, FL. Previous credits include Men on Boats (Old Shady), Newsies! (Female Swing), and Witch (Chorus). She would like to thank her family and friends for their support in her artistic endeavors!

Leah Holewyne (Spender Swing, u/s Ursula) is a freshman BFA Musical Theatre major from Houston, TX. She is so excited to have her FSU debut in Sweet Charity. She would like to thank her family in Houston and at FSU for their love and support.

Emma Katz (Ensemble) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Sarasota, FL. Previous credits include Cinderella (Charlotte), Newsies! (Swing), Hello, Dolly! (Dolly Levi), and Fiddler On The Roof (Tzeitl). She would like to thank her parents, MT ‘24, and the cast and crew of Sweet Charity for their love and support!

Zakeyia Lacey (Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Wilmington, DE. Previous credits include Newsies! (Tommy Boy), Prefer Bright and Indirect Light (Fern), Sideshow (Dance Captain, Ensemble), and Fiddler on The Roof (Dance Captain, Ensemble). She would like to thank this incredible cast, crew, and wonderful stage management team for being the most talented humans to work with.

Kylie Marco (Helene) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Leesburg, VA. Previous credits include Newsies! (Smalls, Nun 3) and Tragedy: a Tragedy (u/s Witness). She would like to thank her wonderful family, cast, and crew of Sweet Charity for their love and dedication!

Mateo Marquez Parodi (Herman) is a senior BFA Acting Major from Miami, FL. Previous credits include In the Heights (El Piraguero), As You Like It (Corin), and The Flick (Sam). He is excited to do his second musical here at FSU, and thanks his amazing cast, crew and directing team for the good vibes and great opportunity.

Nick Nasta (Frug Dancer, Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Jacksonville, FL. He is excited to be part of his first show here at FSU. He would like to thank his family and friends back in Jacksonville for their overwhelming support, along with his newfound family here at FSU!

Kyra Paternoster (Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Westfield, NJ. She is very excited that Sweet Charity gets to be her first show here at FSU! She would like to thank her family back home in New Jersey for their constant love and support, and her new family here at FSU.

WHO’S WHO

Thomas Richardson (Oscar) is a Junior Marketing major from Naples, FL. Previous credits include Mamma Mia! (Harry), Footloose (Willard), and The SpongeBob Musical (Patrick). He would like to thank his family as well as his many mentors in theatre for their continuous support.

Catherine Roddey (Ursula, Spender Dancer) is a junior BM Music Theatre major from Austin, TX. Previous credits include Newsies! (Albert), Cinderella (Ensemble), Big Fish (Witch), and Freaky Friday (Ellie). She would love to thank her amazing parents and the lovely cast and crew of Sweet Charity ! Go Noles!

Jessie Roddy (Ensemble) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Orlando, FL. Previous credits include Newsies! (Katherine Plumber), Edges (Woman 2), and Cinderella (Ensemble). She wants to thank her family and the whole company of Sweet Charity for the endless fun and support!

Max Rosenbush (Frug Dancer, Ensemble, u/s Herman) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Glastonbury, CT. Previous credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (George), Matilda the Muscial (Trunchbull), and Pippin (Pippin). Special thanks to his family and the cast and crew of Sweet Charity for their love and support.

Teegan SinClair (Frug Swing) is a sophomore BFA Music theatre major from New Bern, NC. Previous credits include Newsies! (Les). She would like to thank her friends and family for their endless love and guidance.

Noah Sprague (Frug Dancer, Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Houston, TX. Previous credits include Footlose (Ren McCormack), Epic Proportions (Benny), and Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince). Noah would like to thank his family as well as the cast and crew of Sweet Charity for their love and support.

Griffin Stanley (Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Tallahassee, FL. Previous credits include Newsies! (Specs), Godspell (Nick), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Dance Captain). He would like to thank his family and the cast and crew of Sweet Charity for their time and care.

Griffin Wilkins (Vittorio Vidal) is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from Walpole, MA. Previous credits include Newsies! (Race), Chicago (Harry), Witch (Frank Thorney), and Cinderella (Swing). He wants to thank his family and friends for their undying support.

Information in "Who's Who" is provided by members of this production. Opinions expressed are those of the players, and not necessarily those of the School of Theatre or Florida State University.

WHO’S WHO

Jason Armit (Movement Choreographer) is a Fight Director/Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors and holds a B.F.A. in Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. Previously at FSU: Cinderella and As You Like It . Professional Theatres: Alliance Theatre (Atlanta, GA), Alabama Shakespeare Festival (Montgomery, AL), Utah Shakespeare Festival (Cedar City, UT), among others. Other universities: University of Georgia (Athens, GA), University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC), and Auburn University (Auburn, AL), among others.

Zach Cramer (Sound Designer) is the Sound Designer for The School of Theatre at FSU. Over the past twenty-five years, he has designed over 100 productions including The Who’s Tommy, Peter Pan, Ragtime, Seussical The Musical, Nine (winner 2008 FTC, 2009 SETC and advanced to national AACT), Titanic , The Producers, Spamalot, Hedda Gabler, Addams Family, Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, and In The Heights.

Hannah Fazio (Intimacy Consultant) (she/ her, they/them) is a Ph.D. Candidate who hails from small-town Minnesota. Previous credits include Cinderella (Intimacy Choreographer), Marisol (Dramaturg), We are Proud to Present... (Dramaturg), and many more productions throughout Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, and Tallahassee. Thanks to Lynn, stage management, and the company for having me on for this project.

Sarah Flores (Deck Stage Manager) is a senior BA Theatre major from Orlando, FL. Previous credits include the 2022 MT Cabaret (Stage Manager) and To Kill A Mockingbird (Lead Stage Manager). She thanks the SM team, Casey, and the company for their support!

Kate Gelabert (Choreographer) is an Associate Professor and the Director of the BFA Music Theatre program. She has choreographed the majority of musicals presented by the School of Theatre, as well as several works produced by the College of Music and the School of Dance here at FSU. Kate has worked as a guest instructor/ choreographer for ChiArts in Chicago, the Broadway Artists Intensive, FAU’s Festival Rep 2015, Pennsylvania Centre Stage Theater, Seaside Music Theater, Florida Dance Association, The Musical Theater Project of Tampa (directed by Ann Reinking), Southern Ballet Theatre (now Orlando Ballet), Walt Disney World, the Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatre Training, and the Universidad Nacional Departments of Theatre and Dance in San Jose, Costa Rica. She has received the FSU Teaching Award, is a two-time recipient of the FSU Teaching Incentive Award, and the 2008 Guardian of the Flame recipient for the College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance. Kate served for three years as a national adjudicator for the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA), youngARTS program, and is a current and original member of the Musical Theatre Educators Alliance – International. Since its inception in 2016 with the exception of 2020, she has taught dance and choreographed for the School of Theatre’s summer Music Theatre Intensive; a three week dance, singing and acting camp for upcoming high school seniors and juniors

Ahon Gooptu (Dramaturg) is a second-year MA student in Theatre and Performance Research from Kolkata, India. Previous credits include As You Like It (Jaques), AMEND (Demetrius), Labor Day Reunion (playwright), Seasons of Love (playwright), and Spring Awakening (Hanschen). He holds a BA in Theatre and English from Grinnell College and has trained at the National Theater Institute. He thanks Sam, Lynn, and the company, Aaron and Chari, and Auslander et al. for their support. Ahongooptu.com.

WHO’S WHO

Asher Lipscomb (Costume Designer) is a Second Year Costume Design MFA Candidate from Austin, TX. Previous credits include When In the Course of Human Events (Costume Designer), Men on Boats (Assistant Costume Designer), and The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On (Costume Designer). Asher would like to thank their family, friends, and the staff and students of FSU for their support.

John Malley (Deck Stage Manager) is a junior BA Theatre major from Tallahassee, FL. Previous credits include As You Like It (Le Beau, u/s Oliver) and Last Stop on Market Street (Assistant Stage Manager). They thank the SM team, Casey, and their whole family.

Lynn McNutt (Director) is a BFA Music Theatre Alum. Lynn returned to FSU as Dolly in Hello, Dolly! and several holiday concerts featuring Davis Gaines. She is honored to have been asked back again to direct the next generation of amazing talent. Lynn has performed in national tours, Off-Broadway, and at such theatres as the Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, The Shakespeare Theatre, Goodspeed Opera House, Indiana Repertory, Connecticut Repertory, Theatre Lab, and Florida Stage. As an actor, she has been in the play development trenches with notable playwrights Nilo Cruz, Deborah Zoe Laufer, Ken Weitzman, and John Guare. She was nominated twice for a Broadway World Award for Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance directed by Terrance Mann and as Mrs. Pierce in My Fair Lady co-starring Terrance Mann. For her second act, Lynn is creating her own works and her current project, Blue: A Rhapsody in Blubber , premieres at Theatre Lab, Boca Raton in May. As an educator, Lynn served as a visiting professor on the faculties of the University of Miami and Auburn University. Lynn received her MFA in Acting from the Shakespeare’s Theatre Academy for Classical Acting at the George Washington University. She is

currently teaching Shakespeare and Musical Theatre in the BFA and MFA programs at Florida Atlantic University. She would like to thank Kate and Tony Gelabert, again, for their generous hospitality.

Tom Ossowski (Music Director, Conductor) is an Associate Professor at FSU. At FSU, he has directed A Man of No Importance , A New Brain , Cabaret , The Drowsy Chaperone , The Rocky Horror Show , Sweeney Todd and he has music directed In the Heights , Hairspray , A Chorus Line , Ragtime , Spring Awakening , and Jesus Christ Superstar . He has also directed and musically directed Into the Woods and The Family for the Central Academy of drama in Beijing and was Producing Artistic Director for the Post Playhouse for the past 16 years.

Madison Rist (Deck Stage Manager) is a Junior BA Theatre major from Clearwater, FL. Previous credits include The Serpent Underneath (Lead Stage Manager) and As You Like It (Assistant Stage Manager). She thanks her family and friends for all their support they give her. Lynnismcnutts.com

Wesley Seiderman (Technical Director) is a third-year MFA Technical Production Candidate from Jeffersonville, IN. Previous credits include Disney's Newsies! (Assistant Technical Director), The Drowsy Chaperone , Matilda the Musical (Lees McRae Summer Theatre), and The Laramie Project (Indiana University Southeast). He would like to first thank his family for all the support they have shown him. He is also very eager to continue in the art as an educator.

Sam Smith (Calling Stage Manager) is a senior BA Theatre and Psychology major from Fort Pierce, FL. Previous credits include Disney's Newsies! (Assistant Stage Manager) and Othello (Stage Manager). She thanks her mother and friends for all their loving and undaunting support.

WHO’S WHO

Sudarat Songsiridej (Assistant Music Director, Rehearsal Pianist) is a College of Music Coach/Accompanist for the Music Theatre Program and a Dance Musician for the School of Dance. She holds degrees from the Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music and FSU. She also has completed all levels of Somatic Voicework™ from the LoVetri Institute at the Baldwin Wallace University. Sudarat has worked with artists such as Maltby & Shire, Ann Reinking, choreographer Joe Goode, Suzanne Farrell, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Martha Graham Company and the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Off-campus, she is the Company Pianist for the Pas de Vie Ballet and for 25 years was the Music Director for the Florida Laughing Stock Cabaret.

Mark Wethington (Scenic Designer) (MFA 2007) is excited to be back at FSU to remount a design for Sweet Charity first presented at FSU in 2005 while he was working on his Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design. After graduating, Mark was an Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. A move to Denver Colorado came next and Mark was Production Manager/ Technical Director for Curious Theatre. He later became Scenic Director for The Puzzle Effect escape room company. Mark is currently a consultant with Theatre Projects and is happily designing theatres and performance spaces across the country. Mark has designed scenery for Delaware Theatre Company, FSU, UNK, CATCO, Warehouse Theatre, Columbus Children’s Theatre, and Midtown Arts Center.

Todd Wren (Lighting Designer) received his MFA from Carnegie Mellon University and is a vested member of United Scenic Artists, local #829, and active member of USITT, SETC, and SCTA. World premiere designs include The Sabbath Girl directed by Joe Brancato; Stand by Your Man with Grammy-Award winning Jim Lauderdale and directed by Gabriel Barre; Alice's Adventures in Wonderland conceived and choreographed by Chase Brock; Turned Funny directed by Fred Chappell; and the NYC premieres of The Fall to Earth directed by Joe Brancato. Todd’s regional credits include The Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Cleveland Playhouse, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, The Rubicon Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, Charlotte Repertory Theatre, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Florida Repertory Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, Penguin Repertory, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Paramount Productions, and Nickelodeon.

NOTES

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Sweet Charity opened on Broadway on January 29, 1966 starring Gwen Verdon and featuring iconic choreography by Bob Fosse. Based on the Frederico Fellini film, Nights of Cabiria, our heroine wears her heart on her sleeve and, tired of the groping and pinching dance hall “Johns”, she follows her dream of real true love. She faces constant disappointment from men who take advantage of her kind heart, hope, and charity. Even in the 1960s - at the height of the women’s movement – the cyclical nature of Charity’s behavior was difficult to understand and accept. In today’s world, well, we just want to send her to therapy. We desperately want her to learn, to grow, to harden. But she doesn’t. She remains open, vulnerable, hopeful, and determined. In a way, she is stronger than all of us. It’s easy to harden, to give up, to become cynical. We are human after all. Charity’s eternal loop is less of a story-line, and more of a living, breathing, dancing, and singing painting come to life - an expression of strength, love and hope against all odds.

In relating this idea to the young cast, I likened Charity’s pursuit to that of their careers and the love they have for their art. After countless auditions followed by countless rejections why would anyone in their right mind continue to pursue their passion? Because it’s a calling. Charity relates her motto of “without love, life has no purpose” to a kind of personal religion. Hopes and dreams are powerful callings and sustain us even when family and friends will plead to “give up!” And we all know that FSU Seminoles do not give up.

From the Director, Lynn McNutt, BFA Music Theatre Alum class of 1991

NOTES

From the Dramaturg, Ahon Gooptu

DRAMATURG'S NOTE

Before Chicago , before Pippin , before Cabaret , came Sweet Charity : the first truly “Bob Fosse show,” from conception to choreography to realization.

Federico Fellini’s film Nights of Cabiria was the inspiration for this piece and Fosse reimagined Roman streetwalker Cabiria Ceccarelli as Times Square “taxi dancer” Charity Hope Valentine. Cabiria turned to music and dance for emotional release and Fosse was already thinking about bringing the “dime-a-dance” dance hall hostess narrative to the stage; thus a dance-driven musical seemed like the natural Americanization.

For theatregoers in 1960s New York City, the distinction between hooker and hostess was left intentionally murky, implying that money could be exchanged for more than just dancing and company. In fact, money was the primary attraction for these single women, mostly from immigrant families struggling to make ends meet. And very rarely did they advertise their vocation to their loved ones, whether at home or romantically, lest they put themselves at risk of being disowned or be pressured to give up the gig and settle for a lesser-paying labor-heavy waitress job. For many immigrant families, these working women were the breadwinners but the conflict in value made them lead double lives, riddled with lies and alibis. The only people who truly knew the full story were the other women at their workplace.

Fosse imagines this sisterhood as the women at the Fandango Ballroom and offers us access to every aspect of their side of the story. For these women to step outside their comfort zone and take a chance, professionally or romantically, would be to believe that they are worth more than a dime-a-dance. And as much as they love to dream their dreams together in the locker room, deep in their hearts they are convinced that of all the jobs and the love that are within their reach, for them, there really is nothing better than this. As theatregoers and artists today, we might find a renewed sense of agency in their unfulfilling persistence.

Captain

PRODUCTION TEAM

Lynn McNutt

Kate Gelabert

Tom Ossowski

Sudarat Songsiridej

Tom Ossowski

Lupsha, Sudarat Songsiridej

Jason Armit

Gabrielle Hagenlocker

Hannah Fazio

Meg Nelson

Wethington

Asher Lipscomb

Marla Albrecht

Todd Wren

Zach Cramer

Seiderman

Liffick, Payton Nugent

Designer Mark Wethington

Engineer Zach Cramer

Stage Manager

Ahon Gooptu

Sam Smith

Flores, John Malley, Callista Payne, Madison Rist Stage Management Mentor Casey Sammarco

Stage Managers

of Production Services Joshua Wickham

Direction

Joshua Wickham

Robert Coleman, Jim Lile Production Manager

Production Managers

Kendra Drew, Wesley Seiderman, Raistlin Yovan Scene Shop Manager Colin Campbell

Scene Shop Manager Zachary A Cary Carpenters

Abby Akard, Jacqueline Bucher, Bella Ellec, Zach Gage, Dom Krippes, Sarah Liffick, Marco Massari, Kate McConnell, Lauren Quinten Paint Shop

Teddy Moore

Scenic Charge Artist Teddy Moore

Artists

Manager

Properties Manager

Rheanne Walton

Kevin Grab

Victoria Guise

Danielle Gonzalez

Intern Callista Payne

Design Advisor

Emily Tappan Costume Technology Advisor

Jacki Armit Costume Shop Manager

Sarah M. Jahnke Wardrobe Supervisor Sydney Martin Costume Shop Intern Maria Moleiro

Jacki Armit, Sydney Martin, Zachary Payne

Belco, Bella Ellec, Abbey Hodgson, Kevin Huang, Alex Huynh, Yu-Fang Lin, J. Miller, Doraline Rolle, Makenzie Vaughan Staff Wig and Makeup Artist Madison McKenzie Weber

and Makeup Assistant Holly Carroll

Board Operator

Operators

PRODUCTION TEAM

Todd Wren

Adams, Payton Nugent

Julie Adams, Abby Akard, Hannah Fabel, Sarah Liffick, Wesley Seiderman, Becca Stock, Raistlin Yovan

Todd Teagarden

Fallon Collins

DeVoe, Adam Fuller, Joseph Gaitens

Grace Allen, Quinn Coté

Burgos, Emily Butler, Brooke Culp, Bella Ellec, Bryce Etheridge, Sofia Fanan, Ella Freiser, Karina Guerra, Caitlin Hagney, Daniela Hernandez, Harrison Hitt, Benjamin Miller, Ryan Moore, Linus O'Palick, Brenai Owens, Ryan Schmidt, Amoreena Tillman

Harley Brown

Management

House Managers

of

Director

Director

Patron Services Manager

Sarah Goodson

Stark

Jyana O'Donnell

Sarah Goodson

Jay Pension

Stark

Lizzie Powers

Ashlie Charley, Michael Frusci, Lauren Kim, Sean Macdonald, Katharyn McConnell, Lauren Quintana, Mallika Rangi, Dominic Vargas, Joseph Vescera Fine Arts Ticket Office Staff Brigitte Anderson, Justin Banton, Alice Bishop, Holly Carroll, Samantha Charles, Emily Hensel, Lindsay Johnson, John Malley, Aleisha Mowatt, Jackie Petichakis, Alexandra Rios, Sam Smith

Crew

Director of

Intern

Director of

Engagement

Events

Jack Rizzo

Siddons

Madeline Hull

Mungai

Charlotte (Palmucci) Pension

Lizzie Powers

e Patrons Association provides support for student scholarships as well as valuable assistance to support performances and programs that enrich the lives of all students and community members. Each year, the Patrons Association raises more than $40,000 towards student scholarships and recruitment.

information, contact

PATRONS ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEMBERS

Laura Rogers, President

Robert Clickner, Vice President

Sunny Phillips, Treasurer

Carol Weissert, Secretary

Linda Clickner

Barbara Elam

Katherine A. Emrich

Tanya Hollady

Howard Kessler

Annelise Leysieffer

KC McWilliams

Marion Merzer

Jay Newman

Larry Pintacuda Nancy Stepina-Robinson

Dennis Williams

EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS

Jalma Baker

Howard Eisenman

Richard Henry Mart Hill

Ted & Barbara Judd* Lou Kellenberger* Lynn McWilliams

William Moncrief*

Brooks & Almena Pettit Sara Rodrigue Dawn Sharp* Nancy Sheridan* June Strauss*

ANGELS

Fran & Bill Berry

Rob Contreras & Ellen Berler

Yvonne Brown

Sandy Brown

Magnolia Properties

Robert & Linda Clickner

Glenn & Mary Cole

Jim & Sandy Dafoe

Howard & Susan Eisenman

Barbara & John Elam

Dr. Richard Dusenbury & Kathi

Jaschke

Sally Karioth

Annelise Leysieffer

Lynn & Todd McWilliams

K.C. & Bob McWilliams

Russ & Genie Morcom

Jay & Dr. Sue Newman

Mark Chin-Lenn, MD & Kevin Pfeiffer

Jim & Betty Ann Rodgers

Laura & Sam Rogers Emily Ruddell

Brence A. Sell, M.D. Mike Sheridan

Mr. & Mr. Michael Stephens Carol & Bill Weissert

Dennis & Barbara Williams

DIRECTORS

Fred Chappell

Mike & Rachel Ciaccio Julie Lovelace & Burt Davy Sara DuChene Katherine A. Emrich

JoAnn Fain

Margie L. Fletcher Nancy Stepina-Robinson & Paul Fredrickson

Michelle Greiner Robert & Janice Inzer Bruce & Lynn Janasiewicz Debby Kearney

John & Linda Kilgore Bill & Susan Leseman Jennifer Fitzwater & Geof Mansfield Bill & Laurie McCort Almena & Brooks Petit Randall Van Syoc & Allen Ransome Karen J. Russell Michael & Judy Sheridan Jeremy & Tassy Spinks Howard Kessler & Anne Van Meter

BENEFACTORS

Susan & Mark Canning Ms. Carol Cooper Cathy & Jerry Dufford Bryon & Barbara Ehlmann Susan & Jack Fiorito Dr T. Lynn Hogan & Robin Fowler Jerry & Bobbi Hill Tanya Hollady

Linda & Rick Hyson

Francisco Alarcon & Kathleen Kearney

Susan Barnes & Kenneth Kranz

Tony & Barbara Lombardo

Michele Diamonti & Michelle MacVicar

Joanne Mallardi

Meredith & Elsa McKinney Fran McLean Alex Meng Marykay Mentzer

Dr. Marion R. Merzer & Martin Merzer Chris New

Warren Husband & Samantha Padgett

Dr. & Mrs. Steven Perfect

Sunny Phillips

Larry & Joanne Pintacuda

Rachel Roeder

Michael & Arlene Sandberg Gary & Patricia Smith Karen Oehme & Nat Stern

Lili Quintiliani & Blan Teagle

Steve Carter & Phyllis Thomson Barbara & Gary Ware David & Jane Watson Mike & Kathi Watters

Kip & Bev Wells

John & Kathy Winn

Lynda Roser & Marilyn Yon Mark Zeigler Kathy & Richard Zorn

FRIENDS

John & Willa Almlof

Alan & Nancy Asker

Hal & Sabrina Ballew

Jeannie B. & Thomas Barrett

Judy Taps & Bob Beiseigel

Paul & Holly Brannigan

Randal & Laurie Brown

Brent & Marti Chumbler

Debie Leonard & Christine Coble

Terry & Linda Cole

Juan & Jessica Comas

Lance & Amanda Davis

Jennifer Diaz & Family

Edna Mann & Drew Evans Rick & Sharon Fallon

PATRONS ASSOCIATION

Lynn Marie Firehammer

Roy M. Forman

Karen Glendenning

Judy & Harvey Goldman

Patrick & Artis Gray

Eleanor Hawkins

Maura & William Heebink

Roxanne M. Hughes

Michele & Jake Kiker

Pete & Terry Knowlton

Charles & Dian LaTour

Ralph & Sue Mancuso

Wendy Marco

John Mayo

Dr. Joseph McElrath

Ann & Don Morrow

Randy Murrell

Michael Killoren & Randy Nolan Anonymous

Ray & Donna Peterson

Joan & Jim Prescott

Gloria Priest

Dr. Nikki Pritchett

Pat Ramsey

Lance, Beth, & Lindsey Rodan

Patricia & Bob Romig

Paula Saunders

Ron & Diann Schultz

David & Kiki Slaton

Marjorie Turnbull

Donna Legare & Jody Walthall

Kristin & Tony Wilkins

Barbara Mansfield-Wilson

Martin & Amanda Wood

Patrons Association Members listed as of October 10, 2022.

All (*) following a donor’s name indicates the person has passed away.

PATRONS SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT:

TAI BEASLEY

Tai Beasley is a junior BA theatre major at FSU. She loves to act, make friends, and engage in art of any kind. Her life motto is to be bold! Tai’s favorite School of Theatre memory is studying abroad in London in Summer 2022. The sights, education, theatre, food, and friendship that she was able to experience were priceless and something that she’ll never forget. She had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study theatre in one of the most amazing places in the world and was able to afford after applying and qualifying for FSU's School of Theatre scholarships.

Tai’s long-term goals after graduation are to move to Los Angles and establish herself as an actress and model.

“I would like to say thank you to the Patrons from the bottom of my heart. Financing yourself through college is not easy by any means, and Patron support means that people like me can still chase their dreams. I’m so grateful to be a Patron Scholar and represent my school for theatre.”

2022-2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Angela Musette Russo Memorial Scholarship

Isabella Pila, Briana Rodriguez

Brooks and Almena Pettit Presidential Scholarship

Joshua Reaves

Mart and Louis Hill Presidential Scholarship

Robert Bailey

Davis Gaines Endowed Scholarship in Music Theatre

Brady Foley, Gabrielle Hagenlocker, Charles Antenen

Dean Gil Lazier Student Scholarship in the School of Theatre

Zeatha Saint Fleur, Mila Sumrall, Jerry Truong, Jordan Walker

Frank and Jo Ann Fain Endowed Scholarship

Will Porter, Christian Collins, Nicholas Nasta, José Muñoz

Ginger Earnest London Theatre Scholarship

Faith Verbsky, Chloe Ward

Fred Chappell London Theatre Scholarship

Allison Crawford

Hazel Sliger Presidential Scholarship

Rachael Britton

Howard W. Kessler Endowed Scholarship

Noah Sprague, Landry Feldmeier, Emma Kate

Farlow, Leah Holewyne

Leon and Jane Schmehl Endowed Theatre Scholarship

Danielle Goldfine, Elijah Rios, Antonia PackBrown

Michael Martin International Theatre Scholarship

Elizabeth Lee, Judtin Banton, Patrick DuChêne, Nia Alexander

Richard G. Fallon Scholarship

Jessie Roddy, Max Rosenbush

Robert S. Barber Endowed Scholarship

Alfonso Alvarez, Sidney Barmoha, Rachael Britton, Lilliana Simms, Alyssa Stewart

Steven L. Sears Scholarship in Theatre

Brooke Culp, Ellie Dobleske, Linus O'Palick

Theatre Patrons Association Scholarship

Lillian Aldrich, Gabriella Arias, Tai Beasley, Maryann Byram, Holly Carroll, Aaron Collins, Jade Dyer, Johan Harmon, Madeline Hull, Kevin Marvian, Susanna Ninomiya, Audrey Okrutny, Giuliana Sarcone, José Muñoz Triana, Elizabeth Veloso

Theatre Patrons London Endowment

Kevin Marvian, Susanna Ninomiya, Audrey Okrutny, Giuliana Sarcone, Elizabeth Velasco

Theodore and Barbara Judd Endowed Scholarship in Theatre

Zachary Izquierdo, Brianne Jackson, John Malley, Callista Payne, Katherine Phelps

Don & June* Alford

Mrs. Erika Anderson

Angela Musette Russo Foundation

Robert Barber*

Julia Burnett Bryant*

Mary Auger Burns*

Ralph Cook*

Deborah Cooley*

John Degen*

Mary Demetree

Frank & JoAnn Fain

Steve & Blanche Gordon

Dr. Ben Grace

Mr. Foster Harmon

Richard & Betty

Higginbotham

Mart Hill

Donald Hinkle

Janet Hinkle

The Hough Family Foundation

Charles & Lillian Huisking

Cameron & Teresa Jackson

Mark & Stephanie Medoff

Esther Mertz

Mrs. Charlotte Palmer

Patrons Association

Cathy Peters

Almena & Brooks Pettit

Robb Pruitt

Burt Reynolds*

Jim & Betty Ann Rodgers

Leon & Jane Schmehl*

Steven Sears

Janis Carter Stulman

Welcome to the School of Theatre at Florida State University. Whether you are returning or visiting for the first time, we want you to feel comfortable and be familiar with our facilities and services. As a courtesy to the actors on stage and members of the audience please…

FOR YOUR INFORMATION Silence cellular phones and other noise-making devices during the show.

Do not record audio or video for any purpose.

For persons in need of hearing reinforcement, infrared headsets are offered free of charge in the Fallon Theatre. Headsets should be reserved through the Fine Arts Ticket Office. There is no charge for this service; however, a driver’s license, major credit card, or other comparable collateral is required in exchange for the duration of use.

OUR OFFERINGS & POLICIES

Guests who use wheelchairs and similar assistive devices will find accessible parking available in the parking garages adjacent to the Fallon, Lab, and Studio Theatres. Wheelchair seating is available at all of our theatres and should be requested when ordering tickets. Patrons should seek the House Staff for assistance upon arrival.

Everyone must have a ticket for the event including infants and children in laps. If your child is causing a disturbance, please exit to the lobby. Please consult the School of Theatre website's production advisories to determine the appropriateness of a show for the young persons in your party.

Restrooms are conveniently located in the lobby area.

Smoking is not permitted on the Florida State University campus.

There are a variety of ticket packages and discounts available. Theatre parties with friends and business associates may be organized at substantial discounts for groups of ten or more. For group sales information, contact the Fine Arts Ticket Office Manager at 850-644-6500.

Hours of operation for the Fine Arts Ticket Office are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Ticket Office will open 60 minutes prior to each performance.

Late arrivals will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to performance time to guarantee seating. Guests arriving 15-20 minutes after the start of the performance will not be seated until intermission.

Lost and Found articles should be turned in to the House Staff and may be claimed at the Fine Arts Ticket Office, located in the Fine Arts Building.