"Confessions of a Star Maker" program

CSUF DEPARTMENT of THEATRE & DANCE presents

November 27–December 13, 2020

California State University, Fullerton

UNIVERSITY CREDITS Framroze Virjee, President, California State University, Fullerton Carolyn Thomas Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Danny C. Kim, Vice President, Administration and Finance/CFO David Forgues, Vice President, Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion Amir H. Dabirian, Vice President, Information Technology Tonantzin Oseguera, Vice President, Student Affairs Gregory J. Saks, Vice President, University Advancement

C OL L E G E O F T H E AR T S Dale A. Merrill, Dean Arnold Holland, Associate Dean Maricela Alvarado, Assistant Dean Christopher Johnson, Budget Coordinator Heather Guzman, Assistant to the Deans Jade Jewett, Chair, Department of Visual Arts Dave Mickey, Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance Katherine Powers, Director, School of Music Jennifer Frias, Director, Nicholas & Lee Begovich Gallery John Spiak, Director, Grand Central Art Center - Santa Ana Lara Farhadi, Senior Director of Development Ann Steichen, Director of Development Alaidrian Clark, Support Group Coordinator Julie Bussell, Director, Marketing & Patron Services Stephanie Tancredi, Box Office Manager Heather Richards-Siddons Marketing & Communications Specialist; Theatre & Dance program designer Alvin Chiu, Graphic Designer Jason Pano Social Media Strategist Cathi Craig, Lead House Manager

WELCOME Hello, and welcome to the Department of Theatre & Dance virtual presentation of Confessions of a Star Maker. We are so excited to share this performance with you! First, I want to thank all of the students, faculty, and staff who have worked

tirelessly to make this possible. I’ve personally witnessed our college rise to the challenges of these times to reach far above expectations. Our performing arts students continue to thrive, delivering some of the most heartfelt and thoughtprovoking performances I’ve seen. This semester has demonstrated one thing loud and clear: the arts are active, vibrant, and resilient here at Cal State Fullerton.

Just as the arts continue to adapt and evolve, so have our students. These Titans of the Arts – unwavering in their passion and commitment to their craft – are the reason we do what we do as educators, administrators, and staff. I look forward to seeing theatre, dance, and music students rehearsing throughout the performing arts building, and visual arts students creating in the breezeways and art courtyard once again. It’s so quiet here without them! Until we see each other again face-toface, stay safe, stay strong, and keep creating. We hope you enjoy the show!

Sincerely,

Dale A. Merrill Dean, College of the Arts

Dave Mickey Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance Debra Noble,* Vice Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance FULL-TIME FACULTY | Theatre

FULL-TIME STAFF Department of Theatre & Dance

Acting Maria Cominis Svetlana Efremova• Eve Himmelheber John Short Jim Taulli

Administration Hilda Aboytia Technical and Production Staff

Design and Technical Production Scott Bolman Hyun Sook Kim Fred Kinney JR Luker Bill Meyer Dave Mickey Jamie Tucker• Kathryn Wilson

Mike August, Production Manager Lois Bryan, Master Electrician Matt Connelly & Amanda Horak Scenic Lab Foremen/ Supervisors Heidi Enzlin Cole, Charge Scenic Artist Jen Frauenzimmer Business/ Production Coordinator

Directing Mark Ramont•*

Lori Koontz, Costume Lab

Theatre Studies Heather Denyer• Jim Volz

Russell Mackensen, Technical Director

Voice and Movement Evelyn Carol Case Anne James David Nevell•

Jeff Lewis, Production Sound Engineer

FULL-TIME FACULTY | Dance Muriel Joyce Lisa D. Long Debra Noble* Alvin Rangel-Alvarado

Ross Jones, TV Studio Technician

Bob West, Properties Master Brigitte Bellavoine, Jennifer Schniepp & Craig Shields, Accompanists Stephanie Tancredi Box Office Manager & Safety Coordinator Cathi Craig, Box Office Supervisor *denotes program coordinator / •denotes area head

www.facebook.com/CSUFTheatre Instagram | @csuftheatre Twitter | @csuftheatre arts.fullerton.edu The Department of Theatre & Dance at California State University, Fullerton is fully and continuously accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (1974) and the National Association of Schools of Dance (1982)

November 27 - December 13, 2020 8 pm: 11/27, 28,12/3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12; 2 pm: 11/29,12/5, 6, 12, 13

Sound Designer Scott Garner Video Editor Michael Hofacre^ Scenic Backgrounds Antonio Beach Costume Coordinator Lori Koontz**

Musical Director Sarah Grandpre* Accompanist Corey Hirsch* Period Consultant Brian Rohan^ Stage Manager Olivia Huntley

Special Thanks Dave Mickey, Mark Ramont & Don Hill * Faculty ** Staff ^ Guest Artist

Confessions of a Star Maker Cast NICK RALSTON…............. .....................................................................Yoni Kruvi LANCE WELLMAN/JAMIE.................................................................Joe-Joe Kelly STEPHANIE FLETCHER…...............................................................Colleen Moore GEORGE….................................................................................Braxton McGrath VINCENT/STUART JACOBSEN/ARTHUR GRAY…………......Mathieu A. Isanove SOLANGE LA FLAMME……….....................................…………........Molly Renze LORRAINE/OLIVE/JINGLE SINGER………...……………...........……Bailey Martin MARTY/RUSSELL/ALBERT/SERGIO MILETTI/PHOTOGRAPHER...Ronan Walsh BERNICE/JINGLE SINGER……..........................................……......Lexie Watkins ESTELLE/HEDDA HOPPER/JINGLE SINGER/ ARTHUR’S WIFE ............................................................………Solange Marcotte ARTEMIS/ANGRY NEIGHBOR………...……………...........….......…Felicity Bryant RADIO ANNOUNCER…......................................................................Jordan Mills FOLEY ARTIST………….......................................................................Alex Corey

TIME & PLACE Hollywood, 1955

Director’s Note In the age of “#Me Too,” Confessions of a Star Maker is an intensely relevant play.

Set against the backdrop of Hollywood in 1955, the play explores the dark underbelly of Tinsel Town. In a time when gay rights did not exist, young men seeking to get into the movies often became prey to the “Lavender Mafia,” Hollywood’s power elite. Examining what it was like to be a homosexual at a time when it was illegal, the leading characters seek to find love, trust and honesty in a world where “being yourself’ was simply not an option.

Confessions of a Star Maker was a finalist for the Sundance Writers Lab. It is also the winner of the Moondance Playwrights competition and was awarded a workshop production at the Last Frontier Theater Conference in Alaska in 2019.

It had never occurred to me to do this as a “live radio play” until Dave Mickey approached me about doing a different kind of project this fall in the age of COVID. As the playwright and director, I am incredibly proud of this play, as well as the wonderful cast and crew. We look forward to sharing it with you.

– Luke Yankee About Luke Yankee Luke Yankee has worked as an actor, director, playwright, producer and teacher with celebrities ranging from Stephen Sondheim to Alec Baldwin to Quincy Jones.

Yankee has served as Artistic Director for Long Beach Civic Light Opera & Struthers Library Theatre, and Assistant Director for Broadway productions such as Grind (directed by Harold Prince), The Circle with Sir Rex Harrison, Light Up the Sky with Peter Falk and Brigadoon with Tony Roberts. Off Broadway, Yankee has directed The Cherry Orchard with Cynthia Nixon and High Infidelity with John Davidson. His regional directing credits include: Driving Miss Daisy with Eileen Heckart, Nite Club Confidential with Barbara Eden, Man of La Mancha with Robert Cuccioli, Love Letters with Edward Asner & Joanna Gleason, Oleanna, and a bilingual tour of Cyrano De

Bergerac. His has published and produced plays include The Last Lifeboat (published by Dramatists Play Service, more than 50 productions in North America), Marilyn, Mom & Me, A Place at Forest Lawn, The Man Who Killed the Cure and The Jesus Hickey, starring Harry Hamlin. Yankee’s critically acclaimed memoir, Just Outside the Spotlight (published by Random House, with a foreword by Mary Tyler Moore) has been named “One of the ten best showbiz memoirs of all time” by Michael Musto (PaperMag).

Luke holds an MFA in writing for the performing arts from UC Riverside. He is an adjunct faculty member at Cal State Fullerton and Chapman University, where he teaches playwriting, script analysis, theatre criticism and musical theatre performance. His textbook, The Art of Writing for the Theatre will be published

by Bloomsbury Press in the fall of 2021. More information: www.lukeyankee.com

Confessions of a Star Maker Student Production Staff Stage Manager Olivia Huntley Assistant Stage Manager Hailey Boyum Production Office Assistant Carol Smith Sparkman Box Office Supervisors Celeste Salas, Marcus Beebe Confessions of a Star Maker Faculty Mentors Sound Design Rebecca Kessin Production Manager/Stage Management Jamie Tucker

R E G I O N A L F O C U S | N AT I O N A L I M PA C T

INSPIRING TITANS TO REACH FORWARD The College of the Arts creates a unique learning environment, encouraging individual achievement and artistic expression in 2,700+ student artists, performers, and scholars.

As a college, we inspire our students to reach not only higher but forward as they take steps toward realizing their full potential as artists and innovators through a rich variety of artistic opportunities. This takes exceptional faculty members, state of the art facilities, and support from community members like you.

The Dean’s Fund for Excellence provides resources for students to engage with leading artists through masterclasses and artists’ residencies; travel to competitions and workshops; and the practical application of industry-standard technology and equipment in the classroom, all of which have a huge impact on the educational experience of our students.

Change the lives of these aspiring artists by making a gift of any amount to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence.

G E T I N V O LV E D . G I V E T O D AY !

Ann Steichen, Director of Development 657-278-7124 • asteichen@fullerton.edu Thank you for giving your time and financial support to the student artists G I V E O N L I N E arts.fullerton.edu/giving

California State University, Fullerton • College of the Arts

DONOR APPLAUSE

The College of the Arts extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following patrons who have supported our students and programs this past year through a generous gift of $1,000 or more to the College, the School of Music, Department of Theatre & Dance, and/or the Department of Visual Arts.** $50,000+ Anonymous Lori & John Loftus MAMM Alliance Music Associates Dwight Richard Odle Estate Orange County Community Foundation $25,000+ Art Alliance Lee C. Begovich Johnny Carson Foundation Leo Freedman Foundation Mary A. Lyons Alan A. Mannason Estate Terri & Bob Niccum Frank J. & Jean Raymond Andrea J. & Jeffrey E. Sward $10,000+ Affordable Housing Access Inc. Anonymous Brite Ideas, Inc. California Bank & Trust Marilyn Carlson Darryl Curran Friends of Jazz, Inc Michael Horn Isabel G. James Robin & Steve Kalota Morningside of Fullerton Eleanore & James L. Monroe Ann & Douglas Myles Dr. Katherine S. Powers & Dr. Håkan O. Rosengren Christine A. Rhoades Mary & William Sampson Ann & Thad Sandford Donna L. & Ernest W. Schroeder Sue & Dr. Edward A. Sullivan Marc R. Dickey $5,000+ Daniel Barsky Terry D. Ching Jones Edward

MaryLouise & Ed Hlavac Ellen M. & William A. Groves Karen & Todd Miller Nancy J. & Robert F. Rennie Jeanie Stockwell OC Alumni Assoc Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia $1,000+ Barbara Arms Drs. Voiza & Joseph Arnold Judy Atwell Lois Austin Katherine M. & David J. Baab Tanya Michnevich Bracco Janet & Allan Bridgford Jane & Vincent Buck Julia A. Christy Harriet & William S. Cornyn Wanda Lau & William H. Cunliffe Jane Deming Fund Susan & Richard Dolnick Lisa M. Draskovich-Long Lucetta A. Dunn Shawna & Greg Ellis Desiree Engel John R. Fisher Jacquelyn Garrabrant Annette L. & Leon J. Gilbert Dr. Mark J. Goodrich Barbara Gregory Jill & Christopher Gwaltney Theresa Harvey Bruce A. Healey James L. Henriques Dr. Dean W. Hess Patricia J. Hicks Frank A. Hinojoz Adleane & Dr. Jerome Hunter Beth & Robert Jahncke Catherine Jeckovich Michelle Jordan Sandy & Norm Johnson Joven Orosco Gretchen Kanne Gladys M. Kares Ray Kawase Barbara Kingsbury

Meredith Kleinman Eugene Laroff Marilyn Little John M. Martelli & Paul Coluzzi Karen & George Mast Irene & Mac McCormick Thelma & Earl Mellott Patricia & Carl Miller Mary E. Moore Norma Morris Lucina Moses Music Teachers’ Association of California Ujinobu Niwa Debra L. Noble Jill Kurti Norman Deanna & Arie Passchier Geoffrey S. Payne Kerry and John Phelps Phi Mu Alpha SinfoniaOmicron Pi Chapter The Presser Foundation Sharon & Dr. Anil K. Puri Mary & Jerry Reinhart Robin Riggle Dr. Stephen M. Rochford Sandra Rhone Cassandra Sanders-Holly Ann & Thad Sandford Jim & Lahoma Schulze D. Barry Schmitt Merle Sepel-Wagner Louise Shamblen Martha & Bill Shaver John Short Ingrid R. Shutkin Janet L. Smith Dodo V. Standring Douglas G. Stewart Elizabeth G. Stiles Dale Raoul & Raymond L. Thompson Tom & Carolyn Toby Tam T. Tran John Van Wey Verne Wagner Debra Winters Abel A. Zeballos Dr. Wayne Zemke

Very special care has been given to the preparation of this donor listing.

Please contact Ann Steichen at (657) 278-7124 with questions or concerns. **Gifts received from July 1, 2019 through October 2020

ONTIVEROS SOCIETY The Ontiveros Society includes individuals who have provided a gift for Cal State Fullerton through their estate plan. Our deep appreciation is extended to the following Ontiveros Society members, whose gifts will benefit the students and mission of the College of the Arts: Anonymous Lee & Dr. Nicholas A. Begovich Gail & Michael Cochran Marc R. Dickey Betty Everett Carol J. Geisbauer & John Geisbauer* Sophia & Charles Gray MaryLouise & Ed Hlavac Gretchen Kanne

Dr. Burton L. Karson Anne L. Kruzic* Loreen & John Loftus Alan A. Mannason* William J. McGarvey* Dr. Sallie Mitchell Eleanore P. & James L. Monroe Lynn & Robert Myers Dwight Richard Odle*

Sherry & Dr. Gordon Paine Dr. June Pollak & Mr. George Pollak* Mary K. & William Sampson Douglas G. Stewart Andrea J. & Jeffrey E. Sward Richard J. Taylor Verne Wagner Richard Wulff Dr. James D. & Dottie Young*

*deceased

The College of the Arts Proudly Recognizes the 300+ Members of Our

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT GROUPS

ART ALLIANCE: Art Alliance promotes excellence and enjoyment in the visual arts, and their fundraising efforts contribute to student scholarship, gallery exhibitions, opening receptions and sculpture acquisition on campus.

Special support and event underwriting Fay Colmar & Vincent Preece John DeLoof

Joann Driggers & Steve Collier Loraine Walkington

MAMM ALLIANCE: The MAMM Alliance for the Performing Arts unites like-minded members who enjoy fun and fellowship, while benefiting the students through underwriting visiting artists, special theatre, dance and music performances, and other unique experiences.

Special support and event underwriting Judy Atwell Drs. Voiza & Joe Arnold Ebell Club of Fullerton

Dr. Margaret Faulwell Gordon Norma Morris Richard Odle Estate

Kerry & John Phelps Jeanie Stockwell Verne Wagner

MUSIC ASSOCIATES: Music Associates maintains a tradition of active involvement and community support, and raises scholarship funds for School of Music students through annual fundraising events and membership dues.

Special support and event underwriting Marilyn & Jack Carlson Evelyn K. Francuz Sandy & Norm Johnson Marti & Bill Kurschat Karen & George Mast

Thelma & Earl Mellott Bettina Murphy Grace & Ujinobu Niwa Kerry & John Phelps Mary & Jerry Reinhart

Ann & Thad Sandford Dodo V. Standring Carolyn & Tom Toby John Van Wey

MORE INFORMATION: Ann Steichen • 657-278-7124 There are many ways to support the College of the Arts, the School of Music, Department of Theatre and Dance, and Department of Visual Arts: Student Scholarships Unrestricted Gifts Designated Gifts

Endowment Support Planned Giving

Support Group membership Dean’s Fund for Excellence

GET INVOLVED GIVING.FULLERTON.EDU

Department Notes & Policies Covid-19 Safety Protocols • • •

Venue capacity is 50 students, seated singly and socially distanced.

Masks must be worn at all times.

The entire presentation must be attended from start to finish due to safety protocols.

Commitment to Diversity The Department of Theatre & Dance affirms its commitment to inclusiveness in student learning and success in all areas of theatre based on merit and achievement, and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical appearance, mental or physical disability, marital status or age.

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices Cellphones and other electronic devices must be turned off prior to the start of the performance and at the beginning of the second half to minimize disruptions in the theater and ensure the enjoyment of all patrons in attendance.

The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited, and any recordings will be asked to be deleted.

Food & Drink Policy Food and drink is not allowed in the venue, with the exception of bottled water.

If you do not follow these guidelines, you may be asked to leave. *** Faculty, Staff and Guest Artists of the Department of Theatre & Dance are specialists in their respective disciplines. Within these groups, the following professional artist unions are represented: • • • • • •

SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Radio and Television Artists) SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society) USA (United Scenic Artists) AEA (Actors’ Equity Association) AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists) AGVA - American Guild of Variety Artists

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival™ 52, part of the Rubenstein Arts Access Program, is generously funded by David and Alice Rubenstein.

Additional support is provided by The Honorable Stuart Bernstein and Wilma E. Bernstein; the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation; the Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; Hilton Worldwide; and Beatrice and Anthony Welters and the AnBryce Foundation.

Education and related artistic programs are made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.

This production is entered in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The aims of this national theater education program are to identify and promote quality in college level theater production. To this end, each production entered is eligible for a response by a regional KCACTF representative, and selected students and faculty are invited to participate in KCACTF programs involving scholarships, internships, grants and awards for actors, directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, designers, stage managers and critics at both the regional and national levels.

Productions entered on the Participating level are eligible for invitation to the KCACTF regional festival and may also be considered for national awards recognizing outstanding achievement in production, design, direction and performance.

Last year more than 1,300 productions were entered in the KCACTF involving more than 200,000 students nationwide. By entering this production, our theater department is sharing in the KCACTF goals to recognize, reward, and celebrate the exemplary work produced in college and university theaters across the nation.

kcactf.org

(Image) William Camargo, “We Gunna Have To Move Out Soon Fam,” 2020. Digital inkjet print. Courtesy of the artist.

WILLIAM CAMARGO: Origins & Displacements, Vols. 1 & 2 October 3 – December 31, 2020 This exhibition is an on-going body of work examining Orange County’s history through contemporary photographs, videos, and performance produced by artist William Camargo. On display outdoors at Grand Central Art Center and MUZEO Museum & Cultural Center due to ongoing Covid-19 safety protocols.

More information: www.arts. fullerton.edu/begovichgallery

BEGOVICH GALLERY