AUTD Presents MONSTERSONGS

AUBURN UNIVERSITY T H E AT R E & DA N C E P R E S E N T S

Monstersongs Book, Music, and Lyrics

by Rob Rokicki Art by David O’Neill

Directed by Ashley Butler | Music Direction by Brian Osborne

October 26 through

November 5, 2023 Telfair B. Peet Black Box Theatre

2023-2024

1 1 0 TH S E A S O N

Monstersongs Book, Music, and Lyrics

by Rob Rokicki Art by David O’Neill

Directed by Ashley Butler | Music Direction by Brian Osborne

Director’s Note Rob Rokicki offers in Monstersongs a real gift to a director and their team of artists, actors, and technicians: A world that is flexible enough to support interpretation and creativity while maintaining the intrinsic magic of the original material. We dreamed of a multi-layered world in which we transformed our theatre spaces into the Shadow Box Club and a Monster Museum. I’d like to thank my colleagues and all the students who helped create this transformation. We hope you enjoy all the fun and spooky corners!

For some, it won't be surprising that I was immediately intrigued with the premise and the promise of Monstersongs. Flipping the narrative on monster stories? A groovy graphic novel and catchy, multi-genre music? Monster love songs? Sign me up! However, I soon fell in love with the many deep and meaningful layers in Rokicki’s brilliant compositions as well as David O’Neill’s gorgeous, provocative graphic art.

Monstersongs tells the story of a Kid (in our case, we imagine a young teenager) dealing with puberty, parents, and the essential quandaries of life. The Kid dreams up monsters, makes monsters, fears and befriends monsters … perhaps IS a monster? We’ve all been that kid, and sometimes we are still.

We made a monster, baby. We didn’t give it all the love that we had.

What happens when we don’t give all the love? The listening ear, the open mind, the empathy that is deserved? What happens when we monster-fy and demonize those we don’t understand, or whose beliefs or lifestyles differ from ours? Monstersongs reminds us that it’s easy to make monsters and to become monsters. But also that it’s easy to embrace so-called “monsters” if we are willing. And that it’s okay to traverse the dark — but to carry a little light.

I hope we can all agree to carry a little light into the darkness. And let’s give all the love we have. Life is short (unless you’re a vampire).

— Ashley Butler, Director

SPECIAL THANKS

Brianna Barnes, Linda Bell, Melanie Brown, Steve Brown, The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University, Rob Rokicki, Spicer's Music, Andrew Vance

Auburn University Theatre and Dance gratefully acknowledges support for this production from the Office of the Provost of Auburn University.

AUBURN UNIVERS IT Y THE ATRE & DAN CE

2023-2024

Artistic Team

Artistic Director: Tessa Carr Director: Ashley Butler Music Director: Brian Osborne Vocal Director: Charlotte Lee Choreographers: Ashley Butler, Andrew Vance, The Cast* Costume Designer: Mary Grace Sullivan Asst. Costume Designer: Maggie Cole Wig Artists: Sydney Pereira, Avonlea Yeakley, Hali Everette Scenic and Lighting Designer: Gordon Olson Sound Designer: Cheyenne Dalton Projections Designer: Ashley Butler, featuring the graphic art of David O'Neill Dramaturgs/Lobby Display Curators: Melanie Brown, Ashley Butler Dance Captain: Andrew Vance * With respectful homage to The Rocky Horror Show and Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

Production Crews SCENIC STUDIO:

Lisa Alfa, Patrick Barnett, Davy Davis, Harrison Dunn, Kate Johnson, William Johnson, Avery Melton, Jason Owens, Phillip Retzer, Evie Slaughenhoup, Lily Sosebee, Tino Soto, Andrew Vance, Reid Williams

COSTUME STUDIO:

Maddox Brock, Hannah Carstarphen, Nick DiJulio, Shelby Dupree, Cecilia Frederick, Elle Hartman, Morgan Hogans, Linnie Johnston, Presley McQuiddy-Gasparlin, Kathryn Mims, Bethany Novotny, Berkley Peacock, Lily Sfida, Michaela Williams.

In the Telfair Peet Art Gallery The artworks of

Margee Bright Ragland margeebr.com

Production Team

Director of Production: Laura Sims Technical Director: Matt Gist Costume Shop Manager: Jennifer Salter Stage Operations Coordinator: Emily Olson Stage Manager: Abigail Bowling Asst. Stage Manager: Sadie Hawkins Wardrobe Supervisor: Avonlea Yeakley Asst. Wardrobe Supervisor: Shelby Dupree Wardrobe Crew: Hali Everette, Hannah Carstarphen, Linne Johnston Props Coordinator: Melanie Brown Set Dressers: Melanie Brown, Ashley Butler Sound Engineer/A1: Jerod Kimbro A2s: Noah Dimon, Lily Hamilton Sound Board Operator: Avery Melton Head Electrician: Emily Olson Asst. Head Electrician: William Johnson Light Board Operator: Lily Sfida

Learn More!

1. E xplore our dramaturgical “Monster Museum” throughout the Telfair Peet Theatre lobby spaces.

2. J oin us after the Sunday Oct. 29 performance for a talkback with special guest Rob Rokicki, creator of Monstersongs.

3. J oin us after the Thursday Nov. 2 performance for a talkback session with the actors and members of the artistic team.

4. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for interviews, takeovers, and other features about the show!

Monstersongs is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com.

“Monster” from Rathskeller is performed by special permission from Brianna Barnes. Additional pre-show music is performed under Auburn University’s blanket licenses with BMI and ASCAP.

auburnuniversitytheatre.org

The Shadowbox Club Presents...

OPENING ENTERTAINMENT “Monster” (from Rathskeller by Brianna Barnes). . . . . . . . . . . The Boogieman “ Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . Siren Sisters with guest Salem “Spooky” by Classics IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Shapeshifters “ I Put A Spell On You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. . . . . . . The Shapeshifters “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Gang

15-MINUTE INTERMISSION

Grab some refreshments in the Monster Museum and enjoy in the Shadowbox!

MONSTERSONGS “Prologue”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ensemble “Monsterbaby” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mad Scientist Father and Mother, Ensemble “Unravel”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Mummy, Ensemble “Say Goodbye”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Medusa “Down and Under” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Troll, Ensemble “Blood and Brains”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teen Vampire, Teen Zombie, Ensemble “The Plans”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Igor, Ensemble “Right Through You”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Ghost “Reluctantly” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Dragon “I'm Sorry”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Doppelgänger “Hell Hath No Fury” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Witch “Footprints”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Yeti, The Sasquatch, Ensemble “Silver Bullet”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Kid, The Werewolf “It's Over/Return of Monsterbaby”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ensemble

About the Creator of Monstersongs Rob Rokicki is a New York–based writer and composer/lyricist whose songs “live at

that perfect intersection of musical theatre and radio rock” (Adam Gwon). Rob wrote the music, lyrics and co-orchestrated the Broadway show The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (book by Joe Tracz). Rob has worked professionally as an actor, in national tours, regionally, and in NYC including Carnegie Hall. As a music director, he has worked both regionally and Off-Broadway. Rob has been a proud educator at the collegiate level for over 10 years and is the Finale music guru for the nationally recognized children’s theatre publishing giant, iTheatrics. Driven by a relentless desire to collaborate, discover, and create, Rob is currently developing a wide range of diverse, accessible projects.

Learn more about Rob’s work at robrokicki.com​ or @rrokicks on Instagram.

AUBURN UNIVERS IT Y THE ATRE & DAN CE

2023-2024

Cast Opening Entertainment The Boogieman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tony To Siren Sisters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caroline Brooks and Morgan McKenzie The Shapeshifters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Nelson and Salem Sheets Monstersongs The Kid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daisha Flint Mad Scientist Father/The Doppelgänger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alex Pharo Mad Scientist Mother/Siren Sister. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caroline Brooks The Mummy/The Sasquatch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Vance Medusa/The Ghost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashleigh Vickery The Troll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tony To Teen Vampire/The Witch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Evie Slaughenhoup Teen Zombie/The Dragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cecilia Frederick Igor/The Yeti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Garrett Scott Werewolf/Siren Sister/The Kid US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morgan McKenzie Swings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Nelson, Salem Sheets

Band Conducted by Brian Osborne Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palmer Sparks Drums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Harrison Guitar 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrick Reagan Guitar 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alex Pharo Harmonica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Vance Keyboard 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Osborne Keyboard 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adrienne Wilson

The Monstersongs Graphic Novel David O’Neill is an award-winning children’s book Illustrator and

Art Director in NYC. As the O’Neill in Shankman and O’Neill Children’s Books, Dave has nine titles in the library including the best-selling “I Met a Moose in Maine One Day,” “When a Lobster Buys a Bathrobe,” and “Where's the Bathroom?”

Dave’s work has taken him to toy design, marketing, illustration, and stage work. For more of Dave’s work, visit www.oneilldave.blogspot.com and www.shankmanoneill.com or @davidoneillart on Instagram.

Get your own digital copy of the Monstersongs graphic novel at monstersongs.net!

auburnuniversitytheatre.org

Student Company Biographies

Abigail Bowling (Stage Manager) is a sophomore BA theatre major on the management track from Auburn, AL. Her previous AUTD credits include Edges (Stage Manager) and Pippin (Assistant Stage Manager). She would like to send love to her friends and family for their constant support and hopes you all enjoy this spooky show!

Caroline Brooks (Mother/Siren Sister) is a freshman pursuing a BA in theatre. She is very excited to be in her first AUTD production. Her previous credits include Anastasia (Anastasia), Cats (Bombalurina), Urinetown (Penelope Pennywise), Disenchanted (Sleeping Beauty) at Huntsville High School Theatre and Lyrique Music Productions’ Carrie The Musical (Sue Snell).

Daisha Flint (The Kid) is a junior BFA theatre performance major from Piedmont, AL, with multiple AUTD credits in

various acting and technical roles, including The Wolves (Assistant Dramaturg), Twelfth Night (Master/Priest, Feste/ Sebastian US), and Barbecue (Assistant Director). She is honored to participate in this production and thanks anyone who has supported them!

Cecilia Frederick (Teen Zombie/Dragon) is a junior BFA theatre performance major. Her previous credits at Auburn

University include The Thanksgiving Play (Stage Directions) and The Wolves (#25). She would like to thank her family and friends for their support! Break a leg cast and crew!

Sadie Hawkins (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman majoring in music education with a minor in theatre from Enterprise, AL. This is her first production with Auburn University Theatre and Dance.

Morgan McKenzie (Werewolf/Siren Sister/Kid US) is a passionate freshman pursuing her BFA in musical theatre.

She has participated in theatre since she was just five years old. She wants a life in theatre full of diversity and happiness.

Kevin Nelson (Shapeshifter/Male Swing) is a music theatre and business double major from Foley, AL. He has been a part of his local theatre since he was in the third grade, although this is his first production at Auburn. Outside of theater, he loves music, skating, and all kinds of technology.

Alex Pharo (Father/Doppelgänger) is a BFA music theatre and marketing double major from Madison, AL. Auburn University theatre credits include Edges (Man 1). Other credits include American Idiot (Will) and Heathers (JD). He would like to give a shoutout to Mom, Dad, Big Cheese, Donkey Cheese, and Zola!

Garrett Scott (Igor/Yeti) is a senior software engineering major from Nashville, TN. He plans to move to New York to

pursue acting while developing a new AI chess engine. Garrett would like to thank his wonderful professors: AK, Ashley, Jeri, and Randy Craft for pushing him to pursue his artistic interests.

Salem Sheets (Shapeshifter/Female Swing) is a BFA music theatre major from Alpharetta, GA. As this is her first

Auburn University production, some of her high school credits include Into the Woods (The Witch), Footloose (Rusty), and Chicago (Roxie Hart).

Evie Slaughenhoup (Teen Vampire/Witch) is a sophomore BFA music theatre and communications double major.

This is her second production at Auburn University, and she is so thankful for all the opportunities being here has brought her. She would like to thank April and Dennis Turner for never letting her give up!

Mary Grace Sullivan (Costume Designer) is a senior BFA costume design major from Huntsville, AL. She has

various theatre credits, some of them including A Doll’s House (Assistant Costume Designer), Twelfth Night (Wardrobe Supervisor), and Pippin (Co-Costume Designer). Mary Grace is beyond excited for the opportunity to design on such a fun show. She would like to thank her friends, family, and AU Theatre & Dance for always supporting her!

Tony To (Boogieman/Troll) is a senior BFA theatre performance major. His credits include Pippin (Lewis), Twelfth Night (Valentine), and A Doll's House Part 2 (Torvald) at Auburn University. He would like to thank his friends for supporting him throughout his acting journey.

Andrew Vance (Mummy/Sasquatch) (he/him) is a sophomore pursuing a BFA in music theatre and a proud third

generation Auburn student. Y’all can call him Drew. This is his second production with the department. Drew would like to thank the cast and crew of Monstersongs, the AUTD department, and his family for their support and love.

Ashleigh Vickery (Medusa/Ghost) is a BFA music theatre major. Some of her previous roles include Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Cabaret (U/S Sally Bowles / Helga), and Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (Viola). She’d like to thank her friends back home for supporting her from afar and unconditionally loving her as she is.

NEXT UP!

A celebration of dance . . .

Fractals: Infinite Movement Nov. 14-17, 2023

Telfair B. Peet Mainstage

AUBURN UNIVERS IT Y THE ATRE & DAN CE

2023-2024

TICKETS:

aub.ie/theatretickets 334.844.4154 theatre@auburn.edu

THANK YOU, DONORS!

We are profoundly grateful to our generous donors.

Every gift helps to support the work of our department and our incredible theatre and dance students.

Becky Barlow and John Kush Bret and Lauren Cuthbertson Craig & Gabriele Darch Cheryl Jones Elizabeth T. Murff

E. Hurst Peacock and Erin Reynolds-Peacock Dr. Catherine Perricone Fudd Graham & Patty Tyler Arthur Wilke

We need your permission to list your name. This listing includes all donors who have given us permission to list as of the time of printing. If your name is missing and you’d like to be included, please contact us to be added to the next program.

Support Theatre & Dance at Auburn We are especially in need of gifts for continued support of our Theatre & Dance Scholarship Fund. Our students depend on scholarship support to keep up rigorous academic and creative schedules, and to balance the various aspects of student life. If you are new, it’s easy to become a donor. If you gave last year, please consider giving again to help keep the AUTD mission going.

Every gift, no matter the size, will make a difference! auburngiving.org/theatre 334.844.4748 theatre@auburn.edu

Students at Work:

Top, L to R: Presley McQuiddy-Gasparlin and Elle Hartman work in the costume studio. Middle: Daisha Flint helps run rehearsal as an assistant stage manager.

Bottom: Katie Wolfe focuses lighting instruments. Photos by Magalí Zaslabsky.

Guest Artist Biographies Cheyenne Dalton (Sound Designer) is an Auburn University Theatre alum based out of Orlando, FL. She primarily works as an audio engineer across the Central Florida area, where her recent credits are On Your Feet! (Garden Theatre), The Spongebob Musical (Orlando Family Stage), and The Fantasticks (Orlando Shakes). Notable associate design credits include Newsies (The Master’s Academy), Yo, Ho, Ho, Let’s Go! (Orlando Family Stage), and Looped (Garden Theatre). In her free time, she loves spending time at the local theme parks with her partner and collecting overalls.

Gordon W. Olson (Lighting/Scenic Designer) is a Senior Lecturer in Lighting Design at UNCC. Gordon’s regional

lighting design efforts include: Annie, Madagascar: The Musical!, and School House Rock Live! at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte; The Producers, The Addams Family, Spring Awakening, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Footloose at Theatre Charlotte; POTUS at Charlotte Conservatory Theatre; The Chinese Lady and The Children at Three Bone Theatre; Grease! and Side by Side with Providence Day; Annie and Chicago with Davidson Community Players; Twelfth Night, Hamlet, Spring Awakening, The Seagull, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and over 50 music and dance concerts at UNC-Charlotte. Regional credits: City of Angels at Theatre Raleigh; Hansel and Gretel at Detroit Opera, Associate LD for A Christmas Carol at Actor’s Theatre of Louisville; Pagliacci at San Antonio Opera; and New Voices in Dance at James Madison University. Before assisting on the Broadway productions of Good People (World Premiere) and Jerusalem (Tony–nominated for Best Lighting Design) in 2011, Gordon spent three years as Resident Lighting Designer with Florida Grand Opera where his designs for Madama Butterfly, Lucia di Lammermoor, and Cosi fan tutté won critical praise. Between 2006-2008 Gordon served as the Lighting Supervisor for Houston Grand Opera where he designed the lighting for a world premiere production of Hansel and Gretel. Gordon received his BFA from the University of Arizona in 2001 and his MFA from the University of Texas-Austin in 2004.

auburnuniversitytheatre.org

DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE Our Mission

Theatre has the potential to foster dialogue, alter perceptions, and inspire social change. The Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance is dedicated to the education and professional training of theatre artists, scholars, and audiences within a liberal arts environment.

The Department champions the interaction between theory and practice and produces citizen artists who advocate for the arts through their own work in local, national, and international communities.

Auburn University theatre and dance students think critically, creatively, and collaboratively and carry their knowledge from rehearsal spaces and classrooms to stages, campuses, and communities worldwide.

Learn more about our department and degree tracks at:

auburnuniversitytheatre.org

Administrative Staff

Department Chair: Tessa Carr Office Administrators: Becky Henderson, Hannah Herndon Marketing Coordinator: Magalí Zaslabsky Graphic Designer: Ashley Butler

Student Staff:

Event Staff: Olivia Beland, Romelo Blackmon, Tatum Clark, Margaret Cole, William Eplett, Kate Johnson, Presley McQuiddy-Gasparlin, Kate Nymark, Evie Slaughenhoup, Ashleigh Vickery, and Reid Williams.

Costume Studio Assistants: Hali Everette, Claudia Peeples, Mary Grace Sullivan, Avonlea Yeakley Props Assistant: Madison Todd Production Assistant: Abigail Bowling Marketing/Recruitment Assistants: Morgan Hogans, Bethany Novotny, Lily Sfida Scenic Studio Assistants: Daisha Flint, Kara Anne Smith, Tino Soto Sound & Lighting Assistant: Eve Jenkins Wig Assistant: Sydney Pereira Top: Nikki Ahlf and Jonathon Dickey in Pippin (2022), photo by Henry Eiland. Center: Telfair Peet Theatre, photo by Henry Eiland. Bottom: Madison Todd, stage manager, runs a rehearsal of Pippin (2022); photo by Magalí Zaslabsky.

Follow @auburnuniversitytheatre on Facebook and Instagram

Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.