The wHouseonatchHill
Richard Oberacker & Robert Taylor
MUSICAL BY
V VEGAS COMPANY THEATRE
VEGAS THEATRE COMPANY presents the World
Premiere of
THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL
MUSIC, BOOK AND LYRICS
Richard Oberacker BOOK AND LYRICS
Robert Taylor
DIRECTOR
Daz Weller
PRODUCTION
STAGE MANAGER
Jinay Reitze
STAGE MANAGERS
Kate Leonard
Sabrina Christensen
PRE-RECORDED TRACKS
MIXED BY
Luis Pacheco of
The Hideout Recording Studios
CO-MUSIC DIRECTORS
Shane Jensen
Anthony Brindisi
REHEARSAL
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Jason Manlapaz
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR
Shelley Lynn
CHOREOGRAPHER
Josh Berg
MAGIC CONSULTANT
Jarrett Parker
AERIAL DIRECTOR
Kerren McKeeman
COSTUME DESIGNER & CO
PUPPET DESIGN
RuBen Permel
SCENIC AND PUPPETS
Whitney Lehn Meltz
CULTURAL INSTITUTION PUPPETS
Skylar Meek
PROPS MASTER
Rebecca Sass
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Scott Orlesky
LIGHTING PROGRAMMER/ SOUND DESIGNER
Jake Harrell
SOUND ENGINEER & VIDEO DESIGNER
Toby Allen
MURALIST/SEAMSTRESS
Barbara Brown
ASST. STAGE MGR
Gary Parlanti
K Derby
PROGRAM DESIGN
Annette Houlihan Verdolino
SCENIC CONSTRUCTION: Frank Coombs, Jason Collins, Gary Parlanti, K Derby, Daz
Weller
PUBLICITY
Jeff Klein
SOCIAL MEDIA
Marlenn Luna & Manny DeSantiago
VIDEOGRAPHER
Thomas Coruzzi
BAND (IN THE ATTIC)
Louis Syrovy (Guitar), Manny Gamazo, Davey Martinez, Don Meoli (Drums), Scott Teeple, Keegan Carter, Aubrey Dixon (Bass)
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S NOTE
“This will talke teamwork if we want to all get through and do our best to keep an optimistic view.”
Oberacker/Taylor - The House on Watch Hill
Talk about life imitating art. The House on Watch Hill tells the real-life story of a group of kids building a haunted house and learning valuable life lessons along the way. In much the same way, our theater company—and all of us “big kids”—have faced our own challenges as we’ve grown to take on this remarkable new musical. I’m incredibly proud of our team for going above and beyond, excecuting the vision of the show in the most suprising and supportive of ways. This is a pivotal moment for our company—and for Las Vegas—where world premieres of musicals with the potential to go far beyond our city are a rare and special opportunity.
From the first reading of this show when it was being developed at Majestic Repertory Theatre, I fell in love with it. It is a story that reminds us of life’s possibilties, of the decisions we make in our teens that go on to define us and of those weird little kids that still live inside each of us. There’s a special connection here: the first reading of Richard and Robert’s Tony Awardwinning “Bandstand” also took place in this very room, and it feels fitting to witness another new beginning with “The House on Watch Hill”.
To our cast, crew, creatives, and their support networks—thank you. And to our audience, thank you for coming to see something new. If you believe in supporting local stories and talent, please share the word about this show and also consider donating. Your support is what makes new theater in Las Vegas possible.
Daz
“Having just the vision’s no solution, everything depends on execution” Sondheim. Sunday in the Park with George.
PRODUCTION THANK YOUS
Keith Boman, Renee McHenry, Randall Stupka, Leland Leger, Jana Wimer, Simone, Yvonne Weller, Brian Hsieh, Jacob Stipe, Tim Hertzhog, Eric Wilson, Annette Houlihan Verdolino, Nicholas Burke, Lucy Brownlee, Julia Prince, Em Hill & Hazel Greene, Kirsten Brandt, Matthew Shiner and UNLV, Troy Heard and Majestic Repertory Theatre, Erik Amblad and Elm Leaf Creative, the workshop casts, All the cast’s parents, guardians and ride givers.
THE AUTHORS WISH TO THANK
Rebecca Marrianetti and Matthew Bourke of York Drama, Kate Lumpkin of Kate Lumpkin Casting, Seth Glewen of The Gersh Agency and Skip Fenker. They would also like to thank the very real Kristin Orr, Paul Deng, Tim Hickey, Paulette Farr, Toi Miller, Jennifer Hoagland, Craig Davis and
AUTHORS’ NOTE
It’s pretty simple, really. Not everyone grew up in the 80’s. Not everyone spent the summer before high school with their friends turning a neighbor’s house and yard into a gargantuan homemade haunt attraction. But at some point, as kids, we all did something that everyone else thought was crazy but turned out to be an amazing adventure. We all found and lost friends in the process. We all found ourselves in the process. We all had a first crush, a first heartbreak and a first painful step into adulthood. And we all faced ghosts and terrors and pitfalls along the way, even if they didn’t come within the halls of a Neighborhood Haunted House. But by meeting them head on, fighting them and winning, we all made memories of a time that changed our lives forever. So welcome to this particular House on Watch Hill. You will find yourself in here. Somewhere.
AUTHORS’ BIO
Richard Oberacker (music, book & lyrics) and Robert Taylor (book & lyrics) collaborated on the Broadway musical Bandstand, which won director/choreographer Andy Blankenbeulher (Hamilton) his third TONY Award for Best Choreography. Bandstand launched a national tour and the original Broadway production was filmed for release in cinemas nationwide and multiple streaming platforms. Their new musical Bruce, based on the behind-thescenes mayhem of the filming of Jaws, recently premiered at the Seattle Repertory Theater while another new musical, Angel of Arkansas is in development with five-time TONY winning director/ choreographer Susan Stroman. Oberacker & Taylor’s darkly comic musical The Sandman enjoyed a wildly successful American premiere at the Majestic Repertory Theatre after its European premiere in Denmark’s Fredericia Theatre. Other original musicals include Ace at the Old Globe Theater and the Signature Theater, Journey to the West at the New York Musical Theater Festival and The Parenting Project at The Ensemble Theater of Cincinnati. Additionally, they are collaborating on the new musical Lost In Love for The Nederlander Studios in the UK. In Las Vegas, Mr. Oberacker serves as the conductor for Cirque du Soleil’s “KA”, while Mr. Taylor plays violin in the orchestra of the Adele concert residency at Caesar’s Palace. Members of the Dramatists Guild, Oberacker & Taylor’s work is licensed by Concord Theatricals and they are represented by the Gersh Agency.
JASON COLLINS
Adult in the Room 1
Jason Collins is delighted to be making his Las Vegas debut here at Vegas Theatre Company with this truly incredible show. Hailing from Seattle originally, Collins has been seen on Northwest Stages including The Seattle Opera, Village Theatre, Seattle Shakespeare Company, Seattle Children’s Theatre, ACT and The Seattle Repertory Theatre. Favorite roles include Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and The Emcee in CABARET. In Seattle, he originated the roles of Sean in the World Premier of THE WEDDING BANQUET, as well as Dan in NEXT TO NORMAL. In New York, Collins has originated roles including The Sewing Machine Man in THE BLUE FLOWER, Kurt in the OffBroadway premiere of SIGNS OF LIFE and Tyler Nelson in the Off-Broadway WHO’S YOUR BAGHDADDY?. Collins can also be heard on the original cast recordings of the 30th Anniversary release of ANNIE and David Austin’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL, as Bob Cratchett.
CHRISTINE HUDMAN*
Adult in the Room 2
Ms. Hudman has lived and performed all over the world. She received a scholarship and graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. She did over 1,000 performances as Rizzo in the National tour of GREASE. She also did the role of Vicki Nichols in the Broadway National tour of THE FULL MONTY for Jack O’Brien and Jerry Mitchell. She was in the American premiere of JERRY SPRINGER THE OPERA at the MGM and played the role of Anita Polk in IDAHO! THE COMEDY MUSICAL in Las Vegas. She has been a voice-over artist for Lexus and can also be heard on the movie soundtrack for the 2016 Oscar-winning film SPOTLIGHT, and was the lead singer in LE RÊVE THE DREAM at Wynn Las Vegas. Christine is a native Texan, a songwriter, and recording artist. Ms. Hudman is married to drummer Mark Pardy and they have three children. Thanks and love to the beautiful cast and crew, VTC, Daz, Richard and Rob.
Instagram: @ctexhudman
* Christine Hudman appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
SEAN DRISCOLL
Young Patrick
Sean Driscoll is ecstatic to make his Vegas Theatre Company debut with this truly unique and inspiring show. Born in raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sean immediately took a liking to the stage around the age of six, and has acted in various productions every year since then. Sean has acted in many roles, such as Snoopy in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Demetrius in MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Roger in LORD OF THE FLIES, also directed by Daz Weller, Tybalt in ROMEO AND JULIET, Lucas Beineke in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and many more. His love for theater evolved from his love to tell stories, and he knows this beautiful musical, THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL, will tell a story that will inspire and amaze audiences members of all ages.
ASHLEE GRUBBS
Kristen
Nominated for Best Guest actress for the International online cinema awards, Ashlee gained critical acclaim for her role of Maura on Hulu’s Emmy nominated PEN15. Other TV credits include Guest artist on SWAT, QUANTUM LEAP and Disney Channel’s Mack Chat for THE ANDY MACK SHOW. Ashlee first worked with Daz in MACBETH for NCT, then again as Clara in THE SANDMAN also written by Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor at Majestic Rep. directed by Troy Heard. Ashlee began at age 9 with Troy appearing in his Scientology Parody and TITUS ANDRONICUS JR., gaining Top 5 at Hollywood Fringe festival. Other theatre includes Rose in APF’s DANCING AT LUGHNASA, NCT’s CHRISTMAS CAROL, CSN’s PILLOWMAN, and MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at SST. Lead role of Eva in KINDERTRANSPORT and Colin in DUBLIN RISING
NICK KATOPODIS
Tim
(Understudy–Young Patrick & Jason)
Nick is an eighth grade Choir major and Musical Theatre minor at KO Knudson Academy of the Arts. He is very excited to be making his debut at VTC with the world premiere of The House on Watch Hill. He was recently seen as Gomez Addams in Rainbow Company Youth Theatre’s The Addams Family. He was in an original production by Positively Arts, THE AUDITION ROOM, which became a documentary, HOME: A MOTHER OF 3000, that won Best Nevada Film at the Nevada Women’s Film Festival. He has participated in CCSD Honor Choir, was involved in All-State 2023 and 2024, and 2023 Holiday Extravaganza at The Smith Center. His school Chamber Choir had the honor to perform at Carnegie Hall this past summer, where he had a featured solo. He was also a Top 5 Finalist in Get Launched Vegas Singing Competition for 2023 and 2024. Hugest thanks to his dad, mom, sister, and all of his friends and family who support his love of performing, and would love to thank Daz, Richard, Robert, and the team for this amazing opportunity!
ADRIAN MADAMBA
Paul
Adrian is thrilled to be making his Vegas Theatre Company debut in THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL! He extends endless thanks to Daz, Robert, Richard, and the team, for providing such a wonderful and unforgettable experience. He also expresses gratitude to his castmates for bringing so much joy, laughter, and love each day over the past few months. Adrian is thankful to his family and friends for their unwavering support and offers final thanks to the Huntsman family for sharing this opportunity with him. He was recently seen in the Super Summer Theatre production of THE LITTLE MERMAID. Other credits include NEWSIES (Ensemble, Signature Productions), and SOUTH PACIFIC (Emile de Becque). @adrianmadamba
MADISON MORSEBURG
Young Jennifer
Madison is delighted to be making her debut with The Vegas Theater Company. In 2023, she was honored to sing the national anthem at a Las Vegas Aviators game and was chosen as the winner in the Positively Arts “Get Launched” singing competition. In April 2024, Madison played Young Phyllis in the Las Vegas premiere production of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies. Madison is a junior at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts in the Theater Arts Conservatory. She is thrilled to be part of The House on Watch Hill family! Madison is grateful to her family and friends for all of their love and support and she would like to thank Daz, Robert and Richard for trusting her to bring Young Jennifer to life!
RASHIDA MAKEDA
Joy
Rashida Makeda, a performer from Southern California, is delighted to make her debut with the Vegas Theatre Company in this groundbreaking new production. Awarded the Musical Theatre West Footlighters Scholarship, Rashida honed her craft at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she studied in the specialized Screen and Stage Acting Concentration. With over a dozen shows to her credit, she is enthusiastic about contributing to this innovative musical and collaborating with its exceptional cast. Beyond her stage achievements, Rashida has accumulated over 13 years of experience as a background actor in film and is now exploring screenwriting, including her directorial and writing debut with the student film CHOYCE. Rashida is profoundly grateful to her family and friends for their steadfast support and patience throughout her creative journey.
LUKE MARTIN
Jason
Luke Martin recently made his “Broadway” debut at the Minskoff in the 2024 Jimmy Awards where he was a Finalist! Luke is a senior at Bishop Gorman High School where some favorite credits include Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES, Pippin in PIPPIN, Perchik in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Dickon in THE SECRET GARDEN
Luke, born into a theatre family, started his musical theatre journey at eight years of age as Winthrop in THE MUSIC MAN. Luke is the recipient of many awards including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical for the 2024 Nevada HS Musical Theatre Awards, the International Thespian Excellence Award in both Group Musical Theatre, Company and Duet Musical Theatre, Tonight. In the Musical Theatre Competition of America, Luke has won over the past three years in multiple categories including Duet Musical Theatre and as a principal in Ensemble Production, Group Musical Revue and Group Showtune. Luke would like to thank his family, friends and the creative team of Watch Hill for their support as he pursues his dream to be a working actor on Broadway.
SARAH LITTMAN
Understudy–Kristen
Sarah is very excited to be a part of The House on Watch Hill, which is her debut at Vegas Theatre Company! Sarah has had a passion for singing and acting since she first began to walk and talk. She graduated from the Stage and Screen Acting program at UNLV with a Bachelor’s in Theater Arts, where she nurtured her love for theater and re-discovered her love for film acting. Aside from a few short/student films, Sarah’s credits include WIZARD OF OZ (Dorothy), PETER PAN (Liza), and Shrek: The Musical (Princess Fiona). Sarah would like to thank everyone who helped make this debut possible, and hopes you will enjoy the show!
KHLOE JUDD
Understudy–Young Jennifer
Khloe came into this world with fireworks (literally) as the New Year Baby in 2009. She is a 15 year old vocal & theater performing arts student at LVA. Khloe is extremely grateful to be working with Daz, Richard, Robert and the amazing HOWH family on this project. Khloe made her professional debut in Richard and Robert’s musical THE SANDMAN as Theresa at Majestic Rep Theatre directed by Troy Heard. Also directed by Mr. Heard Khloe played Amanda Thripp in MATILDA & June Hawkins in an all-female adaptation of TREASURE ISLAND. Khloe is a student ambassador for Positively Arts, representing Positively Arts during community events, at featured performances, and mentoring younger students. In December of 2024 she performed with David Perrico and his Pop Symphony Orchestra at Myron’s. A special thank you and much love to family, friends, teachers, and mentors for their continued love and support as she continues her journey as an aspiring professional performer!
SHEKINAH ROSE. E
Understudy–Joy
Shekinah Rose.E, born in South Carolina and raised in Iowa, is beyond thrilled to be a part of this production! She is currently a senior Musical Theatre Major at Las Vegas Academy of The Arts. She had the amazing opportunity to play the role of Joy in the first ever reading of THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL with Troy Heard, Richard Oberacker, and Robert Taylor. Shekinah was also a part of her schools’ version of PUFFS and played a Greek Chorus Girl in LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL. She was also greatly a part of numerous musical stage plays with SJM Productions. Shekinah Rose.E started singing when she was 3 years old but found her love for theatre in her freshman year of high school. She realized that acting and singing makes her the happiest and has been her outlet of expression. Shekinah is immensely grateful to God, her family, friends, and teachers for supporting her through this amazing journey of her life!
AYDEN FAFARD
Understudy Tim
Representing his Hawaiian, Filipino, and African American Culture, Ayden is beyond thrilled to be making his Vegas Theatre Company debut in “The House On Watch Hill”. Since making his on stage debut as Mark Cohen in RENT back in 2022, Ayden has been seen performing in “God Lives in Glass” in Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center, “Trail To Oregon” from STARKID followed by making his New York City Center debut in the workshop of “Perfect Summer Evening”, an Original Musical by his talented dear friends Riley Cohen and Brooklyn Baca this past summer. With plans to pursue theater and film going out of college, he will be graduating this December from UNLV at only 20 years old with his Bachelor’s in Theatre a part of the Stage and Screen acting concentration and is ultimately grateful for his strong support system provided by his family and friends. He’s very grateful to Daz, Jinay, Richard, and Robert for this opportunity and cannot wait to share the stage with this vibrantly talented cast.
ROCCO GAYOSO
Understudy Paul
Rocco is overjoyed to be making his Vegas Theatre debut. In honing his craft, he is a vocal and musical theatre performing arts student at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. Rocco has had amazing opportunities whilst performing at his school’s production in LEGALLY BLONDE as NIKOS. Rocco spends a majority of his time performing in choral concerts, student producing, and taking part in professional gigs. Rocco has professionally performed at galas, conventions, and art exhibits in front of various celebrities. In his time perusing non-theatre endeavors, Rocco hopes to be a part of the medical field and focuses on neuroscience. He is an intern at Sunrise Hospital and spends time as a Student Visionary for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Rocco would like to give thanks to all his family, friends, and mentors and is entire grateful for this amazing opportunity!
You’re here for something truly special —a World Premiere!
Bringing new works to life requires a dedicated team, and you can play a vital role.
By donating today, you’ll support VTC in its mission to nurture the voices and stories of Las Vegas. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference—and it’s tax-deductible.
Show your support and help us share our stories with the world!
VEGAS THEATRE COMPANY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael Roitman (Chair), Ann C. Pongracz (Vice-Chair), Greg Gordillo (Treasurer), Jessica Scheitler, Levi Fackrell, Alexia Chen, Alex Raffi, Scott Dawson
ARTISTIC & PROGRAMMING
Executive Artistic Director / Daz Weller
Associate Artistic Director/ Simone
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Jessica Scheitler and the Financial Groove team
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Social Media Manager/ Marlenn Luna and Manny DeSantiago
Season Photographer / Robert John Kley
Graphic Design / Daz Weller
TICKETING & BOX OFFICE
Box Office Manager / Roxanne Farrar
Bar Manager / Alex Tivis
PRODUCTION
Technical Director/ Jake Harrell
Construction and Maintenance/
Gary Parlanti
Frank Coombs
Special Events
Stage Manager / Amanda Peterson
VEGAS COMPANY THEATRE
DONORS
Producers Circle $5000-$9999
Keith Barker & Dina Emerson
Cedar St
The Barnard Foundation
Bill and Sarah Wray Teller
Designers Circle $1000-$4999
David Stalder
Keith Boman
Michael Roitman
James Russell
Erin Timrawi
Bob and Jeri Amblad
Terry Chi
Ann C Pongracz & Mark R Cole
Alexia Chen
Diane Hawley
Laura Langford
Cast Circle 500-999
Russell and Brenda Frank
Matthew Mancour
Greg Gordillo
Gina and Levi Fackrell
Crew Circle 250-499
Timothy Richards
Yvonne Weller
Norma Saldivar
Sherri Brewer
Debora and Mark Barney
If you or someone you know is interested in donating or volunteering, we have many opportunities available. Email us at info@theatre. vegas
Matthew Fox
Sue Christensen
Hilary Katz
Steven Biggs
Michael Red Earth
Jacob Moore
Jim Hrudicka
Jami Jones
Barbara King
James Rosman
Stacia Larsen
Joyce Lush
Kim Faubel
Elizabeth Brown
Billy Rowles
Joan Israel
Adriana Banchik
Torrey Russell
Johnathon Fayeghi
Bob and Jeri Amblad
Geoffrey Schafler
Monica Johns
Michael Naft
Bleach Improv
Suzanne Bergfalk
Bev and Jim
Nancy Hunterton
Jason Jorjorian
Pam McGaha
Jill SamuelJoyceGarcia
Friends Circle 100-249
Brooke Jordan
Kelly Hawes
Henry Lichtenberger
Ann-Marie Pereth
Barbara Brennan
Joe Basso
Norm Kresge
Judith Jenner
Marcia Godinez
Marianne Donnelly
Nadia Wiechmann
Anna Arphan
Saundra Durgin
M Susan Danielewicz
Swadeep Nigam
Laurie Scheitler
Eliane Stevens
Anna Peltier
Michelle Mark Rimler
Joanna Wilson
Carol Leonard
Adam Kilbourn
Margaret Plaster
Sue Silva
Jesica Teague
Wesley Hirni
Jane Karadbil
Cynthia Harris
Joan Israel
Stephen Sitar
Robert Kassnel
Vince Cyboran
Alex Raffi
Linda Bearman
Hillary &
Brian Steinberg
Benjamin &
Stephani Edwards