Aurora Arts Theatre’s 2022 'A Christmas Story, the Musical' Playbill

5635 EVERHART RD, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX

Continuing His Legacy

Ed Chapa was a fiercely passionate man with big aspirations and a love for the arts. What started as a simple thought shared with his wife, Mary, grew into a vision that was realized with the inception of the Aurora. The dream to open a quaint community theater on the Southside of Corpus Christi became a driving force in Ed’s life, and his dedication to the cause served as an inspiration to all he met.

The success of the Aurora lives on as a testament to the strength of his vision and of his faith in the many volunteers and community supporters who gave of their time and hearts as much as he gave of his.

Memories, oh how they enrich our lives. Our journey through life is at times surprising, and every turn, glance, stumble, or decision can impact our lives immensely. The memories of growing up that I keep close to my heart are most definitely the ones that cause me to chuckle, smile, or make me feel young again.

I’ve recently had occasion to reflect on memories that I hold dear and will continue to hold dear for years to come. Memories of my youth filled with

precious moments with my family are always the ones that fill my heart with warmth.

Whatever the memories, we should always hold on to them. They will sustain us and encourage us to be our best and to live our lives in honor of those we love. As we go through life, we must remember that it is our responsibility to create good memories that our loved ones can carry with them.

I wholeheartedly thank everyone involved in bringing this production of A Christmas Story the Musical to life. It is my hope that the experience will become a memory you will cherish for years to come.

Sincerely,

Mary Chapa

Owner & Executive Director

Do you remember the days when, as a child, you couldn’t wait until Christmas because you were desiring the “perfect” present that you just knew you had to have? I remember those days. For me, it was a pony. No matter that we had no place to keep the horse, or that we knew nothing about taking care of horses, or that you couldn’t keep a horse in your room

with you. I just knew that I had to have it, and that Santa would get it for me if I wished hard enough. We have all seen the 24 hours of A Christmas Story on television. It’s a classic that makes us remember our childhoods and those dream presents. When I was first told that this masterpiece was also a musical, I couldn’t believe that it could be as good as the movie, but I was wrong. It has all of the elements of the movie, plus some pretty fantastic music to go with it. Taking on such a large project in a small space seemed difficult at first, but I remembered what imaginations audience members have, and realized that it could be done. Casting was easy as there were so many talented actors who auditioned. Those chosen have worked so hard these past several weeks in order to create a magical night for you to remember. This was a true team effort from actors, to backstage help, to our lighting and sound people, to set design, to musicians, to the production staff. Everyone was so excited to be a part of this show. Every night I see it coming to fruition makes me think back on those days before Christmas. The excitement, the mystery, the yearning. I know you will enjoy and be taken back to those days as well as you watch the Aurora Arts Theater production of A Christmas Story, The Musical

DEBRA AGUILAR Director

Presents

A Christmas Story, The Musical

Book by Joseph Robinette. Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd.

Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Dalfie Entertainment.

“Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illionois”

Director Debra Aguilar

Stage Manager Vocal Director Peter Lopez

Musical Director

Tanya Stegall

Chelsea Guerra, Christin Espinoza Technical Director Corey Ranson Choreographer Alexandra Shaw Scenic Design, Lighting Design Corey Ranson

Lighting Op Hollina Carlier

Sound Op Ozzy Vela, Amber Basaldu

Sound Design Peter Lopez

Costumers Lauren Cantatore-Causey, Bryan Meza, Christin Espinoza, Alexandra Shaw, Cast, Lorrie Gomez, Ernie Pruneda, Mary Chapa, Elizabeth Ackerman, Christy Stockman

Prop Master Ernie Pruneda, Debra Aguilar, Corey Ranson

Tanya Stegall Bass June Vado

Piano Woodwinds Debra Aguilar Guitar Luke Alvarado

Photography Alex Chapa Ben Camareno

Percussion John W. Davis

David De La Rosa

Scenic Artist Corey Ranson, Bryan Meza Photos, video and/or audio recordings of this performance by any means whatsoever are strictly prohibited.

Meet the Cast

Amelia Espinoza

Andrea Guzman

Ahndree Brown

Ashley Lopez

Bella Mia Meza

Bowie Boland

Carter Plimper

Christopher Salinas

Emma Jimenez

Henry Shaw

Eric Delagarza

Dominic Cruz

Hunter Holloway

Izzi Braly

Ivy Garza

Holly Braly

Meet the Cast

Victoria Shaw

Sabrina Delgado

Jacob Zamarron

Liam Stewart

Lila Guzman

Merideth Owens

Micah Maldonado

Michael Gomez

Michael Jay Salinas

Natalie Thigpen

Preston Chavez

Paul Braly

Alexandra Shaw

Victoria Valentine

Zoey Medrano

Elizabeth Shaw

Who’s Who

Amelia Espinoza (Esther Jane) is excited about her first mainstage debut at AAT. Amelia loves to dance, and in her spare time, she does karate. She would like to thank her mommy, Christin, Uncle Bryan, and Uncle Dylan, her daddy, Oscar, her brothers, Nate and Alex, and her grandparents for their endless support. “Enjoy the show!”

Andrea Guzman (Mother) is thrilled to be back on the Aurora stage! She was last seen as Maggie in A Chorus Line at AAT. Other past roles include Janet Weiss (The Rocky Horror Show 2021, AAT), Molly Jensen (Ghost: The Musical, AAT), and Belle (Beauty & The Beast, HP). She is so happy to share the stage with her daughter, Lila! Thank you to her fiancé, Peter Howard, for the love and support!

Ahndree Brown (Ensemble), a transplant from MN, is excited to extend her roots through community theatre here in Corpus Christi. “A Christmas Story will be my first show in Texas! I have enjoyed theatre all my life and hope to make you smile and relax about Christmas this year. It’s not about gifts. It’s all about the stories we leave behind, whether good or.....sticky.”

Ashley Lopez (Ensemble) is delighted to be back on the Aurora stage for the third time this year; she was most recently on stage as Sheila in A Chorus Line and Sylvia in Sylvia She is most excited to have her little one on stage with her for the first time and can’t wait for you all to see all of the hard work they have put into making this show the best it could be.

Bella Mia Meza (Kid Ensemble) is nine years old and in fourth grade at Montclair Elementary. She’s involved in student council, softball, and basketball. “I enjoy art, acting, and rehearsing and aspire to be an actress/singer one day. My favorite movie is Little Rascal!”

Bowie Boland (Ensemble/Dance Captain) has recently graduated from NYCDA in NYC. They are excited to be in their second production here at Aurora. They were last seen as Ms. Fleming in Heathers at Harbor and Mark in A Chorus Line here at Aurora.

Carter Plimper (Randy/Ensemble) is making his debut on the Aurora stage and recently played Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at Harbor Playhouse. He is grateful that he will get to share the role. He is thankful for the support that is helping him focus and try his best!

Christopher Salinas (Ensemble) is back for the first time since on the Aurora stage in 2019 A Christmas Story. He has spent the last two years at Harbor Playhouse but is happy to be cast in this wonderful musical once again. “Happy Holidays!”

Dominic Cruz (Ensemble) is fresh off the heels of The Rocky Horror Show and into A Christmas Story! Dominic is excited to be a part of one of his all-time favorite stories. Playing Santa is a hoot, especially alongside some of his great friends, who have become family. He would like to thank everyone at AAT for always welcoming him with open arms and love. This is all still so surreal, and he wouldn’t want it any other way.

Emma Jimenez (Barbra Ann) is excited about her first appearance in A Christmas Story at AAT and is grateful for the opportunity to have a role in the show. She is actively involved in dance and has been a part of the Avant Company Team for the past two years. In addition to dancing and singing, Emma loves spending time with her family and friends. Emma would like to thank her parents for being her number one fans and always supporting her in everything she does.

Eric Delagarza (Old Man) is excited to be back on the Aurora stage for A Christmas Story for the second time. He would like to thank his family for all the continued love and support and is excited to be on stage with his family and friends!

Who’s Who

Henry Shaw (Ensemble) is so excited to share his first theatre experience with his big sister and mom! Don’t worry, Dad; he still loves soccer the best. Thank you to all the cast for putting up with this crazy energy and silliness. “Merry Christmas!”

Holly Braly (Mrs. Schwartz) is excited about her debut on the Aurora stage! She would like to thank Alex, Peter, and Debra for giving her this opportunity, her daughter, Izzi, for getting her involved with theatre, her husband, Paul, for coming along for the ride, and God!

Hunter Holloway (Scut Farkus) is thrilled to be in this production for the second time! He has a passion for musical theatre and loves to sing. He has been in various amounts of shows, including Grapes Of Wrath at TAMUCC’s Acting Camp on the Coast and his school’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He thanks his family and friends for their continued support!

Ivy Garza (Ensemble) makes her debut on the Aurora stage! Her previous acting experience includes commercials for Embassy Suites, Texas Health and Human Services, and CC Water Department, and the feature film Only the Good Survive She enjoys playing piano, art, and making new friends here at AAT! She would like to thank Alexandra Shaw for the positivity and encouragement to audition for this show and all for being a part of her experience!

Izzi Braly (Grover Dill) is excited to be in A Christmas Story again. She was in this show in 2019 and recently in The Little Mermaid at Port Aransas Community Theater. She wants to thank Deb for casting her in the show.

Jacob Zamarron (Ensemble) is very excited to be back home at the Aurora. He was last on this stage in 2016 as Tony in West Side Story. He is grateful to the production staff of ACS for all of their efforts. “Enjoy the show and Merry Christmas!”

Liam Stewart (Bumpus Hound) is delighted to be on the Aurora stage for the first time with his mother and uncle in one of his favorite holiday shows. The Aurora is like a second home to him, and he can’t wait to show you and all his family the wonderful things he’s been working on for this show!

Lila Guzman (Schwartz) is excited to be making her Aurora debut in A Christmas Story this year! Other roles include Amanda Thripp in Matilda at Harbor Playhouse. She would like to thank her mom, Andrea Guzman, Peter Howard, and the rest of her family for all the support and guidance! Lastly, she would like to thank the production team for letting her be a part of this amazing show!

Merideth Owens (Miss Shields) is delighted to bring Miss Shields to life for her second show at AAT. She most recently played Val in AAT’s A Chorus Line and Heather Duke in Harbor Playhouse’s Heathers. “Happy Holidays!”

Micah Maldonado (Goggles) is thrilled to be performing in this year’s production of, A Christmas Story. This will be his main stage debut, although he has previously performed in various summer camp productions, including The House at Pooh Corner. He would like to thank his family for supporting his love of video games, singing, and acting.

Michael Gomez (Ralphie) is honored to be in his first show at AAT. This is his ninth production overall & was last seen as an Ancestor in Moana and Bar Mitzvah boy in Wedding Singer. He loves theatre and the feeling of being on stage. He humbly thanks his amazing production team, fellow cast members, and family and friends who are family for all their support. “Enjoy the show!”

Michael Jay Salinas (Jean Shepard) is excited to be part of this amazing production. “Christmas productions are some of my favorites to be a part of because of the camaraderie and atmosphere it brings. I want to thank everyone on the production team and with the theater for allowing me to be a part of this production. I also want to thank my friends and family for their continuous support and love. Merry Christmas to everyone!”

Natalie Thigpen (Flick) is excited to be in her first role in a big production (And definitely won’t be her last!)! She is excited to play this role and hopes everyone enjoys the show as much as she does. She is so very happy to be a part of the Aurora family.

Paul Braly (Ensemble) is excited to be making his debut on the Aurora stage! He has been behind the scenes but never expected to be on stage with such a talented cast. He is thankful to Alex, Peter, and Debra for their countless hours of work. “Enjoy the show!”

Preston Chavez (Randy/Jimmy) is thrilled to be back on stage sharing the part of Randy Parker and Jimmy! He would like to thank all his friends and family for always supporting him. Most recent show credit includes Benjamin in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. “Enjoy the show! I triple-dogdare ya!”

Sabrina Delgado (Flick’s mom) is so happy to be back on the Aurora stage. You have recently seen her at Diana Morales in A Chorus Line and Harbor Playhouse’s production of The Wedding Singer. She would like to thank the production team for giving her this amazing opportunity. “Enjoy the show!”

Victoria Shaw (Mary Beth) is excited to make her debut at Aurora. She loves acting. She says, “I think show is like Shaw, just with an o”. You might have last seen her in A Christmas Carol at HPH as Fan. She is thrilled to be working with this amazing cast and crew and sharing every moment with her little brother Harry.

Victoria Valentine (Ensemble) is excited to do another show with her friends at AAT. This has been such a fun show getting to work with all the children, and she can’t wait for you to see it. Her past shows include Real Women Have Curves, Rumors, and The Rocky Horror Show

Alexandra Shaw (Miss Shields) was previously seen as Cassie in A Chorus Line on the Aurora stage. This is her first time to choreograph an Aurora production, and it has been a blast! She would like to thank Deb for asking her and allowing her artistic freedom while making this a gorgeously collaborative experience. A huge thank you to the cast for being willing to try all her crazy ideas!

Elizabeth Shaw (Linda Rae) is 11 years old. She was last seen as Ursula in Little Mermaid Jr., is currently performing in The Nutcracker with the CC Ballet, and will be appearing as Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda Jr. at Metro Elementary School of Design in spring 2023. She is delighted to be making her debut at Aurora Arts Theatre.

Zoey Medrano (Nancy) is 11 years old and currently attending Metro Elementary School of Design. “I have a passion for theater; you may have seen me in my school’s production of The Little Mermaid Jr. I’m very excited to be performing with the Aurora Arts Theater! I hope this is my first of many nights to perform on this stage for my community.”