California Baptist University
Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
Theatre Arts Division presents
Shrek the Musical
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig
Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Originally produced on Broadway by
DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions
"Original Production Directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford" "I'm A Believer" by Neil Diamond
Director
Music Director
Choreographer
Music Conductor
Technical Director
Scenic Designer
Lighting Designer
LINDSAY BROOKS
STEFAN MILLER
REBEKAH BORTOT
GENE MOON
MICHAEL RING
ANNIE ANDERSON
MATTHEW FURNESS
Costume Designer GRACE LYONS
Hair & Makeup Designer
Properties Designer
Projection Designer
Dance Captains
Box Office Manager
SABRINA HEIM
XANDER SHORTS
ZACKARY LINNE
RACHEL LENDERS
BROOKE MAURER
STEPHANIE HULL
Producer ZACHARY BORTOT
Shrek the Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
As a courtesy to other patrons and our performers, please turn off all cellular phones and alarms. Refrain from bringing food or drinks inside the theatre. Photography and recording devices are strictly prohibited.
ETHOS ON THEMATIC CONTENT
The depiction of sinful acts in storytelling is not an endorsement of sin. The Bible contains acts of violence, murder, indiscretions, and a host of other examples of the sinful nature of humanity in a fallen world. But the Bible does not explore those topics and leave one bereft of hope. Much like one cannot paint a picture without the use of shadow, one cannot tell a truthful story about human experience without depicting certain realities of human existence. We need a savior precisely because we are sinful creatures. To sanitize that truth would be a disservice to the beauty of the sacrificial love that Christ exhibited on the cross when He died for our sins. For this reason, we do not shy away from thematically challenging content, but through intentional prayerful discernment and reading of the word of God we do establish guidelines for the telling of stories of redemption. In that spirit, we offer content guides so families and individuals can make informed decisions about their viewing experience and biblical context so viewers can be drawn to understand the content considering God’s eternal character, humanity’s mortal condition, and how they interact in God’s cosmic story.
CONTENT GUIDE
This production is rated A for All Audiences. Content is appropriate for all ages of audience members.
RUN TIME
The production is approximately 2 ½ hours. There will be one 15-minute intermission.
GREAT COMMISSION CONTEXT
Welcome to our production of Shrek the Musical! We are excited to have you join us, and we hope you are delighted by the performance today. If you bought a ticket expecting fairytale twists, irreverent humor, and catchy songs - you came to the right show. But as with many great stories, and the title character himself, there is so much more going on underneath the surface. At its heart, Shrek the Musical is a story about identity, acceptance, and the transformational power of love. As such, it offers a surprising connection to the mission of our university and to the heart of the Gospel.
CBU is an institution devoted to the Great Commission, to “go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” That command is not just about proclaiming truth; it’s about embodying it - living lives that reflect the love of Christ, inviting others into God’s redemptive story. While Shrek may seem like an unlikely partner in that mission, the story is deeply resonant with the themes of grace, restoration, and reconciliation. One of our unifying themes for this season is “Grow Where You Are Planted.” Shrek, like many reluctant heroes, initially resists the call to action. But he cannot ignore the plight of others when it directly impacts him. Despite his initial protestations, to restore the status quo of his swamp, he must embark on a journey that will challenge his ideas of who he is and his place in the world.
As Shrek comes to terms with who he really is, despite his outward appearance, we, as an audience, are reminded that no one is beyond love. Real transformation does not come through worldly outward-facing measures of success, but rather through relationships, honesty, and sacrificial love. Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey all discover that what makes them different is not something to hide, but something that can be redeemed and celebrated. As Christians, we believe the same: that every person - no matter their past, their scars, or their story - is made in the image of God and called into a new life through Christ.
Our Theatre program is grounded in the belief that the arts are not a separate sphere from faith, but a powerful way to engage hearts and minds with truth. Stories like Shrek create space for empathy, joy, and healing. They remind us that laughter and redemption often go hand in hand - and that God can use even a grumpy ogre to show us something about grace.
Thank you for supporting the arts in our community. We pray this performance not only brings you joy but also nudges your heart toward the redemptive love at the center of the Gospel.
Blessings,
Zachary Bortot, MFA Associate Professor, Theatre Arts Division Director
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Why Shrek the Musical?
In a world that excels at telling us who we should be, Shrek the Musical reminds us brightly and boldly of who we already are.
Beneath the larger-than-life fairy-tale characters and amusing archetypes lies a story about belonging. It is about the courage it takes to step out of the swamp, to risk rejection, and to discover the truth that “what makes us special, makes us strong.” In this story, what begins as self-acceptance unfolds into the making of community.
Here at CBU, we have the opportunity for Shrek the Musical to serve as a joyful testament to belonging and inclusion. My hope is that this production speaks to anyone still discerning what it means to live authentically as the person God created them to be. Scripture reminds us that we are each “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), and yet the world so often insists that our differences are shortcomings rather than gifts.
Theatre has a way of holding up a mirror to God’s truth: that all of us, in our variety and imperfection, bear the image of the Divine. In this way, laughter becomes a doorway to fellowship, music a vessel of grace, and joy a witness of the beauty of God’s wide, inclusive love.
Director, Lindsay Brooks
CAST
Shrek CHARLES E. MARTINEZ
Fiona KAYLEE CERVANTES
Donkey SANTINO ALVARADO
Lord Farquaad DRAKE LYONS
Dragon PAYTON JONES
Pinocchio ADAM MARQUARDT
Gingy ASHLYN WILLIAMS
Young Shrek ELLIOT LEVINE
Young Fiona/Grumpy
OLIVE LEVINE
Teen Fiona TALITHA LAZAR
Thelonius CUTTER ROLFS
Captain/Bishop
MASON HIRST
Duloc Dancers/Rats
Vienna Aguas, Nicholas Castaño, Carly Catiller, Emma Catiller, Ava DeHaro, Lauren Gravitt, Lissa Gray, Micah Hebert, Abbi Hoffpauir, Rachel Lenders, Brooke Maurer, Bailee Moore, Mylie Sharp
Skeletons Nicholas Castaño, Rachel Lenders, Brooke Maurer, Bailee Moore
Knights
Three Blind Mice
Ensemble
Ethan Coulter, Andrew Diffenderfer
Mason Hirst, Christian Lindsey
Carly Catiller, Lauren Gravitt, Abbi Hoffpauir
Vienna Aguas, Nicholas Castaño, Carly Catiller, Emma Catiller, Ava De Haro, Andew Diffenderfer, Lauren Gravitt, Lissa Gray, Micah Hebert, Elijah Hernandez, Mason Hirst, Abbi Hoffpauir, Payton Jones, Talitha Lazar, Rachel Lenders, Christian Lindsey, Adam Marquardt, Amanda Martinez, Brooke Maurer, Bailee Moore, Emma Pinza Pinza, Shawnee Ramos, Cutter Rolfs, Ronnell Sanford, Mylie Sharp, Ashlyn Williams
ORCHESTRA
Conductor
DR. GENE MOON
Assistant Conductors CELINE ONG
SEBSASTIAN SALAZAR
Violin 1 REBECCA MOON
Violin 2 SEBASTIAN SALAZAR
Cello VALERIA DUARTE GARRETT RICHARDSON
Double Bass VICKTOR PARGAS GAVIN WALSH
Reed 1 CADEN TURNER
Reed 2 LOGAN WILSON
Flute/Keyboard 2 NAOMIE WAGNER
Keyboard 1
KEVIN BIRD
Horn EVAN JUDSON
Trumpet CANON ADKINS
Trombone SAMUEL MOFFAT
Drumset EDWARD AMOO
Percussion TYLER BOTHOF RONIN EWELL
Guitar NOEL KIM
PRODUCTION STAFF
Technical Director MICHAEL RING
Scene Shop Supervisor ANNIE ANDERSON
Stage Manager AMARIS MONTEON
Assistant Stage Manager CAITLYNN KEENEY
Sound Engineer MYNOR ESCALANTE
Sound Cues MORIAH BECKFORD
Projection Operator TAYLOR PAGE
Light Board Operator JOSEPH BUNKER
Follow Spot Operators
ANALI MUCINO JOSH PARSIO
Prop Master MADELINE TAYLOR
Deck Chief KALEB BRAVO
Deck Crew JEREMY GUTIERREZ
Costume Crew HALEY NESBIHAL LIAM AYERS
ISABELLE FRANK
Hair/Makeup BREANNA MASTERS
ALYSON SPILLMAN
TIFFANY BRAVO
SERENITY GUIDRY
Runner ZYEIRRE SMITH
Scene Shop Assistants
Costume Shop Assistants
Box Office Assistants
Dramaturg
KAILEY LOZIER
MATTHEW FURNESS
KEVIN WALLS
ALYSSA QUIMBY
SANTINO ALVARADO
SIDRA ROCHE
RACHEL ROGSTAD
XANDER SHORTS
TAYLOR RICKERT
LEA BENDANTUNGUKA
TRISTAN JACKSON
ADDISON BREMMER
KAYLEE CERVANTES
AVA DE HARO
CAITLYNN KEENEY
LISSA GRAY
LILY HARPER
SABRINA HEIM
CHARLES E. MARTINEZ
EMMA PINZA
ASHLYN WILLIAMS
Production Photography WILL LENDERS
DANIEL ARRIALA
Video Services
5 PALMS INC.
THINKRING PRODUCTIONS
Overture
Big Bright World
Story Of My Life
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT I
Orchestra
Mama Ogre, Papa Ogre, Shrek
Pinocchio, Elf, Peter Pan, Ugly Duckling, Fairy Godmother, Sugar Plum Fairy, Three Pigs, Wicked Witch, Mama Bear, Mad Hatter, Big Bad Wolf, Humpty Dumpty, White Rabbit, Three Bears, Fairytale Creatures
Story Of My Life (Tag)
The Goodbye Song
Don't Let Me Go
I Know It's Today
What's Up, Duloc?
What’s Up, Duloc? (Reprise)
Elf, Fairy Godmother, Pinocchio, Big Bad Wolf, Fairytale Creatures
Elf, Fairytale Creatures
Donkey, Regiment, Guards
Young Fiona, Teen Fiona, Fiona
Lord Farquaad, Duloc Performers
Lord Farquaad, Duloc Performers
Travel Song Donkey, Shrek
Donkey Pot Pie Dragon, Donkey, Knights
This Is How A Dream Comes True Fiona, Dragon
Who I'd Be
ACT II
Shrek, Fiona, Donkey
Entr’acte
Morning Person
Orchestra
Fiona, Bluebird
I Think I Got You Beat Fiona, Shrek
The Ballad Of Farquaad
Lord Farquaad, Guards
Air Guitar Crossover Fiona, Shrek
Make A Move Donkey, Three Blind Mice
When Words Fail Shrek
Morning Person (Reprise)
Fiona
The Arrival Of Farquaad Lord Farquaad
Build A Wall Shrek
Freak Flag
Wedding Procession
Gingy, Mama Bear, Pinocchio, Three Pigs, Humpty Dumpty, Papa Bear, Elf, Wicked Witch, Mad Hatter, Big Bad Wolf, Fairytale Creatures
Choir
Big Bright Beautiful World (Reprise) Shrek
Cathedral Sunset/Transformation Crowd
Beautiful Ain’t Always Pretty Shrek
Finale" (“This is Our Story”)
I’m a Believer
Fiona, Shrek, Donkey, Mama Bear, Pinocchio, Gingy, Fairytale Creatures
Shrek, Three Pigs, Fiona, Young Fiona, Donkey, Full Company
CAST
VIENNA AGUAS (Cheshire Cat/Rat
Tapper/Duloc Dancer/Villager) is a Junior Theatre Arts major from Corona, CA. Her previous theatrical credits include: Christian Arts and Theatre: Big Fish (Ensemble), Matilda (Ensemble), The Little Mermaid (Maid).
California Baptist University: Dietrich and Maria (Ensemble), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Roma Ensemble), The Importance of Being Earnest (Lane, Merrimen).
SANTINO ALVARADO (Donkey) is excited to be taking a swing at Donkey! His previous roles include: The Book of Will (John Heminges), Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule/Poirot), and Sunday in the Park with George (Soldier). As a performer who primarily works in straight plays, he finds the role of Donkey both challenging and natural, as he shares many similarities with the character. He would like to thank God, his parents, and Lily Harper for being his foundations. Let your freak flag fly!
CARLY CATILLER (Villager/Ugly
Duckling/Duloc Dancer/Rat Tapper/Three Blind Mice/Understudy Gingy) is thrilled to be in the cast of Shrek the Musical! Some of her credits include SpongeBob the Musical (Spongebob), Hadestown (Persephone), and Arsenic and Old Lace (Abby Brewster). She is especially excited to share the stage with her twin sister, Emma, who is also part of the cast. Carly wants to thank her family, her boyfriend Devin, and all her friends for always being so supportive. She loves working with everyone involved in the show and can’t wait to do more productions in the future! Philippians 4:13
EMMA CATILLER
(Villager/Tinker Bell/Duloc Dancer/Rat Tapper) is ecstatic to be part of Shrek the Musical! Some past credits include SpongeBob the Musical (Sandy), Mary Poppins (Mrs. Brill), and Arsenic and Old Lace (Martha Brewster). Emma is also so blessed to have her twin sister Carly in this cast and with her on her CBU journey. She wants to thank all her family and friends for always being so supportive. Emma loved bonding with the cast and getting to know everyone involved with the production of Shrek the Musical. Enjoy the show! Psalm 150
KAYLEE CERVANTES
(Fiona) is a Junior Theatre Arts major with a concentration in Musical Theatre from Riverside, CA. Some of her previous theatrical credits include The Addams Family (Wednesday Addams), Mamma Mia (Sophie), Mean Girls the Musical (Cady Heron), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Florika/Esmerelda Understudy), and The Book of Will (Emilia Lanier). She thanks God, her parents, siblings, family, her boyfriend, Aidan, friends, professors, and all the CBU Community for their unending love and support! Kaylee feels blessed to bring the wonderfully weird Fiona to life alongside her beyond talented Shrek family. Psalms 28:7.
ETHAN COULTER
(Papa Ogre/Papa
Bear/Guard/Knight/Duloc Greeter/Deer/ Understudy Shrek) is a dedicated 18-year-old who is majoring in Finance. He is delighted to be a part of Shrek the Musical. Some credits include Jessup University: The Scarlet Pimpernel (Coupeau), Les Miserables (Javert), and Big Fish (Edward). Music out on all streaming platforms! Shoutout to Jennifer Jackson and Kelly Ann Dunn for helping him grow so much. Enjoy the show!
ANDREW DIFFENDERFER
(Guard/Mad
Hatter/Knight) is a freshman at California Baptist University and has been involved in theatre since he was 6 years old. He is most well-known as the winner of the Santa Barbara Teen Stars 2023 national singing competition. Some past credits include Hadestown (Orpheus), Les Misérables (Enjolras), Anything Goes (Lord Evelyn), Sweeney Todd (Sweeney), and Highschool
Musical (Troy). He enjoys singing opera, frisbee, and golfing in his free time. He wants to thank his amazing mother, for all her love and support, and her helpfulness throughout his high school and early college years. He hopes you enjoy the show, shout out to the 49ers!
LAUREN GRAVITT
(Baby Bear, Three Blind Mice/Duloc Dancer) is beyond excited to make her debut as a freshman at CBU! Some of her favorite roles include: Matilda (Miss Honey), The Wizard of Oz (The Lion), Newsies (Davey), and Mary Poppins (Bird Woman). Lauren would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support, and most importantly, God for all the opportunities He has given her! Matthew 19:26
LISSA
GRAY (Wicked Witch/Duloc Dancer/Rat
Tapper) is a senior Theatre Arts Major with a concentration in Musical Theatre from San Diego, CA. She has a deep passion for the arts and has been performing since a young age. Some of her theatrical credits include: California Baptist University: Cinderella (Ensemble), Dietrich and Maria (Eva Braun), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Gargoyle), Sunday in the Park with George (Celeste #2), The Book of Will (Elizabeth Condell), Antioch Collective: Godspell (Disciple). All glory to God!
AVA DE HARO (Rat Tapper/Caterpillar/Duloc Dancer/Guard/ Ensemble) is a Senior Environmental Science and Public Health double major with a concentration in Environmental Health from Riverside, CA. Her previous theatrical credits include: Courtyard Shakespeare Festival: The Comedy of Errors (ABR), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged Revised Again (Co-Costume designer), West Side Story (Teresita); California Baptist University: Hunchback of Notre Dame (Roma Ensemble), Frankenstein (Costume Crew), Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble); Notre Dame High School: Into the Woods (Ensemble), All Shook Up (Ensemble). Ava is beyond thankful for her time with CBU Theatre Arts, especially as she prepares to graduate this December. She is dedicating this performance to Machir Lakofka <3
MICAH HEBERT (Villager/Pig 2/Duloc
Dancer/Rat Tapper/ Understudy Pied Piper) is excited to perform in his first CBU show! Some of his favorite past roles include: Newsies (Oscar Delancey/Featured tap dancer), Little Mermaid (Chef Louis), Frozen Jr. (Olaf). He would like to thank all his friends, cast members and crew, his family for their support, and God the Maker of all good things.
ELIJAH
HERNANDEZ (Guard/Pig 3/Travel
Song) is excited to be back performing with CBU for a second time. He was last seen in The Book of Will. He also had the privilege of performing many roles in the Anchorage Alaska community theater circuit. Elijah is in pursuit of his theatre arts degree and is hoping you say hi to him after the show.
MASON
HIRST (King Harold/Captain of the Guard/Knight/Bishop/ Understudy Farquaad) is a senior citizen at California Baptist University; he is from Pleasanton, California. Among his theatrical credits are Cheaper by the Dozen (Frank Gilbreth), Murder on the Orient Express (Colonel Arbuthnot), and Little Women (John Brooke).
ABBI HOFFPAUIR (Queen Lillian/Fairy
Godmother/Duloc Dancer/Rat Tapper/Three Blind Mice/Understudy Fiona) is ecstatic to be transferring in as a Junior into CBU’s Theatre Arts program! Recent credits: North Coast Rep: Incident At Our Lady Of Perpetual Help (Becky O’Shea); Ovation Theatre: Chicago (Roxie Hart), Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney); MiraCosta Theater: Singing in the Rain (Kathy Seldon); MiraCosta Theater: All Shook Up (Natalie/Ed); Ritz Theater Company: Freaky Friday (Ellie Blake); Classical Company: Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown); Moonlight Theatre: Mary Poppins (Ms. Lark/Winifred Banks u/s). KCACTF MT semi-finalist, 2023 Broadway San Diego Awards finalist. A million thanks to this big, bright, beautiful creative team, cast, and crew!
TALITHA LAZAR (Teen Fiona/ Shoemakers
Elf) is thrilled to be making her CBU debut in Shrek the Musical. Some of her favorite credits include: The Music Man (Marian), Grease (Sandy), and West Side Story (Maria). Tali is a freshman at CBU and is so grateful to be pursuing her dreams of studying Musical Theatre. She is beyond excited to see what God has planned for her in the future. Enjoy the show!
OLIVE LEVINE (Young Fiona/Grumpy) is in sixth grade at Serrano Elementary School in Villa Park. She has been performing since she was fouryears-old having been in over 20 productions. Some of her favorite roles include: The Little Mermaid (Flounder), Seussical (Jojo), Beetlejuice (Sky); OBC Theatre: Annie (July). Thanks to Lindsay and the production team. Love to friends, family, and her crazy sister Elliot.
ELLIOT
LEVINE (Young Shrek) is sevenyears-old and loves to be on stage. This is her third time performing in Shrek the Musical having previously played Gingy at Serrano Elementary School. She also played Anthropomorphic Flatulence with McCoy Rigby Arts. She would like to thank all of her new big buddies from the cast. All her love to friends, family, Olive, and her BFFs, Zuzu and Izzy.
CHRISTIAN LINDSEY (Peter
Pan/Guard/Travel Song/Knight) is a freshman at CBU, majoring in film, and is excited to make his debut with California Baptist University! He has been performing in theatre for the past decade, bringing a variety of characters to life, including: Little Women (Laurie), The Wizard of Oz (Tin Man) and The Phantom of the Opera (Phantom). Christian views each show not only as entertainment, but as an opportunity to glorify God through his performance.
DRAKE LYONS (Lord Farquaad/Sound Designer) is a Junior Theatre Arts major reprising his role as Lord Farquaad! He is so excited to be doing this show again. Some recent credits include: California Baptist University: Sunday in the Park with George (George); The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo); Christian Arts and Theater: Big Fish (Edward Bloom), and Shrek the Musical (Lord Farquaad). Drake wants to thank Sophie, Mom, Dad, Ava, and all his best friends for believing in him and supporting him every step of the way.
ADAM MARQUARDT (Pinocchio/Guard/ Dragon Puppeteer/Villager) is a junior Psychology and Philosophy major with a concentration in Lifespan Development from Redlands, CA. Some of his previous theatrical credits include California Baptist University: The Book of Will (Boy Hamlet), Sunday in the Park with George (Mr./Lee Randolf), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Gargoyle); Arrowhead Christian Academy: Little Women (John Brooke), Frozen the Musical (King Agnar), The Actor’s Nightmare (George). He would like to thank all his friends and family for their endless support and love!
CHARLES E. MARTINEZ (Shrek) is excited to be reprising the role of Shrek (last played at RCC). Charles is a senior earning a BA in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre. Recent Credits include: California Baptist University: The Book of Will (William Jagard), Sunday in the Park with George (Jules/Bob Greenberg ), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Frollo), and Frankenstein (DeLacy); RCC: The Drowsy Chaperone (Man in Chair), The Little Mermaid, The Adam’s Family; Performance Riverside: Mary Poppins. When not at School, Charles is a teaching artist, specializing in
outreach and youth programming in the performing arts. He would like to thank his girlfriend Maria, his family, friends & professors for all their love, support and encouragement. Enjoy the Show!
AMANDA MARTINEZ
(Humpty Dumpty/Villager/Understudy Dragon) is excited to be a part of this wonderful cast in her first show at CBU! Her most notable work in Musical Theatre include: Notre Dame High School: Mean Girls (Ms. Norbury), Shrek The Musical (Gingy), and Les Misérables (Fantine). Amanda is a freshman and is pursing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre. She is honored and blessed to be a part of this show and wants to thank everyone who’s played a part in her theatre journey as well as her cast mates for making this such a wonderful experience!
BROOKE
MAURER (Tweedle Dum/Duloc Dancer/Rat Tapper/Skeleton/Dance Captain) cannot wait to share Shrek The Musical with our audiences! Brooke is a sophomore Theatre Arts major with a concentration in Musical Theatre who hopes to also earn her English teaching credential throughout her time at CBU. In the future, Brooke would love to perform professionally and teach the future generation about theatre. Her credits include: The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Footloose (Ariel), Big Fish (Sandra), Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood), and The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn). She would like to thank God, her family, friends, her professors, and CBU for this opportunity.
BAILEE MOORE (Villager/Unicorn/Duloc Dancer/Rat Tapper/Skeleton) is a freshman and is majoring in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Performance for Stage and Screen. She started dancing when she was three years old and is now expanding her artistic journey with acting and singing. Bailee is passionate about exploring the world of acting and developing her craft. She is thrilled to be a part of this production and can't wait to share her work with the audience.
EMMA PINZA (Villager/Mama Bear/Travel Song) is a sophomore Theatre Arts major with a concentration in Musical Theatre. She is thrilled to be a part of her first CBU musical! Her previous credits include: No Square Theater: Bye Bye Birdie (Ursula Merkle/Ens.); California Baptist University: The Book of Will (Anne Hathaway Shakespeare); Musical Theatre Village: Into the Woods (Rapunzel), Matilda (Ensemble), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), and Shrek the Musical (Teen Fiona). She thanks God for His many blessings, and her family and friends for their unwavering support. John 15:12.
SHAWNEE RAMOS (Villager/Tooth Fairy/Travel Song/Dragon Puppeteer) is very excited to be in CBU’s production of Shrek the Musical. She loves being a part of the Collinsworth School of Performing Arts community at CBU. She was previously in The Little Mermaid (Mersister), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Snoopy), Christmas Carol (Ghost), and Seussical the Musical (Mayzie LaBird). She was also a performer in Aquinas High School Showcases. When not in school, Shawnee is spending time with her friends and family. She is a youth
tribal member in her community, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. She wants to thank her Mom and Dad for always being there for her.
CUTTER ROLFS (Big Bad Wolf/Thelonius /Dragon Puppeteer) is a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering. His previous theatrical credits include: King’s Schools: The Little Mermaid (Sebastian), Mary Poppins (George Banks), The Wizard of Oz (Oz), The Lion King (Mufasa), Cinderella (Ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble); California Baptist University: The Book of Will (Ensemble), Our Town (Simon Stimson). This will be his second year performing at CBU. He is grateful for all the opportunities God has given him as well as all who have encouraged him to get here.
RONNELL SANFORD (White Rabbit/ Guard/Travel Song/Dragon Puppeteer) is a freshman majoring in Theatre Arts. His previous shows include: Matilda (Mr. Wormwood) and High School Musical (Coach Bolton). He thanks God for His guidance, Mr. Fish for his support and inspiration, and his family, friends, and CBU for the opportunity to grow and do what he loves. “A true warrior isn’t defined by battle, but by the heart to keep fighting when no one’s watching.” One of Ronnell’s favorite verses is Exodus 15:3.
MYLIE SHARP (Villager/Little Bo Peep/Duloc Dancer/Rat Tapper) is thrilled to be performing in her first production at CBU. She has had the joy of participating in theatre since she was little. Some of her favorite roles include: Seussical (Sour Kangaroo), Matilda (Miss Honey), Little Women (Meg), and Mary Poppins (Mrs.Banks). Mylie is
pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Theatre. She is eager to see what God has in store for the future.
NICHOLAS CASTAÑO (Pied Piper/Duloc Dancer/Skeleton/Villager/Pig 1) is a sophomore majoring Theatre Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre. His previous theatrical credits include: California Baptist University: Our Town (George Gibbs), The Book of Will (Isaac Jaggard), Little Women (Laurie Understudy); Charter Oak High School: Something Rotten (Nick Bottom), and Singin' in the Rain (Cosmo Brown). Nicholas is
ecstatic to be working on this wonderful show with a truly wonderful group of people.
ASHLYN WILLIAMS (Gingy/Mama Ogre/Sugar Plum Fairy/Dramaturge) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre here at California Baptist University. Some of her theatrical credits include: California Baptist University: Little Women (Amy March); The Arvada Center for the Arts: Miracle on 34th Street (Hendrika); Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center: The Music Man (Amaryllis); Colorado Performing Arts Academy: Catch Me If You Can (Brenda). She was also a child actress in Los Angeles, guest starring in shows such as Modern Family, Liv and Maddie, School of Rock, Bella and the Bulldogs, and Girl Meets World. She is so grateful to Jesus to have been given this opportunity, especially in such a wonderful company surrounded by such great people.
PAYTON AURORA JONES
(Villager/Mother Goose/Dragon/ Understudy Donkey) is an actor, published playwright, vocalist, and advocate currently in her sophomore year at California Baptist University. She is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Theatre Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre. She has performed lead roles in The Wiz, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia, and Lend Me a Tenor. A recognized performer featured by CBS News and the OC Register, Payton has also appeared at the Creative House International Jazz Day Festival and the NAACP Juneteenth Celebration. She is passionate about using art as a force for healing, storytelling, and community change as she continues to grow as a performer and creator on and off the stage.
RACHEL LENDERS
(Tweedle Dee/Duloc Dancer/Rat Tapper/ Skeleton/Dance Captain) is a senior Theatre Arts major and is excited to be in another production at CBU! Her previous theatrical credits include: California Baptist University: Our Town (Audience Member/The Dead), The Book of Will (Fruit Seller/Barlady 1), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Townsperson); Peninsula School of Performing Arts: The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty. Colossians 3:1-2
BEHIND THE SCENES
LINDSAY BROOKS (Director) is thrilled to be directing Shrek the Musical. A graduate of Azusa Pacific University, Professor Brooks has most recently worked as a professional improvisor on Disney Cruise Line and a casting director with credits Off-Broadway (The Office! A Musical Parody, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical), numerous national tours (The Little Mermaid, Friends! The Musical Parody, The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Musical Thrones, Greater Tuna, The Pout-Pout Fish), and regional favorites such as Jersey Boys, The Play That Goes Wrong, Once, Sunday in the Park with George and Ain’t Misbehavin’ (with Ken Page). She also co-owns The Imagination Machine! For Avery and Lou.
STEFAN MILLER (Musical Director) is a performer, director, music director, and professor of music and theatre here at CBU. Recent theater credits include: National Tour: The SpongeBob Musical (Electric Slate; Plankton and Perch Cover) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Swing), Off-Broadway: Queen Esther (Teresh); Regional, Musical Theatre West: Hello Dolly! (Ensemble/ Cornelius US), East West Players: Interstate (Pastor Fred); El Portal Theatre: Tenor by Night (Mike), Sierra Repertory Theatre: State Fair (Fairtone); The Chance Theatre: Little Women (John Brooke); 3D Theatricals: Oklahoma!; Theatre Royale (A-Rab): West Side Story; Opera San Luis Obispo: Oklahoma! (Will Parker), Bear Valley Music Festival: Of Thee I Sing. A former professional ballet dancer, Stefan, danced with The Oakland Ballet as a soloist for several seasons and continues to perform in The Nutcracker around Southern California. Stefan has also begun to pursue directing and has directed many shows over the past couple years at the collegiate and regional theatre level and most recently assistant directed Jersey Boys at La Mirada. Stefan is also a professor of voice and musical theatre here at California Baptist University; he is also the director of the opera and A CBU Christmas He would like to thank all his friends and family for their endless support and love!
REBEKAH BORTOT (Choreographer) is an adjunct professor for CBU and teaches the dance courses for musical theatre and other movement-based classes. She has over 25 years of dance experience and extensive training in a variety of dance styles. She has choreographed and taught dance in Southern California since 2015. Prior to coming here, she lived in Chicago where she helped found a non-profit theatre company and studied improv at iO. Some of her previous choreography work you may have seen at CBU includes: West Side Story, Frankenstein, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Book of Will.
GRACE LYONS (Costume Designer) is a recent graduate from California Baptist University; she received her BA in Psychology. She was a student worker in the costume shop from 2021 to 2025. This is her second time costume designing, and she dedicates this show to her late mentor and friend, Machir Lakofka. She is incredibly grateful for Machir’s guidance, wisdom, and kindness. She wants to thank her mom and dad for always supporting her dreams and creative passions.
ANNIE ANDERSON (Scene Shop Supervisor) After graduating as a student of the program, she went on to become the Scene Shop Coordinator for the University of Redlands for 2 ½ years. She then came back to CBU to work as the School of Performing Arts Scene Shop Supervisor, teaching students how to build and paint theatre sets, and designing for various productions such as Shrek The Musical, Little Women, Murder on The Orient Express, The Lightning Thief, The Comedy of Errors, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, and Seussical. Annie loves to work with the students and teaches them to persevere with whatever scenic design comes their way- “It’s hard work, but it feels great when we accomplish these wonderful sets with such an amazing team of people”.
ANDREW COLE (Design Advisor) is a versatile artist with nearly twoand-a-half decades of experience in technology and design across film, television, theatre, and print. His extensive portfolio features collaborations with major companies such as Warner Bros. Pictures, Shiseido Cosmetics, TV Land, American Recordings, TBS, Samsung, PBS and Ford. Andrew’s artistic talents have been showcased through his
paintings, exhibited internationally, and have appeared in the film Ocean’s 13 and the Marvel TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. His passion for the immediacy and artistry of film led him to theatrical design, where he continues to excel. Over the years, Andrew has expanded his roles: serving as projection designer for American Idiot and Spring Awakening; performer flying operator for The Little Mermaid; and designing scenic elements for the world premiere production of W.A.S.P. and The Boys Next Door, the latter earning him the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Award for Theatrical Design Excellence. Recent credits include architectural design for Flightdeck + Rouge Racing, art direction for the Mazda3 and Toyota Tundra, lighting design for The Addams Family, and custom instrument prop design for Musical Theatre West’s The Buddy Holly Story.
MATTHEW FURNESS (Lighting Designer) is a Senior Theatre Arts Major at CBU with concentrations in Performance and Technical Design. Having studied and designed many aspects of the technical world, he is ready to take on his biggest challenge yet. Some of his recent design credits include: California Baptist University: Dietrich and Maria (Sound Designer), Little Women (Lighting Designer); Courtyard Shakespeare Festival: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] (Lighting Designer).
XANDER SHORTS (Properties Designer) is a Sophomore Theatre Arts and History Major at CBU with concentrations in Technical Design and World History, respectively. He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their part in his technical development. Some of his recent design credits include: Los Osos High School: Antigone (Assistant Lighting Designer), Urban Edge Summer Dance Show (Technical Director/Lighting Designer).
ZACKARY LINNE (Projection Designer) is delighted to be returning to CBU’s Wallace Theater for another exciting show. His recent/favorite projection design credits include: California Baptist University: Sunday in the Park with George, Beauty and the Beast, Pride and Prejudice, Into the Woods, A Christmas Carol, Ramona High School: Into the Woods, The Box Theatre: Darkside, and Courtyard Shakespeare Festival: The Tempest, Macbeth, and Hamlet.
SABRINA HEIM (Hair and Makeup Designer) is a senior double majoring in Theatre Arts and Forensic Psychology. She has been designing hair and makeup in short film festivals, play festivals, and on CBU’s The Book of Will. She is excited to share her work on Shrek the Musical and is especially grateful to the wonderful hair and makeup crew working behind the scenes, bringing the designs to life! Isaiah 64:8
AMARIS MONTEON (Stage Manager) is a sophomore Theatre Arts Major at CBU with a concentration in Design for Stage and Screen. Some of her recent design credits include: California Baptist University: Comedy of Errors (Properties Designer), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] and The Book of Will. Patriot High School: Frozen (Set Designer/Scenic Painter), Wizard of Oz, Peter and the Starcatcher, Little Women, and Pride and Prejudice. She would like to thank God as well as her professors and directors for providing her with so much support and so many opportunities.
DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE is a Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, screenwriter, lyricist and librettist. His most recent show, the musical Kimberly Akimbo, written with composer Jeanine Tesori, premiered off Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Co., where it won the Lortel, NYDCC, OCC and Drama Desk Awards for Best Musical before it moved to Broadway and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. His play Good People premiered on Broadway at MTC, was awarded the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play, The Horton Foote Prize, The Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award, and two Tony nominations. His play Rabbit Hole also premiered on Broadway at MTC and received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, five Tony nominations, and the Spirit of America Award. David also wrote the book and lyrics for Shrek the Musical (Jeanine Tesori, composer), which was nominated for eight Tonys, four Oliviers, a Grammy, and earned David the Kleban Prize as America’s most promising musical theatre lyricist. His newest play, The Balusters, premiers on Broadway at MTC in April 2026, directed by Kenny Leon. David’s other plays include Ripcord, Fuddy Meers, Kimberly Akimbo and Wonder of the World which all premiered at MTC, as well as A Devil Inside at Soho Rep. In addition to his work in theatre, David's screen credits include his film adaptation of Rabbit Hole (starring Nicole Kidman, Oscar nomination), DreamWorks’ Rise of the Guardians, and The Family Fang, among others. He is also, along with Tanya Barfield, Co-Director of the
Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program at the Juilliard School.
JEANINE TESORI won the Tony Award for Best Original Score with Lisa Kron for the musical Fun Home. She has also written Tonynominated scores for Twelfth Night at Lincoln Center; Thoroughly Modern Millie (lyrics, Dick Scanlan); Caroline, or Change (lyrics, Tony Kushner); and Shrek the Musical (lyrics, David Lindsay-Abaire). The production of Caroline or Change at the National Theatre in London received the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Her 1997 OffBroadway musical Violet (lyrics, Brian Crawley) opened on Broadway in 2014 and garnered four Tony nominations, including Best Musical Revival. Opera: A Blizzard on Marblehead Neck (libretto, Tony Kushner; Glimmerglass) and The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me (libretto, J. D. McClatchy, Kennedy Center). Music for plays: Mother Courage (dir. George C. Wolfe, with Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline), John Guare's A Free Man of Color (Lincoln Center Theater, dir. George C. Wolfe), and Romeo and Juliet (Delacorte Gala). Film scores: Nights in Rodanthe, Every Day, and You're Not You. Ms. Tesori is a member of the Dramatists Guild and was cited by the ASCAP as the first female composer to have two new musicals running concurrently on Broadway. She was the founding artistic director of Encores! Off-Center at New York City Center, and a lecturer in music at Yale University. Most of all, she is the proud parent of Siena Rafter.
JASON MOORE (Director). Broadway: Avenue Q, Steel Magnolias. Carnegie Hall: Jerry Springer: The Opera. Off-Broadway: Speech and Debate (Roundabout), Avenue Q (the Vineyard), Guardians (the Culture Project), The Crumple Zone. Associate directing: Les Misérables (Broadway, national tour), Ragtime (Vancouver). Writer: The Floatplane Notebooks (Charlotte Repertory Theatre). TV directing: episodes of Dawson’s Creek, Everwood, One Tree Hill and Brothers and Sisters. Jason has a BS in performance studies from Northwestern University.
ROB ASHFORD won the 2012 Olivier Award for his production of Anna Christie starring Jude Law and Ruth Wilson at London's Donmar Warehouse. The production opened to rave reviews with The Independent's anointing it as "picture perfect" and David Benedict stating that "the production's hallmark is its boldness." Rob most recently directed the Broadway revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof starring Scarlett Johansson, and Macbeth with Sir Kenneth Branagh at New York's Park Avenue Armory and The Manchester International Festival. The Telegraph
claimed "This is a Macbeth that won't just go down as a highlight of the Manchester International Festival but as one of the Scottish Play's great revivals," and Ben Brantley of the New York Times proclaimed "Mr. Ashford uses his experience as a celebrated director of musicals to stunning, time-bending effect." Rob received his 8th Tony Nomination for his work on the Broadway revival of Evita starring Ricky Martin, and received the Tony Award for his work on the Broadway production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Other Broadway credits include How to Succeed in Business (Tony Award Nominations for his direction and choreography), Promises, Promises (Tony Award Nomination), Shrek, John Water's Cry Baby (Tony Award nomination, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Fred Astaire Awards), Curtains (Tony Award nomination), and Wedding Singer (Tony Award nomination). In London, Rob also directed the highly acclaimed Olivier Award winning revivals of A Streetcar Named Desire starring Rachel Weisz and Parade at The Donmar Warehouse. Rob did the choreography and staging for last year's Academy Awards with Seth MacFarlane and won the 2009 Emmy Award for Best Choreography for his work on Baz Luhrmann's production number (featuring Hugh Jackman and Beyoncé) at the 81st Annual Academy Awards. He has also choreographed the opening number for the Tony Awards starring Neil Patrick Harris for the past 4 years. He choreographed the feature film Beyond the Sea directed by and starring Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey and Walt Disney Production's upcoming film Cinderella directed by Kenneth Branagh. Most recently, Rob directed and choreographed NBC's The Sound of Music Live!, for which he received a DGA Award Nomination, and this January directed The Barber of Seville at Chicago Lyric Opera. Rob is an Associate Director at The Old Vic Theatre. He also serves on the Executive Board of The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and is a Trustee of The Joyce Theatre in New York City.
"I'm a Believer"(Neil Diamond)(c)1966 Stonebridge Music, Foray Music. All rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (SESAC), on behalf of Stonebridge Music, and by Foray Music (SESAC). All rights reserved. Used by permission. “Welcome to Duloc”(2001) Music by Mike Himelstein, Lyrics by Eric Darnell
SPECIAL THANKS
- Alex Stephens for his work in marketing and advertising design
- Dr. Moon for assembling the orchestra
- Justin McWhorter and Matthew McConnell for technical contributions
- Eric Mendoza for video consultation
- Citrus College Emerging Theatre Technologies
- The CBU Marketing & Communication team
- Los Osos High School
- Matthew McAvene Creations
-3D Theatricals
- Stage Monkey
- Tuacahn Center for the Arts
- Nathan Underwood from Events Center Ticketing
- Dr. Joseph Bolin, Dr. Charles Sands, and Dr. Ronald L. Ellis for their continued leadership and support of the Theatre Arts Division and The Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
