RENT program

Dorothy Littlefield Weber Theatre Wheaton College, Norton, Massachusetts

Book, Music & Lyrics by JONATHAN LARSON Musical Arrangements STEVE SKINNER Musical Supervision & Additional Arrangements TIM WEIL

Original Concept/ Additional Lyrics BILLY ARONSON Dramaturg LYNN THOMSON

November 9–11 & 16–18, 2023 7:30 p.m.

WEBER THEATRE, WATSON FINE ARTS, WHEATON COLLEGE, NORTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Land Acknowledgement As a step toward honoring the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation, we are opening our program with an acknowledgement that we are on the traditional territory of the Wampanoag.

We practice this acknowledgement to recognize and respect the Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards and owners of this land. They existed before colonization and are still here. Indigenous peoples continue to experience forced removal, genocide, theft of their ancestral lands, and other atrocities connected to colonization. Our acknowledgement is one action we can take to correct the stories and practices that erase Indigenous people’s history and culture. It is a step towards being more equitable and inclusive on our campus.

Please be Advised The aisles in the theater will be used by the cast throughout the performance.

This production features strobe lighting effects that may affect who are sensitive.

This show has characters that face prejudice and discrimination, violence and drug addiction, depression and isolation, poverty, death and grief.

If you or a loved one are living with AIDS or need support, the Massachusetts AIDS hotline is available at: 617-437-6200. 24/7 support is available to Wheaton students by calling the Counseling Center at 508-286-3905 and pressing 1.

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Book, Music and Lyrics by

JONATHAN LARSON

Directed by STEPHANIE BURLINGTON DANIELS ’97

musical direction by ALEXANDRA LUTKEVICH choreography by IZZI KING ’22 costume design by CLINTON O’DELL scenic design & technical direction by MAX PONTICELLI lighting design by BENJAMIN CAMPBELL ’24 sound design by CIARA KILKENNY ’23 stage management by MIA GARZA ’24 RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allen S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop.

RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Director’s Note Welcome to our production of Jonathan Larson’s RENT. Take a deep breath, turn off your technology—seriously, we will get in loads of trouble if you take pictures of anything. Look around and take it all in—there’s a lot to see. When the show begins, allow yourself to smile and laugh—we hope you laugh, a lot, and there are also lots of moments filled with pain, too. It’s ok to cry.

RENT was a deliberate choice for Wheaton this fall. I thought that Larson’s rock opera was the exact message we all needed to hear right now—no matter what, persevere through the dark times with friendship, hope, and love.

Throughout the musical, Larson interrupts the story with direct audience addresses and declares: stop what you are doing, be present to the moment, choose love.

Here is our content warning: this show has characters that face prejudice and discrimination, violence and drug addiction, depression and isolation, poverty, death and grief. Jonathan Larson, his family, and friends used musical theatre, laughter, and community to live through these circumstances. What will you use?

Go ahead, moo with me!

Stephanie Burlington Daniels ’97 “In these dangerous times, where it seems that the world is ripping apart at the seams, we all can learn how to survive from those who stare death squarely in the face every day and [we] should reach out to each other and bond as a community, rather than hide from the terrors of life.”

—Jonathan Larson

Dramaturgy Note “RENT is real.” I first read those words last spring as we studied this show in Theatre & Social Change. As I’ve jumped into research in the months succeeding, I have found them to be deeply true. The story that we have staged in this production is as full of truth as it is of love, friendship, grief and celebration.

In the early morning hours of January 25th, 1996, Jonathan Larson passed away from an aortic dissection, a complication of his undiagnosed Marfan’s disease.

That evening, RENT had its first preview performance off-Broadway. Although Larson left us before he saw the success and impact of his work, with RENT, he left behind his life story and the stories of the individuals that most deeply impacted it. Allow me to introduce you to them.

Fade in on Mark Cohen, or should we say Jonathan Larson. He’s a storyteller— ambitious and observant. Pan to Maureen Johnson, Mark’s ex who’s just left him for a woman, an homage to Larson’s real ex-girlfriend. Now close on Roger and Angel, both inspired by Larson’s lifelong friend Matthew O’Grady who was diagnosed with AIDS in 1986. After O’Grady shared his diagnosis with Larson, the pair attended meetings of Friends In Deed, a support group for individuals living with AIDS/HIV. It was there that he picked up the motto “No day but today”, something you’ll hear more than once over the course of the next few hours.

As much as it is Jonathan Larson’s story, RENT is also this team’s story. Our production honors the millions who have passed away from AIDS/HIV, especially those who are near and dear to our community. In the lobby, you’ll see a memorial with names given by members of our production team, cast and the Wheaton community at large. Please take a moment to think of them all tonight, remember their love and honor their courage. Above all, celebrate who they are and who we all are because of them.

Joey Del Santo ’25 For more information on Marfan Syndrome scan here:

Dramaturgy Note RENT offers a wealth of opportunities for dramaturgy work. When I started my research, I was so excited to delve into Jonathan Larson’s intertextual style—the language and images of RENT are spilling over with homages and references.

Yet the show manages to avoid feeling inaccessible or derivative. Larson transformed his countless references and influences into something completely creative and specific to his community. The world of RENT is tangible yet far away. We’re familiar with the real-world groundings of the show: New York City, AIDS, poverty, etc. But RENT refuses to be pulled down by tragedy. The nature of musical theater, and the hope that is woven through Larson’s writing, allow a sense of fantasy to be in tandem with difficult realities.

If I had to extract one piece of information that would explain the atmosphere in the 1980s and early 90s, it would be that AIDS was first reported in 1981 and Ronald Reagan did not publicly say the name of the disease until 1985.

The disease was mentioned in The New York Times, it was in public discourse, and health officials were aware of the stakes. But the President of the United States waited four years to mention AIDS by name. For anyone with a moral compass, this is difficult information to grapple with. Activists and artists fought against silence and apathy, but the public reaction typically ranged from passive sympathy to active hostility. What is perhaps the greatest achievement of RENT is that it is at odds with Reaganite conservative ideals which seeped into the American subconscious. RENT is loud, proud, passionate, and open: open to joy, pain, uncertainty, and beauty.

Tess O’Brien ’25

Time & Place December 1993 to December 1994, East Village, New York City

Synopsis Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, Jonathan Larson’s RENT follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this ground breaking musical. –MTI

Cast (in order of appearance) ROGER DAVIS MARK COHEN TOM COLLINS BENJAMIN COFFIN III JOANNE JEFFERSON ANGEL DUMOTT SCHUNARD MIMI MARQUEZ MAUREEN JOHNSON

Reagan Jensen ’26 Colin Bourget ’26 Jacob Packard ’27 Ka-Niesa Anderson-Blackshear ‘26 Jada Asapokhai ‘27 Matt Velez ’27 Hope Madden ’26 Emma Bradshaw ’25

Company (in alphabetical order) PAUL & OTHERS Carmen Almonte ’26 ALEXI DARLING & OTHERS Dessie Bell-Kamen ‘24 SUE, PASTOR, & OTHERS Kyra Conover ‘24 WAITER, POLICE OFFICER, & OTHERS Elias Cowie ‘26 BLANKET PERSON & OTHERS Atlas Curran-Barker ‘27 MR. JEFFERSON, CRAIG, & OTHERS Joey Del Santo ’25 SQUEEGEE MAN, MRS. MARQUEZ & OTHERS Malia Gentile ‘26 THE MAN, MRS. DAVIS AND OTHERS Izzy Giorgi ’25 MRS. COHEN & OTHERS Eliana Goodman ‘25 JUSTIN & OTHERS Ben McIntire ‘26 BILLY THE DANCER Jacinto Vega Roch ‘26 MRS. JEFFERSON, ALI, & OTHERS Emma Zhou ‘27

Orchestra KEYBOARD 1/CONDUCTOR KEYBOARD 2 DRUMS GUITAR 1 GUITAR 2 BASS

Alexandra Lutkevich Walker Elsaesser ’25 Kate Burns (11/17 & 11/18 performances only) Michelle Tucker Gordon O’Connell Jack McNamara Nash Chen

Musical Numbers ACT ONE Tune Up A Voicemail #1 Tune Up B Rent Christmas Bells #1 You Okay, Honey?

Tune Up (Reprise) One Song Glory Light My Candle Voicemail #2 Today For You You’ll See Tango: Maureen Support Group Out Tonight Another Day Will I On The Street Santa Fe I’ll Cover You We’re Okay Christmas Bells Over the Moon La Vie Boheme/ I Should Tell You

Mark, Roger Mark’s Mother Mark, Roger, Collins, Benny Company Homeless Man Angel, Collins Mark, Roger Roger Mimi, Roger Mr. Jefferson, Mrs. Jefferson Collins, Mark, Roger, Angel Benny, Mark, Roger, Collins, Angel Mark, Joanne Company Mimi Roger, Mimi, Company Company Company Collins, Angel, Mark Collins, Angel Joanne Company Maureen Company

ACT TWO Seasons of Love Company Happy New Year A Roger, Mark, Mimi, Collins, Angel, Maureen, Joanne Voice Mail #3 Mark’s Mother Voice Mail #4 Alexi Darling Happy New Year B Roger, Mark, Mimi, Collins, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, Benny Take Me or Leave Me Maureen, Joanne Seasons of Love B Company Without You Roger, Mimi Voice Mail #5 Alexi Darling Contact Company I’ll Cover You (Reprise) Collins, Company Halloween Mark Goodbye Love Mark, Roger, Mimi, Collins, Maureen, Joanne, Benny What You Own Roger, Mark Voice Mail #6 Roger’s Mother, Mimi’s Mother. Mark’s Mother, Mr. Jefferson Finale A Company Your Eyes Roger Finale B Company

Production Team Director Music Director Assistant Musical Director Choreographer Costume Designer Makeup & Hair Designer Technical Director/Set Designer Lighting Designer/Master Electrician Sound Designer & Engineer Props Master Video & Projection Design Dramaturgy Production Stage Manager Assistant to the Director Assistant Costume Designer Assistant Lighting Designer Assistant Stage Managers

Co-Dance Captains

Stephanie Burlington Daniels ’97 Alexandra Lutkevich Joey Del Santo ’25 Izzi King ’22 Clinton O’Dell Willemina Wakabayashi ’24 Max Ponticelli Benjamin Campbell ’24 Ciara Kilkenny ’23 Sarah Leavitt ’26 Willemina Wakabayashi ‘24 Joey Del Santo ’25 Tess O’Brien ’25 Mia Garza ’24 Colin Bourget ’26 Morgan Calverley ’25 Ben Zaborski ’26 Phoenix Clarke ’27 Briana Freitas ’27 Katelyn Spader ’27 Alexandra Zieselman ’24 Malia Gentile ‘26 Jacinto Vega Roch ‘26

Technical Crew Build Crew

Atlas Curran-Barker ’27, Tatiana Umana Hernandez ’26 Owen Dietrich ’27, Charlie Stockwell ’27 Jill Brown ’27, Stagecraft (THEA205)

Run Crew

Alex Cassaday ’26, Luke Judson ’26, Daksha Ponappa ’25, Maggie Young ’26

Light Board Operator

Adrian Grimm ’24

Spot Light Operators

Hayley Cahill ’27, Kassandra Munoz ’27

Sound Crew

Hannah Balaam ’26, Max Van Osdol ’24

Costume & Makeup Crew

Amanda Gouldrup ’25, Ellie Savino ’26 Cam Talmage ’26

Costume Construction

Charlie Black ’26, Noah Boudreau-Faria ’26 Morgan Calverley ’25, Alicia Chang ’25, Ben Cheung ’26 Lily Maguire ’26, Catriona Stewart ’24 Jacinto Vega Roch ’26, Willemina Wakabayashi ’24

Arts at Wheaton Staff Associate Director, Arts Events & Publicity Graphic Designer

Jessica F. Kuszaj

Assistant, Arts Events & Publicity

Kristi Mahoney

Technical Coordinator Box Office

Kristina Kalogeras Emelia Petitt ’25 Carmen Almonte ’26 Bessie Reina Figueroa 26 Savannah Sedlock ’26 Maggie Gould ’27 Alsan Gustafson ’27

Biographies Jonathan Larson (Playright) received the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for RENT. He also won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 1994 Richard Rodgers Award for RENT and twice received The Gilman & Gonzales-Falla Theatre Foundation’s Comendation Award. In 1989 he was granted the Stephen Sondheim Award from American Music Theatre Festival, where he contributed to the musical “Sitting on the Edge of the Future”.

In 1988 he won the Richard Rodgers Development Grant for his rock musical Superbia, which was staged at Playwrights Horizon. He composed the score for the musical J.P. Morgan Saves the Nation, which was presented by En Garde Arts in 1995. Mr. Larson performed his rock monologue tick, tick... BOOM! at Second Stage Theatre, The Village Gate and New York Theatre Workshop. In addition to scoring and song writing for Sesame Street, he created music for a number of children’s book-cassettes, including Steven Spielberg’s An American Tail and Land Before Time. Other film scores include work for Rolling Stones magazine publisher Jann Wenner. He conceived, directed and wrote four original songs for Away We Go!, a musical video for children. RENT, his rock opera based on La Boheme, had its world premiere on February 13, 1996 at New York Theatre Workshop. Mr. Larson died unexpectedly of an aortic aneurysm on January 25, 1996, ten days before his 36th birthday. His music (including songs cut from his shows) is archived in the Library of Congress.

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.

Biographies—Creative Team Stephanie Burlington Daniels ’97 (Director) Over the past 22 years of teaching in Theatre and Dance, Burlington Daniels has directed 17 shows. The highlights include Angels in America, Millennium Approaches written by Tony Kushner, SpellSong written by Charlotte Meehan, The Long Christmas Ride Home written by Paula Vogel, What Happens When, written by Charlotte Meehan, A Brief History of The Earth: A Musical, written

by David Rabinow ’96, Roe, written by Lisa Loomer. As an actor, Burlington Daniels is most proud of her ongoing and multi-year collaboration with Playwright-in-Residence, Professor Charlotte Meehan, and the Boston-based multimedia theatre company, Sleeping Weazel. Since its inception in 2011, she has performed in 8 productions, including in the critically acclaimed one-woman show as Mary Shelley-Breath, written and directed by Kennneth Prestininzi, Breath Bride Birth Elizabeth.

Alexandra Lutkevich (Music Director) Wheaton College–Once on This Island (Keyboard 2); Weston Drama Workshop–Tuck Everlasting (Music Director), Children of Eden (Music Director), Matilda (Music Director), Two Gentlemen of Verona, the Musical (Music Director), Blood Brothers (Music Director) Canton High School–Les Miserables (co-music director), Belmont High School–Urinetown (Music Director), Chicago (Music Director).

Allie is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Wheaton College, where she directs the Wheaton Chorale and Chamber Singers. She has worked extensively as a vocal coach, music director, and pianist for many organizations across the state, including the Handel and Haydn Society, Boston Children’s Chorus, The Walnut Hill School, and Framingham State University. She lives in Holliston with her husband and two sons.

Max Ponticelli (Technical Director, Scenic Designer, Paint Charge) Wheaton College–Roe (Technical Director, Lighting Designer), DanceFest 2022 (Lighting Designer, Technical Director), Hamlet (Faculty Advisor), Crossroads (Lighting Designer, Technical Director), Dimple Divers (Faculty Advisor); Wilbury Theatre Group–FringePVD (Technical Director), Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight (Technical Supervisor), Indecent (Technical Director), The Humans (Technical Director), Silhouette of A Silhouette (Technical Director, Scenic Designer), We’re Gonna Die (Technical Director), /a.dick.ted/ (Technical Director, Lighting Designer), Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Technical Director, Scenic Designer), Constellations (Technical Director, Scenic Designer); URI Theatre–She Kills Monsters (Scenic Designer, Paint Charge, Fight Choreography), The Wolves (Scenic

Designer). Max is a Professor of Practice at Wheaton College. Previously, he taught at the University of Rhode Island and was the General Manager for The Wilbury Theatre Group in Providence. Learn more about his work at maxponticelli.com. He lives with his wife, Amy, in Stoughton, MA. Clinton O’Dell (Costume Designer, Costume Shop Supervisor) Wheaton College– Costume Designer: Much Ado About Nothing, The Trojan Women, Cabaret, Macbeth and others. Scenic Designer: Once on This Island, Rabbit Hole, The Trojan Women, Cabaret, Macbeth and others; Portland Stage Company–Veils, The PaperMaker (costume designer). Sierra Repertory–Big River, South Pacific, Stand by Your Man, No Sex Please: We’re British (costume designer) Film: Space Oddity, A Snow White Christmas, Christmas a la Mode and others (costume designer). Clinton is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Wheaton College. He has designed costumes and/or scenery over 40 times during his 17 years in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Clinton has also worked in the costume department on more than 20 films and television series. He is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829 and IATSE Local 481. Clinton is particularly grateful to all of his LGBTQ elders who made a space for him in the world.

Isabelle King (Choreographer) Wheaton College–Dynamic Energy (Dancer, Choreographer), UNITY (Dancer), Changing the Tide (Dancer), Come Alive (Dancer), Excerpts from the Ruins (Dancer, Choreographer), A Moment in Time (Dancer, Choreographer), Roaring 20s (Dancer), Revive the Legacy (Dancer, Choreographer, Captain), Against All Odds (Dancer, Choreographer, Captain); Urbanity Dance Professional Company–Of the Ether (Dancer, Collaborator) This Love Unbound (Dancer, Collaborator); Modern Connections–Forward Together (Dancer), Belonging (Dancer, Collaborator).

Isabelle “Izzi” King is a Boston-based dancer, teacher, and choreographer. The 2022 alum was heavily involved in the arts as a performer and leader while they studied sociology with minors in psychology and dance. While at Wheaton they worked with choreographers Andy Taylor-Blennis, Skoo-J, Kurt Adametz ’08, and Diane Arvantines.

Since moving to Boston, Izzi has had the pleasure of dancing in collaboration with Shura Baryshnikov, Rachel Linsky, & and Jenny Oliver. (@isabelle11king) Isabelle King’s participation in this production was made possible by the Debra Glidden ’68 Fund for Musical Theatre and the Loser Music Fund within the Evelyn Danzig Haas ’39 Visiting Artists Program

Benjamin Campbell ’24 (Lighting Designer, Master Electrician) Wheaton College– Stupid Fucking Bird (scenic artist), The Wheaton X Series (lighting designer), Roe (Assistant technical director), Hamlet (technical director) Wheaton College Dance Company (lighting designer); Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre–Gary, A Sequel to Titus Andronicus (Scenic Painter, Carpenter), The Revolutionists (Scenic charge, Carpenter); Festival 56–Million Dollar Quartet (Technical Director, Scenic Charge), Something Rotten (Technical Director, Scenic Charge). Ben is a Technical Director and Lighting Designer with a focus on lighting for contemporary dance. Outside of Wheaton, Ben works as the Technical Director at Festival 56 outside of Chicago, IL. Ben is currently writing an honors thesis on the use of dance lighting in musical theatre, in which this production is the main subject of research.

Ciara Kilkenny ’23 (Sound Designer) Wheaton College–Roe (sound designer, sound engineer), Crossroads (lighting designer), Beyond All Limits (lighting designer, soundboard-op), Against All Odds (soundboard-op), Revive the Legacy (soundboard-op).

Ciara is a recent graduate from Wheaton College. Ciara is currently working as the Media and Communication Manager for the Town of Rehoboth.

Mia Garza ’24 (Stage Manager) Wheaton College–Wheaton X Series (Assistant Stage Manager), Roe (Assistant Stage Manager), Hamlet (Production Stage Manager), DanceFest 2022 (Assistant Stage Manager, Lighting Designer), Excerpts from the Ruins (Stage Manager), Crossroads (Lighting Designer); Morse High School–A Man of the Past (Sound Designer, Student Assistant Technical Director). Mia is a senior at Wheaton College. This is her final production as well as her final semester. Mia’s theatre career began in high school as she walked in on a tech week rehearsal. Following graduation, Mia plans to continue working in theatre. She lives with her family in Woolwich, ME. Willemina Wakabayashi ’24 (Makeup/Hair Designer, Projection Designer) Wheaton College–Hamlet (Makeup/Hair Designer); Gateway Ballet Company (Makeup Artist).

Willemina is a student at Wheaton College with a double major in film and new media studies and theatre studies–design concentration. She is a Social Media Marketing Intern for Wheaton, Senior Gift Chair, and is finishing a short film for her capstone FNMS project.

Sarah Leavitt ’26 (Prop Master) Wheaton College–DanceFest 2023: Beyond All Limits (Assistant Stage Manager), Hamlet (Prop Master, Sound Designer); Center Stage WHS– Evita (Prop Master), Les Misérables (Prop Master, Run Crew Lead), Eurydice (Prop Master), The Diviners (Prop Master). Sarah is a sophomore at Wheaton College. Before joining Wheaton’s theatre department, she was Prop Master of her high school’s theatre troupe, Center Stage.

Tess O’Brien ’25 (Dramaturg) Wheaton College–Roe (Rhonda, Helen), Hamlet (Gertrude) Ben Zaborski ’26 (Assistant Lighting Designer) Wheaton College–Roe (Lightboard Operator), Hamlet (Run Crew); Boston Latin School Theatre Company–Spamalot (Assistant Lighting Designer), Puffs (Lighting Designer), My Love Lies Frozen in the Ice (Lighting Designer), Urinetown (Lighting Designer), Peter and the Starcatcher (Lighting Designer), A Clown Show About Rain (Lighting Designer), Spongebob The Musical (Lighting Designer). Ben is a student of mathematics and theater at Wheaton College.

His favorite color is blue. In his free time he plays Guitar Hero and Super Smash Bros.

Melee.

Morgan Calverley ’25 (Assistant Costume Designer) Wheaton College–Hamlet (Costume Designer and Crew) Phoenix Clarke ’27 (Assistant Stage Manager) Wheaton College–Debut; Mt. Sinai High School–Once Upon a Mattress (Ensemble), Chicago (Crew member), Seussical the Musical (Set designer, Set Builder, Stage Manager). Phoenix is a first-year student at Wheaton College. He previously attended Mt. Sinai High School on Long Island. He participated in the Mt. Sinai Performing Arts program for three of his four years of high school, two of which were as a crew member and the other as an ensemble member.

Briana Freitas ’27 (Assistant Stage Manager) Wheaton College–Debut; Case Theatre– Pippin (Catherine), Mamma Mia! (Tanya), Cabaret (Ensemble), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrette), Chicago (Sound Crew Head), Love/Sick (Woman).

Briana is a first-year student at Wheaton College, her hometown being Swansea, MA. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to experience the technical side of theatre, as she has mainly been on stage in the past.

Katelyn Spader ’27 (Assistant Stage Manager) Wheaton College–Debut; North Haven High School–Phantom of the Opera (Cast, Costume Crew), Mamma Mia (Cast, Costume Crew), Newsies (Cast, Costume Designer, Prop Design, Scenic Painter), Various Fall/ Spring Shows (Cast, Costumer); Whitney Players–Hairspray (Cast), High School Musical (Cast), Into the Woods (Cast), Seussical, the Musical (Costume Crew), Various showcases/ one-acts (Cast), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Costume Crew, Chorus), Damn Yankees (Costume Crew). Katelyn is a first-year student at Wheaton, and super excited to get started in Wheaton’s theatre dept. with an amazing show like RENT! Alex Zieselman ’24 (Assistant Stage Manager) Wheaton College–Roe (Projection operator); Ephram Curtis Middle School–Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Sound Crew), A Year with Frog and Toad (Sound Crew); Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School– How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Sound Crew), The Secret Garden (Sound Crew), Once Upon a Mattress (Sound Crew), Be More Chill (Spotlight Operator); Old Castle Theatre Company–A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins (Production Assistant, Costume Dresser), Fully Committed (Production Assistant). Alex is a Senior majoring in theatre at Wheaton College. She is excited to work on Wheaton’s first musical since the pandemic! This is her first time as part of a stage management team and she has enjoyed the experience.

Biographies—Cast Carmen Almonte ’26 (Paula, Various Roles) Wheaton College–Debut; MCC Theatre Youth Company–Uncensored 2022 (ensemble/self).

Ka-Niesa Anderson-Blackshear ’26 (Benjamin Coffin III) Wheaton College–Five Minute Play Festival, fall 2023 (Director), Roe (Roxanne, Aileen, Barbara, Flo, Pregnant Women 3); Solid Rock Baptist Church: Lion King, Jr. (Mufasa & Zazu); Marion P. Thomas Charter Middle School: The Wiz (Good Witch of the North). Ka-Niesa is a student at Wheaton College. She plans to major in business and psychology with a minor in theatre. She is a movie buff and loves to sing any song in the shower.

Jada Asapokhai ’27 (Joanne Jefferson) Wheaton College–Five Minute Play Festival, fall 2023 (Director); Kingswood Oxford–9 to 5 (tech crew), Sweet Charity (Ensemble), Hyperfocus (Principal, Counselor); Timothy Edwards Middle School–Newsies (Specs).

Jada is a first-year student at Wheaton College. She lives with her parents and her three sisters, Joy, Joella, and Juanita in South Windsor, Connecticut.

Dessie Bell-Kamen ’24 (Homeless Person, Alexi Darling) Wheaton College–Debut; Voices Boston: Seussical Jr (Baby Kangaroo), HMS Pinafore (Josephine); Brimmer and May: Grease (Ensemble Member), Peter Pan (Nana, the Crocodile), Cinderella (Marie the Fairy Godmother), Charlotte’s Web (Charlotte), The Sound of Music (Maria), Newsies (Davey), Urinetown (Hope). Dessie Bell-Kamen is a senior at Wheaton College studying public health and psychology. She has been performing since she was six years old, starting in PALS children’s chorus, currently known as Voices Boston. Dessie attended Brimmer and May from Kindergarten to her senior year of high school. While at Brimmer she participated in many theater productions, school band, and school chorus. Dessie also is a competitive figure skater. She has been skating for over ten years and just competed in the 2023 National Qualifying Series. At Wheaton, in addition to RENT, Dessie is involved with the Wheaton Whims a capella group, and is a Residential Advisor.

Colin Bourget ’26 (Mark, Assistant to the Director) Wheaton College–Roe (Ensemble), Hamlet (Horatio), Crossroads (Stage Manager); Cape Cod Theatre Company–Twelfth Night (Duke Orsino), A Midsummer Nights Dream (Nick Bottom), Macbeth (Macduff); Notre Dame Academy–Once Upon A Mattress (Sir Harry). Colin is a sophomore at Wheaton College and could not be more excited for RENT! He would like to thank his family, friends, and especially Gracie O’Leary for being the original Joanne to his Mark!

Emma Bradshaw ’25 (Maureen Johnson) Wheaton College–Roe (Norma McCorvey), Dimple Divers (Cast Member and Social Media Manager); Weston Drama Workshop–The Spongebob Musical (Gary and the Mayor of Bikini Bottom), Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth Benning), Cherry Orchard (Dunyasha); Newton North High School–Hello Dolly (Minnie Fay), Cabaret Troupe (Director and Troupe Member), Nitrous Oxide (Troupe Member), Spontaneous Generation (Troupe Member), The Big Meal (Woman 1). Emma is a Wheaton College junior from Newton MA studying film and theatre. She would like to thank everyone that helped to get this production together, and is so excited for you to see the show!

Kyra Conover ’24 (Homeless Person, Sue, Pastor, Various Roles) Wheaton College– Debut; Pax Amicus Castle Theatre–Cinderella (Cinderella), Central Theatre–The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Stage Manager), Central Theatre–Tarzan (Ensemble). Kyra is a senior, majoring in chemistry with a minor in theatre. She is involved in the Wheaton Whims, Chorale, and Chamber Singers. She also works for the Office of Admissions and as a Chemistry TA.

Eli Cowie ’26 (Ensemble, Technician) Wheaton College–Hamlet (Hamlet), Roe (Ensemble); Northern Stage–Richard III (Richard III), The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Peter), Twelfth Night (Property Assistant, Technician). Eli is a sophomore at Wheaton, double majoring in theatre and economics. Off the stage, they also enjoy spending time with their partner and crafting jewelry. Instagram: @eli.b.cowie Atlas Curran-Barker ’27 (Blanket Person, Various Roles) Wheaton College–Debut; Canton High School–Little Shop of Horrors (Skip Snip/Mr.Bernstein/Mrs.Luce, Set Crew Head), Romeo & Juliet (Tybalt, Set Crew Head), Grease (Doody, Set Crew Head), Clue (Wadsworth, Set Crew Head), Sister Act (Ernie, Newscaster, Nun, Ensemble, Set Crew Head), She Kills Monsters (Chuck Biggs, Narrator, Set Crew Head), Mamma Mia (Ensemble, Set Crew), The Crucible (Ensemble, Set Crew). Atlas is a first-year student at Wheaton College. Previously he attended Canton High School in Canton, MA where he acted & was the Set Crew Head. Outside of theatere he is involved in a capella (The Blend), LGBTQ+ Activism (Queer Youth Assemble), & Art. Joey Del Santo ’25 (Mr. Jefferson, Craig, Assistant Music Director, Dramaturg) Wheaton College–Five Minute Play Festival Spring 2023 (Co-Producing Director), Hamlet (Lighting Designer); Stadium Theatre–12 Angry Jurors (Lighting Designer), Freaky Friday (Lighting Designer), Annie (Lt. Ward), Alice in Wonderland, Jr. (Mad Hatter); East End Theatre & Performing Arts–Hairspray (Fender); Scituate Youth Drama–Grease (Teen Angel/ Eugene), The Wizard of Oz (Tin Man). Joey is a junior at Wheaton where he studies theatre & music. In addition to his work as an actor, designer and musician, Joey is the President & Artistic Director of Wheaton’s student-led theatre company, Café Theatre.

Joey is also a teaching artist at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, RI. To learn more, visit joeydelsanto.com.

Malia Gentile ’26 (Squeegee Man, Various Roles, Co-Dance Captain) Wheaton College–Debut; La Salle High School–Mamma Mia (Ensemble), A Christmas Carol (Charity Collector), 150 Cabaret (Ensemble, Solo: The Age of Aquarius), High School Musical (Ensemble). Malia is an intended environmental science major with a mathematics minor at Wheaton College MA. She loves the performing arts, especially dancing and singing. She is from Pawtucket, RI, and has been involved in the arts for as long as she can remember.

Izzy Giorgi ’25 (The Man, Pam, Various Roles) Wheaton College–Debut; Classical High School Theatre–The Good Doctor (Madame Cherdyakov). Izzy is a junior at Wheaton College. This is their first production at Wheaton, and it has led them to discover a newfound passion for theater. RENT is a very important musical to Izzy, and they are honored to be a part of the cast. When not at Wheaton, Izzy resides in Providence, Rhode Island. At Wheaton, they are also a member of the Wheatones.

Eliana Goodman ’24 (Mark’s Mom, Various Roles) Wheaton College–Debut; Oak Hill Players–Peter Pan (Wendy), All Shook Up (Lorraine); Portland Players–Camelot (Ensemble/Fairy), Our Town (Rebecca Gibbs). Eliana is a psychology and business double major pursuing a career in Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Outside of classes, Eliana is an admissions intern, the co-president of the Blend, the vice president of SHAG, and the Treasurer of SAFE HAUS. Reagan Jensen ’26 (Roger Davis) Wheaton College–Roe (Justice White, Beau); Central Montcalm High School–Beauty and the Beast (The Beast), The Unsinkable Molly Brown (Johnny Brown), My Fair Lady (Mr. Higgins). Reagan is a sophomore at Wheaton where he is studying theatre and film. He has been performing musical theatre since sixth grade and moved from Michigan to Massachusetts to pursue a career in the industry.

Hope Madden ’26 (Mimi Márquez) Wheaton College–Debut; Hope is a sophomore at Wheaton, majoring in biology with a minor in animal behavior. She is an active member and secretary of Paraíso Latino, the latin dance group on campus. She is originally from Warwick, Rhode Island, but now lives in Redding, CT with her family when she isn’t at school of course. Special thanks to Stephanie, Max, Izzy and Mia! Ben McIntire ’26 (Ensemble) Wheaton College–Roe (Ensemble); Skowhegan Opera House–Not On This Night (Eddie Miller), Lakewood Theater–The Drowsy Chaperone (Ensemble). Ben McIntire spends most of his days dazed and confused. He loves challenges and won’t easily be dissuaded from taking one. Ben would like to remind you all to stow your metal bottles somewhere where you won’t kick them during the performance. To anarchy!

Jacob Packard ’27 (Tom Collins) Wheaton College–Debut; Nauset Players–The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho), Black Comedy (Harold Gorringe), Failure: A Love Story (Mortimer Mortimer), Beauty and the Beast (Beast), The Great Gatsby (Nick Carraway). Jacob Packard is a first-year student at Wheaton College hoping to study creative writing and

theatre. Fond of playwriting, acting, and the arts in general, he is excited to be able to bring Collins to life in this wonderful production.

Jacinto Vega Roch ’24 (Co-Captain, Back-Up Dancer) Wheaton College–Debut. Jacinto is an international student from Madrid, Spain. He is part of the dance team Paraíso Latino, and he is double majoring with a major in marketing and independent major in fashion.

Matthew Velez ’27 (Angel Dumott Schunard) Wheaton College–Debut; Fordham Prep Dramatic Society–Grease (Ensemble), Romeo and Juliet (Montague), A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Past), A Few Good Men (Lawyer A, Ensemble), Guys and Dolls (Waiter, Ensemble), The Outsiders (Mr. Syme, Soc). Born and raised in the Bronx, Matt is a first-year student at Wheaton College, aspiring to major in psychology and become an adolescent therapist for his community. With a dedication to promoting LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, he’s prepared to step into the spotlight in heels, making his dazzling drag queen debut.

Emma Rose Zhou ’27 (Ali, Mrs. Jefferson, Junkie, Mr. Grey) Wheaton College–Debut; Tabor Academy Drama Department–The Addams Family (MorticIa Addams), Chicago (Velma Kelley), The 39 Steps (Heavy 1), Mamma Mia (Ensemble). Emma is a first-year at Wheaton College. She plans to major in neuroscience and the arts. She is very excited to be involved in theatre at Wheaton, and looks forward to being a part of future productions.

Special Thanks Megan Brooks Craig and Adelene Burlington Larry, Laurence & Henry Daniels Mark Deluzio and Mockingbird Music Nathan Domingo/mintedsupply.com Peter Ferriera Michael Francaviglian and Bill Lorentz Michael Geller Hasbro Inc. Morgan Holland Elizabeth Hoy Ellen Kane Jennifer Madden Kate Mason Will Mason Taylor McNeilly Paraíso Latino Santos Harrison Rios ’24 Lisa Romanul Ann Sears Elio Simpson Justin Schupp Joe Wilson, Jr. Office of the Provost Beard & Weil Galleries The Library and Technology Learning Committee Marion B. Gebbie Archives and Special Collections This production was made possible by the Debra Glidden ‘68 Fund for Musical Theatre and by the Loser Music Fund within the Evelyn Danzig Haas ‘39 Visiting Artists Program

Upcoming Productions Tickets for events requiring them can be purchased online via the Watson Box Office The Pillowman written by Martin McDonagh, directed by John O’Meara ’26 Presented by Café Theatre and the Department of Theatre & Dance December 2, 2023 7:30pm December 3, 2023 2:00pm Kresge Experimental Theatre, Watson Fine Arts DanceFest 2024 Featuring: KAOS, Paraíso Latino, Tap Out Loud, TRYBE with guest S.O.LE. February 15–17, 2024 Weber Theatre, Watson Fine Arts New Plays Festival 2024 February 24 & 25, 2024 Kresge Experimental Theatre, Watson Fine Arts Definitive written by Joey Del Santo Presented by Café Theatre and the Department of Theatre & Dance March 28–30, 2024 Kresge Experimental Theatre, Watson Fine Arts Five Minute Play Festival April 6, 2024 Kresge Experimental Theatre, Watson Fine Arts Wheaton College Dance Company April 18–20, 2024 Weber Theatre, Watson Fine Arts

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