THE BODYGUARD

Director’s Note I have always loved the movie THE BODYGUARD, so when it became a musical, I was equally in love. I instantly began trying to convince David Button to do it. Showing him bootlegs, having him listen to the soundtrack, pitching him ideas of how it could be done in our space; however, it always came back to one problem- the voice. The show is one Whitney Houston hit after the other. Where in the world were we going to find an actress who could not only sing Whitney’s songs, but also act and do the role justice? So, there went my hopes of ever doing the show. Fast forward to September of 2022 LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS rehearsal. Ashley Williams sings “Alaaaarrrrmmmmmm goes off at seven” (if you were able to see this production, you know exactly what I am talking about), I immediately turn to David and ask, “There’s the voice we’ve been waiting for, so when are we doing THE BODYGUARD”?

So here we are, and I hope you are seated and ready for one hell of a performance! While directing this show, I gave everyone involved a challenge. I simply told them “I want this to be the best show our audiences have ever seen, not just here, but in general…. let’s make it happen”. When a road block came or questions were asked among the team I often replied with, “Well, why can’t we”? You see, call me an Elphaba, but I don’t like accepting limits. Our inventive, hard working, and talented creative team is pulling out all the stops: new lights, costumes, insane choreography, an insanely amazing band (you may be hearing more than you are used to up in the loft) and last but certainly not least, you are about to see a crazy talented cast grace the stage. No really, each and everyone of them is insanely talented and have made my jaw drop on more than one occasion throughout this process. I hope you feel like you are transported from Rehoboth Beach to a concert that leaves you yelling and jumping from your seat, dancing and begging for more! I hope that we exceed your expectations, and I hope you leave this theatre saying “That was the best thing I have seen, what will they think of next?” Thank you for supporting live theatre at the beach. And enjoy the show!

-Christopher Decker, Director

THE BODYGUARD THE MUSICAL Book by ALEXANDER DINELARIS Based on the film screenplay by LAWRENCE KASDAN Produced by DAVID IAN PRODUCTIONS

SEASON SPONSOR ALICE & ALFRED WILLIS

SHOW SPONSOR JAY & VICKI ALLEN

CAST RACHEL MARRON……………………………….……..……… Ashley Williams FRANK FARMER…………………………………………………… Alonzo Cook NICKI MARRON……………………………………………………... Miya Bass FLETCHER MARRON……………………..…….……………… Mia Kemmerlin FLETCHER MARRON (alt)……………………………………….. Caleb Dawkins SY SPECTOR………………………………………………………….. Les Diggs BILL DEVANEY………..………………………………………… Michael Peagler TONY SCIBELLI……………………………………………………... Billy Burke STALKER…………………………………………..…………….….. Tyler Dark DOUGLAS/JIMMY/BOBBY…………………………………….…….. Zach Naar BACKUP SINGERS…………………………………. Nicole Anupol, Amanda Aris, Carissa Meiklejohn, Kierstyn Woody BACKUP DANCERS…………………………….……. Liz Culver, Julia Shicatano, Kaya Snow, Emily Valdes Swing…………………………………………………..……….. Abby Whitcomb CREATIVE TEAM Director………………………………..…………………………….. Christopher Decker Musical Director………………………………………………………………... Jerry Birl Choreographer…………………………………………..………………... Kimberly Fitch Costume Designer………...……...……………………...…………… Christopher Decker Stage Manager………………………………...………………………….. Dena Lagonigro Backstage Assistants……………………..… Jaida Lagonigro, Brooke Rhue, Brianna Wittman Set Designer……………………...…………………….… Josh Getka, Christopher Decker Light Designer/Operator.…………….………..…..………..…………….. Brendan Smith Spotlight Operator……………………………………………….….. John Roman Nehrbas Sound Designer……………………………………...……………………... Justin Witters Sound Assistant……...…………………………………………………. Ashley O’Donnell Set Construction……………………………………………...…………….…. Josh Getka Properties………………………………………………………...……… Aleta Thompson

THE BODYGUARD THE MUSICAL Book by ALEXANDER DINELARIS Based on the film screenplay by LAWRENCE KASDAN Produced by DAVID IAN PRODUCTIONS

SEASON SPONSOR ALICE & ALFRED WILLIS

SHOW SPONSOR JAY & VICKI ALLEN

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT 1 Queen Of The Night…………………………………………….. Rachel, Ensemble How Will I Know………………………………..…….. Rachel, Fletcher, Ensemble Greatest Love of All……………………………………………….……….. Rachel Saving All My Love for You…………………..………………...…………… Nicki Million Dollar Bill/I Wanna Dance With Somebody/So Emotional... Rachel, Ensemble Run To You………………………………………………….……… Rachel, Nicki Where Do Broken Hearts Go………………………………………… Karaoke Girls I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton Version)………………….………..…. Frank I Have Nothing……………………………………………………..……... Rachel

ACT 2 All The Man That I Need………………………………………… Rachel, Ensemble I’m Every Woman………………………………………….…… Rachel, Ensemble All At Once…………………………………………..……...…………..…. Nicki Run To You (Reprise)……………………………………….……….…….. Rachel Jesus Loves Me…………………………………….…...….. Fletcher, Nicki, Rachel Jesus Loves Me (Reprise)………………………………………………… Ensemble One Moment in Time………………………………...………….………… Rachel I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston Version)…………...…….……… Rachel I Wanna Dance With Somebody…………………………………...…….. Company

Band Keys 1…………………………………………..……………………… Jerry Birl Keys 2…………………………………………………………………..Art Henry Percussion……………………………..………..…………………….. Josh Getka Bass……………………………………………………………….. Melina Hudson Woodwinds………………………………………………….…… Stacey Hartman Trumpet…………………………………………………..…………. Terry Alvey

MIYA BASS is a director, vocalist, ASHLEY and actor hailing from WILLIAMS Jamaica, Queens NY. is no stranger to the She has been a vocal Clear Space stage and contestant on The is elated to be back Voice, X-Factor, and after appearing in last Steve Harvey’s radio season’s JESUS star competition.

CHRIST Miya has also perSUPERSTAR (Judas), formed leading roles in several musical theater SPONGEBOB and productions: AIDA, SISTER ACT, LION KINKY BOOTS. Some of Ashley’s favorite past KING, RENT, MOANA, THE WIZ, and many roles include Crystal in LITTLE SHOP OF others. When she isn’t performing, Miya is also HORRORS, Rusty in FOOTLOOSE, Milly in a licensed therapist and loves to spend her time SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, offering psychotherapy within her community, and Deloris in SISTER ACT! When she’s not as well as volunteering time at her church. Her on stage you can find her teaching Premusical work can be found on Apple Music, Kindergarten, and eating nuggets and pickles.

Soundcloud, Spotify, and Youtube.

Ashley is a part of a variety of bands including Juanita Williams and Family, JWCO, The MIA KEMMERLIN Tremault Band, and more. She always thanks is a local Spanish her family, and God for all of their support and Immersion student. love. Instagram: qweenshley She started taking her first classes at Clear ALONZO COOK Space back in 2020 an award-winning and has been a actor, model, & member of the Broadway Bound and decorated Soldier, Summer Intensive began as an extra & programs. Clear Space credits include ELF, stand-in for Tyler MATILDA, and KINKY BOOTS! Perry Studios & Paramount Pictures.

CALEB DAWKINS With Stanford is excited to be a part University training; Zo booked leads in of this performance after ALCATRAZ: ART BEHIND BARS; LORD his first experience at WHY CAN'T I DO RIGHT? (toured); The Clear Space doing Little Theatre of Alexandria's SISTER ACT: Reader’s Theatre in THE MUSICAL; and more. Zo is a Brand this season’s A RAISIN Ambassador for Oxford Way Tailoring & IN THE SUN. Past Ghostfit fitness apparel, and this is his debut at roles include Travis in Clear Space Theatre Company.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Sterling Playmakers), Les in NEWSIES Instagram & Twitter: @Royal_Zo (The Arlington Players), and Flounder in THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. (Alexandria Children’s Theater). He is currently a part of the ensemble in BEAUTY & THE BEAST (Mount Vernon Children’s Theater). He hopes you enjoy this production!

CAST

CAST NICOLE ANUPOL recently completed her MBA at Wilmington University and currently works on the Marketing team at Monument Sotheby's Realty. She was previously seen in THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Amy Winehouse/ Ensemble) and is thrilled to be back at Clear Space with such a talented cast. She wants to thank her friends and family for all of their encouragement and support!

If you show up, fight for each other, and work through the mess, beautiful art awaits you that dazzles the eyes and heals the heart and mind.

LIZ CULVER is an NYC-based graduate of Rowan University. At Rowan, she received a double major B.A. degree in Dance and Theatre with concentrations in Musical Theatre and Honors. Previous credits include Know-It-All and Dancing Chef/Elf in Warner Bros. POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE, Featured Dancer in Hayden J. Frederick’s AMANDA ARIS online piece LAY YOUR HEAD DOWN, and is excited to be back on Ivubala in IN AMERICA; THAT IS TO SAY stage at Clear Space! She is NOWHERE at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. originally from Baltimore, Liz would like to thank her friends for being but after 8 years, she ridiculously supportive, her family for their almost considers herself a encouragement, and her parents especially for DE local. She is always making this grateful for a chance to perform. Most recently possible. seen in ESTELLA SCROOGE, THE TYLER DARK LIGHTNING THIEF, YOUNG is excited to be making his FRANKENSTEIN, SISTER ACT, CARRIE, and Clear Space debut! As a A CHRISTMAS STORY, a few of her other youth, he attended favorite credits include INTO THE WOODS, Stagedoor Manor, HEATHERS, MARY POPPINS, Baltimore School for the FOOTLOOSE, and FUN HOME. She earned Arts, and University of the her undergrad degree in English and music and Arts, and he’s been in dozens of local and recently completed a Master’s program in regional theatrical productions throughout his Journalism and Media Arts. lifetime. He has also been a stand-up comedian BILLY BURKE for over a decade and has performed with some is excited to return to Clear of comedy’s biggest names in clubs and venues Space. In previous Clear across the country. He lives in Rehoboth Beach Space seasons, Billy appeared in VICTOR/ THE BODYGUARD VICTORIA, GREASE, and is produced through special arrangement with LITTLE SHOP OF Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

HORRORS, and DAMN YANKEES. Billy also portrayed Uncle Henry and the Guard in All authorized performance materials are also Milton Theater's THE WIZARD OF OZ. He supplied by would like to thank his fellow actors, stage Theatrical Rights Worldwide. crew, the creative team, the operations, staff 646-736-3232 and the audiences at Clear Space for helping www.theatricalrights.com him find his tribe again after a 20 year hiatus from the theatre. The theatre is here for you.

He graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in June and has moved on to Delaware Tech to LES DIGGS pursue a degree in elementary education. Some retired from his career as a of his recent credits include MATILDA THE BioMedical Engineer in MUSICAL (Agatha Trunchbull) and RADIUM 2018 and has since made his GIRLS (Edward Markley), RAGTIME home in the Rehoboth area.

(Ensemble), and THE LITTLE MERMAID He marked his return to the (Prince Eric). He wants to thank all of his stage after a 15-year family and friends for their endless love and absence in last season’s productions of DAMN YANKEES and KINKY support.

BOOTS, as well as 2024’s A RAISIN IN THE MICHAEL PEAGLER SUN. Born and raised in Baltimore, he apis a Speech-Language peared in numerous productions in and around Pathologist at Bayhealth the Baltimore/Washington area for over 30 Medical Center who speyears. Some of his favorite shows include roles cializes in the diagnosis and in productions of AINT MISBEHAVIN'; treatment of acquired upSOPHISTICATED LADIES; A CHORUS per airway disorders (such LINE; JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT; THE WIZ; as voice disorders KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN; and [dysphonia] and swallowing disorders GODSPELL. Les would like to thank his [dysphagia]) – in acutely ill populations with friends and husband Tom for all the love and stroke, head and neck cancer, degenerative support. disease, and others. Education: MS SLP, University of Pittsburgh; BS CSD and BA Dance, CARISSA minors in Spanish and Vocal Performance, Penn MEIKLEJOHN State University. Various credits: SWEET (she/her) is an English CHARITY, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN teacher and Instructional (Penn State School of Theater), IOLANTHE Coach at Milford High (Penn State Opera Theater), MAMMA MIA!, School who has directed HEATHERS (Penn State Thespian Society), their Drama Club for 20 THE WIZARD OF OZ (community theater). years. She’s earned an Penn State Glee Club (2016-2020).

English Education degree from Pitt, a certificate in Wildlife and Forestry JULIA Conservation from Penn Foster College, a SHICATANO Masters in Counseling from Wilmington is a graduate of Rutgers University, and a Masters in Public History University Mason Gross from SNHU. Favorite roles include Adult School of the Arts where Alison in FUN HOME, Matron Mamma she received a B.F.A deMorton in CHICAGO, Rosie in MAMMA gree in Dance Performance MIA, and Roz in 9 TO 5. She’s enjoyed and Ed.M degree in Dance Education. Julia has working with Clear Space since the summer of recently appeared in DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND 2011. She resides in Milton, DE with her wife THE BEAST at Walnut Street Theatre, Six and dog.

Flags Great Adventure DEAD MAN’S PARTY, national commercials, modeled for Matrix ZACH NAAR is thrilled to be back on the Hair, and worked with RWS Entertainment in New York City. In addition to performClear Space stage after ing, Julia is a professor at Rutgers University appearing in MY FAIR and judges for National Dance Competitions LADY and stage managing across the East Coast and Midwest.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN and THE MOUSETRAP.

CAST

KIERSTYN WOODY is from Seaford Delaware.

KAYA SNOW She works as a music (she/her) is a Rowan teacher at Seaford Central University graduate with Elementary. She began Bachelor’s degrees in performing at a young age, Dance and Theatre Arts. however has only recently Professionally, she has started performing in shows in the area. This worked as a Character and will be her first Clear Space performance. Her Parade Performer at Disneyland Paris, favorite prior performances have been ELF performed on The Polar Express Train Ride (Travel Elf, u/s Hero Child), and has appeared THE MUSICAL, WHITE CHRISTMAS, in Rowan’s BE UNSTOPPABLE commercial as SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, RAGTIME well as an episode of IMPRACTICAL JOKERS. and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Kaya is also a passionate dance educator in her CREATIVE TEAM home state of New Jersey. She wants to thank her friends and family for their constant support CHRISTOPHER DECKER and Clear Space Theatre Company for giving (Director/Costume Designer) her this opportunity!

CAST

EMILY VALDES is so excited to be making her debut at Clear Space! A New Jersey native, she studied dance at Dance World Academy (Clifton, NJ). Upon graduating, Emily worked with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings as a production cast dancer and Entertainment Company Manager. Recent regional credits: ‘Queen of the Night: Tribute to Whitney Houston’ (Dancer) and THE PRODUCERS (Ensemble) at The Palace Theatre (NH). ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE (Ensemble u/s Marley) and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Clara/Ensemble) at Little Theatre on the Square (IL). Most recently, Emily was up the block at The Milton Theatre in ANYTHING GOES. (Charity/ Ensemble). Break legs to the wonderful cast and crew of THE BODYGUARD on a spectacular run! Love you Mom, Dad, Andrew, and Hector! @emilyvaldes42

is extremely excited to have another opportunity to direct at Clear Space after making his directorial debut last season with YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. He is also the costume designer after designing and creating the costumes for VICTOR/VICTORIA, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, DAMN YANKEES, MATILDA, SPONGEBOB, and KINKY BOOTS. He has also assisted and created pieces for shows like SEUSSICAL, GUYS AND DOLLS, and PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT. He hopes you enjoy the creativity coming to life on stage.

JERRY BIRL (Music Director) is a native of the Lewes/Rehoboth area.

Jerry is the Minister of Music and Praise Team Leader at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, where he has served since 2000. Jerry has music directed ESTELLA SCROOGE, DAMN YANKEES, ELF, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, JOSEPH AND THE TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, GREASE, HELLO DOLLY!, CABARET, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (twice!), and played in the band of many shows at Clear Space.

where she is physically, theatre will always be her home. Past performances with Clear KIMBERLY FITCH (Choreographer) Space include YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is thrilled to be at Clear Space, by way of (Frau Blücher), THE CEMETERY CLUB, NYC and LA! Choreography credits DAMN YANKEES, 9 TO 5, THE 39 include HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, STEPS, SCROOGE!, OUR TOWN (Mrs. MATILDA, GREASE, YOU’RE A GOOD Webb), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Marie MAN CHARLIE BROWN, ROMEO & Dindon), THE CURIOUS INCIDENT… JULIET, CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE (Judy Boone), THE WEDDING SINGER FACTORY, THOROUGHLY MODERN (Angie), and THE MUSIC MAN (Mrs. MILLE, MARY POPPINS, Santa Monica Squires). Thank you to her extended Clear Ballet, and original works & master classes Space family, her phenomenal friends, and for dance companies nationwide. A dancer her always-supportive family at home for Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, whom she loves loads.

N'Sync, Avril Lavigne, Drake Bell, Earth, BRENDAN SMITH Wind & Fire, the MTV Upfronts, Bollywood Awards and more. Favorite theatrical (Lighting Designer) has worked with Clear Space as the credits include WEST SIDE STORY Lighting Designer since 2014, for which he (Graziella), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES has received multiple awards. He is mostly (Anne), CABARET, BRIGADOON and self-taught in the craft and refined his skills the Broadway Workshop of BELLS ARE designing shows for the Dance Conservatory, RINGING with Andy Blankenbuehler.

Kent County Theatre Guild, Dover High The Boston Conservatory alum.

School, The Schwartz Center, and Clear Space. He has two adoring sons, Jackson JOSHUA GETKA (Set Designer) aside from his work in constructing CST’s and Harrison. sets as of late, Josh has performed as a ALETA THOMPSON (Properties) member of the “live band in the loft” for has been active in Clear Space Theatre many shows in CST’s previous seasons, and since its inception, as a board member, even appeared on stage in OTHER instructor, assistant to the director, DESERT CITIES and DAMN YANKEES. director, actor, stage manager, and He holds a bachelor's degree from Caldwell properties mistress. She has performed for University in music and secondary CSTC in TINTYPES, OUR TOWN, education. He has served as an educator in EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN, SIX New Jersey and Delaware for over 10 ROOMS, THE ODD COUPLE, LOVE years. He also holds an MBA from the LOSS AND WHAT I WORE, THE University of Scranton and M.Ed in School LARIMIE PROJECT, among others. She Leadership from Wilmington University. is also known to surreptitiously sing backJoshua currently teaches CTE & Special stage when she should have been working.

Education in the Woodbridge School She works for the University of DelaDistrict. ware’s Professional Development Center DENA LAGONIGRO (Stage Manager) as a secondary literacy coach. is a photographer and mother of 3 who lives in Lewes, by way of Connecticut (but always a New Yorker at heart!). No matter

CREATIVE TEAM

First Recipient: Karen Richards

Clear Space Theatre Company Clear Space Theatre Company, a 501(c)3 cultural organization founded in 2004, is committed to teaching, producing and presenting the performing arts. The term “clear space” refers to a focus on the process, knowledge, and humanity of arts performance: the idea that we find ourselves in what appears on the stage. Our Vision is to be a leader in the vibrant performing arts community of southern Delaware. Our Mission is to inspire audiences, artists, and students through high quality performance and educational experiences.

Clear Space Theatre Company Staff David Button, Artistic Director Joe Gfaller, Managing Director Lara Bellistri, Box Office Manager Sydney Gray, Company Manager Laura Russum, Digital Marketing Manager Jadine Pilotti, House Manager & Development Coordinator Board Of Directors Megan Nehrbas, Chair Joe Sterner, Vice Chair Laura Howard, Secretary Alfred Willis, Treasurer Jay Allen Richard J. Perry, Jr. Jess Bain Ida Rowe James Berry Lisa Schlosser John Cullen Mindi Moore Tunnell Mike Moreland The Producers Circle is an advisory committee of community leaders committed to ensuring a sustainable, year-round theatre company that also provides arts education for individuals of all ages and community outreach.

Producers Circle Liz Leshine Alice and Alfred Willis Jeffrey and Ida Rowe Mary Jo Tarallo Peter Keeble Carl Schloegel Peter Pizzolongo Judy Rayner Linda Wolf Joanne McGregor Jay Allen Joelle Genevish Mary Kay Ryan, Founder Clear Space Theatre 20 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 302.227.2270 www.ClearSpaceTheatre.org This organization is supported in part by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.