"Xanadu"

2024-2025 Theatre Department Presents

october 4, 10-12 | 7:30 p.m. october 5-6 | 3 p.m.

Book by Douglas Carter Beane Music and Lyrics by Jeff Lynne & Farrar Based on the Universal Pictures film Screenplay by Richard Danus & Marc Rubel

Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Ahrens, Dan Vickery, Tara Smith/B. Swibel, Sara Murchison,/Dale Smith & Cari Smulyan facebook.com/CarthageVPA instagram.com/CarthageVPA 2001 Alford Park Drive Kenosha, WI, 53140

Get Tickets 24/7 carthage.edu/tickets Fine Arts Box Office | 262-551-6661 Tuesday - Friday, Noon - 5 p.m.

setting Time: 1980 Place: Los Angeles and Mount Olympus

cast and crew cast Clio/Kira...................................................................................Ella Bergfeld Sonny Malone............................................................Jonathan Rasmussen Danny Maguire, Zeus............................................................Dom Luzwick Calliope, Aphrodite............................................................... Danae Palmer Melpomene, Medusa............................................................... Olivia Litton Thalia, Siren, Young Danny, 80s Singer, & Cyclops............................................Colin Campbell Euterpe, Siren, 40s Singer, & Thetis...................................Aubree Simon Erato, Siren, 40s Singer, Eros, & Hera ...........................Vivian Alexander Terpsicore, Siren, 80s Singer, Hermes, & Centaur.............................................. Chase Juster Swing........................................................................................ Ellis Medina Swing.......................................................................................... Liam Karth XANADU is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authroized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

understudies For Sonny: Colin Campbell, For Clio/Kira: Aubree Simon swings and dance captains Liam Karth, Ellis Medina

XANADU is performed without an intermission.

scenes and musical numbers act i Scene 1: Venice Beach “I’m Alive”

Muses and Clio/Kira

Scene 2: The Santa Monica Pier “Magic” “Evil Woman”

Sonny, Kira, and Muses Melepomene, Calliope, and Sirens

Scene 3: Outside the Pan-Pacific Auditorium “Suddenly” Sonny and Kira Scene 4: Danny Maguire’s Office “Whenever You’re Away From Me” Danny Maguire, Kira, and Young Danny Scene 5: Inside Auditorium “Dancin” 40s and 80s Singers, Kira, Sonny, and Danny “Strange Magic” Sonny and Kira, Melopomene, Calliope, and Eros “All Over The World” Full Company “Don’t Walk Away” Sonny, Kira, and Muses Scene 6: Venice Beach “Fool” Kira, Melopomene, and Calliope “The Fall” Sonny and Muses “Suspended In Time” Kira and Sonny Scene 7: Mount Olympus “Have You Never Been Mellow?”

Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Thetis, Cyclops, Medusa, and Centaur Scene 8: Club Xanadu “Xanadu” Full Company

cast and crew production and design team Director ........................................................................Matthew Hougland Music Director...................................................................... Yu-Mei Chang Choreographer ...................................................... Danny Dwaine Wells II Technical Director ............................................ Zackary “SLiM” Simonini Scenic Designer ........................................................... Martin McClendon Costume Designer ................................................................ Kim Instenes Lighting Designer .............................................. Julie E. Ballard, USA 829 Stage Manager ........................................................................Lilia Hackert Assistant Stage Managers .................... McKenna Dehn, Annaliese Ruhs Assistant Choreographer .................................................. Joshua Heinlein Dialect Coach................................................................ Martin McClendon Sound Engineers ........................................ Kalyn Harewood, Lucas Burr Graduate Assistant to the Director ....................................... Chenyang Li Run Crew................................................. Sarah Beavers, Micah A. O’Neal Properties Designer .................................................................. Zoe Landry Costume Crew Head..........................................................Emma Mehnert Costume Crew........................ Miao Zhang, Jingyi Huo, Stephanie Majer Makeup and Hair............................................................ Brecka Michelson Light Board Operator.................................................................. Ava Bucur Spotlight Operator................................................................ Cameron Frey Sound Board Operators.... Kalyn Harewood, Lucas Burr, Emma Gillman

cast biographies Vivian Alexander (Erato, Siren, 40s Singer, Eros, Hera): is a junior Music Theatre major and is thrilled to be back on stage! Carthage credits include Sue Snell in CARRIE: THE MUSICAL, Our Lady of the Spa in NINE THE MUSICAL Other credits include THE WIZARD OF OZ (Dorothy), THE GAME’S AFOOT (Aggie Wheeler). Vivian would like to thank her family and friends for their never ending support and encouragement.

Ella Bergfeld (Clio/Kira): Ella Bergfeld is a junior double majoring in Political Science and Music Theatre. Carthage Credits: Brooke Wyndham in LEGALLY BLONDE, Norma and Dance Captain in

cast biographies CARRIE THE MUSICAL, Carla in NINE THE MUSICAL. Ella would like to encourage everyone to get out and vote in the upcoming election! @ellabergfeld Colin Campbell (Thalia, Siren, Young Danny, 80s Singer, Cyclops): Colin is so excited to be working on yet another show at Carthage. He is a junior double majoring in Musical Theatre and Technical Stage Management. Past Credits: Seymour Krelborn in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Lucas Beineke in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Freddy in CARRIE THE MUSICAL, Bickle in FOOTLOOSE, and his most recent show as Featured Ensemble in Rose Theatrics’ inaugural production of RENT this past summer. Colin would like to thank his amazing friends, family, directorial team and his girlfriend Aubree for the constant support and encouragement as he finds his true self. Break legs to the entire cast, and ENJOY THE SHOW!! IG: @colin.campbell5 Chase Juster (Terpsicore, Siren, 80s Singer, Hermes, Centaur): is a Junior Music Theatre Major and Dance Minor. Carthage Credits: LEGALLY BLONDE (ENS/Emmett US/Callahan US), CARRIE (Billy Nolan), NINE (Guido). Past Credits: BAND GEEKS (Jake). Outside of theater he is a part of Carthage Choir. Chase would also like to mention he’s very excited to play a horse. @chasejstr Liam Karth (Swing #2): Liam is a sophomore Vocal Music Education major with minors in Dance and Musical Theatre. Liam is ecstatic to be making his mainstage musical debut at Carthage. Previously, Liam performed in two dance shows at Carthage, with one featuring his choreography. You may have also seen him performing have seen Liam performing in: Adrenal!ne, Neon Nights, and Party Gras at Six Flags Great America. Inside of campus, Liam is involved in several ways, including dance team, choir, NDEO, and working inside of the VPA and Admissions Offices. Liam would like to thank everyone who has worked on this production for helping him grow as a performer, as well as his friends and family for their consistent support. @liam.karth Olivia Litton (Melpomene, Medusa): Olivia is a Senior Musical Theatre Major and is thrilled to be in her third production at Carthage! You may have seen her previously in Carthage’s production of NINE (Saraghina),

cast and crew biographies CARRIE (Miss Gardner), Elgin Community College’s productions of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Simon Zealotes), THE MAD ONES (Kelly), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Chiffon), or Fox Valley Theater Company’s FOOTLOOSE (Rusty). Olivia would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her, as well as the amazing cast, directing team, and production staff that made this show possible!

IG: @liv.litton, TikTok: @littyyliv Dom Luzwick (Danny Maguire, Zeus): is a Sophomore musical theater major here at Carthage and is thrilled to be working in his third musical here! Carthage credits include CARRIE (Tommy Ross) NINE(Cardinal/Gondolier) Other Creduts include HELLO DOLLY (Ambrose Kemper) SPONGEBOB(Patrick). Dom is involved in many ways here at Carthage including being on the cheer team, serving as the Secretary for APO,the Treasurer for Jazz Combo, and the spirit team rep for student government. Much love to his family and friends especially his mom who always pushes him to his fullest potential.

Shoutout to Annelise <3 Instagram: Dom_luzwick Ellis Medina (Swing #1): Ellie Medina is a Sophomore Musical Theatre major and Spanish minor here at Carthage and is excited to be performing in her second Carthage production! She was previously involved in Nine (Featured Dancer) here at Carthage, but has also been apart of The Prom (Shelby), Grease (Patty/Dance Captain), and Mamma Mia (Dance Captain). Outside of performing, Ellie works as a Director/Choreographer at Ovation Academy, as well as working on campus as a Student Ambassador and an office assistant in the Fine Arts department. She would like to thank the cast, production team, and crew for their hard work and dedication to this show, as well as her friends and family for being her biggest supporters! @ellisamada Danae Palmer (Calliope, Aphrodite): Danae is a Senior double major in Music Theatre and Public Relations. She is excited to perform with such a fantastic cast in her fourth Musical Production at Carthage.

She has previously played the Lelani/Judge in Legally Blonde, Chris Hargensen in Carrie, and Ensemble in Nine and has participated in many performance opportunities that Carthage has provided. She

cast and crew biographies would like to thank all of the love and support from her parents that has inspired her to continue her musical career.

Jonathan Rasmussen (Sonny Malone): Jonathan is a Junior Music Theatre major /Buisness Administration Minor. He is super excited to perform and share this special opportunity with our wonderful cast.

Jon has previously performed as Warren in Ordinary Days, Warner in Legally Blonde, and Stokes/Ensemble in Carrie. He couldn’t be more thankful for his loving and supportive friends/family who are always inspiring him to achieve his dreams.

Aubree Simon (Euterpe, Siren, 40s Singer, Thetis): Aubree is a Sophomore Musical Theatre major. She is ecstatic to perform in a show based on one of the movies that inspired her love and passion for Musical Theatre. Aubree has been previously seen in Carthage’s productions of Carrie (Helen) and Nine (Stephanie Necrophorus/ Ensemble). She is also involved in Carthage Choir. Over the summer and during breaks, Aubree works as a Character Performer (Princesses, Superheroes, and Mascots) with Characters.iO. Special thanks to the incredible cast and crew, as well as Aubree’s family, friends, voice teacher, professors, and her talented boyfriend Colin for always encouraging her to follow her dreams. Let’s get this show “rollin’”! Instagram: @aubreetsimon TikTok: @aubree-simon

production team biographies Matthew Hougland (Director): is Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Undergraduate Musical Theatre Studies, and Music Department Chair here at Carthage College. A native Hoosier, Matthew has taught and performed in various venues across North America. Matthew’s students can be seen on Broadway, national tours, TV/film, cruise ships, and in various regional theaters. Matthew holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy from New York University, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Anderson University. Matthew is currently attending Indiana State University, pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.

Performing credits include: SISTER ACT, AMOUR, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, A CATERED AFFAIR. Matthew also worked closely with Larry O’Keefe (BAT BOY, LEGALLY BLONDE) and Nell Benjamin (MEAN GIRLS, LEGALLY BLONDE) in a workshop production of their show THE WILD PARTY. National Tour: SPAMILTON as Man at the Piano/King George III and Music Director; Off-Broadway: EMERGENCY: THE MUSICAL; Regional: CHICAGO (Mary Sunshine) – Broadway World Best Actor Award Winner; Workshops; WICKEDEST WOMAN and others.

Previous teaching credits include faculty at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Professional Performing Arts School, NYC Vocal Studio, and Rosie’s Theater Kids. Matthew is also a Vocal Director and audition pianist for Celebrity Cruises in Miami, FL. Yu-Mei Chang (Music Director): is a music director and keyboard player active on theater stages both in Taiwan and China. Her previous Chinese version theater credits include: MAMMA MIA! (Assistant MD and KB2, China), AVENUE Q (Assistant MD and KB-Conduct, China), HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (Assistant MD and KB-Conduct, China), DADDY LONG LEGS (MD and KB-Conduct, China), MURDER BALLAD (MD and KB-Conduct, China), LAUNDRY (MD, China), MIDNIGHT DINER (MD, China), THRILL ME (pianist, China), JEKYLL AND HYDE (Keyboard 3, China) English version theater credits include: I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE (MD, Taiwan), NEXT TO NORMAL (MD and KB-Conduct, Taiwan), and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA international tour (KB sub, China and Taiwan), YOUNG

production team biographies FRANKENSTEIN (KB sub, Chicago Mercury Theater). Carthage Credits: SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Assistant MD), LEGALLY BLONDE (Assistant MD), HAIR (Keyboarder), Workshop credits: SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD (Pianist), SHE LOVES ME (Keyboarder), THE LAST FIVE YEARS (MD and Pianist), ORDINARY DAYS (MD and pianist) etc. After she graduated from Carthage College majoring in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy, she started her musical adventure, teaching at Carthage College and UW-Parkside in America. She’s. She would like to thank her family for all the support and love.

Instagram: @maysmusica Danny Dwaine Wells II (Choreographer): Performance Credit (s): FilmWAITING IN THE WINGS, DODGEBALL: A True Underdog Story Commercial/Industry- DISNEYLAND RESORT (Parade of Dreams/ Block Party Bash/ Fantasmic) Regional Theatre- CABARET (Kit Kat Boy/ Ensemble), ELF THE MUSICAL (Ensemble) SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (Male Swing), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Mercedes/ Dance Captain),FOOTLOOSE (Male Swing), HAIRSPRAY (Male Swing#2), THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Dance Captain),DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID (Sebastian) National Tours (Non-Equity)- HAIR (Hud U.S.), SESAME STREET LIVE TOUR 2014-15 (Cookie Monster/ Count Live Dancer). Carthage Choreographic Credit(s): LEGALLY BLONDE, CARRIE, XANADU, HEAD OVER HEELS (Spring ‘25) Zackary “SLiM” Simonini (Technical Director): Mr. Simonini (Class of 2012) is thrilled to welcome another fun and colorful musical to our stage. “SLiM” has worked at Carthage for several years previous to this position as well as being a part time professor of Stagecraft. Mr. Simonini has lived the Carthage experience of taking his well rounded liberal arts education and accumulating diverse experiences through various employment. In addition to being part of the Carthage team he has experience within the events industry of Washington D.C., manufacturing and processing within various woodworking industries, and even some continued opportunities as a performer. He would like to thank his lovely and supportive wife Allison as well as the Scene Shop Team and Crew that make this theatre MAGIC come together.

Check out his IMDB if you want to see the performer side of Mr.

production team biographies Simonini. If you were going to watch the first five minutes of any Tubi movie this year, consider watching him fall in a hole in the beginning of Continental Split.

Martin McClendon (Scenic/Projection Designer): teaches, directs, and designs scenery for Carthage Theatre. He has received KC/ACTF Certificates of Merit for scenic design for the Carthage productions of MAN OF LA MANCHA, BOEING BOEING, ONE DAY IN THE SEASON OF RAIN, DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE, and a collaborative certificate for video technology for THE BREATH OF STARS. Martin was also honored to receive the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Innovative Teaching Award for 2016-17 for his work with students in developing veteran theatre projects, including the Veteran Night of the Arts fundraiser. Before coming to Carthage, Martin spent 10 years working as a professional actor, carpenter, and scene designer in Chicago and Los Angeles. He was nominated three times for Non-Equity Jeff Citation Awards while designing scenery for the Defiant Theatre Company, Chicago. In addition to designing scenery, video, and sound at Carthage, regional scene design credits include Milwaukee Chamber Theatre and First Stage Children’s Theatre (Milwaukee, WI), Actor’s Ensemble (Rockford, IL), and The Evidence Room and Odyssey Theatres (Los Angeles, CA). Onstage appearances in Chicago include MOJO and SKYLIGHT (Steppenwolf ), DANNY BOUNCING (Victory Gardens) and THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN (Northlight). On-camera work includes several independent movies, episodes of ER and EARLY EDITION, and numerous commercials. He is a proud member of Actor’s Equity and SAG/AFTRA. Martin received his MFA in acting from the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana, and his BFA in acting from Rockford College. He would like to thank his beautiful wife Jennifer and his wonderful kids Arabella and Horatio for their support and inspiration.

Kim Instenes (Costume Designer, Associate Professor of Theatre): holds an MFA in Costume Design and Technology from Ohio University, and a BA in Theatre from UW-Whitewater. Kim continues to work as a freelance costume and make-up designer in the Milwaukee/Chicago area. Professional design credits include THE SNOW and BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, as well as

production team biographies the musical BIG at Milwaukee’s First Stage Children’s Theatre, the JEEVES Trilogy and INDECENT at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and numerous shows at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Renaissance Theatre Works, Utah Shakespearean Festival and the Racine Theatre Guild. Design work at Carthage includes SOMETHING ROTTEN and costumes for the world premieres of NO NAME by Jeffrey Hatcher and GHOST BIKE by Laura Jacqmin, to name a few. GHOST BIKE won her a Certificate of Merit from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for costume and makeup design and an invitation to show her work at the Festival. Kim is excited to be a part of the Theatre Department here at Carthage as it strengthens and strives to create theatre artists of the highest quality. She enjoys the thrill of watching a student understand what a costume does for their character and watching that character come to life as a result. She would also like to thank her family, husband Doug, and children, Lauren and Dalen, for their continued support of her creative endeavors.

Julie E. Ballard (Lighting Designer): Julie E. Ballard, USA829, is a professional lighting designer, ETCP-certified electrician, and theatrical technician. She is affiliated with IATSE Local 2 and the Actors’ Equity Association. Additionally, Ms. Ballard is the owner/operator of OverlapLighting Productions, LLC, a freelance production company specializing in lighting design and production/stage management.

She has designed for the Charlotte Ballet, Giordano Dance Chicago, Ballet West, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. She has freelanced for over two decades in and around the Midwest, touring regionally, nationally, and internationally with Hubbard Street, Pilobolus, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, The Seldoms, and David Dorfman Dance, among others. Theatre audiences have seen her designs in the U.S., across Europe, Siberia, and South Africa. Ms. Ballard holds degrees in Theater (BA, 1999) and Lighting Design (MFA, 2004) from Kent State University and the University of Florida, respectively. Her digital footprint can be found at overlaplighting.com Kalyn Harewood (Sound Engineer): is a first year graduate student of the Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy program. Kalyn is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, music producer and film composer.

Kalyn obtained her undergraduate degree in Vocal Music performance

cast and crew biographies in 2021 from the University of Wisconsin Parkside. During her time there, she was commissioned to compose pieces for the Jazz and vocal ensembles. She went on to continue her studies at the Vermont College of Fine Arts and recently graduated with a Masters degree in Music composition. Kalyn currently works out of her home studio teaching Voice and Songwriting lessons, scoring films and producing music. Some of her newly composed works are set to be featured in If I Give My Sorrows, a Flyaway Dance company production and The Black Narratives (A film by Jonathaan Isaac Jackson). Kalyn also recently released her self-produced thesis/debut Album, Blooming.

Lucas Burr (Sound Engineer): is a first-year graduate student in the musical theatre vocal pedagogy program at Carthage College. He is an active private voice and piano teacher in the Chicago area. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Music Education from Concordia College in Moorhead Minnesota, where he performed extensively and toured both nationally and internationally with the Concordia Choir.

While in the Fargo/Moorhead area, he taught middle school choir with Fargo Public Schools and worked extensively in educational theatre with Trollwood Summer Theatre and Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre. Additionally, he performed with multiple regional theatres in DOGFIGHT, THE PROM, and SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM. Chenyang Li (Graduate Assistant to the Director): Chenyang Li is a second-year graduate student in music theatre vocal pedagogy at Carthage College. She is so excited about being a Director assistant for XANADU. In Carthage, she has previously worked as a costume crew for ON THE VERGE, AWAY FROM THE MIRROR, and NINE. In XANADU, She also participated in costume-making. She’ll provide all her support and energy to everyone in the show.

Joshua Heinlein (Assistant Choreographer): is honored to call himself a Chicago choreographer and performer. He is a founding member of Beau Pas Entertainment and Broken Watch Theater. He received his education in Kentucky with a BA in Theater and Music Performance and had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of Blackbird Dance Theater during his years there. He is currently furthering his education here at Carthage with a master’s in musical theater pedagogy. He is

cast and crew biographies an avid board gamer, proud husband, and father. Thank you, Berenice Heinlein, for all that you do!

Lilia Hackert (Stage Manager): Lilia Hackert is a sophomore at Carthage College, double majoring in stage management and business management. She is so excited to be working with the musical theatre department for the first time at Carthage. She has previously worked with Carthage as an Assistant Stage Manager for THE GENDERLESS PLAY EXPERIMENT, and the Stage Manager for ON THE VERGE. She would like to thank the cast and crew of XANADU for their hard work and dedication to this show and especially thank Annaliese Ruhs and McKenna Dehn for being such wonderful assistant stage managers throughout this process.@lilihackert McKenna Dehn (Assistant Stage Manager): is a sophomore theatre performance and sociology double major and women and gender studies minor. This is her 6th official show here at Carthage College.

She did the spotlight for CARRIE and NINE and costumes for ON THE VERGE and AWAY FROM THE MIRROR 2024 in which she was the Costume Head. She has also acted in the directing scenes of CRY IT OUT and DRUNKEN CITY as well as the studio show WHEREVER YOU’VE BEEN (Ensemble 3). She would like to thank the cast, the rest of the production team, and Matthew for making this show so special.

She would especially like to thank her family and friends for being her strongest supporters throughout the years.“Thank you guys for all of your help! Without you, I could not have completed it!” Instagram:@ mckennajo12 Annaliese Ruhs (Assistant Stage Manager): is a Junior Music Theatre and Direction double major. Carthage Credits: CARRIE (Margaret White), ON THE VERGE (Mary), NINE (Costumes), Opera Workshop IN MEMORY OF MOZART. Past credits: MAMMA MIA (Rosie), BAND GEEKS (Natalia). In 2023, Annaliese worked as a Music Operations Apprentice at the Glimmerglass Theatre and Opera Festival and is the 2022 Wisconsin NATS 2nd place winner in the MT Lower Collegiate category. On campus, she sings with the Carthage Choir Instagram: aruhs_2

xanadu Any video and/or audio recording of this produciton is strictly prohibited.

special thanks Skylight Musical Theatre, Aaron Zimmermann and ProLine Entertainment, Christie Burgess-Martino, Corinne Ness, and Herschel Kruger

upcoming events Fall Studio Play - Eleemosynary Saturday, October, 12 • 3 p.m.

Sunday, October 13 • 7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 14 • 7:30 p.m.

Studio Theatre Meet The Masters Tuesday, October, 15 • 7:30 p.m.

Campbell Student Union Auditorium Wind Orchestra Concert Wednesday, October, 16 • 7:30 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel Carthage Trio Concert Monday, October, 21 • 7:30 p.m.

H. F. Johnson Recital Hall Fall Choral Concert Saturday, October, 26 • 7:30 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel

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