Moonshine & Mistletoe - An Appalachian Christmas Tale at Garden Theatre

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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.


Note from the Producer On behalf of the production staff, creative team, and acting company of Moonshine and Mistletoe - An Appalachian Christmas Tale, I want to thank you for supporting live theatre! As an independent theatrical producer, my mission is to support the growth of theatre by developing and producing new and innovative works for local audiences. During the pandemic, I took a trip to the Appalachian mountains to get a breath of fresh air and to see a new landscape. While there I called my friend, writer/director DJ Salisbury, and told him how much I was enjoying the mountains and that I would love to do a new show in that part of the country. He casually said, “How about my Appalachian Mountain Christmas Show?!?” to which I replied quizzically, “Wait…you actually have an Appalachian mountain Christmas show??” From that moment, my excitement to bring his family-focused, actor-musician show — which had last been heard as a reading in NYC in 2016 — to the stage grew like kudzu in the foothills! DJ’s inspiration to write the show came from a desire to highlight AMERICAN Christmas traditions. No slight to Dickens, but theatres nation-wide have had a great many holidays presenting nothing beyond the standard British “bah humbug” fare. Moonshine and Mistletoe - An Appalachian Christmas Tale, presents a warm slice of Americana. Set during the Great Depression, a simpler time… a time where happiness wasn’t about what you had, but who you had…it is a story of togetherness, forgiveness, and love at Christmastime… themes as resonant today as they were in 1937. DJ’s love for folk and bluegrass music came from his roots in rural Kentucky. Having myself been raised in Missouri singing and playing in the bluegrass band started by my grandparents, I fell in love with the show’s music immediately. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to bring you and your family a new Christmas show and, perhaps, a new yearly theatre-going tradition. It is our great hope that you will have a foot-stompin’ good time with the Ballard family and that our show will spread joy far and wide for countless generations to come. From high up on the mountaintop, we shout, “Merry Christmas, y’all!” Jessica Huckabey, Executive Producer


Moonshine and Mistletoe – An Appalachian Christmas Tale is presented with permission from the authors, DJ Salisbury and Larry Moore. Permission was granted to use the music with credit given to the following: OPENING SEQUENCE MEDLEY: “Bright Morning Stars are Rising” (traditional, Appalachian) “People Come East” (words by Eleanor Farjeon set to traditional French carol, published 1928) “Dame Get Up and Bake Your Pies” (traditional, English) “There Was a Pig Went Out to Dig” (Lucy Broadwood and J A Fuller Maitland, published 1915) “Sing, All Men!”/ “Christ Church Bells” (Collected in Appalachian by J.J. Niles, 1912/ traditional, recorded by Jean Ritchie) “Early on One Christmas Morn” (Recorded 1929 by Cottentop Mountain Sanctified Singers, no information available on songwriters) “Good Old Mountain Dew” (Bascom Lamar Lunsford, published in 1928) “I Wish I Was Single Again” (collected by John and Alan Lomax, song attributed to Roy McDaniel) “I Wish I Was a Single Girl Again” and medley tag. (from Cecil Sharp Collection, English Folk Songs of the Appalachian Mountains, 1917) “Go Where I Send Thee” (traditional) “The Friendly Beasts” (traditional, English words written by Robert Davis circa 1920s) “Leather Britches” (traditional) “West Virginia Mine Disaster,” (Jean Ritchie)

“Brightest and Best” (words by Reginald Heber, music by James F. Harding, 1902) “Breakin’ Up Christmas” (Appalachian, attributed to Preston Pet McKinney) “The Cherry Tree Carol” (traditional, revised melody by Larry Moore) “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship” (words by George Atkins, music by William Moore, circa 1820s) “I Wonder as I Wander” (Appalachian, collected by J.J. Niles, published 1934) “My Love Brought Me Summer on a Grey Winter’s Day” (words and music by DJ Salisbury, arranged by Larry Moore) “Snowman on the Mountaintop” (Words by DJ Salisbury, Music by David Lutken) “Christ Child’s Lullabye” (Father Ranald Rankin, circa 1885) “How Far is it to Bethlehem?” (poem by Frances Chesterton set to traditional English music, published 1922) “Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree” (1784 hymn, melody by Larry Moore) “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” (published in 1940 by Vaughan Publishing Company, but written earlier by R. Fisher Boyce) “Christmas Time’s Come ‘Round Again” (words and music by DJ Salisbury)

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THE CAST Lessy Boy...........................................................................................................................................LUKE DARNELL* Guitar, Bass, Dulcimer Wilmer.................................................................................................................................................DAVID FINCH* Fiddle, Banjo, Mandolin, Harmonica, Spoons, Guitar Mamie.............................................................................................................................AMANDA HUDSON GIESE Curleen................................................................................................................................MAGGIE HOLLINBECK* Guitar, Autoharp, Accordion Dewey Joe..............................................................................................................................................JULIAN JAMES Guitar Reverend Nathe.........................................................................................................................PEDRO KA‘AWALOA Accordion, Concertina, Guitar, Autoharp Della....................................................................................................................................... ALLISON ANN KELLY* Banjo, Guitar, Bass Joy Lynn...........................................................................................................................................MEGAN ERIN LAI Fiddle, Guitar Dovey....................................................................................................................................................KAMILAH LAY Fiddle Jarrett.............................................................................................................................................JOHN ROCHETTE* Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Percussion Arlie.................................................................................................................................................KELAN M. SMITH Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Psaltery, Pennywhistle, Bass Duncan Sparks...........................................................................................................DACHENG LI, KALEN ROJAS Alice Ann Sparks.............................................. BLAIRE CAPARAS, ADDALYNN JAYE, BLAKELY MCKELLAR

UNDERSTUDIES For Lessy Boy: David Finch Standby For Curleen and Mamie: JENNIFER LYNN TEEL For Della, Dovey, and Joy Lynn: AMANDA TOWNES, Guitar, Uke Standby For Dewey Joe, Jarrett, Rev. Nathe, Arlie: MICHAEL TOPERZER, Guitar, Mandolin, Concertina, Psaltery, Bass, Accordion For Wilmer: BOBBIE BELL, Pennywhistle, Harmonica

VICTORY PRODUCTIONS CREATIVE TEAM Executive Producer..................................................................................................................FERNANDO VARELA Assistant Executive Director..............................................................................................MARINA CALDARELLA Technical Director...................................................................................................................... PETER LUTRINGER Production Manager.....................................................................................................RITA D’ANGELO TIKADOR Marketing Director........................................................................................................................... KEITH HINSON Casting Director................................................................................................................COURTNEY HAMMOND Administrative Assistant...........................................................................................LINDA MARIE ROMANELLO Administrative Assistant..............................................................................................................HERBERT WELCH

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Moonshine & Mistletoe – An Appalachian Christmas Tale


THE PRODUCTION TEAM Executive Producer ................................................................................................................ JESSICA HUCKABEY Director............................................................................................................................................. DJ SALISBURY** Music Director.............................................................................................................................DAVID M. LUTKEN Associate Music Director................................................................................................... MAGGIE HOLLINBECK AEA Stage Manager........................................................................................................ REBECCA L. JOHNSTON* Costume Design.......................................................................................................................JESSICA HUCKABEY Scenic and Props Design.................................................................................................................DUANE HARVEY Lighting Design................................................................................................................... SARAH JEAN ELLIOTT Sound Design...............................................................................................................................CRAIG BEYROOTI Scenic Supervisor/Master Carpenter............................................................................................BONNIE SPRUNG Wardrobe Supervisor.....................................................................................................LAUREN SCARBOROUGH Audio Engineer......................................................................................................................... PHILIP FRANZONE Audio Technician................................................................................................................. JOSEPH RIVIERA NOA Light Board Operator................................................................................................................HANNAH KIFELEW Master Electrician................................................................................................................ NICOLE COLANGELO Lighting and Scenic Assistants...................................................... JOSEPH RIVERA NOA, HANNAH KIFELEW

*Member of ACTORS EQUITY ASSOCIATION, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

**

Special Thanks to: Bud Clark Designs, Riverside Theatre, The Wick Theatre, Athens Theatre, and Orlando Family Stage. This production is presented in one act; there will be no intermission. As a courtesy to our performers and audience members, please mute and put away all cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the show. Smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited within the building.

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Who’s Who in the Cast LUKE DARNELL* (Lessy Boy) A fourth-generation performer, Luke’s family legacy includes Vaudeville, Broadway, and film/TV. As an actor, musician, and stuntman he has appeared on four continents in venues ranging from arenas to theatres to dive bars. Off-Broadway/NYC: The Other Josh Cohen, Cyrano de Bergerac (Christian), and The Goree All-Girl String Band. Las Vegas: Million Dollar Quartet (Perkins, Cash). Select regional: Matilda (Mr. Wormwood), The Understudy (Jake), Jersey Boys (Gyp DeCarlo), MDQ (Perkins, Phillips), Buddy (many), and Oliver! (Bill Sykes). TV: “Law & Order,” “Billions,” “FBI,” “Gotham,” “General Hospital,” and a bunch of movies you probably haven’t seen. Luke plays in various projects including, Lianne & Luke, with his partner, Lianne Marie Dobbs: facebook.com/LianneandLukeDuo, www.lukedarnell.com. MAGGIE HOLLINBECK* (Curleen) is happy to be making her Garden Theatre debut with these gorgeous humans! Some of Maggie’s recent roles include Once (1st National Tour); Woody Sez (Ivoryton Playhouse); Ring of Fire (Florida Rep); Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Weston Playhouse). She’s an original member of the band Americana Women, which celebrates the women of country, folk, and bluegrass music. With her music partner Graham Sobelman, Maggie is also co-developing Songs from Eagle Pond, a love story centered on the lives of New Hampshire-based poets Jane Kenyon and Donald Hall. Website: www.maggiehollinbeck.com DAVID FINCH* (Wilmer / U/S Lessy Boy) (he/him) Mr. Finch, a multiinstrumentalist, has played beside artists as diverse as Alan Cumming, Serj Tankian, Tony Bennett, Amanda Palmer, Kylie Minogue, and Dee Snider from Lincoln Center to San Francisco’s Castro Theatre. As an actor/musician: Cabaret (Broadway), Woody Sez (West End). He’s performed in over two dozen productions of Woody Sez Internationally and at Regional Theatres across the country. He played chromatic harmonica as the Mock Turtle in the opera Alice In Wonderland with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London and the L.A. Phil at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. PBS special: Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs. National/International Tours: Cabaret, Fame the Musical. Off-Broadway: Allegro, Fame on 42nd Street, Spring Storm, Woody Sez. Regional: Almost Heaven (Riverside), Indian Joe (Goodspeed), Prometheus Bound (A.R.T), Hank Williams’ Lost Highway (Stages Rep), Grapes of Wrath (Capital Rep), 1940s Radio Hour (Riverside), Fiddler on the Roof (Sacramento Music Circus), Buddy (MGR Playhouse). Associate Producer at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS from 2004–2006. Please visit fiddlerfinch.com AMANDA HUDSON GIESE (Mamie) is a singer, actress, and vocal coach whose professional career spans over 30 years with many professional credits as a performer, director, and teacher. Her performing credits include most recently, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Domina), Fiddler On The Roof (Fruma Sara & Musical Director), and Far Away (Harper). Other favorites include The British Invasion at the Orlando Fringe Festival, The Wonderful Wizard of Song, Nine, and Mame. She was Miss Lily in The Golden Horseshoe Show at Disneyland in California for 3 years, *The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

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Who’s Who in the Cast and a featured vocalist with Big Bands in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. She’s taught at Nevada School of the Arts, Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, and served as Director of Youth Theater at the Roth JCC, Maitland. Amanda currently offers private voice, group voice, and audition prep classes. She is thrilled to be joining this incredible cast and crew for her debut show at the Garden Theatre. KELAN M. SMITH (Arlie) grew up in western Wisconsin and has spent his entire adult life in Chicago, though his work as an actor, musician, singer, music director, and composer has been seen all across the country. He is excited to be spending the holidays making his debut with the Garden Theatre! Past credits include: Ring of Fire (Drury Lane Theatre); Spring Awakening, and Pump Boys and Dinettes (Porchlight Music Theatre); Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Marriott Theatre); The Porch On Windy Hill (Northlight Theatre); Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Plaid Tidings, and Lost Highway (Timber Lake Playhouse); Once (Bristol Valley Theatre); Verböten (The House Theatre); Bright Star (Boho Theatre); and Haymarket (Underscore Theatre). www.kelanmsmith.com PEDRO KA’AWALOA (Reverend Nathe) has toured nationally as The King in The King and I. Regional: Jean-Michel in Cinderella (Alabama Shakespeare); Ensemble and Perón u/s in Evita (The Fulton Theatre); Professor Willard and Tom Stoppard in Our Town (Peterborough Players); Dolokhov replacement and Pierre u/s in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Theatre Raleigh); El Gallo in The Fantasticks (Broward Stage Door). With a Music degree from Harvard, Pedro also works as a music director, teacher, and coach. MD/Conductor/Keys: Cabaret; Les Misérables; Seussical; The King and I; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Beehive the ‘60s Musical. Pedro’s private studio is called Hana Hou Studio. IMUA! @pedrokaawaloa KAMILAH LAY (Dovey) Wisconsin-native Kamilah Lay is delighted to be making her debut in The Sunshine State with Victory Productions. Most recently, she appeared in San Luis Obispo Rep’s production of Once (Reza). Regional credits include: Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Theatre Raleigh, The Fireside Theatre, First Stage, Carowinds, Cedar Point, Ravinia Festival, Marriott Theatre, and Drury Lane Theatre. Kamilah’s an alumna of Illinois Wesleyan University, where she earned her BFA in Music Theatre. She extends endless gratitude to DJ, Jessica, and the entire team of dedicated professionals brought together for this special holiday show. Many thanks and much love to her Midwestern family for their steadfast support in addition to her dearest Collin. Kamilah aspires to connect, learn, and grow as new opportunities present themselves. ALLISON ANN KELLY* (Della) is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production. Off Broadway: Monstress. Favorite Regional: American Idiot; The Other Josh Cohen; Ring of Fire; Airness; Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America; Little Orphan Danny (NYSAF); The Hello Girls; Rocky Horror Show (Music Director); and The Williamstown Theatre Festival Cabaret 2023. TV: The Helpsters (Apple TV+), The 75th Annual Tony Awards (ensemble vocalist). Allison tours nationally with Darlin’ Companion: Johnny and June Carter Cash and with the shows she created: Americana Women: Celebrating the Icons of Country and Folk and Americana Christmas. Her original music can be found through her band, Southpaw Green, on all streaming services. @akplaysmusic @southpawgreenmusic

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Who’s Who in the Cast JOHN ROCHETTE* (Jarrett) is new to Orlando and is honored to join the Garden Theatre family in this magical downtown Winter Garden. John just finished playing Elvis at Orlando Shakes in Million Dollar Quartet. Past credits include: Jersey Boys on Broadway/Tour/Off Broadway/Film (Tommy DeVito & Norm); Blue Man Group (Center Blue Man); Little Shop of Horrors (Dentist); Spamalot (Lancelot); Bullets Over Broadway (David Shayne); Rocky Horror (FrankNFurter). John is also a professional drummer and plays with the local band @JohnnyWildandtheDelights. This show goes out to his evergrowing family, Leslie, Jude, Vivienne, Pasta, and Laya. Personal Insta: @John_Rochette JULIAN JAMES (Dewey Joe) is thrilled to be returning to the Garden Theatre! You may (or may not) recognize him from his performance as Friedrich in the Garden’s 2011 production of The Sound of Music. How the time flies! Graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts 2020. Other previous onstage roles include Smudge (Forever Plaid), Joe B Mauldin (Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story), and Andrey (Three Sisters), as well as vocal groups at Universal Studios Orlando and onboard various cruise ships all over the world. He’d like to thank everyone at The Garden and Victory Productions for their generosity and hospitality, and wish everyone a wonderful and safe holiday season. juliandylanjames.com @h0olian MEGAN ERIN LAI (Joy Lynn) is from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago and she is elated to be making her Garden Theatre debut. Most recently, she performed in Northlight Theatre’s production of The Porch on Windy Hill (Mira u/s). A graduate of the BFA Acting program at Illinois Wesleyan University, some of her theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia), Breaking Up (Alice), and South Pacific (Liat). Megan is also passionate about screen acting and has acted in multiple short films around Chicago. Special thanks to her mom and Jacob for their unwavering support and love. www.meganerinlai.com JENNIFER LYNN TEEL (Standby for Curleen and Mamie) is thrilled to be making her Garden Theatre debut. Regional Credits include: All Shook Up (Miss Sandra) at Madison Theatre; Freaky Friday (Katherine Blake), James and the Giant Peach (Ladybug), Big Fish (Jenny Hill), The Odd Couple (Cecily Pigeon), Lyric’s A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit & Ghost of Christmas Past), Sweet Charity (Ursula March), Spring Awakening (Adult Woman) at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma; Next to Normal (Diana) at Gulf Coast Symphony; American Idiot (Extraordinary Girl), Company (Kathy), In the Heights (Vanessa), Passing Strange (Desi), Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Beehive, The ‘60s Musical (Janis Joplin) at The Pollard Theatre; Cabaret (Fraulein Kost/Fritzie) at Reduxion Theatre; Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie), Oliver! (Nancy), Into the Woods (The Witch), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), John & Jen (Jen Tracy) at Poteet Theatre; Side by Side by Sondheim at Sooner Theatre. Jennifer would like to thank her amazing husband, Shane Jewell, and her kids, Nathan and Sarah, for their endless love and support.

*The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

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Who’s Who in the Cast AMANDA TOWNES (Standby for Dovey, Della, Joy Lynn) is excited to make her Garden Theatre debut. An Orlando native, she graduated from Florida Southern College in May 2023 with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She performed professionally at ValleyFair in Minnesota as a singer/musician. Theatrical credits include Godspell (Florida Southern), and Moon Over Buffalo (Florida Southern). Amanda will be setting sail with Carnival Cruise Lines as a singer/musician this January. @asamandaa amandatownes.com MICHAEL TOPERZER (Standby for Dewey Joe, Jarrett, Rev. Nathe, Arlie) is thrilled to be a part of Moonshine & Mistletoe! Regional: Pass/Over (Mister/Ossifer U/S, Studio Theater DC); Romeo and Juliet (Friar Lawrence; CSC); Alice in Wonderland (The White Rabbit; CSC), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oberon/Theseus, CSC); A Christmas Carol (Fred, CSC). Off Off Broadway: The Last Poet on Mars (The Attendant, Brooklyn Actors Troupe); Malvolio in Twelfth Night (Malvolio, Monday Theater Co.); Romeo and Juliet (Tybalt, Paris; Occupy Verona). BFA Adelphi University. Original music @yellow_birch_ road michaeltoperzer.squarespace.com BOBBIE BELL (Standby for Wilmer) is a playwright/composer/director/actor working out of Central Florida for the past 40 years. He previously appeared with Victory Productions as Arvide Abernathy in Guys and Dolls and Henry, the Old Actor, in The Fantasticks. His other most recent acting work has been with Jeremy Seghers in The Woman in Black for which he received the Orlando Sentinel’s Critics Choice award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama. Other recent roles include: Senator Fipp in Urinetown, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Papp Fnn in Big River, and Alfred Doolittle in Pygmalion. With the Orlando Ballet under the artistic direction of Fernando Bujones he performed the character roles of Sancho Panza in Don Quixote and Doctor Coppelius in Coppélia. As a director he has been selected as Orlando Sentinel’s Critic’s Choice for comedy with Outside Mullingar and for drama with Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet. As a playwright he has twice won the Florida Playwright’s Festival for his plays Pascua de Flores and Of: A Play of Artemis. His short play Abaciscus 20 will be performed at Valencia College in April. As a composer his most recent work has been composing three hours of original music for The Women of Pompeii project in conjunction with the Orlando Science Center’s “Pompeii: The Immortal City.” BLAIRE CAPARAS (Alice Ann Sparks) is a 5th grade visual and performing arts magnet student at Maxey Elementary. She is also part of the gifted program. Her credits include Rafiki in Maxey Elementary’s production of The Lion King, Jr. as well as Mouse and Gingerbread Cookie in local productions of The Nutcracker. She competes in national dance competitions and has training in ballet, jazz, acro, contemporary, and piano. Blaire is very excited to make her professional acting debut in Moonshine & Mistletoe!’ ADDALYNN JAYE (Alice Ann Sparks) is six years old and thrilled to make her theatre debut in Moonshine & Mistletoe. She enjoys singing, dancing, and working on her Girl Scout badges in her free time. Addalynn is a big sister who enjoys traveling with her family and thanks her parents for always supporting her dreams.

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Who’s Who in the Cast BLAKELY MCKELLAR (Alice Ann Sparks) is a second grader at Family Christian School in Oakland, FL. This is her debut theater role! She is thrilled to be a part of this production! Blakely enjoys dancing, drawing, traveling, and being on stage. She would like to thank God for this opportunity and her family for their encouragement and support! DACHENG LI (Duncan Sparks) loves singing. Prior to his family’s relocation to Winter Garden, FL in 2022, he dedicated four years in the Hwa-Yin Youth Chorale in NJ. His commitment to choral music was further recognized when he was chosen to participate in the NJ State Honor Choir in 2022 and in the FL State Honor Choir in 2023. He is taking vocal lessons from Ms. Kenneithia Mitchell. DaCheng has been actively involved in sports, too. He spent four years engaged in ice hockey in NJ. At present, he has embraced soccer as his sport of choice. KALEN ROJAS (Duncan Sparks) Age 10 – is thrilled to be making his debut at the Garden Theatre in Moonshine and Mistletoe – An Appalachian Christmas Tale in the role of Duncan. Past credits include the 2022 title role of Oliver! Osceola Arts, studio recordings, children’s choirs, Osceola Rocks Youth Band, and he is a year-round member of the Osceola Arts Young Actors Company. Kalen is a 5th grade honor roll student with a passion for music, acting, drums, soccer, and global travel and plans to audition for OCSA. Kalen would like to thank his cast/crew and entire family for their loving, unwavering support!

Who’s Who in the Creative Team JESSICA HUCKABEY (Executive Producer/Costume Designer) Jessica Huckabey/Jessica Huckabey Theatricals is an independent theatrical producer, producing both commercial theater and non-profit theater as the President of her company, Central Florida Stages. From 2008-2018, Jessica produced and created shows, such as Overheard at Joe’s and various events under her previous company, Dutch-American Theatricals, both in the US and in the Netherlands. As a costumer, Jessica has designed and worked on many productions, more recently with long-time friend and director DJ Salisbury on his star-clad workshop of his original musical Whisper Darkly, and she was happy to add a little bling to his production of Honky Tonk Angels at Riverside Theatre. Jessica is a BFA Theater graduate of New York University/ Tisch School of the Arts/Playwrights Horizons Theater School. Having begun her career as an actress, dancer, director, and choreographer, Jessica has worked in New York City, Amsterdam, and in Orlando on numerous shows, in dinner theaters, and in theme parks, including Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, Walt Disney World, and Universal Orlando. Jessica is proud to be producing Moonshine and Mistletoe – An Appalachian Christmas Tale, after starting on the project in 2021. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Jessica dedicates this production to her late grandparents and the family’s former band The Huckabey’s, who gave her the love of country music and bluegrass from birth, as well as her first on-stage singing gig. A very special thanks to Fernando Varela and Victory Productions for their kindness and support!

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Who’s Who in the Creative Team DJ SALISBURY** (Book/Original Music and Lyrics/Director) co-founded the Musical Writers’ Playground in NYC which supported development of new musicals. He met composer Neil Berg (Grumpy Old Men, The 12) in the group and their musical The Man Who Would Be King, was featured in 3 major festivals and produced by the University of Buffalo. Other musicals: Capote’s Children on Their Birthdays; Merlin’s Magicademy (produced at Six Flags parks nationwide); Poodleful, (commissioned by Riverside Theatricals); In Search of the Sparkle (produced by Western Kentucky University), and Whisper Darkly with composer/lyricist Andrew Gerle. His play Exhibit: Perfect European Man won awards for Best Production, Best Actor, and Best Director at the Fresh Fruit Festival in NYC. Projects in progress include Rock Me Gently and Summerland. No stranger to writing holiday shows, DJ wrote the book and additional lyrics for Nashville’s Music City Christmas, Snowbird Follies, and Holiday Century. For producer Corporate Magic, he’s written songs and sketches for major clients including Rite Aid, Prudential Real Estate, and J.C. Penney. He also wrote the opening song for three Rose Parades, and was head writer/lyricist for an Emmy-winning special featuring Reba McIntyre, Shirley Jones, and Kelli O’Hara. Member for 27 years of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, DJ has helmed nearly 115 productions across the USA and in Colombia. His choreography was featured on The Rachael Ray Show and in the Dancing with the Stars Road Trip tour. He is currently the Dramatists Guild Ambassador for Central Florida. LARRY MOORE (Arranger) Since his arrival in New York in 1979, Larry Moore’s work has encompassed the theatre, choral, opera, concert, and recording industries. Originally from Middletown, Ohio, he was staff arranger for the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus from 1981 to 1998. His 1985 restoration of Cole Porter’s lost musical JUBILEE has been performed by The New Amsterdam Theatre Company in New York, The 42nd Street Moon Company of San Francisco, Indiana University Opera Theatre as part of the Cole Porter Centennial Celebration, and by BBC Radio 3 as a 1999 holiday broadcast. Praised by the New York Daily News as “one of the most ingenious practitioners in his profession,” his choral arrangements are published by Yelton Rhodes Music and Boosey and Hawkes. As an orchestrator, his work has been heard in concert with the Philadelphia Pops and Boston Pops and theatrical productions by Goodspeed Opera, the New York State Theatre Institute, the New Amsterdam Theatre Company, Houston Grand Opera, City Center Encores!, and Broadway. His recording work includes orchestrations and arrangements for numerous soloists and supplementary appendix material for several recordings of classic musicals. He recently wrote new orchestrations for the City Center Encores! production of Cole Porter’s The New Yorkers with Joshua Clayton. He has edited Where’s Charley? and The Most Happy Fella for Frank Loesser Enterprises, along with providing new orchestrations for the Utah Festival Opera production of Greenwillow, two Victor Herbert scores for the Packard Humanities Institute, and the published vocal scores for the Jerome Moross’ musicals The Golden Apple (Broadway, 1954), Ballet Ballads (Broadway, 1949), and Gentlemen, Be Seated (New York City Opera, 1963). He is well-known for his work as a musical theatre restorer-reconstructionist, and his latest project for the JMV Art Preservation Foundation is a series of musical theatre recordings for New World Records, for which he works as historian, editor, and director. For his restoration of the 1925 Rodgers & Hart musical DEAREST ENEMY, Playbill.com said “Orchestrator Larry Moore… is mighty good at unearthing, reassembling and providing the missing pieces of vintage musical comedies… This new recording, I imagine, couldn’t be bettered.” **

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Who’s Who in the Creative Team DAVID M. LUTKEN (Music Director) Music Direction credits include: BROADWAY: Inherit The Wind (2007). OFF-BROADWAY: Southern Comfort; Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie; LONDON: Dark of the Moon; Woody Sez; Bonnie and Clyde. US Regional theater: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story; Stand By Your Man; Lost Highway; Pump Boys and Dinettes; Almost Heaven; Ring of Fire; The Porch on Windy Hill; Our Town. David has performed on Broadway, at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Public Theater, The 92nd St Y, at Cooper Union, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Chicago’s Navy Pier, with the North Carolina Symphony and the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, on NPR, the BBC, Polskie Radio Troika, Deutschlandradio Berlin, ORF Austria, Voice Of America, and on KWKH’s “Louisiana Hayride.” REBECCA L. JOHNSTON* (AEA Stage Manager) Rebecca, a NYC-based Stage Manager, is happy to return to her roots in Central Florida, where she grew up and began her career. Rebecca has worked in Entertainment Roles at Disney, Universal, and Sea World. She spent 4 years with Gaylord Palms with Special Events and Entertainment. Since leaving the land of theme parks, Rebecca has worked for Virginia Opera and toured with Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: A New Musical Stage Adaptation amongst other offBroadway, off-off Broadway performances, and staged readings. Rebecca is also a Corporate Show Caller for General Sessions (Annual Meetings) Nationally. Rebecca is a proud member of both AEA and Stage Managers’ Association. IG@rebeccatheatregirl4276 DUANE HARVEY (Scenic and Props Design) Duane Harvey is a scenic designer, artist, and founder of the scenic and illustration company, Castle Tower Design. Originally from Laurel, Mississippi, Duane has been a resident of Florida for over 20 years. In addition to creating commissioned and independent artwork, Duane has worked at Walt Disney World and in the Creative department of Universal Orlando on projects such as the Incredible Hulk Coaster relaunch as well as Minions Land for Universal Beijing. When not busy designing, painting, scribbling, or doodling, you will find Duane indulging in his hobby of sailing, which includes the refit of his 37’ sailboat “Serenity.” He wishes to thank his production team, especially director DJ and producer Jessica, for the chance to design this dynamic show. SARAH JEAN ELLIOTT (Lighting Design) Sarah is very excited to have the opportunity to design her first production with the Garden Theatre and Victory Productions. Recent designs include REGIONAL: Bakersfield Mist (Lighting Design), La Cage aux Folles (Lighting Design), The 39 steps (Lighting Design), Riverside Theatre Vero Beach, Florida; Anything Goes, (Lighting Design) Black Rock Theater. DANCE: Peter Chu (92Y), Emerge (UT Dance Repertory Theatre), Pivot (UT Dancer Repertory Theatre), Sleeping Beauty (Ballet Vero Beach), Ballet Sculpture and Serenity (Dimensions Dance Theatre Miami). sarahjeanelliottld.wixsite.com/sarah-jean-elliott CRAIG BEYROOTI (Sound Design) has worked in professional audio for over 40 years, including broadcast engineering, studio recording, concert touring, corporate events, and sound design for theatre. Craig has won multiple awards and nominations for his work in the industry, including gold and platinum records for his record engineering in South Africa. Craig has designed well over 100 musicals in theatres all over South Africa and several states in the USA. Designs include: Chicago, Ring of Fire, Sister Act, Hello Dolly!, A Chorus Line, Memphis, West Side Story, Side By Side By Sondheim, Crazy For You, South Pacific, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Funny Girl, The Music Man, The Full Monty, Buddy, Copenhagen, The Producers, Guys & Dolls, Gypsy, Mamma Mia, Saturday Night Fever, Legally Blonde, Little Mermaid, In the Heights, Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Elf, School of Rock, The Count of Monte Christo, Man of La Mancha, Comedy of Tenors, 42nd Street, Honky Tonk Angels, and Million Dollar Quartet. Thank you Jessica and DJ! *Member of ACTORS EQUITY ASSOCIATION, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

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Moonshine & Mistletoe – An Appalachian Christmas Tale


Who’s Who in the Creative Team BONNIE SPRUNG (Scenic Supervisor/Master Carpenter) Bonnie has a BA from Hofstra University in Set Design and Graphics, along with her AA from Valencia Community College in Fine Art. She has done set design, scenic painting, make-up, and stage management for over 200 shows in Orlando and New York. She worked as Set/Scenic Designer for the BCC Summer Fine Arts program and the JCC Center Players. Stage Manager, Sound and Graphics for Summer Winds Theatre. She has also designed for GenY Productions, Florida Theatrical Association, First Academy Middle and High School, Westridge Middle School, Boone High, Lake Brantley High, Central Florida Community Arts, Gotha Middle School, The Masters Academy, and JCC Youth Academy. Some of her nominated designs include, Cabaret, The Flick, Bat Boy the Musical, Jane Eyre the Musical, Torch Song, Clybourne Park, Perfect Arrangement, and Hysteria. Bonnie has over 30 years experience in curating, judging various art exhibits, and thespian competitions. She is a member of the Women’s Caucus For Art and is a past president of the Florida chapter. Currently she is on the Seminole Cultural Arts Council Board. Bonnie has shown her fine artwork and has received several awards. www.BonnieSprung.com LAUREN SCARBOROUGH (Wardrobe Supervisor) Lauren Scarborough (she/her) is happy to be finishing an exciting year of shows here at the Garden Theatre! She is a native of South Mississippi and a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor’s in Theatre and minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management. She is versatile in her theatrical skills, whether it comes to costuming, choreography, stage management, or directing as you’ve seen her in many roles this season at the Garden. As always, she dedicates this show (and every show) to her supporting loved ones who have never once asked what she’ll do with a degree in Theatre. PHILIP FRANZONE (Audio Engineer) Broadway Tours: The Book of Mormon. Concert Tours: Disney Encanto: Sing Along Film Concert, Artists Simply Human. Resident Shows: Cirque du Soleil: Michael Jackson ONE, KÁ. Select Regional: School of Rock (regional premiere), The Count of Monte Cristo, Disney’s When You Wish, Wonderland, Elf the Musical, Million Dollar Quartet, A Christmas Story: The Musical. Infinite thanks to my ever-supportive family and friends. JOSEPH RIVIERA NOA (Audio Technician) Joseph recently is a graduate of University High School, with plans to attend Valencia College in January. He most recently worked at the Weathervane Theatre in New Hampshire, creating multiple sound designs and running spotlight. His most recent credits are spotlight for Guys and Dolls (Weathervane Theatre) and sound designer for Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Weathervane Theatre). HANNAH KIFELEW (Light Board Operator) Hannah Kifelew is a student attending Valencia College. She was an active member of University High School’s technical theatre program, primarily working with set construction and lighting. Her most recent works with the program include master carpenter and spotlight operator for Beauty and the Beast, sound crew for Charlie Chaplin The Musical, set construction and running crew for She Kills Monsters. NICOLE COLANGELO (Master Electrician) Nicole Colangelo is a graduate of Rollins College with her B.A. in Classical Studies and Theater Arts with an emphasis in Sound Design and Directing. She is currently at Universal Studios Orlando in Entertainment Technical Maintenance. Her most recent credits include Sound Designer for Elf (Athens Theatre), Clue (Athens Theatre), and Pride and Prejudice (Mad Cow); Assistant Stage Manager for A Christmas Carol (Garden Theatre), and Assistant Technical Director for Orlando Fringe Festival 2023.

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Rebecca Roper Proscenium Arch

There is a physical space in the theatre that serves as a bridge between the audience and the actors. It is called a proscenium arch - a gateway and connector. The proscenium of the Garden is named in honor of our Founding Board President’s volunteer service since March 2003, her leadership, and a passion for the arts that changed a community.

Box Office Info

Tickets are available online at gardentheatre.org or by calling 407-877-GRDN (4736). Discounts available for parties of 10 or more. For more information call 407-877-4736 ext. 208 or jean@gardentheatre.org. Due to the nature of live performance, events, performers, dates, and times are subject to change. Seating policy – All late seating will be at the discretion of the House Manager and cannot be guaranteed. Please arrive early. House Rules – Any photography, audio, or video recording of this performance is strictly prohibited. House management reserves the right to remove disruptive guests. No outside food or drink; no concessions will be offered at this performance. Accessibility – Kindly arrange any special needs, including wheelchair accessible seating, with the Box Office staff. House management will provide assisted listening devices upon request. Returns and Exchanges – There are no refunds on tickets to Garden Theatre events. All sales are final. There is a $5 exchange fee on ticket orders. Ticket exchanges must be made at least 24 hours prior to the performance. No credit will be given. Subscribers are exempt from this fee. Restrooms – Restrooms are located on the second floor via the grand staircase through the double doors near concessions. The lobby restroom is meant for those guests with difficulty accessing the second floor.


Root Donors Just as roots are vital to a garden’s growth, our Root Donors are vital to Garden Theatre’s prosperity. Donors who are acknowledged through permanent recognition on our donor tree have contributed $5,000 or above to the Garden Theatre Restoration Campaign between 2004 and January 15, 2015, OR have bestowed a one-time cash donation of at least $10,000. The gifts of these donors contribute to future developments and growth of the Garden Theatre for years to come. Anonymous A. Friends’ Foundation ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Advent Health Avie and Jeanne Abramowitz Annette and George Spigener Bill and Nancy Yarger Bob and Dianna Duffy Cappleman, Inc. City of Winter Garden Charles W. and Wesley McMillan Clarence Otis and Jacqueline Bradley Danniel Petro Darden Restaurants Foundation Diamond R Fertilizer DL Foundation Dr. P. Phillips Charities Dr. William and Phaedra Steele Duke Energy Harold and Rosy Mills Harriett’s Trust

Isabel G. Brislenn Jack Holloway Foundation Jack H. Ross Groves, Inc. John C. Walsh in Memory of Deborah Smith Walsh John and Sharyn Murphy Keene Properties, Inc. Keith Davenport Keith Smith and Marc Caglia Larry and Harriette Grimes Mary and Dick Nunis McAllister Foundation Morgridge Family Foundation Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs Orlando Health Publix Super Markets Charities R.C. Kesslers Raymer and Dean Maguire Rebecca Roper Ronald W. Sikes S.C. Battaglia Foundation

State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture State of Florida Historic Preservation SunTrust The Bond Foundation The Brown Family Foundation The Martin Andersen-Gracia Andersen Foundation The Roper Family Foundation, Inc. Tim’s Wine Market United Arts of Central Florida Universal Orlando Foundation Valencia College Valencia Foundation Walt Disney World Ward Britt Family Whitney Morse Winifred and Joel Sharp Winter Garden Community Redevelopment West Orange Junior Service League

Luminary Circle ($5,000+ Gifts) Roper Family Foundation

Director’s Club ($2,500+ Gifts) Keith Smith and Marc Caglia

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Producer’s Club ($1,000+ Gifts)

David Baldree and Derek Carter Diana and Fred Chambers Freddi and James Goodrich Nancy Juron Steven Kittendorf Becky Roper and Mike Soucy

Rotary Club of Winter Garden Jean and Chris Boone David and Nancy Deskins Edward and Laura Firth Ingeborg Gross Hoagland Law

Rosemary O’Shea Kathryn Ustler Carol and Van Sher Alice Williams and Debby Zutter

Featured Star ($500+ Gifts) James D. Atchison William and Kathy Barrett Katherine Dellacasa Rosemary and Will Gates Randy Griswold

Matthew Jassak Kim Kiraly James and Sarah Martin Lanny Reddick Maria Rubin

Cassandra Stefanovic Stacia Lynn Wake Joseph Warren Wayne Weinberg and Amy Pempel Phyllis and Leighton Yates

Resident Artist ($150+ Gifts) Richard Akers George Albu Kristy and Barry Altland Melinda Antalek Dick and Andrea Batchelor Chad Bratschi Jacob Bucciarelli Christopher and Kristine Bunnell Tom Carto Richard and Jill Devins Joanne Garner Glenn Herbert Hansen Larry Henrichs

Walt and Sue Herscher Shannon and Corey Hoagland Elizabeth Johnson Junebug Foundation Richard and Martha Kessler Jens Klingen Christopher Laue Michael Lewellen Greg Mason Jimmy Mattos Geoffrey Moehl Kenneth and Susie Ng Debra O’Grattan

Shirley K Piercy James Plugh and Robin M Back Donna K. Raymond David and Joyce Romano Nick and Jane Ronan Pat Schroeder John Spears Pamela Spears Abbe Smith Vernon Swartsel Richard Taylor

This list includes all gifts and committed pledges as of June 1, 2022 in support of the Garden Theatre’s 2023-2024 season of programming. We apologize for any errors or omissions.

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Moonshine & Mistletoe – An Appalachian Christmas Tale


JOIN OUR GARDEN PATRON PROGRAM Annual Giving Donor Benefits

Your essential contribution allows us to invest in our community arts with programs of excellence.

$150+ | Resident Artist

$500+ | Featured Star

•R ecognition on donor list in the Playbill and the Garden Theatre Website for one year. • Ticket fees waived on all purchases during donation year. • I nvitations to select Preview performances with preperformance receptions

makes them tick. Your support will also be featured monthly on our social media outlets. • Recognition in donor list on the Playbill and the Garden Theatre Website for one year • One free ticket with purchase of a single ticket. • Ticket fees waived on all purchases during donation year. • Invitations to select Dress Rehearsal performances. • Invitations to select Preview performances with preperformance receptions. • Monthly social media recognition

$1,000+ | Producer’s Club

$5,000+ | Luminary Circle

• Recognition on donor list in the Playbill and the Garden Theatre Website for one year.

• As a Producer’s Club member, you will enjoy access to Garden Theatre artists and the artistic process; you will get to know the people of Garden Theatre and what makes them tick. • Recognition in donor list on the Playbill and the Garden Theatre Website for one year • One free ticket with purchase of a single ticket. • Ticket fees waived on all purchases during donation year. • Invitations to select Dress Rehearsal performances. • Invitations to select Preview performances with preperformance receptions.

$2,500+ | Director’s Club

• As a Director’s Club member, you will enjoy all of the benefits of the Producer’s Club to include access to Garden Theatre artists and the artistic process; you will get to know the people of Garden Theatre and what

Community Partners

Luminary Circle members enjoy additional exclusive benefits for engaging, behind-the-scenes experiences of the Theatre and its programs. You will hear firsthand how and why directors, designers, and actors make the choices they make. Luminary Circle members enjoy all the exclusive benefits of the Producer’s and Director’s Club plus: • Four complimentary tickets to a Garden Theatre production. • Invitation(s) to backstage tour to select season productions. • Additional opportunities throughout the year to engage with theatre leadership and theatre artists. • Hosted, exclusive dinner for four(4) at a Plant Street Restaurant with a member of the theatre’s Creative/ Executive team to discuss the Garden’s vision and partnering opportunities.

UA Donor List:

EDGEWATER HOTEL This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support for Garden Theatre is provided by generous individual donors and United Arts of Central Florida, your local agency for the arts.

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Staf f & Board OUR STAFF

OUR BOARD

Keith Davenport Chief Organizational Officer

Rich Taylor Board Chair

DeAnna Johnson, Director, Finance & Administration

David Baldree Vice Chair

Brian Fallon Theatre Operations Manager Amanda Payne Director, Education and Community/ Front of House Manager Nancy Deskins Development Manager Oceas Rodriguez Technical Services Manager Jean Boone Group Sales Manager Accessibility Coordinator Olga Hosszu Box Office Lead

Front of House Associates: Matt Coffey Tawnya Heitkamp Cameron McClellan Erica Nowak Lanny Reddick Kate Reilly Jodi Stuart Kim Kiraly Volunteer Coordinator

Todd Wheeler Treasurer David J. Romano, Ph. D. Secretary Lauren Cardona Diana Chambers Jo-El Gonzalez Matthew E. Jassak Steve Martin Gregory S. Mason Jeffery B. Redding Keith Smith Immediate Past Board Chair Wayne Weinberg Becky Roper Emeritus Trustee Founding Board President Barbara Roper In Memoriam Emeritus Trustee & Founder

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers. You are the heart of the Garden Theatre!



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