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
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Original Direction and Choreography by Susan Stroman
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” Words and Music by Irving Berlin © 1928, 1929 by Irving Berlin (ASCAP) © Renewed
Director & Choreographer
Dewayne Barrett
Music Director
Michael Norris
Scenic Designer
Andrea Ball
Sound Designer Zach Cramer
Fight Director
Jason Armit
Lighting Designer Todd Wren
Costume Designer Jen Gillette
Technical Director
Alroy Harry
Intimacy Director Nick Maccarone
Calling Stage Manager
Lindsay Johnson
February 21 - March 2, 2025
The Richard G. Fallon Theatre
Dramaturg
Aishat Lawal
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (BROADWAY VERSION)
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
THE CAST
(In order of appearance)
The Herald / Quartet / Ensemble ..................................... Alex Minarik
Quartet / Ensemble ................................................................ Bo Bailey
Ensemble.................................................................... Christian Collins
Ensemble ........................................................................ Grace Conrad
Ensemble ................................................................ Emma Kate Farlow
Ensemble ......................................................................... Alana Hogan
Ensemble.......................................................................Leah Holewyne
Ensemble ................................................................................ Leah Ifill
Ensemble .........................................................................Londyn Kirol
Ziggy / Mr. Hilltop .........................................................Michael Leslie
Quartet / Ensemble .................................................. Grant Newcombe
Ensemble ......................................................................... Ava Podewitz
Ensemble .......................................................................... Jadon Rhyne
Ensemble .................................................................... Ira Woodfaulk II
Steward / Quartet / Ensemble ................................................ Cole Hall
Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein ........................................... Noah Sprague
Inspector Hans Kemp ...................................................Bryson Thomas
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein .............................................. Vicente Tomé
Elizabeth Benning ............................................. Onyekachi Anyagaligbo
Igor ................................................................................ Griffin Stanley
Inga... ............................................................................ Olivia Windley
Frau Blucher................................................................... Ellie Papataros
The Monster. ...............................................................Chijioke Oparaji
The Hermit .......................................................................... Jake Tottle
SETTING
Transylvania Heights, 1934 - There will be one fifteen-minute intermission -
THE ORCHESTRA
Keyboard 1 ...........................................................................................Sudarat Songsiridej
Keyboard 2 .............................................................................................Connor McKenna
Reed 1 (Alto Sax / Clarinet / Alto Flute / Flute / Piccolo) ..................................Aidan May
Reed 2 (Clarinet / Soprano Sax / Tenor Sax / Oboe / English Horn).............Patricia Crispino
Reed 3 (Baritone Sax / Bass Clarinet / Clarinet / Flute)..................................Joshua Spraker
Drums .........................................................................................................John Carpenter
Trumpet 1 ....................................................................................................Noah Solomon
Trumpet 2 ....................................................................................................Brian Ratledge
Trombone .....................................................................................................Connor Casey
Horn.................................................................................................................David Pinero
Violin ..........................................................................................................Lambert Hsieh
Acoustic Bass ...............................................................................................Pete Knowlton
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Act I
Prelude................................................................................................................Orchestra
The Happiest Town In Town............................................................Ziggy and Villagers
(There Is Nothing Like) The Brain............................Frederick and Medical Students Please Don’t Touch Me...........................................................Elizabeth and Passengers Together Again....................................................................................Frederick and Igor Roll In The Hay.........................................................................Inga, Frederick, and Igor Join The Family Business......................................................Victor and Mad Scientists
He Vas My Boyfriend...................................................................................Frau Blucher
The Law..............................................................................................Kemp and Villagers
Life, Life............................................................Frederick, Igor, Inga, and Frau Blucher
He Vas My Boyfriend (Reprise)..................................................................Frau Blucher Welcome To Transylvania....................................................Kemp and Village Quartet
Transylvania Mania................................................Igor, Frederick, Inga, and Villagers
Act II
Entr’acte...............................................................................................................Orchestra
He’s Loose..........................................................................................Kemp and Villagers
Listen to Your Heart....................................................................................................Inga Surprise...................................................Elizabeth, Frau Blucher, Igor, and Entourage
Please Send Me Someone..............................................................................The Hermit Man About Town................................................................................................Frederick
Puttin’ On the Ritz...........................................................Frederick, The Monster, Inga, Igor, and Chorus of Monsters
He’s Loose (Reprise).........................................................................Kemp and Villagers
Deep Love............................................................................................................Elizabeth
Frederick’s Soliloquy...........................................................................................Frederick
Deep Love (Reprise).............................................................The Monster and Villagers
Finale Ultimo......................................................................................................Company
CAST HEADSHOTS
Onyekachi Anyagaligbo Bo Bailey
Christian Collins Grace Conrad
Cole Hall
Alana Hogan
Leah Holewyne
Londyn Kirol
Michael Leslie
Emma Kate Farlow
Leah Ifill
Alex Minarik
Chijioke Oparaji
Ellie Papataros
Grant Newcombe
Ava Podewitz
CAST HEADSHOTS
Bryson Thomas
Vicente Tomé
Jake Tottle
Olivia Windley Ira Woodfaulk II
Noah Sprague
Griffin Stanley
Jadon Rhyne
WHO’S WHO
Onyekachi Anyagaligbo, she/her (Elizabeth Benning) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Miami, FL. Her previous credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Ensemble), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble), 9 to 5: The Musical (Ensemble), Chicago (Velma Kelly), and The Little Mermaid (Ursula). She would love to thank her family, friends, and mentors!
Bo Bailey, he/him (Quartet, Ensemble) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Lakeland, FL. Previous FSU credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Sir Harry), and previous professional credits include The Little Mermaid (Ensemble/Scuttle u/s) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Apostle/Ensemble) at Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts. He would like to thank his family for their love and support. @bobaileyyy
Christian Collins, he/him (Ensemble) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from New Orleans, LA. Previous credits: Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Dolokhov), Once Upon a Mattress (Associate Choreographer), Something Rotten! (Robin/Ensemble/Shakespeare u/s), Sweet Charity (Frug/Vittorio u/s), 9 to 5: The Musical (Bob Enright, Ensemble) at FSU; Pippin (Pippin), 42nd Street (Ensemble), and Newsies (Choreographer). Thanks to the pals and the fam. Go Noles! Live Like Keith. @christianjcollins_
Grace Conrad, she/her (Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Atlanta, GA. Previous credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Willow), CCCEPA’s A Chorus Line (Cassie), and CCCEPA’s Bring it On: The Musical (Nautica). Grace would like to thank her family and everyone who has played a part in the process of Young Frankenstein .
Emma Kate Farlow, she/her (Ensemble) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Atlanta, GA. Favorite credits include Once Upon a Mattress
(Winnifred), 9 to 5: The Musical (Dance Captain/Swing), and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble). She would like to thank her family for their endless support and love. Enjoy the show!
Cole Hall, he/him (Steward, Quartet, Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Johns Creek, GA. Previous credits include Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience! (Wilbur J. Mole Rat Jr.), Sweet Charity (Vittorio Vidal), Anastasia (Dimitry), and Mamma Mia (Sky). He would like to thank Team BLEC as well as the cast and crew for their love and support.
Alana Hogan, she/her (Ensemble) is a freshman BM Music Theatre major from Palm Harbor, FL. Previous credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Princess #12, Lady Mabelle), Parade (Lucille Frank), and The Wedding Singer (Julia Sullivan). She would like to thank her family as well as the cast and crew of Young Frankenstein for their love and support!
Leah Holewyne, she/her (Ensemble) is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Houston, TX. Previous credits include Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Mary) and 9 to 5: The Musical (Maria). She would like to thank her parents, brother, and Michele Diamonti for their love and support.
Leah Ifill, she/her (Ensemble) is a freshman BM Music Theatre major from Tampa, FL. Her previous stage credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larken), 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), and Chicago (Roxie Hart). Leah extends her heartfelt gratitude to her family, castmates, and the production team for their unwavering support and encouragement in her artistic journey.
Londyn Kirol, she/her (Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Clayton, NC. Previous credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Swing/ Winnifred u/s), Little Women: The
WHO’S WHO
Musical (Jo March), and Waiting for Lefty (Florence). She would like to thank her parents for their continued support and the cast and crew for making this a wonderful experience!
Michael Leslie, he/him (Ziggy, Mr. Hilltop) is a freshman BA Theatre and BS Business major from Miami, FL. Previous credits include A Chorus Line (Mike Costa), Shrek The Musical Jr. (Shrek), Once on This Island (Agwe), Into the Woods Jr. (Cinderella’s Prince), The Lion King Jr. (Shenzi) at Actors’ Playhouse in Miami, Seussical the Musical Jr. (Monkey), The Jungle Book Kids (Baloo), Elf the Musical Jr. (Santa), The Music Man (Ensemble) at the Weston Playhouse in Vermont, and The Nutcracker (Soldier, Fritz). Michael thanks his parents, his sisters Jessica, Rebecca and Amanda Leslie, and his entire family. He dedicates this to Abuela and to Grandma Grace, who at 96 is still performing musical theater. @michaelleslie612
Alex Minarik, he/him (The Herald, Quartet, Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Music Theatre major from Naples, FL. Previous credits at FSU include Once Upon a Mattress (Ensemble). Alex is so thankful for everyone that put in the work to make this performance possible! Enjoy the show! @alexminarikk
Grant Newcombe, he/him (Quartet, Ensemble) is a sophomore BA Theatre major on a Performance focus track. His most recent credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Jester), Spring Awakening (Hanschen), 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. @grantnewcombe
Chijioke Oparaji, he/him (The Monster) is a sophomore BM Music Theatre major from Orlando, FL. You might recognize him from his previous shows at FSU including: Naked Mole
Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience! (Venti), Show Me Eternity (Pain), and Something Rotten! (Minstrel). He is absolutely ecstatic to be working on Young Frankenstein this season! He would love to thank the cast and crew for all of the hard work they have put into the show and his family and friends for always having his back! He gives a special shoutout to his siblings for their constant love and support! @__
Chijioke__
Ellie Papataros, she/her (Frau Blucher) is a freshman BA Theatre major from St. Petersburg, FL. She would like to thank her mother and father for their love and support as well as the cast and crew of Young Frankenstein for giving her this opportunity and creating such a welcoming environment.
Ava Podewitz, she/her (Ensemble) is a senior BA Theatre major from Franklin, TN. Previous credits include Romeo and Julian (Rosaline), Something Rotten! (Ensemble), and Dragons Love Tacos (Leroy). She would like to thank her family and friends for their unconditional support and this wonderful cast and crew for their dedication and talent!
Jadon Rhyne, he/him (Ensemble) is a sophomore BM Music Theatre major from Lincolnton, NC. Previous credits include Titanic (Jim Farrell), Footloose (Chuck u/s), Everybody (Death u/s), and The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow). He would like to thank his mother, Suzanne Rhyne, as well as the cast and crew of Young Frankenstein .
Noah Sprague, he/him (Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein) is a junior BM Music Theatre major from The Woodlands, TX. Previous credits include Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble/Assistant Dance Captain), 9 to 5: The Musical (Ensemble), and Footloose (Ren McCormack). He would like to thank his friends and family as well as the cast and crew for the love and support.
WHO’S WHO
Griffin Stanley, he/him (Igor) is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from Tallahassee, FL. Previous credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Nightingale), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble), Sweet Charity (Frug Dancer), and Newsies (Specs). He would like to thank his family and the cast and crew of Young Frankenstein for their kindness and endless support.
Bryson Thomas, he/him (Inspector Hans Kemp) is a junior Actuarial Science and Statistics student from Winter Haven, FL. Previous credits include Legally Blonde (Warner, TSC), RENT (Roger, Theatre Tallahassee), and Grease (Danny, Theatre Winter Haven). He thanks his loved ones for their continuous support.
Vicente Tomé, he/him (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein) is a senior BA Theatre major from Miami, FL. Previous credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Dauntless), Sororicide (Paul), and Something Rotten! (Ensemble). Vicente is INSANE about this production, and he thanks the amazing cast, crew, and production team for making the show possible! Special thanks to his friends and family for always supporting his passion.
Jake Tottle, he/him (The Hermit) is a junior Humanities major from Tampa, FL. Previous credits include Parade (Leo Frank), Forever Plaid (Francis), Legally Blonde (Emmett), and The Shape of Things (Adam). He would like to thank his friends and family for their support, and give a special shout out to his amazing girlfriend Amanda for being his special “Someone”.
Olivia Windley (Inga) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Atlanta, GA. Previous credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Ensemble/FSU SOT), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Assistant Choreographer/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). She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their love and support!
Ira Woodfaulk II, he/him (Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Pensacola, FL. Previous credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Ensemble), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble), Descendants: The Musical (Ben), and Spongebob: The Musical (Plankton). He’d like to thank his family, friends, cast, and crew for everything!
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: Once Upon a Mattress and The Wolves . 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.
Andrea Ball, she/they (Scenic Designer) is a scenic designer with United Scenic Artists, local 829 and this is their fifth production at FSU over the last 5 years. Previous FSU designs include Guys and Dolls , Pinkalicious , Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! , and Everybody . Andrea received her MFA in scenic design from Indiana University and has designed and taught at theatres all over the US. Along with freelance scenic designing, Andrea is also the Education and Training Coordinator with USITT’s national office.
Dewayne Barrett, he/him (Director, Choreographer) is thrilled to be back at Florida State University. He directed and choreographed Something Rotten!
WHO’S WHO
here at FSU in 2022. Dewayne is an accomplished singer, actor, dancer, teacher, director, and choreographer whose career has taken him all over the world. He has directed and choreographed for national tours, cruise lines, theme parks, dinner theatres, regional and community theatres, high schools, music videos and parades. Dewayne is the artistic director at the Post Playhouse Summer Repertory Theatre in Nebraska and is a choreographer for Rand Productions having recently choreographed Elf, Footloose and Finding Christmas for the MGM Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. He is also a guest director, teacher and choreographer at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, China where he did productions of Oklahoma, In the Heights and Fiddler on the Roof in Mandarin. Dewayne would love to give a big thank you, bravo and applause to anyone working on this production of Young Frankenstein.
Angus Black, he/him (Assistant Technical Director) is a first-year MFA Technical Production candidate from Birmingham, AL. Previous FSU credits include The Wolves . During his undergraduate years at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, he was Props Correspondent for Echoes . He would like to thank his family for their eternal support and his former boss and technical director for helping him find the FSU School of Theatre.
Matthew Cleveland, he/him (Deck Stage Manager) is a senior BA Theatre major from Pembroke Pines, FL. Previous credits at FSU include Three Anne Franks (Stage Manager) and 9 to 5: The Musical (Deck Stage Manager). He also worked as a theatrical carpenter for FSU and Stages St. Louis. He would like to thank Karen, Matt, and Reed for their love and support.
KellyAnne Correale, she/her (Deck Stage Manager) is a sophomore BA Theatre major on a Stage Management focus track and Advertising major from
St. Johns, FL. Previous FSU credits include Show Me Eternity (Assistant Stage Manager) and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Deck Crew). She wants to thank her family and friends for all their love and support.
Zach Cramer (Sound Designer) is the Sound Designer for the School of Theatre at FSU. Over the past twentyfive 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, The Addams Family, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, and In The Heights.
Jen Gillette, she/her (Costume Designer) Design credits include The Cunning Little Vixen (Manhattan School of Music), Bud, Not Buddy and Digging Up Dessa (The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts), Menagerie (The Washington Ballet), Our Black Death and Don Juan (Taffety Punk), Crimes of the Heart (Triad Stage), Guys and Dolls (Ohio Light Opera), and La Boheme (Opera Memphis). Jen is the author of the book Digital Painting and Rendering for Theatrical Design , published by Routledge in 2024. She holds an MFA in Costume Design from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Jen is Assistant Professor of Costume Design at Florida State University. She would like to thank all of her amazing FSU collaborators for this wonderful experience. IG @jengillettedesign
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
Ning Goff, she/her (Makeup Designer) is a second-year MFA Costume Design candidate from Indianapolis, IN. Previous design credits at FSU include costume designer for The Wolves, Romeo and Julian (a Shakespeare adaptation by Jacob ben Widmar), and Assistant Costume Designer to Zachary Payne on Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. Professional Credits include Assistant Costume Designer for The Tempest (Illinois Shakespeare Festival) and stitcher on Henry the 8th (Utah Shakespeare Festival). She would like to thank her Purdue costume shop, Tony, Mae, and Carlee for pushing her to go to grad school and her current FSU mentors for challenging her in the best ways possible. Special thanks to my parents and Luke for supporting my dreams. Also Zeus and Athena for doggie emotional support.
Alroy Harry, he/him (Technical Director) is a second-year MFA Technical Production student from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Previous FSU credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Assistant Technical Director)and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Assistant Technical Director). After graduation, he is planning to pursue a career as a Project/Production Manager. He would like to thank his family for their love and support.
Lindsay Johnson, she/her (Calling Stage Manager) is a senior BA Theatre major with minors in Film Studies and Hospitality Management from Saint Cloud, FL. Previous credits include 9 to 5: The Musical (Deck Stage Manager), Romeo and Julian (Calling Stage Manager), and The Ruby Sunrise (Deck Stage Manager). She thanks her family, Alec, and her cat, Cash Money Flow for all the love and support during the processes of shows! She dedicates this show to her grandmother, Grami.
ZaKeyia Lacey, she/her (Assistant Choreographer) is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from Wilmington, DE. Previous FSU credits include Once Upon a Mattress (Dance Captain) and Something Rotten! (Ensemble). Her outside credits include Dream Girls at The Muny (Swing) as well as Sister Act at The Muny (Ensemble). She wants to give a big thank you to Dewayne, Alisa, and Lauren for providing this opportunity, and always believing in her.
Aishat Lawal, she/her (Dramaturg) is a sophomore BA Theatre and Creative Writing dual degree student from Saint Petersburg, FL. Previous credits include Potty Training (Lighting Board Op.) and Going Down? (Stage Manager). She would like to extend thanks to the cast, crew, and her friends and family for their continued support.
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. 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.
Hunter Norris, (Assistant Technical Director) is a first-year MFA Technical Production candidate from Tulsa, OK. Previous FSU Credits include Once Upon a Mattress . He spent his time in undergrad traveling across the country working for various companies including Utah Festival Opera, Maine State Music Theatre, and Music Theatre
WHO’S WHO
Wichita. He would like to thank God, his family, and his girlfriend for their continued love and support.
Michael Norris, he/him (Music Director) is delighted to return to the Fallon Theatre for the School of Theatre’s production of the hilarious show Young Frankenstein . Mike earned the 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. 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!, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, and Once Upon a Mattress . Mike is thrilled to join this talented group of students and theatre professionals in bringing this delightful show to Tallahassee and FSU. Special thanks to Dewayne, Su, Bianca, Will, and Lindsay for their help and collaboration.
Will Perry IV, he/him (Music Assistant) is a junior BA Theatre major from Philadelphia, PA. Some previous FSU credits include Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience! (Deck Stage Manager) and Once Upon a Mattress (Music Assistant). He thanks Mike and Su for their friendship and support throughout such a creative show!
Sylvia Preston, she/her (Deck Stage Manager) is a senior BA Theatre major from Spring Hill, FL. Previous FSU credits include Dragons Love Tacos (Sound) and The Freedom of the City (Ensemble). She also acted in Mamma Mia (Donna) at NCT Theatre. She has cherished the new experiences while working with the cast and crew, and she is thankful for the love from her family and friends.
Hannah Ripley, she/her (Deck Stage Manager) is a sophomore BA Theatre major on a Performance/ Stage Management focus track, and Behavioral Neuroscience major from Pensacola, FL. Previous credits include 9 to 5: The Musical (Spot Operator) and The Prom (Alyssa Greene). She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support as she makes her stage management debut.
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 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
WHO’S WHO
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.
MEL BROOKS (Writer, Composer & Lyricist, Producer) Director, producer, writer and actor, Mel Brooks is the recipient of three 2001 Tony Awards (Best Score, Best Book of a Musical, Best Musical) and two Grammy Awards (Best Musical Show Album and Best Long Form Music Video) for THE PRODUCERS . Mr. Brooks began his distinguished career during television’s “Golden Age” as a writer for Sid Caesar on YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS in 1951. In 1955 and in 1957, Brooks received Emmy Award nominations (with others) for the best comedy writing for CAESAR’S HOUR, and in 1956 he was nominated (with others) for best writing for a variety or situation comedy. In 1952, Brooks wrote sketches for Leonard Sillman’s Broadway smash-hit revue, NEW FACES OF 1952, and in 1957, together with Joe Darion, he wrote the book for the Broadway musical SHINBONE ALLEY, which starred Eartha Kitt. In 1962, he wrote the book for the Broadway musical ALL-AMERICAN, starring Ray Bolger. In the’60s, Brooks teamed up with Carl Reiner to write and perform THE 2000 YEAR OLD MAN albums, which became immediate bestsellers. In 1960 and 1961, Brooks and Reiner received Grammy Award nominations for the best spoken word comedy for 2000 YEARS and for best comedy performance for 2000 AND ONE YEARS, respectively. In 1997, Brooks and Reiner teamed up again for THE 2000 YEAR OLD MAN IN THE YEAR 2000. Both a book and a CD were released, the CD winning a Grammy Award in 1998 for the best spoken word album: comedy. Brooks wrote and narrated THE CRITIC , a short satire on avant-garde art films, which received the Academy Award for best animated short subject in 1964. In 1965, he teamed up with buck Henry
and created GET SMART , the longrunning televisions show starring Don Adams as Agent 86. Brooks, along with others, received an Emmy Award for outstanding writing achievement in a comedy-variety in 1967 for THE SID CAESAR, IMOGENE COCA, CARL REINER, HOWARD MORRIS SPECIAL. In 1968, he wrote and directed his first feature film, THE PRODUCERS, starring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, which earned him an Academy Award for the best original screenplay written directly for the screen. He then went on to create a remarkable string of hit comedies: 1970, he wrote, directed and acted in THE TWELVE CHAIRS; 1974, co-wrote, directed and acted in BLAZING SADDLES, and was nominated, along with John Morris, for the best title song, “Blazing Saddles”; 1974, co-wrote and directed YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN; 1976, co-wrote, directed and starred in SILENT MOVIE ; 1977, co-wrote, directed and starred in SILENT MOVIE; 1977, co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in HISTORY OF THE WORLD, PART 1 ; 1983, produced and starred in TO BE OR NOT TO BE; co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in the hit sci-fi spoof, SPACEBALLS ; 1991, co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in LIFE STINKS ; 1993, co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS; 1995, cowrote, directed, produced an starred in DRACULA; DEAD AND LOVING IT. For three successive seasons, Brooks won the Emmy Award for his role as UNCLE PHIL on the hit comedy show, MAD ABOUT YOU. His visionary film company, Brooksfilms Limited, founded in 1980, has produced some of America’s most distinguished films, among them: David Lynch’s THE ELEPHANT MAN , David Cronenberg’s THE FLY, FRANCES , Richard Benjamin’s MY FAVORITE YEAR and 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD , starring Anthony Hopkins and Mr. Brooks’ wife Anne Bancroft.
WHO’S WHO
DOUG BESTERMAN (Orchestrator) is a three-time Tony Award winning musician with a career spanning across theatre, film, television and recording. As a Composer, Producer, Arranger, and Orchestrator, he has been privileged to work with some of the most recognizable names in the industry, including composers Mel Brooks, Alan Menken, and Marc Shaiman; recording artists Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow; and directors Rob Marshall and Susan Stroman. A veteran of 25+ Broadway shows, Besterman won the Best Orchestrations Tony Award® for Fosse, The Producers , and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and was nominated for The Music Man (2000), How to Succeed in Business, and Bullets over Broadway. He was also awarded the Drama Desk Award for The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie. His most recent Broadway credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Bronx Tale, and Anastasia. Besterman has also written orchestrations for 20+ film and television projects; including recent film work on Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Frozen; and American Housewife, Crazy ExGirlfriend, and Galavant for television. As a composer, Besterman penned the scores for the podcast musical Little Did I Know (with lyricists Dean Pitchford and Marcy Heisler), currently available for download on Apple Podcasts; The Big One-Oh (with lyricist Dean Pitchford), which recently premiered at The Atlantic For Kids in NYC, and is available for licensing through Music Theater International (MTI); and the vignette “ Swelling and Irritation ” (with lyricist Sharon Vaughn) from the musical Breathe, also to be licensed by MTI - concept album to be released by Sony. His music has also been recorded by singer Christian Bautista, heard in the films The Punisher, Out of Step and Exit Speed, television shows Summerland and One Life To Live, in concert with the United States Military Academy Concert Band, and in the musical revue Hats. He is a proud father, husband, and sommelier. When not in New York or Los Angeles working, Doug is an avid traveler.
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Welcome to The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein! It is with immense excitement (and a dash of mad scientist glee) that I welcome you to this electrifying production. Tonight, we invite you to journey with us to Transylvania Heights, where laughter meets lunacy, and hilarity comes alive!
This show is a love letter to Mel Brooks’ brilliant comedic genius. It’s a celebration of the absurd, the outrageous, and the utterly delightful. In creating this production, our team has embraced the spirit of Mel’s world—where anything can happen, and the only rule is to have fun.
At its core, Young Frankenstein is about finding family in the unlikeliest of places, accepting our quirks, and learning that being “normal” is vastly overrated. Through the chaos of larger-than-life characters, zany twists, and toe-tapping musical numbers, we hope you’ll laugh until your cheeks hurt and leave humming a tune or two.
This production has been a labor of love, brought to life by an extraordinary cast, a dedicated crew, and a tireless creative team. They’ve poured their hearts (and quite possibly some spare body parts) into crafting this monstrous masterpiece.
So sit back, relax, and prepare to be shocked—in the best way possible! Whether you’re here for the laughs, the music, or the monster himself, we’re thrilled to have you join us on this madcap adventure.
Now, let’s bring this creature to life! It’s time for the show to begin. Enjoy!
-Dewayne Barrett (Director, Choreographer)
NEXT AT THE SCHOOL OF THEATRE
Preview @ FSU: Amelia and Me
by Stacey Luftig & Phillip Palmer
Augusta Conradi Studio Theatre
April 4 - April 5
It’s 1935, and pioneering pilot Amelia Earhart makes possibilities feel endless. Jackie Cochran, a brash, beautiful, new flyer looking to soar beyond her tragic past, seeks out Amelia’s guidance and becomes her friend. But when Jackie learns that Amelia’s celebrity and sense of obligation have compelled her to take dangerous shortcuts and big risks, including a treacherous round-the-globe flight, Jackie races against time to intervene—becoming entangled in the tragedy she was trying to prevent. AMELIA AND ME is the untold story of the surprising events preceding Amelia Earhart’s disappearance, and of the friendship between the world’s most beloved pilot and its most accomplished one.
DRAMATURG’S NOTE
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) begins with the following epigraph:
Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay / To mould me man? Did I solicit thee / From darkness to promote me?
These lines reference a confrontation between Adam and God in Paradise Lost, John Milton’s 17th century epic poem. The text retells the expulsion of Satan from Heaven, and the transgression of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Readers are encouraged to draw parallels between Milton’s Adam and Shelley’s Monster, who conceive of themselves as a tragic figures, shunned by their creators, though they strive to be good. Milton’s words serve as the beating heart of Shelley’s timeless tale of creator and creation.
First published when Mary Shelley was just 21, Frankenstein embodied the literary tradition of Romanticism, which centered on an exploration of the emotional, individual, and imaginative. The story has inspired over 130 film adaptations, with Young Frankenstein (1974) being heralded as perhaps the most notable 20th century iteration of the source material. Written as an adaptation of the film of the same name, Mel Brooks’ musical is singular for its tongue-in-cheek jokes and vibrant physical energy. At its core, the musical is first and foremost a comedy, but it manages to maintain allegiance to many of the themes of its Romantic source material. Between the musical, which first opened on Broadway on November 8, 2007, and the 1818 text, there exists a unity both of vision and raison d’être. Both versions aim to explore humans emotional tie to nature and attraction to the sublime, the term the Romantics used for the powerful and awe-inspiring aspects of nature, as opposed to the merely beautiful.
As you watch and enjoy our production, I invite you to consider John Milton’s quotation in conjunction with one from Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein’s author, “Laughter is a protest scream against death, against the long goodbye. It’s a defense against unhappiness and depression.” Laughter has the power to banish even the most fervent emotions of melancholy from the brain, if temporarily. Similarly, theatre exists not just as a vessel for understanding and empathy, but also as a reprieve from the oppressions of daily life. We sincerely hope that the time you spend with our show can provide a short repose, a break from the day, and as many laughs as you are willing to lend us.
-Aishat Lawal (Student Dramaturg)
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director, Choreographer Dewayne Barrett
Assistant Choreographer ................................................................................................... ZaKeyia Lacey
Dance Captain Ava Podewitz
Music Director ................................................................................................................ Michael Norris
Assistant Music Director ........................................................................................... Sudarat Songsiridej
Rehearsal Pianists Bianca Lupsha, Sudarat Songsiridej
Music Assistant........................................................................................................................ Will Perry
Costume Designer Jen Gillette
Assistant Costume Designer ................................................................................. Amelia Scott, J. Miller
Sound Designer Zach Cramer
Lighting Designer.................................................................................................................. Todd Wren
Scenic Designer .................................................................................................................... Andrea Ball
Technical Director Alroy Harry
Assistant Technical Directors ....................................................................... Angus Black, Hunter Norris
Fight Director Jason Armit
Fight Captain ................................................................................................................ Lindsay Johnson
Intimacy Director Nick Maccarone
Calling Stage Manager................................................................................................... Lindsay Johnson
Deck Stage Managers .............................................................. Matthew Cleveland, KellyAnne Correale, Sylvia Preston, Hannah Ripley
Stage Management Advisor .......................................................................................... Casey Sammarco
Dramaturg .......................................................................................................................... Aishat Lawal
Technical Direction Advisors ............................................ Laura Copenhaver, Jim Lile, Joshua Wikcham
Production Manager Joshua Wickham
Associate Production Manager.......................................................................................... Sarah I. Liffick
Assistant Production Managers Abby Akard, Sarah I. Liffick
Safety Coordinator ............................................................................................................... Abby Akard
Scene Shop Manager ......................................................................................................Colin Campbell
Assistant Scene Shop Manager.......................................................................................... Estevan Rivera
Carpenters ............................... Abby Akard, Angus Black, Kate Casey, Matthew Cleveland, Sofia Fanan, Cole Harris, Alroy Harry, Nathaniel Heffelfinger, Hannah Hennessey, James Will Hodges, Sarah Liffick, Hunter Norris, Ethan Rickert, Estevan Rivera, Mila Sumrall, William Taylor
Paint Shop Manager Teddy Moore
Scenic Charge Artist ........................................................................................................... Teddy Moore
Scenic Artists ............................... Abby Akard, Anna Collins, Chloe Crowley, Mikayla Martinez-Hobbs
Properties Manager Kevin Grab
Assistant Properties Manager ..................................................................................... James Will Hodges
Properties Coordinator Hailey Peart
Properties Artisans .................................................................. Elena Dibbs, Alroy Harry, Estevan Rivera
Properties Production Lab Matthew Cleveland, Chloe Crowley, Sean Macdonald
Costume Design Advisor ....................................................................................................... Jen Gillette
Costume Technology Advisor ................................................................................................ Jacki Armit
Costume Shop Manager Sarah M. Jahnke
Wardrobe Supervisor ........................................................................................................ Colleen Towey
Staff Wig and Make-Up Artist Madison McKenzie Weber
Make-Up Designer ................................................................................................................. Ning Goff
Makeup Artistists .................................................................................... Lily Aldrich, Savana Petranoff, Hannah Mahle, Marlena Trudnak
Prosthetic Artist............................................................................................................. Madison Pattillo
Wig and Makeup Assistant Lily Aldrich
Wig and Makeup Intern ................................................................................................ Savana Petranoff
Wig Crew Supervisor Ginger Harley
Wig Artisans ......................................................................................................Riley Bauer, Sierra Earnhardt, Zoe Kollaras, Liana Rubero, Jadyn Yokie
PRODUCTION TEAM
Wig and Make-Up Crew
Brennan Moritz Drapers ..................................................................... Sungwon An, Diana Girtain, Yu-Fang Lin, Sarah Travis Tailor Jacki Armit
First Hands .................................................. Emily Allen, Cypress Bowen, Sarah Greene, Makenzie Vaughan
Stitchers ............................................. Kyla Blake, Amberly Calero, Nicholas Eichner, Cam’Ron Folwer, Lila Knowlton, Will Perry, Miguel Quintero, Kelly Tomlin, Ryan Toussaint Crafts Artisans ...............................................................................................Heather Duzan, Ning Goff
Master Electrician Todd Teagarden
Electricians ...................................................
Zira Brown, Ashlie Charlie, Anna Collins, Amelia Cooper, Grace Coplin, Elena Dibbs, Sofia Fanan, Benji Glasheen, Lilly Johnson, Lindsay Kramer, Josh Simon, Leah Skinner, Dominique Palmer, Naiomy Perez Del Valle
Deck Electrician Emma Daniels
Lighting Supervisor ........................................................................................................ Todd Teagarden
Assistant Lighting Supervisor Lindsay Kramer, Naiomy Perez Del Valle
Automation Operator ....................................................................................................... Lucas Kirmsse
Light Board Operator Kayli O’Brien
Spotlight Operators ........................................................ Sabrina Booker, Gabriel Gonzales, Piper Greisl
Sound Assistants ........................................................ Abby Akard, Sarah I. Liffick, Jackson Quarterman Fly Operators Thomas Correnti, Lily Johnson
Costume Crew ........................................................Kelsey Bonner, Victoria Canelon, Nicholas Eichner, Sofia Fanan, Grace Kicak, Megan Kinnary, Landen Kol, Lucas Lacey, Aishat Lawal, Daniella Milian, Jack Mullin, Amelie Steffen, Dylan Valdes, Emma Zervas Decks/Props Crew ........................................................................ Liam Bass, Kyla Blake, Cecilia Eberle, Layla Hemric, Lisa Kolley, Gwyn Parris, Samantha Tholke, Gianna Weerasooriya Crew Swing .................................................................................................................... Kaitlyn Ricketts
House Manager Victoria Tebet
House Management Supervisor ............................................................................. Ayobami O. Aribisala
Director of the Fine Arts Ticket Office Amber Svetik
Patron Services Manager........................................................................................ Ayobami O. Aribisala
Patron Services Coordinator Junaidu Alhassan
Patron Service Assistant ................................................................................................... ..Victoria Tebet
Usher Crew Amberly Calero, Jonathan Curls, Mali Dennis, Sierra Earnhardt, Garland Glasheen, Logan Hagedorn, Marsh Iris, Mikayla Martinez-Hobbs, Patrick Melley, Marquis Peoples, Emily Pietrowicz, Mia Rasgorshek, Tiffany Satcher, Fabianna Silva, Shaiden Tamim, Vanessa Vega, Jamie Woolam, Emilie Youmans 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 Interns ..............................................................................
Sydney Fields, Nat Jiménez Torres Community Engagement Manager Emily Lostracco
Community Engagement Assistant........................................................................ Ayobami O. Aribisala
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*
Jay Newman
Brooks & Almena Pettit
Sara Rodrigue
Dawn Sharp*
Nancy Sheridan*
June Strauss*
ANGELS
Rob Contreras & Ellen Berler
Sandy Brown, Magnolia
Properties and Investments Inc.
Yvonne & Steve Brown
Robert & Linda Clickner
Terry & Linda Cole
Sandy & Jim Dafoe
Richard Dusenbury & Kathi Jaschke
Howard & Susan
Eisenman
Annelise Leysieffer
KC & Bob McWilliams
Lynn & Todd McWilliams
Russ & Genie Morcom
Jay & Dr. Sue Newman
Jim & Betty Ann Rogers
Laura & 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
Chris New
Almena & Brooks Pettit
Mark Seidenfeld
Nancy Stepina-Robison and Paul Fredrickson
David & Jane Watson
BENEFACTORS
Francisco Alarcon & Kathleen Kearney
Steven & Ellen Bellenot
Robert T Benton
Mark Canning
Brent & Marti Chumbler
Glenn & Mary Cole
Dr. Paul Deitchman
Michele Diamonti & Michelle MacVicar
Mrs. Sara DuChene
Chris & Caroline Ennen
Barbara & Bryon Ehlmann
Jerry and Roberta Hill
Dr. T. Lynn Hogan & Robin Fowler
Tanya Hollady
Warren Husband & Samantha Padgett
Linda & Rick Hyson
David & Sandi Jacobsen
Josh & Nikki Jordan
Michael Kiloren & Randy Nolan
Susan Barnes and Kenneth Kranz
Tony and Barbara Lombardo
Mike & Joanne Mallardi
Meredith & Elsa
McKinney
Ms. Fran McLean
Dr. Marion R. Merzer and Martin Merzer
Joel Padgett
Steve Perfect and Felecia
Elmore Perfect
Carol Sunny Phillips
Mr. & Mrs. Larry &
PATRONS ASSOCIATION
Joanne Pintacuda
Lynda Roser &
Marilyn Yon
Michael and Arlene
Sandberg
Gary & Patricia Smith
Mike & Kathi Watters
FRIENDS
Anonymous
Blythe Anderson
Jeannie B & Tommy
Barrett
Bill & Nolia Brandt
Laurie Brown
David & Audrey Byrne
Danielle Crabb
Ms. Jessica Comas
Rick & Sharon Fallon
Lynn Marie Firehammer
Eric Giunta
Harvey and Judy
Goldman
Sarah Goodson & Ian
Anderson Artis Gray
Melissa Gross
Bill Hall
William & Maura
Heebink
Patrick & Terri Hogan
Roxanne Hughes, Ph.D.
The Knowlton Family
Charles & Dian LaTour
Donna Legare and Jody Walthall
Kathleen McCullough
Kama and Blair Monroe
Ann & Don Morrow
Randy Murrell
Colleen Muscha
Doug Norton
Gale and Randy Parker
Henry and Sharon Pollock
Gloria Priest
Pat Ramsey
Rodney Reams
Lance, Beth & Lindsey
Rodan
Gloria Rotan
Barbara Roufa
Ron & Diann Schultz
Kiki & David Slaton
Paula Stafford
Barbara Mansfield-Wilson
Richard & Kathy Zorn
Patrons Association Members listed as of February 14, 2025. All (*) following a donor’s name indicates the person has passed away.
PATRONS SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT:
A passionate theatre artist with a strong foundation in dance and violin, Sylvia Preston has been captivated by the stage since childhood. Growing up in Wauchula and Spring Hill, Florida, she actively participated in theatre productions from a young age. Her dedication to the craft led her to pursue a BA Theatre degree at Florida State University.
Sylvia is driven by the power of theatre to evoke unique experiences and provoke audience responses. Her notable performances include Donna in Mamma Mia and Dr. Gibbs in Our Town.
She has also contributed to one-act plays at the Love is Love Festival through White Mouse Productions, valuing the opportunity to be part of a production that aims to raise awareness. One of Sylvia’s most cherished memories is attending Theatre Night for the first time as a freshman, experiencing the vibrant energy and shared passion for theatre within the FSU community. After graduation, Sylvia aspires to pursue acting in regional and professional theatres, as well as film. She is also interested in exploring stage management as a potential career path.
Sylvia is deeply grateful to the Patrons for their generous support of young theatre artists. Their contributions have significantly impacted her educational journey, enabling her to study abroad in London and broaden her horizons. This experience has further solidified her commitment to theatre and her vision for her future.
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, Landen 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 Minarik*, Kelly Tomlin, Olivia Windley*, Ira Woodfaulk 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 Young Frankenstein.
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.
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…
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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/participate/patrons-association/
