the musical Directed by James Bruenger-Arreguin
MAINSTAGE Nov. 30–Dec. 31, 2023
Proudly supported by
The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company Presents
Book By
Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin Lyrics By
Music By
Chad Beguelin
Matthew Sklar
Directed by
James Bruenger-Arreguin Music Direction by
Choreographed by
J. Chang Tablada
Mary Ripper Baker
Based Upon the New Line Cinema Film Written By
David Berenbaum Scenic Designer Rodrigo Hernandez-Martinez
Sound Designer Lawrence Schober
Costume Designer Pheobe H. Boynton
Production Stage Manager Martinique M. Barthel*
Lighting Designer G. Austin Allen
Assistant Stage Manager Morgan Gatson* Puppet Fabrication WYNOT Productions
Producing Artistic Director Christopher L. Sheley Originally produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures in association with Unique Features. The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Elf The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, New York, NY. Tel: 212-541-4684. Fax: 212-397-4684. www.MTIShows.com
Sponsored by Members of the Fine Arts Center and The Tiemens Group at Morgan Stanley ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 3
UPCOMING SHOWS
W A
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s p0 0 n f
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By Quiara Alegria Hudes Directed by Elise Santora
Book & Music by Jonathan Larson Lyrics by Jonathan Larson & Billy Aronson Directed by Marissa Hebert
On Stage Feb. 15–March 3
Mainstage May 2–June 2 TICKETS: (719) 634-5581 fac.coloradocollege.edu
T E L T ’ DON
N
O E G i P E TH
! S U E B H T VE
DRi
ical! s u M The
Script by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton Lyrics by Mo Willems | Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
24 ON STAGE MARCH 2–24, 20 TICKETS: (719) 634-5581 fac.coloradocollege.edu 4 FINE ARTS CENTER THEATRE COMPANY
CAST Buddy.......................................................................... Ty-Gabriel Jones* Jovie.....................................................................................Lilli Hokama* Walter Hobbs.................................................................... Mark Rubald* Emily Hobbs................................................Joanie Brosseau-Rubald* Michael Hobbs................................................................. Haley Ballard Deb / Greenway.............................................................. Elise Santora* Santa / Manager........................................................Colin Alexander* Ensemble.................................Antigone Biddle, Will Choy Edelson, Molly Fickes, Shannon Foley, Robert Spence Gabriel, Julia Hemp, Anna Lincoln, Ronald McQueen, Ryan Miller, Nat Petit, Tracy Nicole Taylor* UNDERSTUDIES Buddy........................................................................................... Nat Petit Jovie, Michael..............................................................Antigone Biddle Santa / Manager............................................ Robert Spence Gabriel Deb / Greenway................................................................... Julia Hemp Walter.......................................................................................Ryan Miller
BAND Rick Crafts............................................................................... Trombone Jomar Cruz........................................................................................Cello Bud Gordon.................................................................................Trumpet Dave Hardin............................................................. Drums/Percussion Casey Hodgson..............................................................................Violin Ed Hureau............................................................................. Woodwinds Simon Jacobs.......................................................................... Keyboard Jay McGuffin...................................................................... Electric Bass Stephanie McGuffin............................................ Back-Up Conductor Jane Sandstrom............................................................................... Flute
If you leave the theatre for any reason during the performance, it will be the discretion of house management as to when you can return to your seat.
*The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 5
SONGS ACT ONE
Overture.......................................................................................................................... Orchestra Christmastown........................................................................................Santa, Buddy, Company World’s Greatest Dad...........................................................................................................Buddy In the Way........................................................................Deb, Walter, Emily, Michael, Company Sparklejollytwinklejingley..................................................................Buddy, Manager, Company I’ll Believe in You..................................................................................................... Michael, Emily In the Way (reprise)....................................................................................................Emily, Walter Just Like Him............................................................................................. Buddy, Deb, Company A Christmas Song................................................................................... Buddy, Jovie, Company World’s Greatest Dad (reprise)......................................................................... Buddy, Company There will be one fifteen-minute intermission.
ACT TWO
Nobody Cares About Santa......................................................... Fake Santas, Manager, Buddy Never Fall In Love...................................................................................................................Jovie There Is a Santa Claus............................................................................................ Michael, Emily The Story of Buddy the Elf....................Buddy, Walter, Michael, Greenway, Emily & Company Nobody Cares About Santa (reprise)................................................................................... Santa A Christmas Song (reprise)..........................Jovie, Buddy, Emily, Michael, Walter, & Company Finale............................................................................................................................... Company
Give the Gift of the Arts
Treat friends, family, and your special someone with a Fine Arts Center gift card to use throughout the FAC, including theatre tickets, museum admission, classes at Bemis School of Art, and more! (719) 634-5581 fac.coloradocollege.edu 6 FINE ARTS CENTER THEATRE COMPANY
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR What is a director’s note? Usually, a director’s note is a glimpse into the process of making this piece of theatre. But I am going to take a different approach to this. I, the director, am going to write a note to my younger self. Dear Jimmy, The year is 2003, your second holiday season in the United States. Christmas looks different in Colorado; there is snow and slush, not sand and stars like in the Baja. Dad makes an effort for this Christmas, as does Mami; they put up a tree. You are amazed that a plastic tree with lights comes right out of the box, and your sister and you each have tasks, opening up the branches and placing ornaments passed down from Christmas pasts. In your imagination, you dream of a giant Christmas tree on a bare stage; maybe the lights twinkle as if a wish is coming true. You can close my eyes and picture it, a giant Christmas tree on stage; it is a beautiful and simple image, one that sparks joy for some, and yet, in its dual view, captures the emptiness that the holidays bring, the lone tree, the lights faintly twinkle, it stands tall wanting to be seen. This dual image is the reason that making theater fascinates me; one visual gesture leaves room for interpretation from the spectator. The holidays, over time, will become less about sparkle, and as the years unfold and loss welcomes its way into my life, you will let tradition fall past you; I can’t tell you when the last time was I decorated a tree, let alone think about Christmas without feeling the emptiness of the loved ones who have passed on. In short, I’ve become a Grinch. 20 years later, you will find yourself at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center directing your favorite holiday film, ELF, as a musical! Buddy’s journey is about learning to see one another regardless of our uniqueness. Buddy will teach you that finding wonder in everything is how you will find yourself. He never loses delight in connecting with others; people can see themselves in his untamable sense of joy and humor. This cast/team and I hope our connection and collaboration resonate onstage with audiences. Our job as theater makers is to make believe, and the goal of this process is that we can learn to find belief again. Our mission is to create a musical that speaks to our younger selves, who, like Buddy, had and have an untamable imagination and belief in the holidays! The magic of making theatre is that we all start the process primarily as strangers; we connect through the material to tell a story, and so chico, it’s time to tell that story. ¡Felices Fiestas! In addition to the incredible staff of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and the incredible artists working on ELF, the director would like to thank Eli Carpenter, Estee Dechtman, Alexa Aquino, Ben Famiglietti, Caley Beretta, Thomas Schumacher, Grady Vander Soapes, Shawn Hann, Mark Middlebrooks, Matt Sklar, Bob Martin, Robert Horn, Damiana Bruenger, and Laura Bruenger. — James (Jimmy) Bruenger-Arreguin
BEMIS SCHOOL OF ART BEMIS SCHOOL OF ART BEMIS SCHOOL OF ART
Art classes for all ages and skill levels. Art classes for all ages and skill levels. Winter/spring classes begin in January. Explore and register online Art classes for all ages andin skill levels. Winter/spring classes begin January. Explore and at fac.coloradocollege.edu. Registration beginsregister December 18. online Winter/spring classes begin in January. Explore and register online at fac.coloradocollege.edu. Registration begins December 18.
BEMIS SCHOO
Art classes for all ages and skil Winter/spring classes begin in at fac.coloradocollege.edu. Reg
at fac.coloradocollege.edu. Registration begins December 18.
BEMIS SCHOOL OF ART
Art classes for all ages and skill levels. Winter/spring classes begin in January. Explore and register online at fac.coloradocollege.edu. Registration begins December 18.
ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 7
WHO’S WHO THE ACTING COMPANY IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Colin Alexander* (Santa Claus / Manager) was last seen at the Fine Arts Center in Baskerville and 1776, the Musical. Other recent credits include the international tour of Jekyll and Hyde; Prince of Egypt (Tuacahn Amphitheater); Beauty and the Beast, Man of No Importance, Curtains, Tarzan (Arvada Center); Christmas Carol, Sweeny Todd (DCPA); Chamberlain: Peace in our Time (Edinburgh Fringe Festival); Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy (Bridge House Theatre, London). He was trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England. Awards include two Henry Awards (Curtains, Beauty and the Beast) and a Regional Emmy for The Hiding Place. He would like to thank his wife, daughters, and God for their constant love, support, and encouragement. A huge thank you also goes to Michael at the Roster Agency, for his continuous expertise, care, and love. He is a proud member of Actors Equity. www. thecolinalexander.com Haley Ballard (Michael) is so excited to be back on the FAC stage. Favorite FAC credits include Marta in The Sound of Music, Ben/ Lisa in Disaster, Matilda in Matilda, and Molly in Annie. Recently she had the opportunity to play Kate Mullins in Titanic at CSC. Haley is a freshman and enjoys reading, playing the piano, and singing. She has Type 1 Diabetes and wants youth everywhere who face this disease or any challenge to understand that you can achieve anything you want in life, it’s all how you look at it. Thank you to everyone at the FAC for this awesome opportunity! Antigone Biddle (Ensemble; U/S Jovie, Michael) is razzle-dazzled to be making her FAC debut. Born and raised in Colorado, she has been seen in regional productions all over the state and most recently overseas. Antigone also works as a teaching artist at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Credits: Charlotte’s Web (Arvada Center); Eigg the Musical, Original Cast, (Edinburgh Fringe Festival); Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Parker Arts); Newsies (Town Hall Arts Center); Gypsy (Vintage Theatre). Training: The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Will Choy Edelson (Ensemble) is an actor, theatre artist, and educator from Colorado Springs. He has previously been seen on the CSFAC mainstage in Bye Bye Birdie, Dogfight, and A New Brain, and upstairs in Bunnicula and The Stinky Cheeseman. Most recently, Will has been seen around Colorado in Great Bends (Local Theatre Co) and Bi-Passing (Insight Colab). A former FAC Youth Rep student, Will holds a BFA in Theatre Arts-Performance from Boston University where he focused his studies on physical theatre and collaborative theatre making. During his time at BU, Will created and led the development of roots, an original devised performance. He has additionally trained at Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield, MA, where he performed in their outdoor summer spectacles and conducted his own artistic research. Will teaches with the Colorado Springs Conservatory and works offstage as an outdoor educator and NOLS hiking instructor. 8 FINE ARTS CENTER THEATRE COMPANY
WHO’S WHO THE ACTING COMPANY IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Molly Fickes (Ensemble) is so excited and grateful to be making her FAC debut. Other credits include All Shook Up, Newsies, Christmas Carol (Town Hall Arts Center), Freaky Friday (Aurora Fox Arts Center), Billy Elliot (Vintage Theatre), and Music Man (The Candlelight). You can also currently see her as Marie in The Story of the Nutcracker, an interactive play for young audiences at Miners Alley Playhouse. Besides performing, Molly loves working with kids at CenterStage Theater Company in Louisville, CO as a choreographer. Favorite shows she has choreographed include The Little Mermaid, The Music Man, and Guys and Dolls. Learn more about Molly at mollyfickes.com, or follow her on Instagram @molly.fickes. Thank you for supporting live theater! Shannon Foley (Ensemble, U/S Emily) is excited to be on the FAC’s stage for the first time. She spent nearly four years at sea as a cruise ship performer, and now calls Colorado home once again. She is thrilled to have found her land legs once again so she can perform all over this great state.
Robert Spence Gabriel (Ensemble, U/S Santa, Manager) is a Hispanic actor born and raised in Tampa, FL. He attended the Theatre Conservatory at Chicago College of Performing Arts for musical theater, and now lives in NYC. Regional Favorites: Sonny - In the Heights (White Plains PAC, NY & Colorado Springs FAC), Piragua Guy – In the Heights (Mill Mountain Theatre, VA), John – The Lion in Winter (Freefall Theatre, FL), Picasso – Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Jobsite Theater, FL), Isaac – Taylor Mac’s HIR (Jobsite), Crookfinger Jake – The Threepenny Opera (Jobsite), Luke Next Thing You Know (Steele Beam Theatre, IL). Special thanks to God and his family and mentors for their unwavering support. Instagram: @rs_gabriel Julia Hemp (Ensemble, U/S Deb, Greenway) is delighted to make her Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center debut! Education: Pennsylvania State University, B.F.A. Musical Theatre. Credits: Tarzan (U/S Jane), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (U/S Ms. TeeVee), Hunchback of Notre Dame, Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Ensemble, Swing) at Tuacahn Ampitheatre; Kiss Me Kate (Lois/Bianca) at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl) at Arvada Center for the Arts; Gypsy (Dainty June) at Sharon Playhouse; and Lead Production Singer for Royal Caribbean, Brilliance of the Seas. Shout out to fam and friends in CO, PA, and NYC! @jules_hemp
ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 9
WHO’S WHO THE ACTING COMPANY IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Lilli Hokama* (Jovie) is grateful to be returning to the Fine Arts Center for a second time since Guadalupe in the Guest Room. Lilli works as an actor, voice actor and director. Past highlights include: The Wolves (Understudy #25, #7, #13, #00) Lincoln Center Theater. A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Amadeus at Folger Theater. Little Women, co-produced by Dallas Theater Center and the Old Globe. Now Circa Then, I and You, at Chester Theater. Matt and Ben at Kitchen Theater Company and Antigone at Baltimore Center Stage. She also presented an original story for We Hear You - A Climate Archive, presented at The Kennedy Center. TV credits include Prodigal Son, and several short films hitting the film festival circuit including Jellybones, and Chip! Voice acting and motion capture for Khan Tran in the new Telltale game, The Expanse. Directing credits include, Night of the Living Dead presented by Rorschach Theater in DC. Red, by John Logan. A zoom play, Henry Makes a Bible by AJ Clauss, presented by Ensemble Studio Theatre, and the world premiere of Rat Jaw, by AJ Clauss, produced by their co-owned theater company, Stomping Ground Theatre. It is an honor and privilege for her to be back in her home state for this wildly delightful production. Eternal gratitude to her family, partner, and friends. @_ill_lil_ Ty-Gabriel Jones* (Buddy), (they/she/he) is an actor and teaching artist from Syracuse, New York. Ty recently appeared in A Transparent Musical (Mark Taper Forum / Center Theatre Group) based on the Grammy Award-Winning Amazon series, Transparent which transfers to Broadway in fall of 2024. They also appeared in Christmas In Connecticut (The Goodspeed), Beautiful (Arvada Center), Damn Yankees (Arvada Center), Camelot (Gulfshore Playhouse), EUBIE! (Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe), Merged (Geva Theatre), Next To Normal (Blackfriars Theatre), The Little Mermaid (Disney Cruise Line), and Aladdin (Disney Cruise Line). As a teaching artist, Ty has worked with students at Goodspeed Opera House, Nazareth University, and grade schools along the east coast. In 2024 Ty joins the faculty at ZACH Theatre in Austin, TX. Ty-Gabriel holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Nazareth University and accredited coursework in Contract Law (Harvard Law), Music Business (Berklee College of Music) and Theatre Business (Nazareth University). Gratitude to my family, the cast and crew, to the CSFAC team for the amazing work environment they create and the Colorado theatre community for embracing me this year. Please give to The Maui Strong Fund this Christmas season to assist those affected by the Maui Wildfires. For vocal coaching and college audition prep with Ty-Gabriel visit ty-gabriel.com | @_ty_gabriel_ Anna Lincoln (Ensemble) is beyond thrilled to be returning to the FAC stage. Anna has a Visual and Performing Arts Degree from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, where she was also distinguished as the Most Outstanding Undergraduate Student for her excellence in acting. Some of her past credits include; Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Ensemble), Hair (Sheila), A Flea in Her Ear (Antoinette), The Art of Dining (Hannah Galt), Peer Gynt (Solveig) and Beauty and the Beast (Babette). Anna also has experience in clown, physical theatre, and variety cabaret performance. She fosters a love for the arts in others by serving as a choreographer and mentor for students in high schools along the Front Range. She sends lots of love to her family and the “Ab Crew”. She hopes that you enjoy the show as much as she loves performing with her fellow cast members! @anna_linc 10 FINE ARTS CENTER THEATRE COMPANY
WHO’S WHO THE ACTING COMPANY IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Ronald McQueen (Ensemble) is coming back to the FAC having most recently worked on Dreamgirls (Lone Tree Arts Center) and performed at Scotland’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Sasquatch Productions for Eigg The Musical. Other recent credits include: Wailin’ Joe in Memphis (Town Hall Arts Center), The Falcon in The Falcon: Music Of Flight (Colorado Chamber Orchestra), and Graffiti Pete in In The Heights (Colorado Fine Arts Center). Ryan Miller (Ensemble, U/S Walter) (he/him) is glad to be back on the FAC stage! Previously seen here as Jean-Michele in Cinderella and Henry in the staged reading of Next to Normal. Favorite credits include Bobby in Cabaret, Daniel/Self in The Complete Works of W.S. (Abridged), Melchior in Spring Awakening, and Edvard Olsen in The Listener directed by the Playwright John Patrick Shanley. Ryan serves the LQBTQIA2S+ community as the events manager of Inside Out Youth Services and is one of the familiar faces at ICONS. Huge thanks to the James and the FAC team—love to my family and chosen-family! Nat Petit (Ensemble, U/S Buddy) is thrilled to be making their Fine Arts Center debut in Elf! Recent credits include Ensemble in Dreamgirls (Lone Tree Arts Center), Jim Hawkins in Treasure Island (Aurora Fox), Child 1 in In The Trenches, Ensemble in Xanadu (Town Hall), Phil Davis in White Christmas, Flotsam in The Little Mermaid (Candlelight Dinner Playhouse), and Larry/Dance Captain in A Chorus Line (North Coast Theatre Festival). Education: B.A. in Musical Theatre and Minor in Dance, University of Northern Colorado; certificate from the Moscow Art Theatre School. Nat also teaches tap at the Colorado School of Dance and will soon return to the Fine Arts Center to make their debut as a theatrical choreographer for Rent. Check out Nat’s latest original choreography at nathanpetit.com or on Instagram @Nathanpetit7 Joanie Brosseau-Rubald* (Emily Hobbs) is happy to make her FAC debut. She has appeared locally at The Arvada Center’s Damn Yankees (Meg), Kinky Boots, A Christmas Carol (Mrs Cratchit), Man of La Mancha and 1940’s Radio Hour (Connie Miller). She was a company member at Boulder Dinner Theatre Stage for 32 years where she appeared in over 80 productions including Phantom (Carlotta), Chicago (Roxie Hart), Peter Pan (Peter), Mamma Mia (Rosie). Other area credits: Eva Peron in Evita (BDT Stage, Country Dinner Playhouse, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse); Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (BDT Stage, PACE Center). Thank you for supporting Live theatre!
ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 11
WHO’S WHO THE ACTING COMPANY IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Mark Rubald* (Walter Hobbs) is delighted to work with his amazing wife and return to the Fine Arts Center; Meet Vera Stark, Cinderella, Working, Hands on A Hardbody, Annie, White Christmas, and Biloxi Blues. Theatreworks; Twelfth Night. Old Globe Theatre; Taming of The Shrew. Powerhouse Theatre; The Wild Hunt. Denver Center Theatre Co.; sixteen seasons. He has also performed at the Arvada Center, Theater SilCo, Aurora Fox, Lone Tree Arts Center, Off Square Theatre, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Curious Theatre, Vintage Theatre, Santa Fe Shakespeare, Central City Opera. Mark was featured in The Engagement Plot and The Incident with Walter Matthau, both shot in and around Colorado Springs. Elise Santora* (Deb/Greenway) is delighted to return to the CSFAC stage after her successful CSFAC directorial debut of In The Heights. Her most recent appearance on the CSFAC stage was in the title role of Guadalupe in the Guest Room garnering the Henry Award for Outstanding Actress. She is a Henry Award nominee for her role in Curious Incident of the Dog... and won the Henry Award for Outstanding Actress as Ofelia in Anna in the Tropics. Her first television appearance was as the first Latina dancer on the popular syndicated show, Soul Train. She traveled worldwide as a background vocalist/dancer for David Bowie and Jermaine Jackson to name a few. Regional credits from Los Angeles to New York include principal roles such as Anita in West Side Story, Man of La Mancha (with John Cullum), A Chorus Line (with Bebe Neuwirth), Copacabana and Into the Woods. Broadway: Man of La Mancha (starring Raul Julia), In the Heights (LinManuel Miranda), The Capeman (Paul Simon), The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. She performed the principal role of Abuela Claudia in the first National tour of In the Heights as well. TV credits: For Life (ABC), Bull, Tommy, The Code (CBS), NBC’s Manifest, New Amsterdam, Shades of Blue, Netflix’s Iron Fist, Orange is the New Black. Film: The Artist’s Wife (starring Lena Olin/Bruce Dern), Swallow and The White Alligator. elisesantora.com Tracy Nicole Taylor* (Ensemble / Dance Captain) (She/Her) is grateful to be back on stage in a big musical with lots of Holiday Spirit! Tracy has been a consistent face at the FAC since 2010. Most recently you may have seen her in It’s a Wonderful Life (Lana Sherwood), Cinderella, Stone Garden, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Other favorite credits include La Cage Aux Folles (Jaqueline) at Town Hall Arts Center, SWING!, Crazy for You, The Producers and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. When not on stage, you can find her working as a teaching artist around town and at the CS Conservatory; and for the Visual and Performing Arts department in District 11. Peace, love, and holiday spirit to all!
12 FINE ARTS CENTER THEATRE COMPANY
WHO’S WHO THE BAND Rick Crafts (Trombone) has enjoyed being a member of the FAC Repertory Theater Orchestra for the past 26 years. He graduated from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa. majoring in music as a trombone major. Rick began his musical/military career in 1969 as lead/solo trombonist with the Norad Band, he then transferred to the Air Force Academy Band where he continued as lead/ solo trombonist for the Falconaires Big Band. He retired in 1996. While performing worldwide, Rick has had the opportunity to appear with Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Williams, The Four Freshmen, Debbie Reynolds, Jack Jones and more. Rick has also performed with wellknown Big Bands and presently with the Springs Contemporary Jazz Big Band. In addition, Rick and his wife, vocalist Laura Davis, are co-leaders of their own 7 pc. Band “The Springs City Jazz Band”. For the past 19 years, Rick has been Principal trombonist for The Pueblo Symphony. Rick also freelances with many other musical groups in the region. Jomar Cruz (Cello) is a classically trained cellist, collaborator, and music teacher. He holds a Master of Arts from the University of Central Florida where he studied with David Bjella, Laurel Stanton, and Si-Yan Li. During his time at UCF, he was a founding member of the New Music Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Thad Anderson, a position he held for 5 years. He further supported new music at UCF by helping to premiere dozens of works by student composers. Additionally, Jomar enjoyed performing contemporary works with Opera Orlando and Alterity Chamber Orchestra. In the coming years, Jomar hopes to meet and work with many more creative artists in the contemporary music world and dreams of recording music scored for films and video games. Bud Gordon (Trumpet) has worked in many varied musical situations and has added his musical expertise to many Broadway shows, small and big band Jazz, Funk and Salsa groups over the years. Bud toured as first trumpet with legendary singer and pianist Ray Charles as part of The Ray Charles Orchestra in 1978 and 1979. He was music director and horn section leader of Orquesta Sabroso, the Salsa band he co-founded with Dennis Bueno and Julio Garcia in Colorado Springs. With his jazz/funk sextet Unconventional Wisdom, Bud has performed at the Pikes Peak Jazz summer concerts at Cordera, at the Monument Summer Concert series at Limbach Park, at the 5 Points Jazz Festival in Denver, and at the Salida Steam Plant’s Jazz on the Plaza concert series. In addition, Bud has performed at numerous Musical Worship Services realized within several of the great variety of Faiths and inspiring religious groups that are found in Colorado. Dave Hardin (Drums/Percussion) is originally from Denver Colorado, and a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado. He has performed with Kenny Burell, Bill Frisell, Gary Burton, and Buddy DeFranco. As a longtime member of the United States Air Force Academy Band he performed with jazz artist Marvin Stamm, Bobby Shew, Bob Mintzer, vocalist Diane Schurr, as well as many others. Casey Hodgson (Violin) has played in the FAC pit band for Shrek the Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, Annie, and Cinderella. She performs frequently with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and is assistant concertmaster in the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs. Casey holds violin performance degrees from Indiana University and UC Santa Barbara. Ed Hureau (Woodwinds) is the former Musical Director, Arranger and Leader of the US Air Force Academy Falconaires Jazz Ensemble. Ed received the bulk of his musical training from his father, Wilfred, violist with Disney’s Max Steiner Orchestra. He also studied voice at the Chicago Conservatory, clarinet with David Hite, theory, and harmony with Dale Brunig, arranging with Sammy Nestico, and managed to pick up saxophone and flute along the way. Ed is once again thrilled to be performing at the FAC with this wonderful troupe and would like to gratefully acknowledge the efforts of the Fine Arts Centers and its staff for keeping live musical theater alive and well in the Springs. Let them know how much you appreciate it too.
ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 13
WHO’S WHO THE BAND Simon Jacobs (Keyboard) enjoys a multi-faceted musical career as an organist, conductor, pianist and singer throughout the United States and Europe. He was born in Truro, Cornwall, UK to a musical family, and received his early musical training as a full-time boy chorister. He went on to receive degrees in music and choral conducting from Cambridge University and Yale University. Simon has given organ concerts, conducted choirs, and collaborated with many well-known musicians at prestigious venues around the world, and is equally at home working in the classical, jazz, and musical theatre fields. Simon is an on-air radio host at Colorado Springs’ local classical and jazz music stations, KCME 88.7 and Jazz 93.5, where he is delighted to share his musical passions and expertise with the wider community. At KCME, he presents several special programs, such as The King of Instruments, Choral Splendour and The Bach Legacy. He also leads the Classics For Kids outreach program at KCME, going into local schools and fostering a love of classical music among the next generation. Jay McGuffin (Electric Bass) is currently the Orchestra Director and Guitar Instructor at Castle View High School in Castle Rock. Jay is excited to be back for his 33rd show at the FAC! As a multi-string specialist, he has also performed on violin, cello, and guitar. As an educator in Musical Theatre, the Castle View High School Theatre Company has received 12 Bobby G nominations since 2018, winning 6 awards total including Outstanding Musical Direction (2018, Les Misérables) and Overall Best Production of a Musical (2019, Mamma Mia!). Mr. McGuffin has music directed several shows, most recently Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In Total, he has performed in and/or directed over 60 shows in his career. The Castle View Chamber Orchestra under his direction was nominated to the State Orchestra Finals held by the Colorado Chapter of American String Teachers Association in 2020 & 2022. He has been a member of the Double McGuffin Band on Bass and Vocals since 2002, performing regularly with his father since 2005 and has been the leader of the group since 2008. In his free time, he performs in several music groups across the Front Range including The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs (principal bassist) and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Jay would like to thank his wife Stephanie and their son Michael for all their continued support! Stephanie McGuffin (Back-Up Conductor) is an award-winning music director who has been music directing shows with the Fine Arts Center since 2016. She also serves as a collaborative pianist with the Colorado All State Choir, UCCS, Colorado Springs Conservatory, and various schools and studios in the Colorado Springs and Castle Rock areas. Stephanie would like to thank her husband, Jay, and son, Michael, as well as our families for their love and support. Jane Sandstrom (Flute) enjoys a dual career that embraces her passions for education and music. She entered the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a flute performance major and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She has been a classroom teacher since 1988 and is a Nationally Board-Certified Teacher in Science. She is a member of the Rocky Mountain Wind Symphony, Little London Winds, the Pueblo Symphony and is a founding member of the Skylark Flute Quartet. She serves on the boards of the Colorado Flute Association and Little London Winds. Jane shares her home with three rescued dogs, including one who is a certified Therapy Dog. Her happy place is being in the FAC pit orchestra; enjoy the show and Happy Holidays!
14 FINE ARTS CENTER THEATRE COMPANY
WHO’S WHO THE CREATIVE TEAM James Bruenger-Arreguin (Director) Born in Los Cabos, Mexico, and raised in Denver, CO., James is a Latino director and practitioner working in the Creative Development office at Disney Theatrical Group. He is grateful to return “home” to Colorado and the FAC after directing Guadalupe in the Guest Room (2021-2022 Henry Awards for Outstanding Direction of a Play and Outstanding Production of a Play) and Front Range Fables: To Slay The Dragon. He is a recent Van Lier Directing Fellow at Repertorio Español and was part of the 2022-2023 Directors Group at Roundabout Theatre Company. Recent Credits: Repertorio Español: Primero Sueño, La Extinción de los Dinosaurios (Director). He has worked and collaborated with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Theatre Aspen, The 24-Hour Plays, Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre (Associate Artistic Director), The Polyphone Festival of New and Emerging Musicals, and Miners Alley Playhouse. Other creative credits: Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre: The Last Five Years (Director), Evita (Director/Choreographer) Fly By Night (Choreographer), University of the Arts: Visiones del Cuerpo, Pop The Musical Exhibition, and Momentos (Director). James holds a BFA in Directing, Playwriting + Production from the University of the Arts. // www.directordeteatro.com // This production is dedicated to those audience members experiencing the magic of theater for the first time; welcome to limitless imagination. J. Chang-Tablada (Music Director) is thrilled to be in his 8th season of music directing and performing at the Fine Arts Center! Thank you to this incredible cast and creative team for making this show a holiday DREAM! Happy Holidays to all!!! Chang-Tablada, a mixed-race Asian American artist of Filipino, Korean, and Irish descent, LOVES the FAC’s commitment to representation in live theatre. J. is honored to be one of Colorado Springs’ most prolific Music Directors, known for his work with the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, Theatreworks, and the Millibo Art Theatre. An accomplished entertainer in his own right, J. frequently takes the stage himself and is so excited to bring his solo cabaret residency, “Songs in the Key of J.” To the Fine Arts Center’s 2023-2024 Season. @jchangtablada Matthew Sklar (Composer) is a Tony®, Emmy®, and Drama Desk Award-nominated composer. His works include the Broadway musicals Elf and The Wedding Singer (Tony Award Nomination for Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Outstanding Music). He also wrote the music for The Rhythm Club (Signature Theatre), Judas & Me, and Wicked City (American Stage Company). Matthew reunited with Elf collaborators Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin to create the new musical The Prom, which ran on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Matthew received a 2015 Primetime Emmy® Award Nomination for Outstanding Music Direction for the critically-acclaimed NBC stop-motion animated TV special “Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas”, starring Jim Parsons. He adapted and arranged the music of Marvin Hamlisch for the Emmy Award-winning documentary film Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did For Love, seen on PBS/American Masters. Matthew has contributed original songs/music to Sesame Street, Wonder Pets!, and the NBC Broadcast of The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. As an 18-year-old freshman at New York University, Matthew began playing keyboards for the Broadway production of Les Miserables, eventually conducting the show at 21. He has also been a keyboardist, conductor, and/or arranger for many Broadway productions including Shrek, Caroline, or Change, Nine, Oklahoma, 42nd Street, Putting It Together, Annie Get Your Gun, On the Town, Titanic, Guys and Dolls, Sunset Boulevard, and Miss Saigon. Matthew also appeared onstage as Oscar in the Broadway revival of 42nd Street. Awards include the ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award, the Gilman/Gonzalez-Falla Theatre Award, and the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award. Matthew is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 802. His music is published by Warner/Chappell Music. Matthew was educated at The Juilliard School of Music (Pre-College Division), the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and New York University. ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 15
WHO’S WHO THE CREATIVE TEAM Chad Beguelin (Lyricist) is a four-time Tony Nominee whose works include Disney’s Aladdin (Tony Award Nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Outstanding Lyrics and Best Book) and The Wedding Singer (Tony Award Nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Outstanding Lyrics). He also wrote the lyrics for the Broadway musical Elf, which broke several box office records at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. His play HARBOR premiered off-Broadway at Primary Stages. Chad also wrote the book and lyrics for Judas & Me (NYMF Award for Excellence in Lyric Writing), The Rhythm Club (Signature Theater) and Wicked City(American Stage Company). Chad reunited with Elf collaborators Matthew Sklar and Bob Martin to create the new musical The Prom, which ran on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. He is the recipient of the Edward Kleban Award for Outstanding Lyric Writing, the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award, the Gilman & Gonzalez-Falla Musical Theater Award and the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award. Chad is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Dramatic Writing Program. Bob Martin (Book) has been working as an actor and writer in Canadian theatre, film and television for over 3 decades. He has had a long association with the Toronto Second City, where he cowrote and performed in four Second City revues, directed three, and had a stint as Artistic Director. He is a co-creator of The Drowsy Chaperone, and has performed in many of its incarnations including Ahmanson Theatre (Los Angeles), Marquis Theatre (Broadway), Novello (London). Bob has won a number of awards for his work including an LA Drama Critics Circle Award, an L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Award, a Drama Desk Award, a Theatre World Award, and a Tony Award. He is also co-creator of the critically acclaimed dramatic series Slings & Arrows. Recent TV projects include Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays I & II (CBC), Sensitive Skin I & II (HBO), and Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas (NBC). Recent theatre projects include Elf (Broadway), Minsky’s (Ahmanson LA), and in dev., Gotta Dance, The Sting, and Millions. Bob reunited with Elf collaborators Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin to create the new musical The Prom, which ran on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Thomas Meehan (Book) received the Tony Award for co-writing the book for The Producers in 2001 and in 2003 for co-writing the book for Hairspray. He received his first Tony Award in 1977 for writing the book of Annie, which was his first Broadway show, and has written the books for the musicals Rocky, Elf the Musical, Cry-Baby, Young Frankenstein, Chaplin, Bombay Dreams, I Remember Mama, Ain’t Broadway Grand and Annie Warbucks. In addition, he was a long-time contributor of humor to The New Yorker, an Emmy-Award winning writer of television comedy, and a collaborator on a number of screenplays, including Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs and To Be Or Not To Be. Mr. Meehan was also a member of the Council of the Dramatists Guild. He and his wife, Carolyn, divided their time between a home in Nantucket and an apartment in Greenwich Village, near which, on Hudson Street, she owned and presided over the long-running and nearlegendary children’s store Peanut Butter & Jane.
Rodrigo Hernandez-Martinez (Scenic Designer) (they/he) is a Scenic and Costume designer and visual artist from Cancun and Mexico City currently based in NYC. Excited to be back in Colorado Springs joining new and known friends. Previous works include Something Borrowed, Something Green a commissioned performance piece at the Park Ave. Armory, NYC. Scenic Designer for La Liberazione Di Ruggiero Dall’Isola D’Alcina at Manhattan School of Music, NYC; Costume Designer for It’s a Wonderful Life at the Fine Arts Center, CO; Costume Designer for Spring Awakening and Scenic Designer for Side by Side by Sondheim at Northern Stage, VT; Scenic and Costume designer for I Know Where the Caged Bird Sings for New York Children’s Theatre at Theatre Row, NYC; Scenic Designer for Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them and Scenic and Costume Designer for FADE at the Kitchen Theatre in Ithaca, NY. Proud member of Wingspace Theatrical Design, La Gente: The Latinx Theatre Design Network and Colegio Mexicano de Diseño Escénico. For more works visit www.rodrigohmdesign.com 16 FINE ARTS CENTER THEATRE COMPANY
WHO’S WHO THE CREATIVE TEAM Pheobe H. Boynton (Costume Designer) is honored to be joining the creative team at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center for this production. She has been the costume shop manager for Theatreworks since 2018, and an adjunct professor of costume design at Chadron State College. Her past design work includes Taming of the Shrew, Lumberjacks in Love, Witch, Free-For-All: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Around the World in 80 Days, Little Shop of Horrors, and A Christmas Carol (Theatreworks), Indecent, A Flea in Her Ear, and Medea (UCCS VAPA), Silent Sky (Colorado College) Elf: The Musical (Arvada Center), as well as work with Norwegian Cruise Lines, Cerritos College, YouTube Red, Investigation Discovery, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Post Playhouse, and AMDA LA. G. Austin Allen (Lighting Design) an alumnus of USC’s School of Dramatic Arts, is a freelance theatre artist based in Southern California. His work takes him all around the globe, including multiple outings to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a handful of off-off-Broadway shows, and two seasons as Resident Designer at Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre. Austin has spent over eight years working in themed entertainment with both Universal and Disney Parks, and currently works as a Lighting Designer for Disney Live Entertainment. He has been an Adjunct Instructor of Theatre Design and Practice at Cypress College since 2021, where he specializes in video and scenic design, and has recently branched out into choreography. In 2017, Austin was recognized as one of American Theatre’s “Theatre Workers You Should Know.” Mary Ripper Baker (Choreographer) gratefully brings dance to the theatre! Mary graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Modern Dance from TCU. She has performed, choreographed, and taught throughout Texas and her hometown of Houston where she was a founding member of Suchu Dance Company. Since 1999 she has danced with Ormao Dance Company. Mary has choreographed for the CSFAC Theatre Company since 2005 and her proud credits include The Legend of Georgia McBride, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Shakespeare in Love, Man of La Mancha, White Christmas, Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, The Drowsy Chaperone, Gypsy, A Year With Frog and Toad, 1776, The Producers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,, Crazy For You, Sweeny Todd, Broadway Bound, The Music Man, The Full Monty, Beauty and the Beast, Sunday in the Park with George, A Christmas Carol, Into the Woods, 1940’s Radio Hour, Anything Goes, and the tap numbers in Singin’ in the Rain. She has also choreographed for THEATREWORKS and The Millibo Art Theatre. Mary owns and operates her Pilates studio, Motion Studies. She is also on the dance faculty at UCCS and Ormao. She was honored to choreograph for the Jane Fonda and Robert Redford film, Our Souls at Night. Mary enjoys her mountain home with her incredibly supportive husband and two amazing young adults. Lawrence Schober (Sound Design) is a New York-based sound designer. Credits include Misery (CSFAC), NYC: Titanique (Daryl Roth Theater), My Onliness (New Ohio Theatre), A Burning Church (The New Ohio Theatre), The Conversationalists (The Bushwick Starr), The Golden Spike (BRIC Arts), On This Side of the World (Access Theatre), American Morning (Prospect Theatre Company). Eh Da? (NYTW Next Door), PharmaBro (Players Theatre). Regional: A Night with Janis Joplin (Le Petit Theatre, New Orleans); Pillowtalk (Victory Gardens Theatre, Chicago); SeaWife (White Heron Theatre, Nantucket). www.lawrenceschober.com Sammy Gleason (Props Supervisor) (he/they) is a Colorado Springs-based actor, costume designer and props artisan. Most recently they designed props for In The Heights and foley props for It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play here at The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. In addition to props work they’ve also plied their skills in the FAC costume department as a stitcher and craftsperson as well as backstage as a dresser and wardrobe supervisor for multiple productions. They are one-third of WYNOT Productions - a Pueblo-based production company that specializes in custom costumes, props, and puppets for film, theatre, television, and cosplay. Remember: trans lives are valuable and must be protected! Happy Holidays and enjoy the show! ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 17
WHO’S WHO THE CREATIVE TEAM Martinique M. Barthel* (Production Stage Manager) is excited to make her CSFAC debut this season with Misery and Elf. Other Regional credits include: Romeo &Juliet, Sweeney Todd, All’s Well That Ends Well (Utah Shakespeare Festival); Hotter Than Egypt, A Christmas Carol (Denver Center for The Performing Arts); New Age, Toni Stone, The Niceties, The Nativity Variations (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre); Milwaukee Black Theatre Festival (2020 and 2021); Stew, Underneath the Lintel (Milwaukee Chamber Theatre); The Gospel at Colonus (Skylight Music Theatre); BE-longing!, Native Gardens, Sex With Strangers (Renaissance Theaterworks); Black Nativity (Black Arts Milwaukee, 2017 & 2018); A Christmas Carol (Children’s Theatre of Madison); Assassins, A Little Night Music, Spamalot, Big Fish, Guys and Dolls, Man of La Mancha, The Light in The Piazza, Kiss Me, Kate (Four Seasons Theatre); Romeo and Juliet, Lines, Constellations, The Bed (Theatre LILA); The Mojo and The Sayso (Theatre LILA/Bronzeville Arts Ensemble); La Boheme (UW-Madison Opera); Die Fledermaus (Madison Savoyards); Change Your Mind, Change The World (2012) and The World We Make (2016) (panel discussions with His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama). Martie is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association, the professional union of Actor’s and Stage Managers. Morgan Gatson* (Assistant Stage Manager) is happy to be starting her 9th season with the FAC. She is excited to be back in the ASM role for the season. Morgan would like to thank her wife, Chancie for her support. Some of Morgan’s favorite FAC productions are Fun Home, 9-5, The Sound of Music, and Cinderella. Morgan would like to dedicate her season to her father David Gatson, and her mentor Brenda Beebe who passed 3 days apart from each other.
THEATRE STAFF Christopher L. Sheley (Producing Artistic Director) is grateful for his new role in the company, which he has been a member of for the last 18 seasons. Originally from St. Louis, he moved first to Chicago to study at The Theatre School at DePaul University. After a decade in Chicago, he moved again to Colorado Springs and shortly thereafter began his tenure with the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company. As a scenic designer, his most recent credit includes Damn Yankees at the Arvada Center and some of his favorite designs at the FAC include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Barnum, Annie, Man of La Mancha, 4000 Miles, Floyd & Clea Under The Western Sky, Agnes of God, Other Desert Cities, Gypsy, Colorado College’s 23:59 and All in the Timing, The University of Denver›s Urinetown & THEATREWORKS’ The Servant of Two Masters. He has been nominated for six regional Henry awards and won Best Set Design for his work on Man of La Mancha. Additionally, he received the Gazette’s “Best of” award for Sunday in the Park and he also received the Denver Post’s Ovation Award of Best Set Design for his work on The Pirates of Penzance and Sweeney Todd. Other awards include the PPAC award for his set designs of 4000 Miles, Into the Woods & Sunday in the Park, as well as two True West awards for his designs of 4000 Miles and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. He wishes to thank his family for their love and support. www.christopherlsheley.com Morgan Gatson (Production Assistant) is starting her 9th season with the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company. Over the summer, Moe was our Education Coordinator for our Youth Rep program and she resume her role as Assistant Stage Manager for our mainstage productions. Moe’s career has been dedicated to uplifting everyone around her. Moe is so proud to be bringing this dynamic show to Colorado Springs. Moe would like to thank the Colorado Springs theatre community for supporting her. “To soar toward what’s possible, you must leave behind what’s comfortable.” — Cicely Tyson Tim Muldrew (Company Manager) has worked in Arts Administration for both the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College and Theatreworks at UCCS. He has been an Equity Stage Manager for over 25 years ‘calling’ such shows as the Henry Award Winning plays Guadalupe in the Guest Room and The Mountaintop. Tim’s Colorado Springs directing credits include The Boys in the Band for Springs Ensemble Theatre, Crazy for You, 1776 and Knuffle Bunny at the FAC. Coming up, Tim will the directing The Seafarer for Springs Ensemble Theatre opening in November. Orlando directing credits include The Weir, Love! Valour! Compassion, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Six Degrees of Separation to name a few. As a stage manager, Tim has toured the world with the world-famous Cirque organization. A love of Theme Parks has allowed him to work at Walt Disney World, Sea World, Circus World, Cypress Gardens and Cedar Point! Much love to his husband, Craig, who encourages and supports him in his crazy artistic life. Grá. 18 FINE ARTS CENTER THEATRE COMPANY
WHO’S WHO THEATRE STAFF Holly Anne Rawls (Resident Lighting Designer/Lighting Director, Interim Director of Production) graduated from CU Boulder a long time ago with a lucrative pair of degrees – Technical Theatre and Anthropology. For the past eighteen seasons at the FAC she has held the position of master electrician, Lighting Director, and Resident Lighting Designer, and has helped build the technical side of the Youth Rep program. In addition, she has designed many, many FAC productions including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (for which she won the 2020 Henry Award for Lighting Design), Intimate Apparel, Fun Home (for which she won the 2017 Henry Award for Lighting Design), Barnum, Man of La Mancha (for which she won the 2016 Henry Award for Lighting Design), 4000 Miles, The Wizard of Oz (for which she won a joint PPAC award), Gypsy, Other Desert Cities, and Sweeney Todd (for which she won a Denver Post Ovation award). Before joining the FAC, Holly worked for the Lyric Music Theatre and Macky Auditorium at CU Boulder and taught technical theatre at Lewis Palmer High School. Holly enjoys spending her off hours next to the fire pit with her amazing daughter. She would like to thank Chris for everything. https://hrawls. wixsite.com/website Sarah Beth Parks (Costume Shop Supervisor) has been costume shop supervisor for the Fine Arts Center for 6 years. SB has designed and built costumes all over the country, including Hartford, CT, where she worked on the Tony-winning original productions of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Anastasia. SB holds a BA in Theatre from CU Boulder and an MFA in Dramatic Arts/ Puppet Arts from the University of Connecticut. Jonathan Finley (Technical Director) started in theater as a scenic carpenter with the University of Texas before moving on to the film industry for over 15 years. He has worked for various production companies such as 13th Floor Productions where he created theatrical shorts and films for Austin City Limits and SXSW. He also worked with the award-winning production company BentoBox Animation and Laika Studios where he and his company won a Golden Globe Award for best animated feature with Missing Link. He also won 3 BAFTA awards with Missing Link, Kubo and the Two Strings and Boxtrolls. He’s currently enrolled at Pikes Peak State College and working towards a Bachelors in multimedia graphic design. He is very thankful for the support and love from his wife Annie and 4 kids Gideon, Jeremiah, Ethan, and Shalom. Alex Drelich (Head of Sound) joined our theatre company staff in July of 2022 as the Head of Sound. Alex holds a B.A Degree in Theatrical Design/Production from the University of Northern Iowa, class of 2020. He brings experience as a performer, technician, and audio engineer to the team. Sarah Talaba (Scenic Charge Artist; Props Inventory Manager) is a passionate artist, designer and selfdescribed “mad scientist,” specializing in painting, creature effects, and sculpture for stage and screen. She recently joined the FAC shop staff after years of freelance artist work throughout the Front Range. Sarah holds 2 degrees from CU- Boulder, a BFA in Scenic Design and a BA in Studio Arts. A few accolades include a KCACTF Meritorious Achievement Award in Scenic Design for RENT; and Grand Prize Winner of the Jim Henson Foundation’s Dark Crystal fan film competition. Whether she’s in the scene shop or at home in her own shop, Sarah delights in creating weird stuff and making magic. She is forever grateful for the love and support of family and friends who feel like family. Colyer Dermody (Scene Shop Supervisor) a general theatre practitioner and former rancher/hunting outfitter originally from Sonora, TX, has gone back to his roots in theatre by joining the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company’s staff as the Scene Shop Supervisor. Colyer got his BFA in Theatre Performance with concentrations in Directing, Scenic Design and Scenic Construction from Baylor University in Waco, TX. Then, designed Twelfth Night and The Amish Project as a freelance scenic designer for Baylor. Colyer worked as the Assistant Technical Director for the Savana Summer Theatre Institute in Savana, GA for a season and as a Production Manager at Theatre 3 in Dallas, TX, before changing his career path to ranching and hunting. He is excited to turn his page back to theatre and all of the creative opportunities to come.
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ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 19
ON VIEW THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2024
MANIFESTATIONS OF COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTHWEST
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CURTAIN CALL We applaud our generous Curtain Call members! This extraordinary group of live performance aficionados brings Fine Arts Center theatre programming to life. From our Theatre Company’s award-winning seasons to original productions and immersive youth camps, Curtain Call members are at the heart of performing arts at the FAC. Your enthusiasm and fierce loyalty are an inspiration and we are grateful.
2023–2024 MEMBERS (as of Nov. 13, 2023)
Ron Brasch and Una Ng-Brasch Susan Burghart and Rich Tosches Morland and Jerlynn Gonsoulin Lyne Hannan Erin Hannan Leon and Heather Kelly Bart and Cathy Holaday Daniel League and Joan Donner Christina McGarry Leann Nitschke
Gina Perenchio Eric and Jane Ridings Robert Swanson Alice Thomas Herman and Tang-Lin Teo-Tiemens Ms. Eve Tilley-Chavez and Mr. Sol Chavez Tran Family Todd and Nancy Whitford
fac.coloradocollege.edu/curtain-call
SEND A STUDENT
Theatre not only entertains, but it challenges and enlightens us regardless of age. We at the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company want to ensure that the next generations have this same life changing experience. That’s why we’ve launched Send a Student to help ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity regardless of the ability to pay. Would you please consider sending a student? $25 is all it takes to transport and ticket one child to a student matinee. Please help us build the path to the next generation of theatre artists and patrons. fac.coloradocollege.edu Send a Student is supported in part by Bee Vradenburg Foundation ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 21
STAFF FAC LEADERSHIP
Executive Director: Nicole Herden Deputy Director: Maria Capp Patron Experience Director: Rebecca Rounds Producing Artistic Director: Christopher L. Sheley Director of Visual Arts and Museum: Michael Christiano Director Bemis School of Art: Tara Thomas
FAC THEATRE COMPANY
Producing Artistic Director: Christopher L. Sheley Company Manager: Tim Muldrew Resident Lighting Designer/Lighting Director, Interim Director of Production: Holly Anne Rawls Technical Director: Jonathan Finley Costume Shop Supervisor: Sarah Beth Parks Production Assistant: Morgan Gatson Head of Sound: Alex Drelich Scenic Charge: Sarah Talaba Scene Shop Supervisor: Colyer Dermody House Manager: Karen Anderson
FINE ARTS CENTER STAFF
Patron Services Manager: Frances Huntington Patron Services Staff: Anna Wermuth, Kari Bell, Matthew Driftmier Marketing & Communications: Jessi Burns Manager, Operations: Luke Cammack Assistant Manager, Operations: Mark Cannon Patron Experience Team: Darla Slee, Ian Stewart, Melanie Audet, Megan Brockriede, Cordelia Colt, Rob Estes, Danielle Sanchez, Angie Schwickerath, Tiffany Scott Museum Staff: Stormy Burns, Katja Rivera, Sara Hodge, Blair Huff, Christian Valvano, Jonathan Dankenbring, JD Sell, Brittany Hall Bemis Assistant Director: Jeremiah Houck Bemis Staff: James Howard, Kazzandra Medellin
PRODUCTION STAFF
Production Stage Manager: Martinique M. Barthel* Assistant Stage Manager: Morgan Gatson* Sound A1: Alex Drelich Sound A2: Tristan Davis Bowman Carpenters: Joe O’Rear, Coyler Dermody, Molly Gillard, Rebecca Savage Jacob Hacker, Rio Shattuck Lead Electricians: Madison Dillon Charge Scenic: Sarah Tabala Additional Scenic: Rebecca Savage, Rio Shattuck Props Supervisor: Sammy Gleason Costume Shop Assistant: Amaya Egusquiza Costume Shop Team: Mary Jo Farr, Marykathryn Connors, Caitlin McGlaughlin, Kenzie Connors, Lauren Asselin, Bekah Irwin, Mindy Coulson Wardrobe Supervisor: Bekah Irwin Wardrobe Team: Lauren Asselin, Kenzie Connors, Cate Hake, Midge Glidewell Buddy’s Wig by: Earon Nealy Light Board Operator: Madison Dillon Sound Board Operator: Alex Drelich Spot Light Operators: Paige Seuffert, Maia Rychlik Stagehands: Danielle Sanchez, TreVonne Coleman, Rebecca Savage Covid Safety Officers: Maia Rychlik, Jacob Hacker, Laney Martin House Manager: Trish Doyle & Karen Anderson Production Photographer: Jeff Kearney, TDC Photography The Fine Arts Center is a Constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American Theatre
NOTICE
Assisted listening devices are available at no charge from the ushers by request. The use of any and all recording devices during any Fine Arts Center performance is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: cameras (still or video, including camera phones), tapes and other other devices. House management reserves the right to delete any and all data that is recorded in violation. We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if their behavior is disruptive to the performance environment.
The Sound Designer for this production is represented by United Scenic Artists, the international alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees 200 members across the US and aborad
• Supporting collaboration between musical theatre writers and producers, and among theatres nationally • Nurturing the creation, development and production of new and classic musicals
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FAC THEATRE COMPANY EQUITY STATEMENT The power of theatre lies in its ability to bring us together, forge community, and widen our empathic imaginations through stories both within and outside of our own lived experiences. For theatre to truly maximize this potential, it is paramount that everyone feels seen, heard, and represented. Colorado College (CC) is committed to becoming an antiracist institution and inspire action to create a more just world. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theater Company, therefore, embraces this commitment wholeheartedly taking intentional action to dismantle visible and invisible structures of oppression so all people feel are seen, heard, and welcome at the FAC. We publicly affirm our commitment to anti-oppressive programming and commit to the iterative and lifelong work of creating a brave space for all of our stories: one where we can empathize, grow, learn, and together co-create a more just and compassionate society. • We are aligning our creative and production teams with the shows that we produce. We honor the stories that we tell onstage by centering creative artists whose lived experiences and identities align with the content. • Moreover, we are disrupting the ways in which BIPOC artists can be “cast” only within their race by democratizing artistic opportunities across the board. • By taking our work outside of the building, producing ancillary events, and investing in long-term relationship-building, we will authentically connect to marginalized communities who may not have felt welcomed here in the past. • BIPOC2 voices will be the priority of new play commissions for the foreseeable future. • We have instituted the practice of land acknowledgements to honor the Indigenous Peoples who historically inhabited the lands we currently occupy. Moreover, we are programming Indigenous artists, and supporting new works to build beyond an acknowledgment with tangible action and artistic support. • To reach new communities, we are continually interrogating and expanding our programming with events like Dia de Muertos and Dragstravaganza. • We are overhauling our student outreach practices for the FAC Theatre School, so that we can engage students from systemically excluded communities. We are also investigating new tuition
structures to ensure that our programs are financially accessible for everyone.
THE WORK CONTINUES
We acknowledge that many of our practices in the past perpetuated systemic inequities, including but certainly not limited to the homogeneity of our programming and the distinct lack of BIPOC artists and stories. We recognize these failures and commit to working towards repairing the harm we’ve caused in the past and creating a more equitable and just future. To hold ourselves accountable, and so you may do the same, we are sharing our action plan, which will continually evolve and grow.
To truly welcome artists and audiences in our spaces, we are committed to the following: • The staff of the FAC Theatre Company will continue our work in anti-racism education through ongoing seminars, focus groups, and open dialogue. • We are committed to color-conscious casting. We are dedicated to creating equitable and inclusive theatre that amplifies voices from every culture. We welcome all and encourage people of every race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status or any other identity or lived experience to audition for our productions. • By prioritizing the voices of BIPOC2, feminineidentifying, and LGBTQ+ communities, we commit to curating seasons that more accurately represent and reflect our world. This is just the beginning of our dedication to being an equitable, accessible, and inclusive theatre company. Please know that this is an ever-evolving commitment that will grow and change as we do. Whether you’re a loyal subscriber, a new audience member, or a guest artist, we hope to continue engaging in this dialogue together with open hearts and open minds. We are energized by the work we have done, and continually looking for opportunities to translate it into action. Most importantly, we ask that you hold us accountable. You are an essential component of the work that we do. We look forward to our continued conversations this season. See you at the theatre.
Global Majority is a collective term that encourages those of African, Asian, Latin American, and Arab descent to recognize that together they comprise the vast majority (around 80 per cent) of people in the world. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and people of color * We See You, White American Theater
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Colorado College occupies the traditional territories of the Nuchu, known today as the Southern Ute Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Northern Ute People. Other tribes have also lived here including the Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Comanche — and notably, continue to do so, along with many other Indigenous Peoples. To actively seek social justice, we acknowledge that the land continues to hold the values and traditions of the original inhabitants and caretakers of this land. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors, elders, and youth – past, present, and future. ELF THE MUSICAL• 2023-2024 SEASON 23
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