Producing Artistic Director
BOBB COOPER presents
Music by NED PAUL GINSBURG Lyrics by MICHAEL COLBY Book by COLBY and GINSBURG Originally commissioned and produced by TADA! In New York City; Executive & Artistic Director JANINE NINA TREVENS Sponsored in part by
Director BOBB COOPER Choreographer NATHALIE VELASQUEZ Music Director TRISTAN PETERSON-STEINERT Lighting and Scenic Designer DORI BROWN Costume Designer KAROL COOPER Sound Designer BRIAN HONSBERGER Production Stage Manager JOYCELIN JACOBS-SCHWARTZ They Chose Me! Is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com THE VIDEOTAPING OR OTHER VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Since 1989, VYT has made an impact on hundreds of thousands of children and their families through performances, workshops, showcases and youth development programs. Representing all socio-economic backgrounds, we give them a safe space in which to act, dance and sing. There are never fees, charges for costumes or ticket sales quotas for them to meet, just the hope that they will become the best they can be.
Mission
To inspire young people to be the best that they can be through a wide variety of performing arts opportunities.
Our Vision
We are a safe place where young people from diverse backgrounds can learn and grow as individuals, performers and leaders through a transformational performing arts experience. VYT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution to VYT is 100% tax-deductible. Please know that your financial support ensures that the mission we began 30 years ago, and the impact that we have made on the lives of thousands of young people, will continue and thrive. The proof of our impact is in the profiles of the young people who have gone on to become our community’s leaders – lawyers, doctors, business professionals, police officers – and, yes, our nation’s actors, actresses, singers and writers. When you support Valley Youth Theatre, you become part of the VYT family. YOU can share the credit for the difference we’ve made in the lives of the outstanding children who come through our doors. Thank you for helping us provide our community’s youth with the opportunity to “be the very best they can be!”
CAST OF CHARACTERS (In alphabetical order)
Katerina Anderson...................................................................................................Nancy Tatum Owen Brady........................................................................................................... Jimmy Magee Kylan Chait..............................................................................................................Marcus Lopez Owen Donsker.............................................................................................................Brett Walker Paolina Duran....................................................................................................... Laura Jamison Olivia Fearey.......................................................................................................... Sharla Franco Shaylee Flanagan..........................................................................................................Eve Eden Gabriella Grasso......................................................................................................... Kay Prager Emily Jacoby.............................................................................................................. Amy Jasper Leonidas Karandreas.......................................................................... Carl O’Reilly Grossbaum Lainey Kenly................................................................................................................. Sue Barton Savannah LeNguyen.................................................................................... Mei-Ling Moskowitz Kendall Luther...................................................................................................Penny Abernathy Brooklyn Martin..............................................................................................................Gail Ryan Nathaniel McNamara.................................................................................................... Ivan Zale Sage Emerson Mitchell............................................................................................... Patty Lewis Patrick Mullen........................................................................................................... Jamal DuPré Erin Deines Schumacher........................................................................................... Sarah Cook Ava Silvernail......................................................................................................................Lily Kent Kayla Treviño................................................................................................ Manuela Rodriguez Sydney Vance....................................................................................................... Debra Martino Javen Wagner.........................................................................................................Sammy Stone Kate Williams...............................................................................................................Jane Smyth
ORCHESTRA (At Time of Printing)
Music Director/Conductor/Keyboard................................................ Tristan Peterson-Steinert Guitar...................................................................................................................... Jaden Dupree
VYT Field Trips are designed for classroom
integration. Special weekday performances are timed so students can attend shows during the school day. Question and answer opportunities with the cast are a fun way for students to discover secret behind-the-scenes facts about the performance and the theatre. Seating is extremely limited and payment is due 30 days in advance of the event. Go to our website at www.vyt.com to download our school show reservation request form.
MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT ONE Have Our Say.................................................................................................. Ensemble Nothing Seems to Match..................................... Eve, Brett, Marcus, Patty, Ensemble No Chance..........................................................................Gail, Nancy, Marcus, Brett Foster Care......................................................................................... Debra, Ensemble A Home...............................................................................................Jimmy, ensemble Carl’s Song....................................................................................... Carl, Sharla, Laura Not the Right Thing to Say...........................Jane, Lily, Sarah, Kay, Brett, Jamal, Gail, Sue, Penny, Ensemble What’s the Use?..................................................................................................... Jamal The Family I’ve Got....................................... Sue, Manuela, Brett, Sammy, Ensemble The Day I Was Told................................................................................................ Sharla What’s a Parent?............................................................................................. Ensemble
ACT TWO Everyday Treasures........................................................................................ Ensemble Mei-Ling............................................................................................................. Mei-Ling I Yi, Yi, Yi...............................................................................Laura, Manuela, Ensemble Descended From................................. Amy, Jamal, Ivan, Eve, Jane, Brett, Lily, Patty, Sammy, Marcus, Jamal Dear Celebrity....................................................................................Penny, Ensemble How Can I Know?.................................................................................................Nancy They Chose Me......................................................................................Ivan, Ensemble Belong................................................................................................. Sarah, Ensemble
PRODUCTION STAFF (At Time of Printing)
Producing Artistic Director/Director................................................................................ Bobb Cooper Music Supervisor................................................................................................................. Mark Fearey Music Director/Conductor.............................................................................. Tristan Peterson-Steinert Choreographer........................................................................................................Nathalie Velasquez Costume Designer............................................................................................................ Karol Cooper Lighting Designer................................................................................................................... Dori Brown Sound Designer...........................................................................................................Brian Honsberger Scenic Designer..................................................................................................................... Dori Brown Technical Director..................................................................................................................Matt Brown Stage Manager............................................................................................ Joycelin Jacobs-Schwartz Costume Shop Assistant..................................................................................................Renee Bioletto Volunteer Coordinator........................................................................................................ Kris Romero
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Thank you for coming to see
They Chose Me!
Not only is this musical an opportunity for our talented young cast to showcase their singing and acting abilities, it’s also a great way for them – and everyone in the audience – to learn about some of the nuances related to foster care and adoption…both the good and the sometimes-not-so-good. After all, we believe you need to see something from every angle possible in order to get a really good view of it. Once again, we’re taking a risk with this production. It hasn’t been a smash hit on Broadway, it isn’t based on a popular movie or television show and it doesn’t come from a classic fairy tale. It also doesn’t stick to the script of a safe, sugar-coated youth production that’s issue-free. What it DOES do, however, is help young people understand the many kinds of families that exist all around them and it encourages them to accept those who may not have the same family they do. The writers of this musical purposely chose to not take the safest route possible when they wrote this wonderful piece. Remember, this show was written before many of these subjects had been addressed in the media and long before they were accepted as widely as they are, today. We are thrilled and honored to have Ned Paul Ginsburg and Michael Colby involved with this production – and even attending Opening Night! I really hope this show inspires you and impacts your life in a positive way. In fact, that’s what we hope all of our productions do for you this, and every, season. We’ll see you at our next production, the 24th year of A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail! Enjoy the show!
Bobb Cooper
Bobb Cooper Producing Artistic Director
MEET THE CAST Katerina Anderson (Nancy) is 11 and in the 6th grade at Fireside Elementary. This is her 2nd VYT show, having appeared in Matilda (Big Kid). Some of her other performances include Arizona Broadway Theater’s Miracle on 34th Street (Hendrika), Pinnacle Creative Arts’ Aladdin Jr. (Kassim), Peter Pan Jr. (Peter Pan) and Hamlet, a Tragedy in Three Rings (Ludmilla), Desert Foothills Theater’s, Annie (July) and Shrek the Musical (Peter Pan), and Bender Performing Arts’ Willy Wonka, Jr. (Charlie Bucket). Katerina enjoys performing in musicals, singing, dancing, playing the ukulele, and spending time with her family and friends. She hopes to one day perform on Broadway. Owen Brady (Jimmy) is 14 and in 9th grade at Brophy College Preparatory, in Phoenix, where he’s involved in drama and wrestling. This is his first time on the VYT stage. He was previously in Spotlight Theatre’s 13 (Simon) and Beat Bugs (Walter) – for which he was nominated for an NYA Lead Performance Award and ariZoni Rising Star Award - Desert Stages’ A Christmas Story (Ralphie), Greasepaint’s School of Rock (Freddy Hamilton), Fairy Tale Courthouse (Big Bad Wolf) and Madagascar Jr. (Mason/Fossa/Server). Kylan Chait (Marcus) is 12 and in the 7th grade at AZVA. This is his 5th VYT show. He has also been in our productions of Matilda (Big Kid), The Little Mermaid (Flounder), The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin) and Madagascar (Mason Monkey) as well as The Phoenix Theatre Company’s production of Elf (Michael), Limelight’s The Lion King (Simba) and The Little Mermaid (Sebastian) and Theater Works’ Les Misérables (Gavroche). Kylan enjoys reading, drawing and spending time with his brother and two dogs. He hopes to one day perform on Broadway and become an EMT. IG: kylantristanchait Owen Donsker (Brett) is 14 and a Freshman at Paradise Valley High School, where he’s involved in drama club and CREST Bioscience. He previously appeared in VYT’s production of Newsies (Ike), Spotlight Youth Theatre’s 13 (Evan), for which he was an NYA and ariZoni Lead Actor Award nominee, and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Schroeder). He was also in Desert Stages’ 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip), Mary Poppins (Bert) and 13 (Archie) as well as Childsplay Y.E.T.i’s Sum of Me (Dennis). He enjoys origami, piano and Magic: The Gathering and plans to be a professional actor. Paolina Duran (Laura) is 15 and in 9th grade at Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics. This is her first VYT show. She has appeared in Greasepaint’s Newsies (Darcy), Urinetown (Little Becky Two Shoes) and Aladdin, Jr. (Ensemble/Dancer). Paolina started her own baking company in 2015, called Mimi Cakes. She has baked cakes for weddings, birthdays and graduations. She also enjoys taking voice lessons, babysitting and playing with her dogs. She hopes to pursue a career in acting, stage production or photography. Olivia Fearey (Sharla) is a 12-year-old 7th grader at Madison Number One where she is in the REACH program. This is her 10th show at VYT! Some of her VYT credits include Matilda (Big Kid), Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, Piglet in A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail, and a Lost Boy in Peter Pan. She was also seen in Fun Home at Phoenix Theatre as Young Alison. Olivia loves to dance, sing, read, gymnastics, and spend time with her 7 pets! The jury is still out on what she would like to be when she grows up, but it definitely includes being an actress on both Broadway and TV.
MEET THE CAST Shaylee Flanagan (Eve) is 15 and in 9th grade at Campo Verde, in Gilbert, where she’s involved in choir, choir council, drama and Ethnic Student Union. This is her 2nd VYT production, having previously performed in Freaky Friday (Ensemble). She has been in Limelight Youth Theatre’s Chicago (Matron “Mama” Morton), Lion King (Sarabi) and Sister Act (Cabby), Actors Youth Theatre’s Ghost (Oda Mae Brown) and Christmas Story (Chief Elf) as well as Mesa Community College’s All Shook Up (Lorraine). She plans to pursue theatre as a career. Gabriella Grasso (Kay) is 13 and in 8th grade. She is homeschooled and lives in Buckeye. This is her 2nd time on the VYT stage, having just appeared in Matilda (Big Kid). She was also an integral member of our Tech Crew in last season’s Freaky Friday. Gabby is involved in dance, voice, piano and her church youth group. Her favorite musical is Wicked and what she likes most about this show is that it, “helps spread the awareness and need of both adoptive parents and foster families.” Emily Jacoby (Amy) is 16 and in 12th grade at Perry High School. This is her 2nd show with VYT, her first being last season’s The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. She has also been in Mesa Community College’s Shrek The Musical (Ensemble), Perry High School’s High School Musical (Taylor), Limelight’s Thoroughly Modern Millie (Bun Foo) and Actor’s Youth Theatre’s Ghost (Ortisha). She’s active in drama club, Perry Theatre Company and hopes to teach theatre to deaf students in the future. Leonidas Karandreas (Carl) is 15 and in 10th grade at Mountain Ridge High School, where he is active in theater and a member of International Thespian Society, Project Respect and Trap Door Society. He attended VYT’s Summer Camp in which he performed in Frozen Jr. (Hans) and Mountain Ridge High School’s Superhero Ultraferno (Spiderman), Letters to Sala (Ensemble) and Cinderella (Ensemble). He enjoys piano, voice and writing and directing satirical movies with friends. Lainey Kenly (Sue) is 14 and a Freshman at Chaparral High School, in Scottsdale. where she is involved in yearbook and theatre. She previously appeared in VYT’s Tuck Everlasting (Winnie Foster). She has been in St. Theresa Catholic School’s production of The Little Mermaid (Ariel) and Desert Stages Theater’s Grease (Marty) and School of Rock (Marcy). She hopes to pursue a career on Broadway. What does she like most about this show? “I like the message it sends out and the topic and its importance.” Savannah LeNguyen (Mei Ling) is 11 and in 6th grade at Arizona School for the Arts. This is her 4th VYT show, having previously performed in Annie (Orphan), A Winniethe-Pooh Christmas Tail (Woodland Friend) and The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin). She was also in Theater Works’ Elf Jr. (Elf/Holly), Desert Stages’ Cinderella (New Yorker) and Legacy’s Lion King (Ensemble ‘A’). She has performed in Aid to Adoption of Special Kids projects, “Helping Children with Parent Visits” and “A Kid’s Advice to Foster Parents” and Orchard: Africa’s short film, “My Dear Child.” Kendall Luther (Penny) is 15 and a Sophomore at Notre Dame Preparatory, in Scottsdale, where she’s involved in drama, acapella and student leadership. This is her 2nd VYT production, having previously performed in A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail (Kanga). She has also appeared in her school’s productions of Arsenic and Old Lace (Martha Brewster), Shrek the Musical (Featured Dancer) and Check, Please! (Girl). She was also in Scottsdale Musical Theater’s A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Future) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Rita) as well as Greasepaint’s Footloose (Lulu), Madagascar Jr. (Zelda) and 13 (Ensemble).
MEET THE CAST Brooklyn Martin (Gail) is 9 years old and in 4th grade at Glendale’s Copper Creek Elementary School. This is her 2nd VYT show, as she was cast in our Season Opener, Matilda (Alice). She has also been in Spotlight Youth Theatre’s The Beat Bugs (Buzz), The Aristocats Jr. (Marie), Greasepaint Youth Theatre’s Aladdin Jr. (Fortune Teller/ Ensemble) and Stage Dreams Youth Theatre’s Annie Jr. (Pepper), Dear Edwina Jr. (Annie) and Mulan Jr. (Ancestor Yum). She is in Spotlight Youth Theatre’s performance troupe, Celebration. Nathaniel McNamara (Ivan) is 13 and in 8th grade at All Saints’ Episcopal Day School, in Phoenix. This is his 5th time on stage with VYT, having previously been cast in Matilda (Big Kid), A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail (Rabbit), Newsies (Les) and Madagascar (Mort the Lemur). He was also in Desert Stages Theater’s 13 (Eddie/ Ensemble) and Oliver! (Artful Dodger) and East Valley Children’s Theater’s Peter Pan (Tootles). Nathaniel is active in Arizona Animal Welfare League and Boys Team Charity. Sage Emerson Mitchell (Patty) is 13 and in 8th grade at Stetson Hills Elementary School, in Phoenix, where she’s active in cheer and chorus. This is her 3rd VYT show. Previously, she was cast in Matilda (Big Kid) and Annie (Orphan). Her onstage experience includes Spotlight Youth Theatre’s Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Pee Wee Herdman) and Mulan (Ensemble) as well as Theatre Works’ Elf (Charlie) and Stage Dreams’ productions of Legally Blonde (Vivienne Kensington) and High School Musical (Taylor McKessie). Patrick Mullen (Jamal) is 14 and a Freshman at Horizon High School, in Scottsdale. This is his 1st VYT production. He was previously in Spotlight Youth Theatre’s 13 (Eddie) and Gypsy (LA) and Desert Stages Theatre’s Wedding Singer (Sammy), Aladdin Jr. (Aladdin) and Mary Poppins Jr. (George Banks). He is the Dance Captain of HyRev and plans to pursue a career in theatre or law. What does he want audiences to take away from this show? “I hope audience members can better understand kids with adoption/foster care backgrounds.” Erin Deines Schumacher (Sarah) is 14 and in 9th grade at ASU Prep Digital, an online school, in Phoenix. This is her 4th VYT show. She was also in Matilda (Ensemble), Freaky Friday (Student Ensemble) and Tuck Everlasting (Ensemble). She has also been in 12 Fountain Hills Theater’s productions, including A Christmas Carol: The Musical (Martha Cratchit), Seussical Jr. (Mrs. Mayor), Dear Edwina, Jr. (Mary Sue Betty Bob) and Miss Minnie’s Melodramodeon (Satch) as well as Scottsdale Musical Theater Company’s A Christmas Carol (Ensemble). Erin loves to sing, dance, act and being around so many wonderful people. Erin would like to thank her friends & family for their love & support. Ava Silvernail (Lily) is 14 and in 8th grade at Veritas Preparatory Academy. She previously appeared in VYT’s production of A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail (Fox), Greasepaint’s Urinetown (Ensemble) and Aladdin Jr. (Razoul), Art and Sol’s Annie Jr. (Lily St. Regis) and Veritas Prep’s Fiddler on the Roof (Ensemble) and Oliver (Fagin’s Gang/Orphan). She enjoys dancing, training her dog, tap dancing, acting singing and reading. She hopes to be on Broadway, one day.
MEET THE CAST Kayla Treviño (Manuela) is 12 and in 7th grade at Madison No. 1 Middle School – REACH program, where she’s involved in student government and advanced tap. This is her 4th show with VYT. She was previously cast in Annie (Duffy), The Little Mermaid (Ensemble) and A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail (Piglet). She was also in Spotlight Youth Theatre’s 13 (Ensemble), School of Rock (Madison), Willy Wonka Jr. (Veruca Salt) and Into the Woods Jr. (Lucinda). What does she like about her character? “Manuela is so cool! I love how she is so confident about her Hispanic heritage, just like me!” Sydney Vance (Debra) is 14 and in 9th grade at Arizona School for the Arts. She was previously in VYT’s production of Madagascar (Private), The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Fun Home (Small Alison) Desert Stages’ 13 (Molly) and Don Bluth Front Row Theatre’s The Little Mermaid (Flounder). She has also been in many shows with Art and Sol, her favorite being Shrek (Fiona). She enjoys dance, voice, tennis and skiing and she hopes to be an actress. Sydney would like to thank Bobb, Tristan and the VYT team for this incredible opportunity! Javen Wagner (Sammy) is 14 and in 9th grade at Trivium Preparatory Academy, in Goodyear. This is his first VYT show. He has appeared in his school’s productions of Peter Pan Jr. (Captain Hook) and Willy Wonka Jr. (Augustus Gloop). He has a dream to become an aspiring actor and musician. He says, “I truly believe that acting is my number one passion and my parents support me through and through. For that, I cannot thank them enough. I’m certain that, as long as I work hard and stay patient, I will achieve my dream.” Kate Williams (Jane) is 11 and in 5th grade at All Saints’ Episcopal Day School, in Phoenix. This is her 4th time on the VYT stage. She was also cast in our productions of Matilda (Amanda Thripp), The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Abilene) and Annie (Molly). She’s also performed in Art & Sol Performing Arts’ Shrek Jr. (Young Fiona), Lion King Jr. (Young Nala) and Annie Jr. (Molly) as well as Spotlight Youth Theatre’s Best Christmas Pageant (Gladys Herdman). Kate’s involved in soccer and aspires to be a professional actress.
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CREATORS Michael Colby MICHAEL COLBY is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as CHARLOTTE SWEET (Drama Desk Award nomination), TALES OF TINSELTOWN, NORTH ATLANTIC (Show Business Award), SLAY IT WITH MUSIC (off-Broadway & London), MRS. McTHING, THEY CHOSE ME!, and LUDLOW LADD. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company, and has been a writer for The NY Festival of Song as well as the Theatre By the Blind. He is the author of the well received autobiographical book The Algonquin Kid: Adventures Growing Up at New York’s Legendary Hotel. Jay Records has released CDs of TALES OF TINSELTOWN, CHARLOTTE SWEET (the complete show), and LUDLOW LADD. DANGEROUS, a musical he co-wrote, has recently been option for Broadway. He wrote continuity for two benefits at the 92nd Street Y: STANDING OVATIONS (starring Carol Channing, Nell Carter, Elaine Stritch, Leslie Uggams, and other great ladies of the theatre) and THE LONGEST RUNNING SHOW ON BROADWAY (a tribute to Maurice Levine, hosted by Angela Lansbury). He also wrote STEPHEN SCHWARTZ: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION, a benefit for the Directors Company, starring Betty Buckley, Paul Shaffer, Kathy Najimi, et al. He created special material for ANIMAL CRACKERS (PaperMill Playhouse/Goodspeed), lyrics for MEESTER AMERIKA (The Garage Theatre, NJ) and THE HUMAN HEART (at Marymount Manhattan College), and the narration for THE MAYOR MUSICALS, a benefit for Musicals In Concert hosted by Sheldon Harnick. Among the personalities for whom Mr. Colby has written material are: Linda Lavin, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, Heather MacRae, Robert Cuccioli, Savion Glover, Dina Merrill, Susan Stroman, Michael Feinstein, Jack Gilford, Andrea Marcovicci, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Adler, Cliff Robertson, Lainie Kazan, Jane Powell, Julie Wilson, Alison Fraser, Mary Cleere Haran, Donna McKechnie, & Cicely Tyson. Movie credits include writing the title song for the film HEART OF THE BEHOLDER. A member of BMI and the Dramatists Guild, he lives in Metuchen, NJ with his wife Andrea and son Steven.
Ned Paul Ginsburg Ned Paul Ginsburg is the recipient of many composing honors, including: NEA, NARAS, IAJE, SGA, Downbeat Magazine. Credits: A TALMUD TALE for Maqom, FASHION STATEMENT and THEY CHOSE ME for T.A.D.A., ARNIE! (THE TV MUSICAL) for Silver Burdett Ginn. Mr. Ginsburg has also composed for The Disney Channel, Nederlander Television, CBS & ABC Television, Maiden Voyage Pictures, Warner Brothers Publications, and Scott Foresman. Orchestrations: DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, MINNELLI ON MINNELLI, GERSHWINS’ FASCINATIN’ RHYTHM, PAPER MOON, CASPER, INSIDE OUT, New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, The Academy Awards Show, NIGHT OF 1000 STARS, the Radio City Music Hall Easter Show, MICHAEL COLLINS (the film). He has also orchestrated for entertainers such as Bernadette Peters, Liza Minnelli, Elaine Stritch, Diahann Carroll, Chita Rivera, Kathie Lee Gifford, John Lithgow, Tony Danza, Kenny Rogers, Faith Prince, and composers such as Alan Menken, Elliot Goldenthal, Larry Grossman, Jerry Bock, and Jason Robert Brown. He also produced the first six albums of The Broadway Kids.
WELL WISHES Olivia, We are so proud of you!! Break a leg! ~ Love Mom & Dad
Ava, To the moon and back ~ XOXO Mom, Dad, Henry and Satchmo
Kate, You’re a shining star. We are so proud! ~ Love Mom, Dad & D
Syd, We love you & are proud of you in this meaningful show! Katerina, We love watching you shine! Break a leg! We love you and we are so proud of you! ~ Love, Mom, Dad & Michael
Gabby, we are so proud of your accomplishments. Always be the light you were created to be. ~ Love, Mom, Dad, and Luca xoxo
Owster, Reach for the stars since you’re of them! ~ Love-M,D,A,E
Sage, We’re so glad they chose you! Break a leg! We love you! Savannah,“Chúc may măn.” Y ~ Mom, Dad, Dallas & ZZ
Nate, So proud of you! Congrats to you & the “Chosen” crew!
DESIGNERS AND GUEST ARTISTS Dori Brown (Lighting Design and Scenic Design) is pleased to be working with Valley Youth Theatre for another season. Her recent designs include scenery for The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Tuck Everlasting and Freaky Friday with VYT, scenery for Suessical the Musical Jr. and Frozen Jr. with EVCT and scenery for Little Prince, Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde with Theater Works. An extra special thanks to her husband and children for their continued love and support. Brian Honsberger (Sound Design) Brian Honsberger is an active Sound Designer and Audio Engineer throughout Arizona. Mr. Honsberger is the owner of UPstage Consulting Group (www. UPstageGroup.com), a company providing Audio and Lighting production services for events and venue installations throughout the Southwest. His sound design credits include over 50 productions within the state and his work has been nominated for several AriZoni Theatre Excellence Awards. Mr. Honsberger is thrilled to be returning to Valley Youth Theatre in the role of Sound Designer. His favorite previous VYT productions have included Tuck Everlasting, Newsies, Annie, Peter Pan, and Seussical the Musical to name a few. In addition to his Sound Design work, Brian and his wife Katarzyna own and operate Kat’s Artist Tree, a Music, Dance, and Arts Academy located in Goodyear, AZ (www.KatsArtistTree.com). Tristan Peterson-Steinert (Music Director and Conductor) A native of rural Maine, Tristan PetersonSteinert has called Phoenix home for more than a decade. He previously provided music direction for VYT’s productions of Tuck Everlasting, Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail and Little Women, among several others. An accomplished pianist, he is frequently sought as a music director and accompanist in the Valley, and his credits span regional, professional, and community theater. He has had the privilege to music direct several Arizona and regional premieres. Some favorite credits include: Disenchanted, The Secret Garden (NYA Award, Outstanding Musical Direction), The Little Mermaid, Scrooge in Rouge (AZ Premiere), and Tuck Everlasting (AZ Premiere). In addition to maintaining a regular performance schedule, he was also previously the Music Director in the Theater Department at Arizona School for the Arts, where he music directed the performance ensembles and musical theater courses. Tristan is a proud Sun Devil and holds two undergraduate degrees from Arizona State University in Social Work and Nonprofit Leadership and Management. He is also a visiting music director at Festival 56, in Princeton, IL. Nathalie Velasquez (Choreographer) Nathalie Velasquez’s most recent projects with VYT were in the productions of Tuck Everlasting, Freaky Friday and Matilda as Guest Choreographer. A Chicago native, Nathalie was raised in Arizona where she studied dance, voice and piano for over 20 years. Her dance experience includes a wide variety, from Ballet to Filipino Folk, and Rhythm and American Smooth Ballroom just to name a few. She started teaching in the Valley in 2005 and has taught over 10,000 students. Nathalie is the owner of Nathalie & Co. Dancewear @NathalieCompany. She was awarded 2014 Outstanding Young Filipino-American Entrepreneur of the Year by the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce AZ. When Nathalie isn’t helping on stage, you can find her managing her boutique at their new location in North Phoenix.
ADC MEMBERS
DID YOU KNOW? The following companies will
MATCH
YOUR DONATIONS
to VYT if you designate them when making your contribution? AIG, Allstate, American Airlines, American Express, APS, Bank of America, Capital Group, Charles Schwab, Exxon Mobil, Freeport McMoRan, General Dynamics, General Electric, Honeywell, IBM, Intel, KeatsConnelly, Liberty Mutual, Microoft, Pepsico, SRP, Unilever, UPS, Veritas, Wells Fargo and Western Refining
Encore! H $5,000 Brian & Jessica Etheridge
Bravo! H $2,500 David Carruth Bobb & Karol Cooper Steve & Debbie Zell
Applause! H $1,000 Judith Bowling Beverly & Thomas Huff Scott & Cheryl Kriegshauser Suzie Martin Nihaal & Deepa Rao Susan Smith
This special group of individual donors not only makes a financial contribution that helps young people be the best they can be, they are also involved with and connected to other arts enthusiasts. For more information about the ADC, contact the VYT Development Department at 602.253.8188 x304 or email Development@vyt.com.
VYT Board of Directors 2019-20 Officers Joe Chandler, Chair...................................................................................Sherman & Howard, L.L.C. Patrick Vance, Vice Chair, Board Development......................................................American Funds Catheryn J. Avalos, Vice Chair, Fund Development.................................................. Zions Bancorp Peter McNamara, Treasurer.....................................................................Veritas Technologies, L.L.C. Erin Huston, Secretary...................................................................................................................KPMG Bobb Cooper, Producing Artistic Director......................................................... Valley Youth Theatre
Members David Carruth..................................................................................................................Edward Jones Sara Dial.....................................................................................................Sara Dial & Associates, Inc. Brian Etheridge ..................................................................................................... Freeport McMoRan John Fetherston................................................................................................................Veridus, L.L.C. Megan Fischer......................................................................................................... Klein Thomas Law Chad Guzman.................................................................................................................................. APS Christopher Houk.................................................................... Gillespie, Shields, Durrant & Goldfarb Danny Inglese ................................................................................................................Snell & Wilmer Vince Kozar............................................................................................................Arena Sports Group Dilek Marsh.................................................................................................. Grand Canyon University Jennifer Pescatore..........................................................................................................BOK Financial Christopher Raddatz.............................................................................Gammage & Burnham, P.L.C. Gina Salazar Hook.........................................................................................Gina Marie Productions Laura M. Stover....................................................................................... Nearhood Law Offices, P.L.C. George Weathers................................................................................................................Mobile Mini
Ex-officio William V. Andrew, PhD.......................................................................................Grand Ventures, L.L.C. Laurie Bagley.............................................................................................. Strategic Wealth Advisors Holly Curtis.................................................................................................... Independent Consultant Peggy Fiandaca..................................................................................................................LDV Winery Colleen Gautam....................................................................................Valley of the Sun United Way Jennifer Holsman Tetreault.....................................................................................................US Foods Frank McCune............................................................................................................... City of Phoenix Lorna Pederson..................................................................................................... Community Leader Neil Rao.............................................................................................................................. Merrill Lynch
Founding Board Chair/Chair Emeritus Hope H. Ozer................................................................................... Phoenix Manhattan Group, L.L.C.
If you are interested in learning more about the VYT Board of Directors, or would like to apply for consideration to become a member, please contact Suzie Martin at 602.253.8188 x303 or via email at suzie@vyt.com.
On Saturday, August 17, Valley Youth Theatre held our largest fundraising event of the year, The VYTal (Valley Youth Theatre Applauds Leadership) Affair. Nearly 400 Valley community leaders, parents and patrons of the arts arrived at the Herberger Theater Center to help VYT celebrate and raise funding for our 31st season. A silent auction with more than 100 items generously donated from local businesses was held in the lobby and on Stage West, along with donated food and beverages from several incredible local restaurants. Everyone was then invited into Center Stage where John and Gina Salazar Hook hosted the evening that was filled with VYTality (Valley Youth Theatre Applauds Leadership Impacting Today’s Youth) awards, a live auction hosted by the incomparable Letitia Frye and select numbers from our Season Opener, Matilda, performed by the cast and orchestra. This year’s individual VYTality Award went to two of our heroes, Gary Jackson and Oscar De las salas, and the corporate award was presented to Zions Bancorporation/ National Bank of Arizona. The evening concluded with some of the finest desserts in the Valley and a heartfelt toast by our Producing Artistic Director, Bobb Cooper.
2019/20 Season & VYTal Affair donors V
MARQUEE $50,000+
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Billie Jo & Judd Herberger V
CHOREOGRAPHER $10,000 - $24,999
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The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation
Mark Keller V
CAST $5,000 - $9,999
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Annie & Daniel DenBoer • Brian & Jessica Etheridge *Andrea & Tom Evans • Pam Kirby • The Wingardium Project *Includes In-Kind Donations
2019/20 Season & VYTal Affair donors PMS 5535
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CREW $2,500 - $4,999
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Robert & Catheryn Avalos • David Carruth • Joe & Traci Chandler Bobb & Karol Cooper • The McNamaras • Steve & Debbie Zell
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
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VYT is funded in part by Black
The official hotel of VYT.
Program delivery partner for VYT.
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SUPPORT VYT when you shop 1. Log-in to Frysfood.com* 2. Click Community/Community Rewards in the dropdown menu 3. S croll down to Enroll Now 4. Under Find your organizations, search Valley Youth Theatre 5. Click the radio button beside our name and then Enroll *If your first time on Frysfood.com, click Register in the upper right to “Create an Account.” After entering your email and password, you must “Add a Fry’s Food V.I.P. Card to Your Account.” If you ever forget your card, you can use your phone number at checkout instead.
2019/20 Season & VYTal Affair donors V
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ORCHESTRA $1,000–$2,499
Dina & Ryan Anderson • Alan & Charlene Augenstein • Robyn Bien-Wilner Bliss-Rebar • Judith Bowling • Mike Downey • Mark & Tory Fearey • Fennemore Craig Fifth Generation, Inc. • Christopher & Nicole Houk • Beverly & Thomas Huff Scott & Cheryl Kriegshauser • Jeff & Dilek Marsh • Suzie Martin • Joe & Mary Kay Pascale Lorna Pederson • Pescatore-Cooper, LLC • Jennifer & Anthony Pescatore Nihaal & Deepa Rao • Kim Rice & James Silha • Susan Smith • Torosian Foundation Lindsey & Patrick Williams
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SUPPORTER $500–$999
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Courtney Bennett • Kevin Bertis • Dawn Blocker • Lee Bradley • Aryln Brewster Cathy Brown • Vicki & Scott Chamoff • Kyle Crump • Tina & David Curran Oscar De las salas & Gary Jackson • Shawn Dechant • Bruce & Micheline Etkin Megan & Matthew Fisher • Colleen & Greg Gautum • Gina Salazar Hook Carol & Ken Jackson • Mary Ann Kelley • Gary Minarich • Barry & Kathleen Monheit Amanda & PJ Newton • Christopher & Amy Raddatz • Fernanda Santos Saucier Suzanne & Dan Siegel • Cheryl & Todd Smith • Kirsten Spetzler • Rachael & Greg Thornton
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PATRON $250 - $499
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Jessica Leila Adnani • Kristen Cusick • John & Erica Fetherston • Ross & Jacki Grainger JoAnn Holland • Danny & Kimberly Inglese • Lisa Kahn • Kurt & Keli Luther Shawn McClain • Karen McCollester • Sloane McFarland • Ryan Nelson • Laurieann Perla Tristan Peterson-Steinert • Jeremiah Popelier • Joseph & Kate Specter John Stover • Berney Streed • Mark & Maria Syms • Suzanne & Omar Trevino Todd Vigil • Jill & John Watts • George Weathers • Grant Williams • Jesse & Donna Winters
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LITERACY AND THE ARTS
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Applied Materials • Catheryn Avalos • Blank Foundation Executive Council Charities • The Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation SRP Employee • TeleTech Communications • Wells Fargo
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IN-KIND
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Anthos Anemone OZ Fund, LLC • Dan Arends • Avant-Garde Floral Design Studio Ben Arnold Photography • CITYSunTimes • Frontdoors Magazine • Memories by Candace Nearhood Law • Runbeck Election Services
SPONSORS V
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CATERING PROVIDED BY
DESSERTS PROVIDED BY
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Official Cake Sponsor
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VALET PROVIDED BY
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Live and SileNt Auction Sponsors Aioli Gourmet Burgers
Brian Etheridge
Federal Pizza John Fetherstone Fiesta Bowl First Watch Fortoul Brothers Fox Restaurant Concepts Fry’s Get Organized with Bridges Get Your Move On Great American Puppet Theatre Hidden Track Bottle Shop Gina Salazar Hook House of Comedy Erin Huston IPIC Jackson’s Car Wash Jewel Ya Joyride Taco House Vince Kozar LDV Winery LGO Hospitality Live Nation Lori-Anne Aesthetics Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Lulu Lemmon Lumberjacks Axe Throwing Main Event Marc Reid Salon The McNamara Family The Angus Family and Phil Mickelson Design Stephan Moody Nails by Kim Vo Oliver Smith Jeweler Orange Theory Hope H. Ozer
Andrea & Tom Evans
Phoenix Cardinals
Wildflower
Famous 48
Phoenix Mercury
Mark & Tory Fearey
Phoenix Suns
Wine & Food Exposition Salt River Fields
American Airlines Arizona Beauty Studio Arizona Cardinals Arizona Renaissance Festival Arizona Coyotes Arizona Diamondbacks Arizona Science Center As You Wish Pottery Painting AZ on the Rocks Biltmore Portrait Studios Blume Skin & Spa Brindley’s Music Bunky Boutique Bushmills Irish Whiskey David Carruth Casino Arizona Chandler Center for the Arts Joe & Traci Chandler Cheesecake Factory Children’s Museum of Phoenix Chompie’s Common Ground Culinary Bobb & Karol Cooper Cornelia Park Chef Tom D’Ambrosio Desert Botanical Gardens Design Dimensions Sara Dial Dunn Orthodontics Dynamic Mobility Training Embassy Suites
The Phoenix Symphony Pittsburgh Steelers Portillo’s Postino Wine Café R Entertainment Relax Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel Richardson’s Cuisine of New Mexico Royal Palms Hotel Rubio’s Ruth’s Chris Schmitt Jewelers Scottsdale Center for the Arts Sculpted Mass at Tytin Fitness Southwest Shakespeare Company Spinato’s Pizzeria Sprouts Steven Paul Salon Laura Stover Talking Stick Resort Arena Tempe Improv Theater Works The Sparkle Bar The Village Thunderbird Charities Total Wine Upward Projects Urbana Wild Horse Pass
Special Thanks!
Our deepest gratitude goes to our VYTal Affair committee members, Andrea Evans, Joe Chandler & Catheryn Avalos, along with our incredible staff who made the evening possible. We also thank our emcees, Gina Salazar Hook and John Hook, and our Auctiontainer Extraordinaire, Letitia Frye! Runbeck Election Services, we appreciate the gorgeous invitations, reply cards and programs! Memories by Candace, Ben Arnold Photography and Dan Arends, thank you for beautifully capturing the magic that is VYTal Affair! PMS 5535
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Resources
Arizona Childrens Association arizonaschildren.org
Agape Adoption Agency of Arizona agapeaz.org
Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation
azafap.org affcf.org
Arizona Helping Hands azhelpinghands.org
Child Crisis Arizona childcrisisaz.org Childhelp childhelp.org/chapters/phoenix-chapter
Children’s Action Alliance azchildren.org
Diocese of Phoenix dphx.org Foster Arizona fosterarizona.org
Jewish Family and Children’s Service
jfcsaz.org
Love Up Foundation loveupfoundation.org
Mulligan’s Manor mulligansmanor.com
Unsure about the terms in the adoption process? Check out this list of terms to avoid, and terms considered Positive Adoption Language.
Terms To Avoid:
Positive Adoption Language:
Real parent/mother/father
Birth parent/mother/father (The term “first mother” has grown in usage)
Natural parent/mother/father
Biological parent/mother/father
Adoptive parent/father/mother
Parent, mother, father, mommy, daddy
Natural child, own child, one of my own
Birth child, biological child
Adopted child (vs. own child)
My child/son/daughter
Waiting child
Adoptable child, Available Child
Abandoned child, unwanted child
Child placed for adoption
Foreign child
Child from abroad
Foreign adoption
International Adoption
Give up for adoption, put up for adoption, give away, adopted out, abandoned
Make an adoption plan, choose adoption, place child for adoption, terminate parental rights
To keep her child
To parent her child
Is adopted
Was adopted
VYT Programs Sponsor-a-Seat allows more than 1,500 disadvantaged children from dozens of social service organizations to attend a free performance at the Herberger Theater Center and enjoy a complimentary lunch with the cast and crew. Just $50 gives a child a memory they will cherish forever! Literacy and the Arts gives students from Title 1 schools a page-to-stage experience by effectively combining the power of in-school learning with the magic of experiencing live theatre. Books related to the production and accompanying study guides prepare children for a production that helps them learn. Our HopeKids program brings children with lifethreatening illnesses and their families to a free performance, immediately preceding opening night. “Valley Youth Theatre is one of our most valued event partners,” said Angie Abfalter, HopeKids program manager. “The laughter, joy and hope they bring to our HopeKids is immeasurable.” Military Night is a tribute to veterans and their families. Thanks to corporate and individual donations, VYT often offers a performance that provides complimentary seats to families of the armed forces, allowing them to reinforce family bonds and create positive life-long memories. The Nigel Ross Scholarship Fund commemorates the special talents and unique spirit of Nigel Ross, a VYT Kid and victim of domestic violence. Supported by contributions from USPI and the local community, it enables young performers to attend the VYT Spring and Summer theatre camps Nigel enjoyed so much. Outreach is important to our theatre. Our VYTeens eagerly perform at a number of events, throughout the Valley, and our casts often hold special off-site performances for children in hospitals and people in need.
31
derful Years of Magic This season marks Valley Youth Theatre’s (VYT’s) 31st season of showcasing the magnificent talents of youth from throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan area! Since its inception, in 1989, VYT has become a world-class theatre company and one of the most well-respected youth theatres in the country. Known equally for alumni who have successfully charted careers on Broadway and beyond - and those who have become business and community leaders, VYT prides itself on nurturing children in the areas of teamwork, cooperation and respect. Producing Artistic Director, Bobb Cooper, joined VYT in 1996 and is lauded for the passion and professionalism he instills throughout the company. He and the theatre have been recognized with a myriad of awards and unparalleled reviews of their productions. VYT is also acclaimed for the many contributions they make to the local community. Sponsor-a-Seat has allowed more than 25,000 at-risk children to attend live theatre, many for the first time. Literacy and the Arts raises reading and vocabulary comprehension for thousands of students attending Title 1 schools, each year. Terminally and chronically ill HopeKids and their families are VYT’s guests for the final dress rehearsal of every production and special Military Nights are often offered for families of active and retired members of the armed forces. Cooper chose this season’s lineup for its fun, familyfriendly appeal, inspiring lessons and timeless themes. They Chose Me, is a musical spotlighting the subject of adoption and foster care, as seen through the eyes and voices of children ages 7 to 18. The show encompasses a variety of issues typically experienced by adopted children. Among them: foster homes, parental loss, gay adoption and multi-cultural families. A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail, is the holiday classic celebrating 24 years that VYT has presented it in the Valley. This Phoenix family tradition is a musical adventure filled with sharing, caring, friendship and joy.
The Princess and the Pea, is the familiar and beloved tale, told with gentle humor. Feisty Princess Astrid finds herself as a prospective bride for the bookish Prince Eric. Although she has no interest in either marriage or princes, she spiritedly takes a series of tests to prove that she is “a real princess.” Dear Edwina is a heartwarming musical about the joys of growing up, from the creators of Junie B. Jones The Musical. The show’s heroine is an advicegiver extraordinaire, like a spunky, singing version of Dear Abby. Peter Pan is one of the most beloved family favorites of all time. This high-flying Tony Awardwinning musical has been performed around the world and delighted audiences for 60 years. Featuring iconic songs and a rousing story full of magic, warmth and adventure, Peter Pan is the perfect show for the child in all of us...who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up. Said Cooper, “I’m very proud to say that we continue to thrive in the Phoenix arts community and that every season is better than the last, thanks to our incredible donors, Board of Directors, staff, students, campers, casts, crews, parents, volunteers and business partners. Together, we inspire young people to be the best they can be.”
Young Arts Arizona helps at-risk children feel good about themselves by publicly exhibiting their art. We thank them for the incredible works – specifically created for this production – on display in our theatre, today! Learn more about this wonderful organization at www.youngartsaz.org.
COME ENJOY ONE OF OUR AMAZING COFFEE DRINKS ON US. JUST BRING THIS PLAYBILL TO THE LARRY!
We are located in Phoenix’s fantastic Warehouse District, in the shadow of Chase Field. Arrive for the coffee, breakfast, lunch and more, leave with the memory! We are proud to partner with Valley Youth Theatre; thanks to this amazing group for all you do for our community!!! ~The Larry The Larry • 515 E Grant Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 • www.ConceptuallySocial.com
LAST SEASON 26
51 550
Musicians Performed In Our Orchestras
Crew Members Made Our Shows Happen
Veterans And Their Families Received Complimentary Tickets To A Performance
116
219 Campers Enjoyed Spring And Summer Camps
546
Total Performances Were Presented
Hopekids Received Complimentary Tickets To Our Dress Rehearsals
4,577
554 Young People Auditioned For Roles
3,308 Students From Title 1 Schools Benefitted From Our Literacy And The Arts Program
Students Saw A Show For Our Reduced Field Trip Price
1,001 Children Enjoyed A Complimentary Sponsor-A-Seat Performance Of Freaky Friday
244 People Volunteered Their Time To Assist VYT
364 26,427
21,237
People Enjoyed Our Productions
Total Tickets Were Sold!
135 Total Actors Appeared On Stage
4,060 Volunteer Hours Were Donated To VYT
Young People Participated In Our Fall, Winter And Spring Workshops
1,739 Intern Hours Were Contributed To VYT
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE STAFF Bobb Cooper.....................................................................................Producing Artistic Director Karol Cooper.................................................................................. Resident Costume Designer Mark Fearey.......................................................................................Resident Music Supervisor Suzie Martin................................................................................................... Managing Director Renee Bioletto....................................................................................... Costume Shop Assistant Matt Brown....................................................................................................... Technical Director Joycelin Jacobs-Schwartz*........................................................... Production Stage Manager Tiffany Owen....................................................................................................General Manager Cozette Phifer............................................................... Marketing & Communications Director Kris Romero....................................................................................Audience Services Manager Madolyn Whitmer.....................................................................Education & Outreach Director *Denotes VYT Alumni
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE STAFF BIOS Bobb Cooper (Producing Artistic Director) is in his 24th year at VYT. Under his direction and leadership, it has become a respected, professional-level theatre company where thousands of young people experience the magic of live theatre. Since 1996, Bobb has received numerous awards for his work as a director and garnered several for the theater itself including Arts Organization of the Year. Bobb’s recognition includes: the 2013 Dreamr Award for public sector/nonprofit, being named one of the Valley’s Most Influential business leaders and 40 Under 40 by the Phoenix Business Journal, and Arts Advocate of the Year by the Greater Phoenix Arts & Business Council. His professional affiliations include Valley Leadership Class 33, Organization for Nonprofit Executives, Phoenix Community Alliance and The Screen Actors Guild member since 1985. Bobb has been married for 30 years to his beautiful wife, Karol, and has one daughter, Channing. Karol Cooper (Resident Costume Designer) is in her 24th year with VYT. She began her career as a professional clown and costume designer in Sherman Oaks, CA. “Bobbo & Kookee” performed for A-List celebrities and numerous Royal Families. She moved to Phoenix in 1995 and became the Resident Costume Designer for Valley Youth Theatre. During her first 9 years at VYT, she won 12 ariZoni awards for Costume Design and 10 ariZoni awards for Hair & Make-up. She has also won numerous National Youth Awards (NYA) for Outstanding Costume Design. For the 2015 Broadway World Phoenix Awards, she won Best Costume Design for a youth production for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Karol designed at the New Amsterdam Theatre for the Broadway cast of La Cage Aux Folles performing in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. She believes that research, attention to detail and the love of storytelling through color and texture is essential to a solid overall design.
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE STAFF BIOS Mark Fearey (Resident Music Supervisor) is in his 24th season with VYT and over those years has garnered numerous awards (ariZoni and NYA) and has music directed the Arizona premiere of a few shows. Some of his favorite shows to have been a part of are West Side Story, Titanic, Aida, Shrek, Legally Blonde and The Little Mermaid. In addition to his work at VYT, he is the full-time faculty accompanist/coach and music director at Grand Canyon University. He came to the world of children’s theatre with a Masters of Music in Piano Performance (with an emphasis in accompanying) from ASU and a degree in Piano Performance from the D’Angelo School of Music at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. He has worked with vocal and instrumental artists in Germany, Austria, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and throughout the Southwest. In addition to all the great kids at VYT he has also worked with opera singer Amber Wagner and country recording artist Chris Young. And if that’s not enough, he spent the last 24 years as music director for Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and is vocal coordinator/ pianist for the Arizona Young Artist Competition at the Herberger Theater Center and visiting music director for Quisisana Music on the Lake in Maine. He is married to his wonderful wife Tory and they are the proud parents of the veteran stage performer Olivia! Suzie Martin (Managing Director) has lived in the Valley of the Sun most of her life. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, she spent the first several years of her career as a CPA working in the audit division of international accounting firms. She specialized in not-forprofit, government and hospitality audits. Suzie then returned to school and became a Licensed Master Social Worker. She has utilized her business and social work skills at various not-for-profit agencies serving families and children in the Phoenix area. She has professional experience in the areas of child welfare, developmental disabilities, domestic violence, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health. She enjoys traveling, football, cooking and spending time with her family and friends. Renee Bioletto (Costume Shop Assistant) is a native Arizonan and a former VYT Mom. Her daughter, Payton, appeared in several VYT productions, which led to Renee volunteering to assist with our costumes. Since then, she has become Costume Assistant to our Resident Costume Designer, Karol Cooper. Together, they have worked to create costumes for dozens of VYT shows. Matt Brown (Technical Director) is excited for another Valley Youth Theatre season. Originally from Texas, he has been living in the Valley of the Sun for the past 11 years. He and his wife are the proud parents of twoyear-old Max and Luke. Matt has a degree in Theatre with an emphasis in technical theatre from Angelo State University. He has worked at Childsplay and Phoenix Theatre. Luckily for him, one of his favorite hobbies is his job, but he also enjoys running long distances in the desert mountains around our beautiful state. Joycelin Jacobs-Schwartz (Production Stage Manager) has been doing theatre around the valley for over 15 years, being both on and back stage. Favorite stage managing credits include: Death Bite (Theatre Artists Studio), Accomplice (Theatre Artists Studio), Madagascar (VYT), and Newsies (VYT). Joycelin has her BA in Theatre from ASU. She would like to thank her parents for their unconditional support and love on this amazing adventure we call theatre.
VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE STAFF BIOS Tiffany Owen (General Manager) is delighted to have spent the last 5 years as a part of VYT’s mission to inspire young people to be the best that they can be as Production Stage Manager and then as General Manager. French Canadian by birth, Tiffany moved to the USA for high school and went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in Theatre and a BS in Psychology before moving to Tempe in 2007 to spend several adventurous years freelancing for many theatre companies and facilities around the Valley as a Stage Manager, Props Designer (Zoni nomination Blithe Spirit) and general theatre technician. Favourite stage managing credits include: Into the Woods (VYT), A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Don Bluth (Southwest Shakespeare/SSC), Peacemaker (Phoenix Theatre/ PT), and Rashomon (PittRep/ Pitt Stages). She thanks Bobb for finding a new way to utilize her skills when it was time for a change and her husband Eric for never questioning her love and passion for theatre. Let’s Make the Magic!! Cozette Phifer (Marketing & Communications Director) is originally from Phoenix. Her 30-year Marketing career has allowed her to live in Detroit, Seattle, Washington D.C. and San Diego. She has managed marketing and communications for brands that include PETsMART, Domino’s Pizza, Eddie Bauer, Sony Electronics, Jenny Craig, Johnny Rockets and Swift Transportation. She serves as an ally to Phoenix’s LGBTQIA2 community and volunteers her time to related organizations. Kris Romero (Audience Services Manager) is a Phoenix native, who grew up in the West Valley. He comes to VYT with fifteen years of corporate and management experience, mostly in the banking industry. He is also involved in local community events and is an avid musical theatre fan. His favorite musicals are Rent and Funny Girl. Kris is thrilled to be a part of the VYTeam and to work directly with our volunteers, parents and patrons, as well as being a contributing member of the Phoenix arts community. Madolyn Whitmer (Education & Outreach Director) is thrilled to join the VYT team and further their mission to impart life skills to students through theatre and the arts. An arts enthusiast herself, Madolyn graduated from ASU with a BFA in theatre and a focus in playwriting. Madolyn has had plays produced in Arizona, Colorado and New York and has a passion for creating devised work with her students that explore their experiences. Previously, she worked with ARTS ALIVE! bringing experiential, dramatic arts classes to hundreds of students throughout the Houston area which focused on instilling social and emotional learning skills through the arts. At Playworks Arizona, Madolyn continued to work toward instilling social and emotional learning skills to children through play as a part of their Development team with a focus in volunteer coordination, management of large scale special events, and marketing. She is excited to bring her years of experience in the arts and non-profits to VYT and help continue to grow the education department to positively impact more lives.
SMILE & SHOP!
SHOP ON AMAZON SMILE and select Valley Youth Theatre as your charity of choice
PRESENTED AT THE
February 7 thru 23, 2020
HERBERGER THEATER CENTER! August 9 thru 25, 2019
October 11 thru 27, 2019
April 3 thru 19, 2020
Dear Edwina A Musical December 6 thru 23, 2019
PRESENTED AT THE
HERBERGER THEATER CENTER! June 12 thru 28, 2020
A Family Tradition
Purchase a 4-Show Package and Save! Visit Visit www.vyt.com www.vyt.com for for more more information. information.