WELCOME TO THE SHOW!
Brad Brock Director, School of Theatre
Florida State University
Kris Salata Chair, School of Theatre
Florida State University
We are thrilled to welcome you back to the School of Theatre at Florida State and to our exciting 20242025 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.
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.
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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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.
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 with 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 SCHOOL OF THEATRE AT FLORIDA STATE PRESENTS
Music by Mary Rodgers
Lyrics by Marshall Barer
Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer
Music Director Mike Norris
Scenic Designer Erica Zaffarano
Sound & Projections Manager
Zach Cramer
Fight Director Jason Armit
Director
Christine Hansen
Choreographer Trevor Michael Schmidt
Costume Designer Makenzie Vaughan
Intimacy Director Nick Maccarone
October 18 - 27, 2024
The Richard G. Fallon Theatre
Lighting Designer Todd Wren
Technical Director
James Will Hodges
Calling Stage Manager
Nat Jiménez Torres
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/ OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
THE CAST
(In order of appearance)
Minstrel Jack Miller
Rowena, 1st Lady in Waiting, Ensemble ........................................................ Teegan SinClair
1st Knight, Harold, Ensemble .......................................................................... Alex Minarik
Sir Studley, Ensemble .............................................................................................. John Ray
Beatrice, Ensemble ......................................................................................... Olivia Windley
Prince Dauntless Vicente Tomé
Queen Aggravain............................................................................................. Cat Ostrowski
King Sextimus .......................................................................................... Angelo Seven Zizza
Wizard .................................................................................................................... Tin Tran
Lady Larkin ............................................................................................................... Leah Ifil
2nd Knight, Ensemble Ira Woodfaulk II 3rd Knight, Ensemble ....................................................................................... Elliott Kehoe
4th Knight, Ensemble, Nightingale ................................................................. Griffin Stanley
Lucille, 3rd Lady in Waiting, Ensemble ........................................................... ZaKeyia Lacey
5th Knight, Ensemble ..........................................................................................Landen Kol
Sir Luce, Ensemble ........................................................................................... Noah Sprague
Lady Mabelle, Ensemble.................................................................................... Alana Hogan
Lady Willow, Ensemble .................................................................................... Grace Conrad
Lady Hyacinth, Ensemble .......................................................................... McKenna Wallace
Merril, 2nd Lady in Waiting, Ensemble ............................................. Onyekachi Anyagaligbo
Princess No. 12, Lady in Waiting, Ensemble ......................................................Kelly Tomlin Jester. ......................................................................................................... Grant Newcombe
Sir Harry ................................................................................................................. Bo Bailey
Princess Winnifred ................................................................................... Emma Kate Farlow Swing . Londyn Kirol
SETTING
A Medieval Castle in a small Kingdom
- There will be one fifteen-minute intermission -
THE ORCHESTRA
Sudarat Songsiridej .................................................................................. Keyboard 1
Connor McKenna ................................................................................... Keyboard 2
Hope Welsh .................................................................................................... Violin
Spencer Schneider ............................................................................................ Viola
Emma Hoster ................................................................................................... Cello
Pete Knowlton ................................................................................................... Bass
Ezekiel Harris ....................................................................................................Harp
Cordell Marsh ................................................................................................ Guitar
Patricia Crispino .................................................................... Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Sarah Ward ...................................................................................................... Oboe
Kelly Davis ........................................................................................................ Flute
Michael McKenzie ................................................................................... Trumpet 1
Brian Ratledge .......................................................................................... Trumpet 2
Vincent Aldoretta ............................................................................................. Horn
Sarah Castillo ........................................................................................... Trombone
John Carpenter .............................................................................................. Drums
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT ONE
Prologue Many Moons Ago .........................................................................Minstrel
Opening For A Princess ........................................Dauntless, Larkin, Ladies, Knight
In A Little While. ................................................................................ Harry, Larkin
In A Little While - Reprise .................................................................. Harry, Larkin
Shy. ................................................... Winnifred, Knights, Dauntless, Queen, Ladies
The Minstrel, The Jester And I ................................................Minstrell, Jester, King
Sensitivity.......................................................................................... Queen, Wizard
The Swamps Of Home ............................................... Winnifred, Ladies, Dauntless
Normandy ............................................................................ Minstrel, Larkin, Jester
Spanish Panic ........................................................................................... Company
Song Of Love .......................................................................... Dauntless, Winnifred
ACT TWO
Opening - Act II ....................................................................................... Company
Happily Ever After ...................................................................................Winnifred Man To Man Talk ........................................................................... Dauntless, King
Very Soft Shoes ................................................................................................ Jester
Yesterday I Loved You ......................................................................... Harry, Larkin
Nightingale Lullaby ............................................................................... Nightingale
Finale ....................................................................................................... Company
Bows & Exit Music ................................................................................... Company
CAST HEADSHOTS
Kelly Tomlin
Onyekachi Anyagaligbo Bo Bailey
Grace Conrad Emma Kate Farlow
Leah Ifil
Elliott Kehoe
Londyn Kirol
ZaKeyia Lacey
Jack Miller
Alana Hogan
Landen Kol
Alex Minarik
Cat Ostrowski
John Ray Grant Newcombe Teegan SinClair
Griffin Stanley Vicente Tomé
Noah Sprague
CAST HEADSHOTS
Tin Tran
McKenna Wallace
Olivia Windley Ira Woodfaulk II
Angelo Seven Zizza
WHO’S WHO
Onyekachi Anyagaligbo, she/her (Merril, 2nd Lady in Waiting, Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Miami, FL. Previous credits include Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble), 9 to 5 The Musical (Ensemble), Once on This Island (Ti Moune), Chicago (Velma Kelly), and Seussical (Sour Kangaroo). She would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors!
Bo Bailey, he/him (Sir Harry) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Lakeland, FL. Previous credits include Show Me Eternity (Austin) at FSU, as well as The Little Mermaid (Ensemble, u/s Scuttle) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Apostle, Ensemble) at Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts. He would like to thank his family for their constant love and support.
Grace Conrad, she/her (Lady Willow, Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Atlanta, GA. Her previous credits include Disney’s Saturdays (Ashley), A Chorus Line (Cassie), and Memphis: The Musical (Felicia) at Cobb County Excellence in the Performing Arts. She would like to give a special thanks to her family and everyone in the cast and crew!
Emma Kate Farlow, she/her (Princess Winnifred) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Atlanta, GA. Favorite credits include 9 to 5 The Musical (Dance Captain), Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble), and On The Town (Ivy Smith). She is so honored and excited to be a part of this production. She would like to thank her family for their endless love and support! Enjoy the show!
Alana Hogan, she/her (Lady Mabelle, Ensemble) is a freshman BM Music Theatre major from Palm Harbor, FL. Previous credits include Parade (Lucille), The Wedding Singer (Julia Sullivan), and Twelfth Night (Lady Olivia). She would like to thank her family as well as the cast and crew of Once
Upon a Mattress for their love and support. She is excited to be in her first production at FSU.
Leah Ifil, she/her (Lady Larkin) is a freshman BM Music Theatre major from Tampa, FL. Leah is excited to be in her first FSU production. She extends her heartfelt thanks to her family, the incredible cast, the dedicated faculty, and the hardworking crew for their unwavering love and support throughout this journey.
Elliott Kehoe, he/him (3rd Knight, Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from San Antonio, TX. Previous credits include 9 to 5 The Musical (Ensemble) and Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Opera Dancer, Ensemble). Elliott would love to thank his friends and family for their love; They are why he does what he loves in the first place.
Londyn Kirol, she/her (Swing) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Clayton, NC. Previous credits include Little Women The Musical (Jo March), Waiting for Lefty (Florence), Bat Boy (Meredith Parker), and Spamalot (Lady of the Lake). She would like to thank her entire family, along with her fellow cast and crew for their endless love and support.
Landen Kol, he/him (5th Knight, Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from St. Augustine, FL. He is so excited to be a part of this wonderful production in his first show at Florida State. He would like to thank his family for their wishes and support as well as the cast, crew, and production team for this opportunity.
ZaKeyia Lacey, she/her (Dance Captain, Lucille, 3rd Lady in Waiting, Ensemble) is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from Wilmington, DE. Previous FSU credits include Show Me Eternity (Mabel) and Something Rotten (Ensemble) as well as Dreamgirls (Swing) and Sister Act (Ensemble) at The Muny. She would like to thank the class of 2025, Alisa Hauser, and her family.
WHO’S WHO
Jack Miller, he/him (Minstrel) is a sophomore Exploratory major from Spring Hill, FL. Previous credits include Mama Mia (Sky), Legally Blonde (Kyle), and Elf (Buddy). He would like to thank his mother for her unending support as well as the cast, crew, and creative team behind Once Upon a Mattress.
Alex Minarik, he/him (1st Knight, Harold, Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Naples, FL. He is so excited for his first opportunity to perform on this stage with such a wonderful cast and production team. Alex would like to thank his family for their endless support and constant love! Enjoy the show!
Grant Newcombe, he/him (Jester) is a sophomore double major in BA Theatre and Entrepreneurship. His most recent credits include Spring Awakening (Hanschen), MFA One Act Romeo and Julian (Julian), Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Opera Dancer, Ensemble), and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical (Teenager). Lastly, he is so grateful for his friends and family’s support. @newcombegrant
Cat Ostrowski, she/her (Queen Aggravain) is a senior BA Theatre major from Tampa, FL. Previous credits include Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Balaga), 9 to 5 The Musical (Roz Keith), Head Over Heels (Pamela), and Something Rotten (Bea Bottom). She would like to thank her friends and the Potamousis Family for treating her as one of their own.
John Ray, he/him (Sir Studley, Ensemble) is a sophmore BFA Music Theatre major from Miami, FL. Previous credits include Grease (Danny Zuko), Parade (Newt Lee), and many more! He would first like to thank God for life, health and strength. Secondly, he would like to thank his parents and family for their endless support!
Teegan SinClair, she/her (Rowena, 1st Lady in Waiting, Ensemble) is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from New Bern, NC. Previous credits include Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble) and Newsies (Les). This summer she was also seen in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park) and Annie (Starto-be, Ensemble). She would like to thank the cast and crew for their love and support!
Noah Sprague, he/him (Sir Luce, Ensemble) is a junior BM Music Theatre major from The Woodlands, TX. Previous credits include Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. (Ensemble, Asstistant Dance Captain), 9 to 5 The Musical (Ensemble), Footloose (Ren McCormack), and Something Rotten (Swing). He’d like to thank his friends, family, and all involved with the show for their continued love and support.
Griffin Stanley, he/him (Nightingale, 4th Knight, Ensemble) is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from Tallahassee, FL. Previous credits include Newsies (Specs), Sweet Charity (Frug Dancer), and Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble). He would like to thank his family and the cast and crew of Once Upon a Mattress for their support.
Vicente Tomé, he/him, (Prince Dauntless) is a senior BA Theatre Major from Miami, FL. Previous FSU credits include Dragons Love Tacos (Man in Suit Standby) and Something Rotten (Ensemble). He would like to thank his friends and family for always supporting his passion for theatre. He would also like to thank the stellar cast, crew, and production team of Once Upon a Mattress.
Kelly Tomlin, she/her (Princess No. 12, Lady in Waiting, Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Acting major from Miami, FL. Previous credits include Preview@FSU’s S how Me Eternity (Sue), Alice By Heart (Alice), and Aida (Aida). She would like to thank her family, as well as the cast and crew for their love and support.
WHO’S WHO
Tin Tran, he/him, (Wizard) is a sophomore BA Theatre major from Orlando, FL. Previous credits include Big Fish (Dr. Bennett), Guys and Dolls Jr. (Harry the Horse), and Beowulf (Ensemble). He would like to thank his parents, Christine, and the rest of the cast and crew for their support in his first FSU School of Theatre musical!
McKenna Wallace, she/her (Lady Hyacinth, Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Atlanta, GA. Previous credits include Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble), Chicago (Velma), and Rock of Ages (Sherrie). She would like to thank her family, friends, as well as the cast and crew of Once Upon a Mattress for their love and support.
Olivia Windley (Beatrice, Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre Major from Atlanta, GA. Previous credits include Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Dance Captain/FSU SOT), 9 to 5 The Musical (Ensemble/FSU SOT), White Christmas (Ensemble/City Springs Theatre Company), Cats (Sillabub/City Springs Theatre Company), and A Chorus Line (Judy Turner/ City Springs Theatre Company).
Ira Woodfaulk II, he/ him (2nd Knight, Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Pensacola, FL. Previous credits include Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble), Descendants: The Musical (Ben), Spongebob: The Musical (Plankton), and All Shook Up (Dean Hyde). He’d like to thank his family, friends, cast, and crew for everything!
Angelo Seven Zizza, he/him (King Sextimus) is a sophomore BFA Acting major from Ocoee, FL. Previous FSU credits include the MFA One Act Romeo and Julian (Romeo). He would love to thank his family for their neverending support, the cast and crew for making this process incredible, and his teachers for all they have shared with him.
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.
Lily Aldrich, she/her (Deck Stage Manager) is a senior BA Theatre Major with a focus in Stage Management and Design & Production. Previous FSU credits include Imogen Says Nothing (DSM), MFA One Act Romeo and Julian (DSM), Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Wig and Makeup Supervisor), 9 to 5 The Musical (Wig Stylist), Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical (Wig Stylist), and many more. She also worked as the Assistant Wig and Makeup Designer at the Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute. She would like to thank her Mother, Jennifer, and her sisters, Kiki and Macie, for the continuous love and support!
Jason Armit (Fight Director) is a Fight Director/Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors and holds a BFA in Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. Previously at FSU School of Theatre: 9 to 5 The Musical and Imogen Says Nothing. 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), Auburn University (Auburn, AL), among others.
Riley Bauer, she/her (Deck Stage Manager) is a sophomore BA Theatre major from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Previous FSU credits include Everybody (Decks & Prop Crew). Other credits also include 101 Dalmatians Kids (Calling Stage Manager), and Pippin
WHO’S WHO
(Deck Stage Manager). She would like to thank her friends, specifically her roommates, and family for all of their love and support.
Zira Brown, she/her (Deck Stage Manager) is a senior BA Theatre major from Tallahassee, FL. Previous credits include She Kills Monsters (Tilly Evans), Something Rotten (Ensemble), Antony and Cleopatra (Charmian), and Head Over Heels (Stagehand). She is also on the Board of Directors for Irish Repertory Theatre. She thanks her best friends, Bri and Hanna, for supporting her with every play and film she is a part of.
Christian Collins, he/him (Associate Choreographer) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from New Orleans, LA. Recent choreography credits include Newsies (Rivertown Theaters) and multiple concerts in the FSU College of Music. Recent credits include Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Dolokhov), Something Rotten (Robin, u/s Shakespeare, Dance Captain), Sweet Charity (Ensemble, u/s Vittorio) at FSU; Pippin (Pippin) at NOCCA; Rent (Steve), Pippin (Player, Dance Captain) at Tulane Summer Lyric. Thank you to Trevor and Christine for this opportunity. Go Noles! Live Like Keith. @christianjcollins_
Zach Cramer (Sound & Projections Manager) 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), The Titanic, The Producers, Spamalot, Hedda Gabler, The Addams Family, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, and In The Heights.
Christine Hansen (Director) is a Florida State alum and happy to be calling Tallahassee home again. She returned to FSU in the fall of 2022 to join the Student Union team and currently directs the film, gaming, and special events programming in the Askew Student
Life Center. Christine earned her BFA in Performance from Point Park University and has worked in many parts of the country from New York and Florida to Idaho and New Mexico. Here in Tallahassee, besides FSU, she has worked with Tallahassee State College, Southern Shakespeare Festival, and Making Light Productions. In addition to her BFA, Christine holds a master’s degree in performance studies from Idaho State University, and an MFA in Directing from FSU. Some of her favorite directing credits include Tartuffe, Me and My Girl, Hello Dolly! Hairspray, Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Humperdinck’s Hänsel and Gretel, The Dining Room and for Florida State, How I Became a Pirate and A Day in the Death of Joe Egg. She is very happy to be back at Florida State University and grateful for the opportunity to make theatre with this amazing company of young performers, stage managers, technicians, and theatre professionals.
James Will Hodges, he/him (Technical Director) is a second-year MFA Technical Production Candidate from Kingsland, GA. Past credits at FSU include 9 to 5 The Musical and Everybody. During the summer, he was the Assistant Technical Director at Maine State Music Theatre. He would like to thank his family and his partner, Emily. Without their support and unending love, this would not be possible.
Nat Jiménez Torres (Calling Stage Manager) is a senior BA Theatre and Editing, Writing, and Media (EWM) major from Orlando, FL. Previous FSU credits include Everybody (CoSound Designer), Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Deck Stage Manager), Dragons Love Tacos (Deck Stage Manager), Cinderella (Sound Programmer), and Newsies (Sound Assistant). Nat is a 2024 recipient of the Cody Renard Richard Scholarship.
Nick Maccarone, he/him (Intimacy Director) is an actor, writer, filmmaker, instructor, and the Co-Director of the BFA Acting Program in the School of Theatre.
WHO’S WHO
His acting credits, include Scandal , Law & Order: SVU, Unforgettable, Eye Candy , Elementary, Girls Against Boys, and Americana. Nick has performed at the Guthrie Theatre, Ally Theatre, and La Mama. He was also a contributing writer for Backstage Magazine and a casting reader for Broadway. He has delivered two TEDx Talks, including one titled, “6 Ways Actors and Artists Can Empower Themselves”. Nick also recently completed his feature film, Sonny Boy, which is currently being submitted to film festivals worldwide. He is currently pursuing a masters degree in the School of International Affairs at FSU.
Michael Norris, he/him (Music Director) is delighted to return to the Fallon Theatre for this production of the classic show Once Upon a Mattress. Selected previous musical direction credits include Ragtime, Side Show, A Chorus Line, Merrily We Roll Along, Anything Goes, A Little Night Music, Rent, Chicago, Urinetown, Pippin, Spring Awakening, Something Rotten, and Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 . Mike earned a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music degrees in piano, organ, and choral conducting. He recently retired from a multifaceted career including church music, music education, and higher education civic engagement. Mike is thrilled to join this talented group of students and theatre professionals in bringing this delightful show to Tallahassee and FSU.
William L. Perry IV, he/him (Music Assistant) is a junior BA Theatre major from Philadelphia, PA. Previous FSU credits include Imogen Says Nothing (Light Board Operator) and the MFA Directing Projects (Sound Board Operator) last Spring. Will would love to thank his colleagues, Mike and Su, for their endless support and friendship throughout this incredible opportunity. He sends love to all the friends he has made along the way.
Trevor Michael Schmidt, he/him (Choreographer) is a professional performer/ director/choreographer and FSU alum (BFA MT ’17) currently based in New York City. Most recently he was seen in the ensemble of the First National Tour of Beetlejuice the Musical and has performed at some of the best theaters in the country including The Muny, MTWichita, and Sacramento Music Circus. He has also been a part of the creative pre-production for both Broadway and OffBroadway shows including Back to the Future, Shucked, Almost Famous, and the Big Gay Jamboree, in addition to choreographing his own shows at regional theaters around the U.S. He would like to thank his parents for their constant love and support and to FSU for giving me this opportunity to come back home and create some magic. Go Noles!
Sudarat Songsiridej (Assistant Music Director) is a College of Music Coach and 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 the Somatic Voicework™ from the LoVetri Institute at the Baldwin Wallace University and the Shenandoah University Contemporary Commercial Music Institute. She has worked with Music Theatre Artists such as Maltby & Shire and Ann Reinking, Dance artists such as Joe Goode, Suzan Farrell, Jawole Willa Zollar and the Martha Graham Company. 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.
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
WHO’S WHO
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.
Makenzie Vaughan, she/her (Costume Designer) is a second-year MFA costume candidate from from Bradenton, FL. Previous FSU credits include Natashia, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Wardrobe Supervisor) and Imogen Says Nothing (Crafts Artisan). Other credits include Camelot (Baystreet Theatre) and Lochness (The Rev). She would like to thank her family for their love and support.
Jadyn Yokie, she/her (Deck Stage Manager) is a BA Theatre major from Lake Worth, FL. Previous FSU credits include Imogen Says Nothing (Wardrobe Crew) and Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Usher). She would like to thank her family, friends and her cat for their constant love and support.
Erica Zaffarano, she/her (Scenic Designer) has worked both on and behind the stage her whole career. She currently lives in Minnesota, but her work has been seen in film, television, commercials, operas and theaters around the country and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Last season, she designed 9 to 5 The Musical for FSU and is delighted to be back in Tallahassee with this talented and enthusiastic crew. She would like to thank the technicians who made the completed set possible and hope that new discoveries through this collaborative art have fueled their creativity! Anything is possible! Finally, she is grateful to be both working with people who love to laugh and work hard and to be sharing her love for the theatre with all who come to enjoy being entertained by a craft she became passionate about so many years ago.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Welcome to the first show of the School of Theatre’s 2024-25 season! What a joyful way to begin a year of theatre!
In 1957, Mary Rodgers, daughter of the legendary composer Richard Rodgers, was working a summer contract in the Pocono mountains of PA, where she and Marshall Barer wrote their one-act version of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, The Princess and the Pea. After several iterations of their “adult summer-camp” entertainment, they landed on one of the most enduring late Golden-Age musicals of all-time, Once Upon a Mattress. Mattress is a farce in musical form, piled high with physical humor, silliness, and love! We have embraced the fairytale quality of the story visually and hope you see that materialize on stage in the pop-up book design of this faraway and long-ago kingdom.
You’ll hear Winnifred, our princess, lament, “I want some happily ever after to happen to me!” Don’t we all? That’s what everyone - except our villain, of course! - gets in this story. Each character, regardless of their unique challenges, finds some kind of love and happiness! This is not a sung-through musical of angst that asks us to examine the human-caused trouble in the world. What it does is, “what a musical is supposed to do!” as The Drowsy Chaperone’s Man in Chair would say, “It takes you to another world and it… gives you a little tune to carry in your head for..for…when you’re feeling blue, you know?”
I am so blessed to be working with this gifted, hardworking cast, crew, and production team! Their talent and support have been inspiring. We have worked hard and had a fabulous time along the way. It’s a version of “happily ever after happening to me.” Thank you all!
I love Golden-Age musicals and the nostalgia they conjure! I hope our version of Once Upon a Mattress convinces you to feel the same!
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director Christine Hansen
Music Director .................................................................................................... Mike Norris
Assistant Music Director ........................................................................... Sudarat Songsiridej
Rehearsal Pianists ............................................................. Bianca Lupsha, Sudarat Songsiridej
Music Assitant..............................................................................................William L. Perry IV
Choreographer ................................................................................. Trevor Michael Schmidt
Associate Choreographer .............................................................................. Christian Collins
Dance Captain ................................................................................................. ZaKeyia Lacey
Costume Designer ................................................................................... Mackenzie Vaughan
Assistant Costume Designer ............................................................................... Sungwon An Sound & Projections Manager Zach Cramer
Lighting Designer ................................................................................................ Todd Wren
Scenic Designer ............................................................................................... Erica Zaffarano
Technical Director .................................................................................... James Will Hodges
Assistant Technical Directors ...................................................... Alroy Harry, Hunter Norris
Fight Director Jason Armit
Intimacy Director.......................................................................................... Nick Maccarone
Calling Stage Manager ............................................................................. Nat Jiménez Torres
Deck Stage Managers ...................................................................... Lily Aldrich, Riley Bauer, Zira Brown, Jadyn Yokie
Stage Management Mentor Casey Sammarco
Co-Technical Direction Advisors ................................................... Jim Lile, Joshua Wickham
Production Manager .................................................................................... Joshua Wickham
Associate Production Manager ............................................................................. Abby Akard
Scene Shop Manager ......................................................................................Colin Campbell
Assistant Scene Shop Manager Alroy Harry
Carpenters ...........................................................
Abby Akard, Angus Black, Colin Campbell, Matthew Cleveland, Sofia Fanan, Cole Harris, Hannah Hennessey, Teddy Moore, Ethan Noel-Rickert, Hunter Norris, Rebecca Stock, Will Taylor
Paint Shop Manager .......................................................................................... Teddy Moore
Assistant Paint Shop Manager .............................................................................. Abby Akard
Scenic Artists ................................................................................ Abby Akard, Anna Collins, Mikayla Martinez-Hobbs, Lauren Quintana
Properties Manager Kevin Grab
Assistant Properties Manager .................................................................... James Will Hodges
Associate Properties Coordinator ......................................................................... Hailey Peart
Properties Artisans ................................................................ Lindsay Johnson, Estevan Rivera
Costume Design Advisor ....................................................................................... Jen Gillette
Costume Technology Advisor Jacki Armit
Costume Shop Manager ................................................................................ Sarah M. Jahnke
Wardrobe Supervisor..................................................................................................J. Miller
Wig and Make-Up Manager ......................................................... Madison McKenzie Weber
Wig and Make-Up Crew Supervisor ................................................................ Ginger Harley
Wig Builder Lily Aldrich
Wig and Makeup Intern................................................................................ Savana Petranoff
Wig and Make-Up Artisans ............................ Zoe Kollaras, Liana Rubero, Marlena Trudnak
Drapers ............................................................... .........Jacki Armit, Yu-Fang Lin, Ning Goff, Meghan Pearson, Sarah Travis
Stitchers
PRODUCTION TEAM
Emily Allen, Cypress Bowen, Ella Kavanagh
Lila Knowlton, Asher Lipscomb, J. Miller
William L. Perry IV, Eli Summers, Chole Willer
Crafts Artisans ............................................................................. Heather Duzan, Jen Gillette
Master Electrician .........................................................................................Todd Teagarden
Electrics Crew ............................
Ashlie Charley, Anna Collins, Grace Copelan, Elena Dibbs, Sofia Fanan, Ginger Harley, Hailey Killin, Lindsay Kramer, Dominique Palmer, Dannie Prince, Naiomy Perez Del Valle, Ethan Rickert, Joshua Simon
Lighting Supervisor Todd Teagarden
Light Board Programmer .................................................................................. Joshua Simon
Light Board Operator ......................................................................................... Leah Skinner
Spotlight Operators ................................................... Katie Ellis, Caleb Litten, Ellie Papataros
Sound Operator ................................................................................................... Jensen Seidl
Sound Assistant Alex Riggs
Mic Captain ..................................................................................................... Ellie Papataros
Automation Specialist ....................................................................................... Ethan Rickert
Automation Operator........................................................................................ Emma Fowler
Fly Rail ............................................................................................................ Michael Leslie
Costume Crew
Jillian Christie, Jonathan Curls, Sofia Fanan, Camryn Overstreet, Chloe Willer, Jamie Woolam
Wig & Makeup Crew ............................................................ Ally Babincak, Sierra Earnhard, Darla Santana-Aguilar, Iyanna Speights
Decks/Props Crew............................................................... Emily Pietrowicz, Fabianna Silva, Shaiden Tamim, Felipe Vargas Rojas Crew Swing ........................................................................................................Emma White
House Manager ............................................................................................. Lindsay Johnson
House Management Supervisor ............................................................. Ayobami O. Aribisala
Interim Director of the Fine Arts Ticket Office Jennifer Reichert
Patron Services Manager ....................................................................... Ayobami O. Aribisala
Patron Services Coordinator ......................................................................... Junaidu Alhassan
Patron Service Assistant .................................................................................... Victoria Tebet
Usher Crew ................................................................... Kylar Bess, Kyla Blake, Julieta Flores, Lauren Labrada, Lucas Lacey, Kallyn Maday, Maggie Martell, Gabriel Martinez, Jack Mullin, Kayli O’Brien, Miguel Quintero, Annabelle Sardouk , Daelynn Trotman
Fine Arts Ticket Office Staff ............................... Sage Aucremann-Moratalla, Daniel Escobar, Sara Gonzales, Tanner Griffin, Caitlin Hancock, Emily Hensel, Lindsay Johnson, Aishat Lawal, Amanda Leslie, Kayla Pawlik, Jackie Petichakis, Briana Rodriguez, Carson Tadder, Vicente Tomé, Liz Van Dyke, Rachel Wynn
Director of Marketing and Community Engagement ................................... Jennifer Reichert
Marketing Communications Manager ......................................................... Collins E. Cudjoe
Marketing Communications Coordinator Victoria Tebet
Marketing Communications Assistant .......................................................... Junaidu Alhassan
Marketing Intern ............................................................................................... Sydney Fields
Community Engagement Manager ................................................................Emily Lostracco
Community Engagement Assistant........................................................ Ayobami O. Aribisala
NEXT AT THE SCHOOL OF THEATRE
On the pitch, a suburban girls’ soccer team wages war against its rivals as well as life’s uncertainties. Through group warm-ups, peer take-downs, on-field wins, and life’s losses, a sisterhood forms. But just as the Wolves work out their place in the pack, they must confront the final match of the season, where they’ll learn not to take any victory for granted. Sarah DeLappe’s Pulitzer-nominated coming-of-age, tour-de-force shoots and scores with this funny, unflinching portrait of American adolescence.
Please Join Us For This Years Theatre For Young Audience’s Programming...
SUPPORT LOCAL SCHOOLS!
Support a local school of your choice by purchasing Share Night tickets during a designated school’s night. You can buy Share Night tickets online at tickets.theatre.fsu.edu, or call the Fine Arts Ticket Office at 850-644-6500 and mention “Share Night tickets” and the school of choice (additional phone fees apply). A donation of $5 will be made to the school for each ticket purchased!
Details on participating schools to come*
Give Back This Thanksgiving! Join us for a book drive to support our local Boys & Girls Club. Accepting new or gently used books for the kindergarten to grade 8 reading level. Drop off your donations in the Fallon Theatre Lobby from November 18th through the 24th. Let’s make a difference in the lives of our community’s youth!
PATRONS ASSOCIATION
BOARD MEMBERS
Laura Rogers - President
Robert Clickner - Vice President
Sunny Phillips - Treasurer
Carol Weissert - Secretary
Linda Clickner
Kathie Emrich
Roy Forman
Tanya Hollady
Debby Kearney
Howard Kessler
Annelise Leysieffer
KC McWilliams
Dr. Marion Merzer
Larry Pintacuda
Nancy Stepina-Robison
Dennis Williams
EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS
Jalma Baker*
Ellen Berler
Rob Contreras
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
Rob Contreras and Ellen Berler
Sandy Brown, Magnolia Properties and Investments Inc.
Yvonne & Steve Brown
Robert and Linda Clickner
Terry & Linda Cole
Sandy & Jim Dafoe
Richard Dusenbury & Kathi Jaschke
Annelise Leysieffer
KC & Bob McWilliams
Lynn & Todd McWilliams
Russ & Genie Morcom
Jay & Dr. Sue Newman
Laura and Sam Rogers
John & Emily Ruddell
Mike & Judy Sheridan
Michael K. Sheridan
Mr. & Mr. Michael
Stephens
Carol & Bill Weissert
Dennis & Barbara Williams
Carol Woodward
DIRECTORS
Mary Elizabeth Auburn
Ms. Carol Cooper
Kathie A. Emrich
Susan Fiorito
Roy M. Forman
Robert & Janice Inzer
Bruce and Lynn Janasiewicz
Debby Kearney
Howard Kessler & Anne Van Meter
John and Linda Kilgore
William & Susan Leseman
Jennifer Fitzwater & Geof Mansfield
Laurie and Bill McCort
Almena & Brooks Pettit
Mark Seidenfeld
Nancy Stepina-Robison and Paul Fredrickson
David & Jane Watson
BENEFACTORS
Francisco Alarcon & Kathleen Kearney
Steven & Ellen Bellenot
Mark Canning
Brent & Marti Chumbler
Glenn and Mary Cole
Dr. Paul Deitchman
Michele Diamonti & Michelle MacVicar
Sara DuChene
Barbara & Bryon Ehlmann
Jerry and Roberta Hill
Dr. T. Lynn Hogan & Robin Fowler
Tanya Hollady
Warren Husband & Samantha Padgett
Rick & Linda Hyson
David & Sandi Jacobsen
Josh & Nikki Jordan
Michael Kiloren & Randy Nolan
Susan Barnes and Kenneth Kranz
Tony and Barbara Lombardo
Mike & Joanne Mallardi
Ms. Fran McLean
Meredith & Elsa McKinney
Dr. Marion R. Merzer and Martin Merzer
Joel Padgett
Steve Perfect and Felecia Elmore Perfect
Carol Sunny Phillips
Mr. & Mrs. Larry & Joanne Pintacuda
Lynda Roser & Marilyn Yon
Michael and Arlene Sandberg
Gary & Patricia Smith
Mike & Kathi Watters
FRIENDS
Jeannie B & Tommy Barrett
Bill & Nolia Brandt
Laurie Brown
David & Audrey Byrne
Juan & Jessica Comas
Danielle Crabb
Rick & Sharon Fallon
Lynn Marie Firehammer
Harvey and Judy Goldman
Sarah Goodson & Ian Anderson
Artis Gray
Melissa Gross
Eric Giunta
Bill Hall
PATRONS ASSOCIATION
William & Maura Heebink
Patrick & Terri Hogan
Roxanne Hughes, Ph.D.
The Knowlton Family
Charles & Dian LaTour
Donna Legare and Jody
Walthall
Kama and Blair Monroe
Ann & Don Morrow
Randy Murrell
Colleen Muscha
Doug Norton Anonymous
Gale and Randy Parker
Henry and Sharon Pollock
Gloria Priest
Rodney Reams
Lance, Beth, & Lindsey
Rodan
Gloria Rotan
Ron & Diann Schultz
Kiki & David Slaton
Paula Stafford
Barbara Mansfield-Wilson
Patrons Association Members listed as of October 14, 2024. All (*) following a donor’s name indicates the person has passed away.
PATRONS SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT:
A sophomore BFA Acting major at Florida State University, Angelo Seven Zizza is passionate about the stage. With a strong foundation in acting since sixth grade, he thrives on the art of performance, both on and off stage. Angelo’s goal at FSU is to develop a well-rounded understanding of acting, equipping him to tackle diverse roles and auditions post-graduation. Beyond academics, he enjoys spending time with loved ones, writing, and working. A dedicated creative, Angelo values daily opportunities to express himself artistically, believing it fosters a fresh perspective.
Recently, Angelo played the iconic role of Romeo in an FSU production of Romeo and Julian This experience, under the direction of Jacob ben Widmar, stands out as a favorite due to the collaborative and dedicated nature of the team. Another cherished memory is Theatre Night for Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812, where he witnessed the audience’s palpable anticipation and the sheer beauty of the performance.
Post-graduation, Angelo aspires to pursue a professional acting career before returning to FSU for a Master’s degree in Acting. His ultimate goal is to share his passion for acting as a professor.
Angelo is grateful to the Patrons who generously supported his scholarship, recognizing their instrumental role in enabling him to pursue his dreams. The scholarship has provided him with the financial freedom to focus on his studies and artistic endeavors, allowing him to explore his creativity more fully.
2024-2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Angela Musette Russo Memorial Scholarship
Antonia Pack-Brown, Karina Guerra, Grace Kicak, Caleb Litten
Brooks and Almena Pettit Presidential Scholarship
Charlotte Ennen
Mart and Louis Hill Presidential Scholarship
Liam Bass
Davis Gaines Endowed Scholarship in Music Theatre
Christian Collins*, Grace Conrad*, Elliott Kehoe*, Landon Kol*, Teegan SinClair*
Dean Gil Lazier Student Scholarship in the School of Theatre
Elijah Rios, Felipe Vargas Rojas
Frank and Jo Ann Fain Endowed Scholarship
Darla Santana-Aguilar, Aly Babincak, Sydney Gooden, Cacheline Prevalus, Mallika Rangi, William Taylor, Jordan Walker
Fred Chappell London Theatre Scholarship
Brooke Culp
Hazel Sliger Presidential Scholarship
Jason Alvarez, Isabella Burgos, Kayley Diaz, Janiaya Forbs, Linus O’Palick
Howard Kessler & Anne Van Meter Scholarship
Cole Hall, Michelle Machado, Alex Minarek*, Kelly Tomlin*, Olivia Windley*, Ira Woodfalk II*
Leon and Jane Schmehl Endowed Theatre Scholarship
Lillian Aldrich*, Maxwell Allen
Michael Martin International Theatre Scholarship
Jason Alvarez, Isabella Burgos, Kayley Diaz, Janiaya Forbs, Linus O’Palick
Robert S. Barber Endowed Scholarship
Madison Beehner, Zira Brown*, Ashlie Charley, Sydney Fields*
Steven L. Sears Scholarship in Theatre
Lindsay Johnson*, Jordan Kosanke, Amanda Leslie, Patrick Melley, Liam Neal, Grant Newcombe*, William L. Perry IV*, Briana Rodriguez*
Theatre Patrons Association Scholarship
Katie Ellis, Anthony Gallo, Sara Gonzales*, Tanner Griffin*, Layla Hemrick, Jordan Howard, Sarah Hutchinson, Nicolas FlorezOrtiz, Amelie Steffen, Angelo Zizza*
Theatre Patrons London Endowment
Adam Fuller, Leah Holewyne, Aly MacDonald, Brenna Maloney, Sylvia Preston
Theodore and Barbara Judd Endowed Scholarship in Theatre
Katharyn McConnell, Mila Sumrall
Berler-Contreras Theatre Scholarship Fund
Nate Heffelfinger
Pat Simmons Memorial Scholarship Tin Tran*
Jay & Dr. Sue Newman Award in Theatre Studies
Rebecca Curran
All (*) following students’ names indicate they are a part of this production of Once Upon a Mattress.
CELEBRATING LIFETIME GIVING
Robert* & Cindy Barber
Fred Chappell
Robert J. Contreras and Ellen S. Berler
Ralph L. Cook*
Sandra J. and James L. Dafoe
John Degen*
Howard and Susan Eisenman
Jo Ann and Frank* Fain
Frank M. Flynn*
Davis Gaines
Steven and Blanche Gordon
Richard & Kathy Henry
Richard & Betty
Higginbotham*
Mart P. Hill
Donald Hinkle
Janet Bruce Hinkle
Maximilian E. & Marion O.
Hoffman Foundation
Tedd & Barbara A. Judd*
Howard Kessler and Anne
Van Meter
Michael T. Martin*
James W. Newman
George & Charlotte Palmer*
Brooks and Almena Pettit
Burton L. Reynolds*
Jim and Betty Ann Rodgers
Angela Musette Russo Foundation
Leon Schmehl*
Steven L. Sears
Frederick E. and June Turner
Dennis and Barbara Williams
Carol A. Woodward
Donors listed have given $25,000 or more in cumulative lifetime giving to the School of Theatre.
All (*) following a donor’s name indicates the person is deceased but not forgotten.
LONDON
THEATRE EXPERIENCE
June, 2025
Join fellow School of Theatre Patrons on this exciting trip across the Atlantic and experience one of the world’s greatest theatre scenes.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
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, we expect that you…
Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, consider wearing a mask or staying safely home until you recover.
Silence cellular phones and other noise-making devices during the show.
Do not record audio or video for any purpose during the show.
OUR OFFERINGS & POLICIES
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.
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.
Printed playbills are a reward of joining the Patrons Association. For more information, visit theatre.fsu.edu/patrons-association/
