El Paso Playhouse Steel Magnolias Playbook

The El Paso Playhouse Presents

Robert Harling’s

STEEL

MAGNOLIAS Directed by VERONICA FRESCAS

JULY 17 - AUGUST 8, 2015 El Paso Playhouse 2015-2016 Season In Production with Dramatist Play Services Inc. Originally produced by the W.P.A. Theatre, New York City, 1987 (Kyle Renick, Artistic Director)

A Gift to the Community From DR. TERESA A. REED & DR. MURRAY M. VANN ART HEALS

DIRECTOR’S NOTES It’s hard to believe that it was only six weeks from auditions to opening night! But, I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge.

The greatest challenge of directing Steel Magnolias is to present this beloved story in a way that is honest to the script and yet find new elements in the story to keep it fresh. The memorable dialogue, along with the tender sensitive plot line makes it an enduring favorite and I have been incredibly privileged to have worked with an extremely talented cast who each found those fresh elements.

This story celebrates friendship that last a lifetime and rare moments in life when we feel comfortable enough to drop the mask we wear on a daily basis. Throughout this journey, I was blessed to work alongside such friends; both old and new. And in this community theater, they worked remarkably hard to sustain a place where designers, actors, technicians can come together to build something unique and present the results to you. Our common goal is that for a few hours of your time, you can transcend into the story where obstacles seem impossible, and life is both heartbreaking and heroic.

Steel Magnolias is a story that everyone can relate to. It is one of friendship and camaraderie, love and compassion, heartbreak and healing. It’s the story of our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, aunts, and friends. We love this story because it reminds us of the healing power of laughter in the face of sorrow.

I consider myself fortunate to present this classic story as entertainment to friends and family who fill our audiences.

Please look around you - I expect you will be among friends.

Veronica Frescas, Director Dedicated to the special women in my life

2015 - 2016 El Paso Playhouse Fred Keyser Season Steel Magnolias

by Robert Harling Directed by Veronica Frescas July 17 - August 8, 2015 Auditions: June 7 & 8 Blood Wedding/Bodas de Sangre

by Federico Garcia Lorca Directed by Alexander Wright August 28 - September 19, 2015 Auditions: June 28 & 29, 2015 Tales of Terror

by John Estrada Directed by John Estrada October 9 - 31, 2015 Auditions: August 16 & 17, 2015 Picasso at the Lapin Agile

by Steve Martin Directed by Mario Rodriguez-Alvarado November 20 - December 12, 2015 Auditions: September 20 & 21, 2015 It's A Wonderful Life

by James W. Rogers Directed by Eurydice Saucedo December 17 - 20, 2015 Auditions: November 29 & 30, 2015

The Hollow

by Agatha Christie Directed by Frieda Voeks January 8 - 30, 2016 Auditions: November 22 & 23, 2016 Vagina Monologues

by Eve Ensler Directed by Alexander Wright February 12 - 14, 2016 Auditions: January 17 & 18, 2016 A Doll's House

by Henrik Ibsen Directed by Jonathan Schwind February 19 - March 12, 2016 Auditions: December 13 & 14, 2016 Charley's Aunt

by Brandon Thomas Directed by Hector Serrano April 1 - 23, 2016 Auditions: January 31 & February 1, 2016 Romeo & Juliet

by William Shakespeare Directed by Vanessa Keyser May 13 - June 4, 2016 Auditions: March 13 & 14, 2016

CAST

(in order of appearance) Annelle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christina Castaños Truvy. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eurydice Saucedo Clairee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Vasquez Shelby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaya Smith M’Lynn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leslie Horvath Ouiser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minden Dickson Time: 1987 Place: Chinquapin, Louisiana ACT ONE Scene 1: April Scene 2: December ACT TWO Scene 1: June, 18 months later Scene 2: November STEEL MAGNOLIAS WILL BE PERFORMED WITH ONE 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION

(Please be advised that at times throughout the show there will be loud noises)

PRODUCTION STAFF Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Veronica Frescas Assistant Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lupe Frescas Stage Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Ambriz Producer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mario Rodriguez Lighting Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrick Marshall Light Board Operators. . . . . . . . . . . . Mario Rodriguez/Ashley Prieto Set Design & Master Carpenters/ Set Building. . . . . . John Estrada/ Romi Adams Set Dressing. . . . . . . . John Estrada/Romi Adams/Christine Ambriz Sound Technicians. . Veronica Frescas/Mario Rodriguez/Ted Voeks Props. . . . . . . . . . . . Terry Lambourn/Christine Ambriz/Karla Ambriz/ John Estrada/Romi Adams Costumes/Wigs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jaime Barba Stage Crew. . . . . . . . . . . Christine Ambriz, Karla Ambriz, Jared C. Berry Voice Over. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ted “Bobcat” Brown 96.3 KHEY Country Program Book. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Veronica Frescas Program Book paid for by. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Teresa A. Reed, MD Special Thanks. . . . Denise Olivas& Esmeralda Ojeda/KVIA-ABC7, Andra Litton/News Channel 9, Louie Saenz & Dennis Woo/KTEP, Victoria Molinar & Tod Wells/ What’s UP Magazine, El Paso Scene, UTEP Prospector,Gloria Viramontes, Courtney Smith/WestEnd Hair, Hunter Quartermane, Gilbert Carranza, Beverly Cotton, Cheryl Lamb/Golden Girls Goodies Home Baked Gluten Free Goodies, Sportsman’s Elite, Edward Gallardo III, Arielle Lara, Jake Dalton, Ruby Ramirez, Jaimelynn Amato, Cynthia Viramontes, Regency Printing, Dr. Teresa A. Reed, Dr. Murray M. Vann, our wonderful patrons for supporting us through 52 wonderful years!

THE EL PASO PLAYHOUSE ORGANIZATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS The El Paso Playhouse is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of an executive committee of officers and board members.

EXECUTIVE BOARD President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darci Georges Vice-President in charge of Productions. . Mario Alvardo-Rodriguez Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frieda Voeks Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eurydice Saucedo BOARD MEMBERS Johnathan Cantrell Ballard Coldwell Veronica Frescas Gerald Georges Jonathan Schwind Jim Taylor Amanda Vasquez Alexander Wright BOARD OF ADVISORS Celia Aguilar Grant Collinsworth Ted Voeks HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The theater has gone through several incarnations as well as several locations. It is the longest running community theater in El Paso with 52 years to date. The original financing for the procurement of the property and building at 2501 Montana was accomplished through the generosity of Mr. William Kastrin who along with his two daughters, Veronica Kastrin and Linda Abraham and Mr. Ken Letner of San Francisco, first conceived the idea of the Festival Theatre, the El Paso Playhouse’s original name at this location. In the 48 years of the Playhouse’s existence, it has seen many changes - from paint colors, to genre of plays performed on stage, to the numerous actors and patrons who have passed through its doors. Through it all, we have remained strong and everlasting.

“I regard the theater as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” Oscar Wilde

Cast Biographies (In order of appearance)

Christina Castaños (Annelle) began performing in front of El Paso audiences in 2009. Steel Magnolias will be her seventh production with the El Paso Playhouse. Her latest appearances on stage include the role of Amelia in The House of Bernarda Alba and Helen of Troy in Dr. Faustus.

Other credits include the UTEP Dinner theater in The Wizard of OZ, La Cage Aux Folles, and The Sound of Music.

Christina currently works as an educator for the Socorro Independent School District.

Eurydice Saucedo (Truvy) is proud to be returning to the stage. Her El Paso theater credits include Joanne in Rent, Martirio in the bilingual House of Bernarda Alba, Roz in 9 to 5, Elaine Page in Arsenic and Old Lace, and the Vagina Monologues to mention just a few. Other credits include the UTEP Dinner Theater, EPCC Theater Repertoire, Viva! El Paso, Shakespeare on the Rocks, Gilbert and Sullivan, Los Actores, S.O.R, and Improv on the Border. “A wish come true and joy to have the privilege to do what makes me happiest. Thank you, for all your love and support. I’m blessed, Starfish.”

Amanda Vasquez (Clairee) has been in several plays throughout the city over the past few years. She is an active member of Shakespeare on the Rocks and has also been in productions for EPCC Theater Repertoire. Amanda is a singer with the classic rock band Under One Nation and is too “cha cha for words.”

Cast Biographies (In order of appearance)

Kaya Smith (Shelby), better known as Kaya Papaya, wears many hats. A born co-pilot who loves creative, honest work, Kaya is an intuitive adventurer, an optimist and a storyteller.

Kaya Papaya is an author, illustrator and designer with technical savvy and an Education/Communication background.

Thanks to the El Paso Playhouse, you can find Kaya on stage or behind a curtain always with a glass raised to bold and creative folks telling stories.

Leslie Horvath (M’Lynn) is a native El Pasoan. Leslie grew up on stage with parents who were very active in theater.

After retiring from the Navy, she returned to El Paso and is currently a kindergarten teacher. Leslie played Gertude in Hamlet for Shakespeare on the Rocks and has been in several productions at the El Paso Playhouse. She played Vernadette in The Dixie Swim Club, Mickey in The Odd Couple (Female Version), Miss Peake in Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web, Maria in Lend Me a Tenor, and Belin in The Imaginary Invalid. Leslie would like to give a big thanks to her family, especially her husband for all their support.

Minden Dickson (Ouiser) After an extended break, Minden is happy to be back on stage in El Paso. Finally, she can put that UCLA theater degree to good use. She previously performed with Viva! El Paso, SRO, Music Theater El Paso, and El Paso Playhouse (many years ago!). Minden would like to thank her director (and friend of 30+ year) for the opportunity, and she’s excited that her sons will get to see her onstage for the first time!

Staff Biographies Veronica Frescas (Director) is an El Paso native. In making her directorial debut, she is honored to join the ranks of other great directors at the El Paso Playhouse. She currently serves on the board of the directors. Veronica was most recently on stage with the city-wide, bilingual tour of The Vagina Monologues 2015, reprising her role from the 2014 Vagina Monologues 2014 directed

by Alexander Wright. Since earning her BA degree in corporate communication from UTEP she has spent those years creating award-winning campaigns, including social marketing, promotions, and identity and brand development. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support and sarcastic remarks during this interesting journey “What would I do without you guys?” Veronica enjoys spending time with her family and furry babies and using her creative talents for charitable causes.

Lupe Frescas (Assistant Director) began her directing career many years ago as a founder of the Ballet Folklorico Infantil Cristo Rey (later just Folklorico Cristo Rey). Over the years she served on the Texas Commission on the Arts and has been the recipient of various local awards for her commitment to the arts.

Currently a dance and exercise instructor with the EPCC Senior Adult Program, Lupe has directed the Grandparent’s Day, Senior Love Conference and Christmas shows for over 30 years. She is a grandmother of six a mother of three and widow of Salvador Frescas.

Christine Ambriz (Stage Manager) has worked as an actor, stage manager and director for 11 years. The last time she was a part of a production at the El Paso Playhouse was back in 2009. She is pleased to be back. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with such amazing, beautiful and talented women.” She has previously done theater at EPCC, Shakespeare on the Rocks and Harmony School of Innovation. As of 2014, she extended her talents across the border and hopes to continue to work in theater for many years to come.

Staff Biographies John Estrada (Set Designer) is an El Paso, Texas based artist.

He obtained his B.F.A. from UTEP in 2011, with a focus on painting and drawing. He has been involved in the local art community since 1999, and since then has helped produce a variety of art and music showcases, a television program, anthology comic book, and has also participated in countless other artistic endeavors. John has been involved in over 50 local and bi-national productions. He is the current technical director for Shakespeare on the Rocks (SOTR) Theater Company. With SOTR, John has participated for 7 seasons and over 30 productions. John has contributed property and scenic work to the El Paso Conservatory of Dance, Eden Enterprises, EPCC and the El Paso Playhouse.

His El Paso Playhouse contributions include stage management for the 2010-2011 season production of Leading Ladies, stage management, lighting and sound design, properties and acting for the 2011-2012 season production of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, stage management and set construction for the 2012-2013 season of And Then There Were None, the 2013-2014 season productions of Spider’s Web and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and for the 2014-2015 season productions of The House of Bernarda Alba and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. For the 2015-2016 season, John’s scenic design will include the Veronica Frescas’ directed Steel Magnolias, the Alex Wright directed Bodas de Sangre and the ensemble Halloween production of “Witness! The Curiosity House Featuring The Tales of Terror” Mario Rodriguez (Sound Designer/Operator) This is Mario’s second time running tech for Steel Magnolias having previously done so for the 2008 Playhouse production directed by Jean Ames. He is thrilled to be working with Veronica and with such a talented cast and crew. This is his 48th Playhouse show since he began in the summer of 2004. During that time he has acted in countless shows and directed six of them including, You Can’t Take It With You, The Boys Next Door and last month’s The Mousetrap.

He currently serves as the 1st Vice-President of the Board, works at the Ysleta ISD, studies at UTEP and will be directing Picasso at the Lapin Agile in November.

Staff Biographies Jaime Barba (Costume Designer) is very pleased to design for the El Paso Playhouse stage. Born and raised in El Paso, he is a graduate of Cathedral High School and the University of Texas at El Paso. He has been on faculty in the Theater and Dance Department at the University of Texas at El Paso and the Costume Designer at the UTEP Dinner Theater since 2006. Directing credits at the UDT include RENT, The Sound of Music, Grease, Guys and Dolls, 9 to 5 and Footloose and he has been Hair and Wig Designer at the UDT since 1992. He was also Artistic Director and Costume Designer for VIVA! EL PASO form 2004-2013.

He has also appeared as a performer on the UDT stage as well as many others since 1989 having appeared in over 60 productions. Favorite Roles include Javert (Les Miserables, UDT), Molina (Kiss of the Spider Woman, UDT) and Roger DeBris (The Producers, UDT). He has had the opportunity to perform for Sir Tim Rice, lyricist of such musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, EVITA and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, among many others, on three separate occasions. He has performed alongside Broadway performers, recording artists and film stars Deborah Gibson, Ron Bohmer, Chuck Wagoner, Annie Golden, Yvonne Elliman, Barry Dennon, Hugh Pannero, and Andrea McArdle among others. He has performed in the American premiere of the Musical Tycoon in 1994 and designed costumes for the world premiere of LUTE in 2012, both Sir Tim Rice musicals. He has also worked/performed with the UTEP Theatre Department, Southwest Repertory Organization, Music Theater El Paso, New Groupe Theatre Troupe and was a founding member of Fourth Wall Theatrical Productions. He is an associate with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

Romelia Adams (Set Designer) was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She has been involved in the local theatrical community for the past two years. Romelia began her design career with the El Paso company, Total Designs as an interior designer for four years before moving on to other endeavors. She is currently a member of the El Paso based Augment El Paso, which consists of a collection of artists working in a “digital playground that encourages exploration of the digital arts and current technological trends. Augment El Paso promotes and incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), as well as the exploration of the digital arts through the use of augmented reality.� With Augment El Paso, for the past two years, Romelia has contributed as a fabricator, curator, interior/exterior designer, and has aided in event planning, promotions, and sales. She is also on the Augment El Paso Board of Directors.

Staff Biographies Patrick Marshall (Lighting Design) is a 2012 graduate of EPCC, with degrees in Associate of Arts specializing in drama. Patrick is currently attending UTEP with three semesters remaining before he obtains his BFA in Tech Theatre specializing in lighting design. So, he does things...recently he has designed projections for the dance show at UTEP and has also designed lights for numerous shows here at the Playhouse throughout the years.

Ashley Prieto (Lights/Sound Operator) This will be Ashley’s fourth Playhouse production. Having just starred in last month’s “The Mousetrap.” She is currently working in the retail industry and majoring in Psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys boba tea, reading, drawing, in-depth philosophical discussions with her two cats, Neffy and Hannibal and the occasional theatrical production.

Edward Gallardo III (Lobby Interior Design) Edward returns to the Playhouse for his third show here. He is involved in the community and is currently serving as the Director of Community Outreach and Mobilization for El Paso Sun City Pride. He is also a business owner and a certified wedding event designer. Edward has had extensive experience both on and off-stage.

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