Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play Program

Welcome to the California Repertory Company's 2023-24 Season at the CSULB Department of Theatre Arts! As department Chair, I am honored to introduce a season that promises to capture your imagination and challenge your perspectives.

Theatre possesses a remarkable ability to transport us to new realities. It serves as a medium that unites us, fostering a sense of community through a collective live experience.

In these complex times, we believe that the arts play an even more significant role in connecting our diverse communities.

Throughout this season, you will be treated to narratives spanning the breadth of the human experience. Our productions are designed to stimulate your curiosity, provoke thoughtful reflection, and entertain you.

I encourage you to put aside your digital devices, and fully immerse in the magic of live theatre. We extend our sincere gratitude to you for joining us and for championing the arts as one of our most important collaborators: the audience.

Your presence serves as the final element in what makes an evening at the theatre special and timeless.

So, please, take a moment to settle in, and enjoy your experience at Cal Rep! With warm regards, Ezra LeBank Chair, Department of Theatre Arts

California Repertory Company (CalRep) is the producing arm of the Theatre Arts Department at CSULB. Over the past three decades, Cal Rep has a history of creating new work, devised theatre and adaptations of classics.

CSULB is located on the sacred site of Puvungna. We acknowledge that we are on the land of the Tongva/Gabrieleño and the Acjachemen/Juaneño Nations who have lived and continue to live here.

We recognize the Tongva and Acjachemen Nations and their spiritual connection as the first stewards and the traditional caretakers of this land.

We thank them for their strength, perserverance, and resistance.

We pay our respects to the Ancestors, Elders, and our relatives, past, present, and emerging.

Can you guess the shows we are putting on in Spring 2024 based on the symbols below?

Follow us @CalRep on Instagram to find out more about our Spring 2024 season!

Six stories, one stage.

This Fall 2023 CSULB season opener focusses on six different short stories written by our very own CSULB Theater Undergrads! Night of Student Work showcases the work of seven different writers have mastered the depiction of community, concentration, and conversation on the stage.

They have written beautiful stories between strangers, friends, and loved ones that will pull at your heartstrings.

Night Of Student Work runs for eight performances at California State University, Long Beach’s (CSULB) Studio Theater beginning Beginning September 14th and will conclude on September 23rd. ​ For The Love Of: (or, the roller derby play) is a play written

by Gina Femia that explores the world of roller derby and the women who participate in this high-contact, high-energy sport. The play follows Joy, who discovers roller derby and finds a new community and purpose through the sport. The Love Of: (or, the roller derby play) runs for eight performances at California State University, Long Beach’s (CSULB) Studio Theater beginning October 19th and will conclude on October 28th.

The Fall 2023 semester concludes with Mr. Burns, a PostElectric Play, written by Anne Washburn, which explores the role of storytelling in a post-apocalyptic world. The play is divided into three acts, each set in a different time period after a catastrophic event has destroyed much of the world's infrastructure. The show will run for eight performances at California State University, Long Beach’s (CSULB) Studio Theater beginning November 30th through December 9th.

MR. BURNS, A Post-Electric Play After a precipitous loss of our electrical grid (and, with it, our entire artistic, historical and cultural record) MR. BURNS examines how we might rebuild amidst the chaos and violence of a second dark ages. Where do we find meaning when the signs and symbols of our presumed past have faded into memory?

What is the new hero’s face and what will be her journey?

What is The Simpsons?

The Simpsons began as a short - a minute or two every week on Tracy Ulman’s very funny sketch show in the late 80’s. But it certainly did not end there. The full-length TV series is now in its 34th season and it has since inspired entire networks of satirical cartoons (think Family Guy, Southpark, American Dad, Rick & Morty, etc.) The Simpsons is the iconic slapstick, vaudevillian, topical cartoon satire of family life in America.

So, is MR. BURNS a comedy?

No. It is darkly comedic and very funny in places.

But it is also a sci-fi action thriller.

And it is a thoughtfully sentimental post-apocalyptic drama.

And it is a post-dramatic musical Tragedy.

Even more so, it is a love song to our roving family of misfits: the community that has always found one another and called themselves ‘theatre people’. We are the cockroaches of the artistic world. When all other light is snuffed out, the ghost light somehow remains lit and out we scurry. The ensuing darkness may be wrought by catastrophic electromagnetic pulse and it may be wrought by the ever-tightening grip of artificial intelligence.

Either way, it is the live theatre, the analogue, the cockroaches… that will endure.

DIRECTOR JOSH NATHAN ASSISTANT DIRECTORS SUSAN GASPARYAN KAT MAITRE

Scenic Designer Jessica York Costume Designer Taryn Wyss Lighting Designer Daniel Geschke

Property Manager Yasmine Ibrahim Sound Designer Kelby Sandvick

Projection Designer Hana Sakioka

Music Directors Jennifer Richardson Stephanie Smith

Hair & Make-up Designer Megan Gollaher

Accompanist Jason Griffin

Stage Manager Dante Cimo

Alberto Alonso

Groundskeeper Willy, Choir

Gideon Amick

Gibson, Choir

Bobby Brannon

Bart Simpson

Talia Cadena

Chief Piggum, Choir, Guitar

Lucca Carr-Veramo

Marauder, Moe Szyslak, Choir

Lex Conley

Nelson Muntz 1, Choir

Devyn Cusick

Nelson Muntz 2, Choir

Christina Du Chene

Matt, Marge Simpson

Eliza Fletcher

Jenny, Choir

Jordan Gelotte

Colleen, Lisa Simpson

Lily Guo

Apu, Choir

Felicity Harris and Kahlua Maggie Simpson and Santa’s Little Helper Kelsi Havercroft

Quincy, Choir, Percussion

Mariah Jackson

Marauder, Nelson Muntz 3, Choir

Annabelle Kerns

Itchy, Choir

Ally Kerth

Troy Mclure 1, Choir , Flute

Terance Kissel

Troy Mclure 2, Choir, Violin

Victoria Martins

Scratchy, Choir

Aidan McGuiness

Sam, Homer Simpson

Eliseo Payan

Marauder, Ned Flanders, Choir

Juver Ramirez

Mr. Burns

Lars Toler

Edna Krabappel, Choir

Aya Sherian

Maria, Lisa, FB Agent, Choir

Olivia Vasquez

Mayor Quincy, Choir

Alberto Alonso

Gideon Amick

Bobby Brannon

Talia Cadena

Lucca Carr-Veramo

Lex Conley

Devyn Cusick

Christina Du Chene

Eliza Fletcher

Jordan Gelotte

Lily Guo

Felicity Harris & Kahlua

Kelsi Havercroft

Mariah Jackson

Annabelle Kerns

Ally Kerth

Terance Kissel

Victoria Martins

Aidan McGuiness

Eliseo Payan

Juver Ramirez

Lars Toler

Aya Sherian

Olivia Vasquez

Assistant Stage Manager Karlie Kovach Production Assistants Lizeth Guzman-Calderon Kiki Wong Elizabeth Sanchez Assistant Costume Designer Kai Manuel Asst. Hair & Make-up Designers Audrey Arreola Tatiana Santana Olivia Ketchel Assistant Lighting Designer Ryan Meissner 2nd Asst. Lighting Designer & Programmer Kiara Uribe Assistant Projection Designer Eden Doss-Fillmore

Costume Shop Stitcher Mika Dyo Costume Crew Blake Bertolin Zoe Hebbard Aricia Hwang Jami Jimenez Quintin Matheny Ella McDonald Awele Monye Isaiah Morrow Olivia Steele Hair & Make-Up Crew Emmanuel Hernandez Quintin Matheny Jessica Morales Dyanna Padilla Won Seok Olivia Truninger Scenic Crew Saul Diaz Niko Flores Jacob Mejia-Hays Erica Winograd-Cohen Alexander Young

Lighting/Sound/Video Crew Joseph Avendano Wardrobe Supervisor Kayci Baylon Melissa Villegas Devin Bayless Isabella Gamble Choreographer Peyton Garber Annabelle Kerns Anthony Sanchez

Lead Painters Olivia Steele Jessica York Painters Saul Diaz Susan Gasparyan Bibydiana Gonzalez Sophia Graham Daniel Geshke Felicity Harris Yasmine Ibrahim Guadalupe Lopez Jiyun Lee Jacob Magadan Iori Miyakodani Dawson McDonald Ryan Orona Gabriela Santiago Sonia Gianasauras Madelyn Worden Josh Van Veggel

Bobby Brannon (they/them) Bart Simpson Bobby is stoked to be joining Cal Rep for their Fall 2023 production of Mr. Burns! They've performed in roles such as the Balladeer (Assassins) and the Minstrel (Something Rotten), and they're excited to bring all they've got to this show too! Support the arts, enjoy the show! @bobby.abeba Talia Cadena (all pronouns) Chief Piggum, Choir, Guitar Talia is super excited to be a part of her first show at CSULB ! She would like to thank her parents and boyfriend for encouraging her to pursue her dream of acting. Enjoy the show !

Lucca Carr-Veramo (he/him) Marauder, Moe Szyslak, Choir Lucca is thrilled to be performing in his first show at CalRep. He has performed previously at Diablo Valley College. He'd like to thank his family and friends for all their support.

Christina Du Chene (she/her) Matt, Marge Simpson This is Christina’s first show with Cal Rep and she is so stoked to have been able to work with such talented and dedicated artists.

She’d like to thank her family and friends for their support and influence. She hopes you enjoy the show! Instagram: @christinamduchene Eliza Fletcher (she/her) Jenny, Choir Eliza is making her debut on the Main Stage as a sophomore. She has previously been featured in Thresholds including The Wait, The Curse of [Redacted], and Spelling Bee. Eliza is excited for what her future holds at CalRep.

Jordan Gelotte (she/her) Colleen, Lisa Simpson Jordan is a senior theatre performance major, and she is ecstatic to be in her fifth production with CalRep! (past credits: Sonnets for An Old Century, American Distortion, The Rocky Horror Show, Dry Land). She has had a blast being a part of this production, and she would like to leave you with a quote: “ If you take away our cartoons, we'll grow up without a sense of humor and be robots."- Lisa Simpson Lily Guo (she/her) Apu, Choir Lily is so grateful to participate in her first show with CalRep. As a first-year student, she is thrilled to be performing in Mr. Burns, her first university production. Her past credits include Gretchen (Mean Girls), Martha (High School Musical Jr.) and Darla (Hairspray). Lily would like to thank her family and friends for their support in her career.

Felicity Harris (she/her) Maggie Simpson Felicity is thrilled to be participating in her first Cal State of Long Beach performance, alongside Kahlua! Los Angeles artist and teacher, Felicity is a trained quadruple threat, exciting to be continuing her experience with the amazing Mr. Burns cast.

Kelsi Havercroft (she/her/hers) Quincy, Choir, Percussion Kelsi is so excited to be a part of this brilliant production of "Mr. Burns" at CSULB! Some of her favorite previous works include Wednesday Addams (Addams Family), Lily Larsen (Ranked), Agnes Evans (She Kills Monsters), and Melody Gold (Forevermore). In her free time, Kelsi likes to be silly and goofy for fun. Kelsi would like to thank her parents so much for being her biggest cheerleaders!

Annabelle Kerns (she/her) Itchy, Choir Annabelle is currently in her third year at CSULB as a theatre major.

This is her first mainstage and is super excited to be involved in such a special play.

Mariah Jackson (she/her) Marauder, Nelson Muntz 3, Choir Mariah Jackson is super excited to be a part of her first show with CalRep! Her past credits include Elf in the “Polar Express Train Ride Experience” and Peter Pan in “Shrek: The Musical”. Mariah would like to thank all her friends and family for supporting her in her career.

Ally Kerth (they/she) Troy McLure 1, Choir, Flute Ally Kerth is so excited to be making their debut with CSULB main stage theater. Their past credits include Ali (Mamma Mia), The Priest (Twelfth Night), and Potiphar’s Wife (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). They are so thankful for her parents and dearest friends for the support they give in pursuing her time in theater.

Terance Kissel (he/they) Troy McLure 2, Choir, Violin Terance is excited for their first show with CalRep. His past credits include March Hare (Alice in Wonderland) and The Narrator (She Kills Monsters). Terance would like to thank his friends and family for their support.

Victoria Martins (any pronouns) Scratchy, Choir Victoria Martins is currently a third year theatre performance major here at CSULB. They are incredibly excited to be playing Scratchy in this performance alongside their beloved Annabelle/ Itchy. This character has been very fun and rewarding for them to play. This will be her fourth show with Cal Rep. Earlier this semester she played Diaz De Los Muertos in For The Love Of (Or The Roller Derby Play), and last year, Ester in Dry Land, and an Usherette in The Rocky Horror Show. They would like to thank you for supporting the arts.

Aidan McGuiness (he/him) Sam, Homer Simpson This is Aidan’s 4th production with Cal Rep. Past credits include Peter in Peter and the Starcatcher and Brad in The Rocky Horror Show. He is grateful for the opportunity to share the brilliance of this show with you and he hopes you enjoy. instagram: @aidan.mcguiness Eliseo Payan (he/him) Marauder, Ned Flanders, Choir Eliseo is so happy to be in his second MainStage. His past credit are monster in night of student works and Mitch Mahoney in spelling bee. Eliseo has been very active in the theater department and hopes to do more in the theater department. He love his friends and family and hopes to make more new friends. Ig.Eliseo.Payan Juver Ramirez (he/him) Mr. Burns Juver is excited to be playing Mr. Burns in his very last semester here at Long Beach.His past credits include Eddie (Rocky Horror) and Dr. Kelekin in W;t. He’d like to thank faculty, staff, family and friends for an enjoyable last semester.

Aya Sherian (she/her) Maria, Lisa, FB Agent, Choir Aya Sherian is overjoyed to be performing in her first mainstage show at CSULB! Her prior roles include Marcy Park (25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee) and Donna (Mamma Mia). She has had a blast rehearsing and getting to know her cast members! Lastly, She would like to thank everyone who supports her and her dreams!

Lars Toler (he, they) Edna Krabappel, Choir Lars is grateful to be returning for their third show with CalRep, first as Riff Raff in Rocky Horror and then in the Spring ‘23 MT Showcase.

Acting credits include Tracy Turnblad (Hairspray) and Bombalurina (CATS). Written credits include Smitten and Magnets, which were produced by Theater Threshold. Directorial credits include Magnets and The In-Between Space. Protect Trans Kids.

Olivia Vasquez (she/her) Mayor Quincy, Choir Olivia is so grateful to participate in her first show with CalRep. Her past credits include The Judge (Legally Blonde) , Joanne (Rent), and Factory Worker (Kinky Boots). Olivia would like to thank her loving family for their support in her career.

Jessica York (she/her) Scenic Designer Jessica is overjoyed to be working on her second CalRep production as the scenic designer. The previous production was Fall of 2022’s Electricidad. She would like to thank her friends, family, and roommates for their continuous support and kindness throughout the entire process.

Taryn Wyss (they/them) Costume Designer Taryn is thrilled to be designing their first show for CalRep! Their past credits include designing for Theatre Threshold at CSULB and Stagehouse Theatre at Grossmont Community College. Taryn would like to thank their partner, Noah, for always supporting their pursuit in the arts.

Daniel Geschke (he/him) Lighting Designer Daniel Geschke (he/him) is a Lighting Designer who has worked on countless theatrical productions and immersive environments in the state of California. Some of his notable designs include Les Misérables, Matilda, The Lightning Thief, Dog Sees God, and New Play Festival 2023. He also served as the primary programmer for outdoor event lighting at one of California’s major theme parks.

Hana Sakioka (they/them) Projection Designer Mr. Burns, a Post Electric Play will be Hana's second time working as a projection designer for CalRep. They have previously designed projections for Rocky Horror Picture Show, Alice in Wonderland, and Eurydice. Along with projections, they are also a lighting designer having worked on Art, Seussical: The Musical, and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Hana’s upcoming work will be with YaYa’s Performance Academy on The Little Mermaid.

Yasmine Ibrahim (she/her) Property Manager Yasmine is so excited to participate in another show with CalRep. Her past credits include Co Lighting Designer (Alice in Wonderland), Assistant Sound Designer (The Roller Derby Play), Assistant Lighting Designer (The Wait), and more. Yasmine would like to thank everyone who supported her in her career.

Megan Gollaher (she/her) Hair & Make-up Designer Megan is extremely thrilled and grateful to be designing for her first production with CalRep. She couldn’t have done it without the support of her wonderful parents. Graduating this fall, she is proud to take the experience and memories of this show with her.

Audrey Arreola (she/her) Asst. Hair & Make-up Designer Audrey is so grateful to participate in her first show with CalRep. This is her first time Assistant Makeup Designing a show. She is excited to put her makeup skills to good use. Audrey would like to thank her mama for her unconditional support in her career.

Tatiana Santana (she/her) Asst. Hair & Make-up Designer Tatiana is so excited to be an assistant makeup designer for her first show with CalRep. She looks forward to utilizing her transformative makeup skills on future theatre productions. She would like to thank her family and mentors for believing in her.

Olivia Ketchel (she/her/hers) Asst. Hair & Make-up Designer Olivia is so honored to have the opportunity to join the makeup design team. This is her first show as an assistant makeup designer and is looking forward to designing more shows in the future.

Ryan Meissner (he/him) Assistant Lighting Designer Ryan is very thrilled to be working on my first show as an assistant designer. I have had the chance to work other branches of the theater like hang and focus and programming and taking the next step has been great. Ryan would like to thank his friends and family for their support throughout the years.

Eden Doss-Fillmore (she/they) Assistant Projection Designer Eden is incredibly happy to help in her second show with CalRep. Their previous work was on Student Selected Works as Sound Design. Eden would like to thank her significant other, Kathlen Ho, for supporting her throughout the entire process.

Faculty

Department Chair Ezra LeBank

Media & Sound Engineer David Goyette

MFA Theatre Management Faculty Megan Wanlass

Box Office Manager Kate Fechtig

Managing Director Meg Imamoto Production Manager Ashley Boehne Ehlers

Box Office Student Assistants Awele Monye William Runnels Charli Southall Edward Yi

Technical Director Robert Waltz

Administrative Analyst Katie Speer

Andrian Centeno

Master Carpenter Mitchell Domingo

Safety Technical Supervisor Tony Martinez

Jessica Hansen

Scene Shop Technician Darren Rogholt

Theatre Arts Graduate Advisor Josh Nathan

David Jacques

Scenic Student Assistants Colin FitzMaurice Gabriela Santiago Olivia Steele

Theatre Arts Academic Advisor Adriane Howze

Costume Shop Manager Lalena Hutton Costume Shop Technician & Cutter/Draper Tessa Oberlaurel Costume Shop Stitchers Taryn Weiss Isabella Borgesse Vivian Mulvihille Emily Boom Master Electrician Jasmine Flores Lighting Student Assistants Jenna Agredano Dante Cimo Dane Price Kiara Uribe Josh Van Veggel

Videographer Nick Neira Production Photographer Cynthia Price Graduate General Manager Naima Orozco-Valdivia Management Graduate Students Perla Barajas Paula Eagleman Nadina Espinosa Jenna Fleming Naima Orozco-Valdivia Claire Pearson Bob Williamson

Gayle Baizer Jody Berger Trevor Biship Erin Caron Andrea Caban Martha Carter Ramy Electreby Rich Hutchman Jeff Janisheki Nipper Knapp Ezra LeBank Bradley Lock Stephanie Lopez Patricia Loughrey Emily MacDonald Josh Nathan Hugh O'Gorman Jerry Prell Robert Prior Jen Richardson Tyler Seiple Anna Steers Tom Trudgeon Sarah Underwood Megan Wanlass Jessica Woolen