Letter from the Artistic Director

LETTER FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

DEAR FRIENDS,

Welcome to Somewhere Over the Border! We’re very glad you’re here today and truly grateful to you for sticking with us through this topsy-turvy season.

While we’re not taking anything for granted—who knows what surprises may be ahead—the decline in the number of Covid cases allows us to be cautiously optimistic about welcoming you in the spring for three terrific plays: The Play That Goes Wrong, salt/city/blues, and The Most Beautiful Home…Maybe. There’s a lot of great theatre ahead in season 49.

We’re thrilled to share this world premiere with you. It’s not every day that we get to produce a brand new musical. In fact, this is the first time Syracuse Stage has premiered a new musical specifically produced for the mainstage season. We are pleased to share the honor with our co-producers at Geva Theatre and Teatro Vista in Chicago. I’m grateful to Geva’s artistic director Mark Cuddy for introducing me to the amazing work of our playwright Brian Quijada. Once we had the opportunity to learn about the story and hear samples of the music, we knew we wanted Somewhere Over the Border to be part of our season. That this musical about a young girl’s journey filters its plot through the lens of The Wizard of Oz makes Somewhere Over the Border even more appealing to our Central New York audience.

It’s a big job to bring a new musical to life. It takes a village. What you’re seeing now is the result of numerous workshops, re-writes, collaboration, and exploration. It’s not quite the same as working on a play or musical with an existing artistic footprint. Our creative team, led by director Rebecca Martínez and musical director Julián Mesri, continued to enhance and refine the story and the music throughout the rehearsal process. The fabulous result of their efforts is the opportunity for you to hear a new story told on the stage for the very first time. It’s a special privilege, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this journey.

ROBERT HUPP. PHOTO: BRENNA MERRITT. 

Thanks for joining us. Please enjoy Somewhere Over the Border!

Bob Hupp Artistic Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS

7 | Letter from the Artistic Director 11 | Title 12 | Taking Photos in the Theatre 13 | Cast & Credits 18 | Dramaturgical 26 | Cast & Artistic Staff Bios 38 | Who We Are Our Mission Our Vision Our Core Values 39 | About Syracuse Stage Anti-Racism Pledge Land Acknowledgement In the Community 46 | Board of Trustees 47 | Emeritus Circle Education Advocacy Board Young Adult Council 48 | Corporate, Foundation & Government Sponsors 50 | Sponsors 51 | Individual, Corporate, Foundation, & Government Gifts 52 | In Tribute 60 | Planned Giving Matching Gift Program 62 | Staff

PROGRAM BOOK

Director of Marketing and Communications: Joseph Whelan Advertising: Joanna Penalva Layout: Jonathan Hudak Cover Design: Brenna Merritt Somewhere Over the Border | February 23 - March 13, 2022 The Syracuse Stage program is produced six times a year. For advertising rates and information contact Joanna Penalva at 315-443-2636. Printed by QMC Group.