El Paso Playhouse presents It's A Wonderful Life

LIVE ON STAGE

THE EL PASO PLAYHOUSE SPONSORED BY CAROL AND JENNIFER ENGLISH (PROUD OWNERS OF 11 SUBWAY SHOPS)

FROM THE FILM BY FRANK CAPRA AND THE STORY by PHILIP VAN DOREN STERN

DIRECTED BYSAMMANTHA FRANCO

DECEMBER 8-11 & 15-18, 2016

PRODUCED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY OF WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS

You’re worth more dead than alive.

Kat Wilkinson Specialized in watercolor, arcyrlic, oil, pencil, fabric, and more.

Email: kathryndoe@hotmail.com Estsy shop: www.etsy.com/people/kathrynwilkinson Website: www.katwilkinson.com

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

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VERONICA FRESCAS Vice-President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MINDEN DICKSON Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRIEDA VOEKS Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EURYDICE SAUCEDO SAMMANTHA FRANCO DENNIS WOO 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

Mr. Gower, you don’t know what you’re doing. You put something wrong in those capsules.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Attaboy, Clarence.

EL PASO PLAYHOUSE 2016-2017 SEASON

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

by Edward Albee Directed by Veronica Frescas June 24 - July 17, 2016 Auditions: April 17 & 18, 2016

August: Osage County

by Tracy Letts Directed by Mario Rodriguez-Alvarado August 5 - 28, 2016 Auditions: May 15 & 16, 2016 Our Lady of the Tortilla

by Luis Santeiro Directed by Eurydice Saucedo September 16 - October 19, 2016 Auditions: July 10 & 11, 2016 The Diary of Anne Frank

by Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett Newly Adapted by Wendy Kesselman Directed by Christine Ambriz October 28 - November 20, 2016 Auditions: August 21 & 22, 2016 It's A Wonderful Life

by James W. Rogers Directed by Sammantha Franco December 8-11 & 16-18, 2016 Auditions: October 15 & 16, 2016

Princess Diana the Musical

by Karen Sokolof Javitch & Elaine Jabens Directed by Veronica Frescas January 13 - 15, 2017 Auditions: December 2 & 3, 2016 The Women

by Clare Boothe Luce Directed by Eurydice Saucedo February 3 - 26, 2017 Auditions: November 5 & 6, 2016 Driving Miss Daisy

by Alfred Uhry Directed by Frieda Voeks March 24 - April 16, 2017 Auditions: February 12 & 13, 2017 No Sex Please, We’re British

by Anthony Marriott & Alistair Foot DirectedbyJaquelineArmendarizReynolds May 12 - June 4, 2017 Auditions: March 12 & 13, 2017

DIRECTOR’S NOTE SAMMANTHA FRANCO

I am beyond grateful to be the director of this classic and would like to dedicate it to all the George’s out there who dared to dream and all the Clarence’s who need a little help getting their wings.

Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.

Happy Holidays!

Sorry but we don’t use money in Heaven.

George Bailey displays courage at a young age and carries it throughout his life while picking up along the way, traits that make him the flawed, charming, and kindhearted character that every dreamer out there can relate to. Life doesn’t have to necessarily turn out the way we hope in order to be great, and when we can’t remember just how fantastic it is, there’s always Clarence in some shape or form to remind us to value what we have.

You’ve been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

A PLAY IN TWO ACTS FROM THE FILM BY FRANK CAPRA AND THE STORY BY PHILIP VAN DOREN STERN ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY JAMES W. RODGERS Directed by SAMMANTHA FRANCO Assistant Director

set design/master carpenter

christine ambriz set building

set painting

john estrada karla ambriz

SOUND DESIGN

dennis woo

Costumes

christine ambriz sammantha franco karla ambriz sylvia prieto LIGHT DESIGN

sammantha franco

utep costume dept crystal herman

Publicity

john estrada

Props

christine ambriz karla Ambriz

set dressing

christine ambriz karla ambriz

LIGHT & SOUND OPERATOR

crystal fino

Photography

Veronica Frescas Eurydice Saucedo Eurydice Saucedo

Stage Crew

christine ambriz karla ambriz

Poster art

kathryn wilkison

OPENING NIGHT CATERED BY: JENNIFER & CAROL ENGLISH

Special thanks to: Denise Olivas/KVIA ABC-7, Dennis Woo/KTEP, El Paso Scene, What’s Up El Paso, Christine Ambriz, Karla Ambriz, Yolie Ambriz, John Estrada, Jennifer & Carol English, Maxine & Jackie Franco, Crystal Fino, Martin Diaz Jr., Tiffany Anastasia Gailey, Crystal Herman/UTEP costume department, The Wonderful Cast & Crew, The Wonderful parents of the young actors.

SETTING

Christmas Eve, Bedford Falls. 1945

TIME

Early evening.

CAST

Who’s Who in the Cast

Jessie Erwin (George Bailey) grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2003, he joined the U.S Army as a French linguist. After serving a tour in Iraq from 2005-2006, he was accepted to the Army’s Green to Gold program.

In 2009, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army’s Aviation Branch and began helicopter flight training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. In 2011, he was stationed at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii to fly the UH60, Blackhawk. After four successful years in Hawaii he returned to the mainland and was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. Shortly after arriving to El Paso, he began taking jobs in the entertainment and marketing industry. He has since done everything from fashion shows, to print media, to television commercials. In addition to stage acting with the El Paso Playhouse, where he just recently played (Mr. Dussel) in The Diary of Anne Frank he will be working on several short films in October and November to gain additional acting experience.

Oh God, you’ve got to help me out here.

(In order of appearance) George Bailey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jessie Erwin Clarence Odbody. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Matthew Minnich Mr. Gower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dion Ronquillo Young George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maximo Brooks Pearson Harry Bailey/Mr. Welch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alex Chumly Mother Bailey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Becky Condra Aunt Tilly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvia Prieto Violet Peterson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mindy Herrera Bert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Malcom Stokes Ernie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jorge Blakely Uncle Billy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Desmond Linney Mary Hatch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Murden Henry F. Potter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scott Brocato Mr. Potter’s Goon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alberto Telles Mr. Potter’s Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth Avila Miss Andrews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christina Zermeno Mrs. Thompson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nana Nguyen Miss Carter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christine Ambriz Newspaper Boy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isaac Shane Zuzu Bailey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoey Herman Jaine Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kiera Blakely

Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.

Who’s Who in the Cast matthew minnich (Clarence Odbody) Matthew just graduated from UTEP with a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in Theatre and will be attending graduate school in January. Matthew has performed with The Union Dinner Theater, El Paso Playhouse, and UTEP. Matthew was last seen as (Mr. Kraler) in The Diary of Anne Frank. His list of credits include originating the role of (Roger-Roger) in the American Premiere of the Tim Rice musical Tycoon (UDT), (Eugene Morris Jerome) in Biloxi Blues (UDT), (Mead) in Safe Sex and On Tidy Endings (UTEP), (Ali Hakim) in Oklahoma (UDT), (Torvald) in A Doll’s House (EPPH), Chorus in Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert with Yvonne Elliman (Don Haskins Center), and (The Actor) in God (EPPH). He would like to thank his parents for their love and support. dion ronquillo (Mr. Gower) Dion Ronquillo Dionicio Ronquillo Jr. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas (except for a few years when he lived in Orlando, Florida). He has been perfoming in local theater since fall 2012. This will be his second performance at the El Paso Playhouse.

He is currently attending New Mexico State University and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Video Production. He would like to thank his parents, family, and friends for their constant support and many thanks to Samm for allowing him to be a part of another amazing cast and performance. maximo brooks pearson (Young George) Maximo Brooks Pearson is in the 6th grade and loves to draw, create animations, play with his cats, and act. Maximo was born in El Paso and loves living here! Maximo has performed with KIDS-N-CO and was last seen in The Doctor in Wonderland. Maximo would like to thank all his family for their support.

Alex Chumly (Harry Bailey/Mr. Welch) is a native of Inglewood, California and has been performing since the age of 15. Alex has been in productions such as West Side Story, Dreamgirls, Wicked, and Lion King to name just a few. This is his first performance at the El Paso Playhouse and he is excited to be apart of this amazing cast. In January Alex will be attending the New York Film academy where he will be studying Acting.

Alex wants to thank his friends and his family for the constant support.

“Never give up on your dreams for your dreams can turn into reality, keep your head up so no one can have ability to look down on thee.”

- Alex Chumley

Who’s Who in the Cast becky condra (Mother Bailey) Since the first time I watched the movie as a young girl, I have been enchanted by It’s a Wonderful Life. It is like a warm fuzzy blanket for the season. Blessings this Christmas and may you have the opportunity to help an angel get his wings.

Mindy Herrera (Violet Peterson) born in El Paso, Texas, she plans on moving to San Diego, California to continue her education at an out of state university. Mindy has a big heart but mostly only for her dog Mini and her favorite band, Blink 182.

Malcom Stokes (Bert) Having been out of El Paso for the last few years living in the Washington D.C. and Maryland area, Malcom is thrilled to be back home making his return to the stage in El Paso Play house’s rendition of It’s a Wonderful Life. This is Malcom’s third show at the playhouse with past credits in I’m Not Rappaport and I Never Saw Another Butterfly. He also was fortunate while in Maryland and Washington D.C. to be a part of the Washington D.C.Fringe Festival and Black Theatre Festival. Later this year you can catch Malcom in two films; One Penny filmed while in Baltimore and Save Me filmed here locally in El Paso.

Malcom has also been in many musicals and concerts throughout his career and looks forward to what the future holds for his career.

Jorge Blakely(Ernie) This is Jorge’s first time performing at the El Paso Playhouse. He’s a freshman at UTEP studying musical theatre. His biggest accomplishments are performing at the UTEP Dinner Theater and even the Plaza Theater. He would like to thank Samantha for allowing him the opportunity to perform on yet another El Paso stage.

Desmond Linney (Uncle Billy) is a 23 year retired Army Veteran (CPT).

This is Desmond’s third production with the El Paso Playhouse. His other productions in the past include It’s A Wonderful Life (2015), Witness:

The Tales of Terror, A Raisin in the Sun, The Wind in the Willows, The Nutcracker and God, Why Did You Make Me Black. A family man and huge

tech geek, Desmond enjoys spending time with his family and doing computer and phone repairs. Desmond currently works as a Senior Operations contractor for the US Army. Desmond would like to give a huge thanks to his wife and two daughters for their continued support.

A toast to my big brother George: the richest man in town

slyvia prieto (Aunt Tilly) is making her fifth stage appearance at the Playhouse. She has Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Music Theatre from UTEP and has performed in numerous musicals at the UTEP Dinner Theater. Sylvia thanks the whole cast and crew for their work and making it so fun to be a part of this show. She hopes you enjoy this classic story and Merry Christmas!

George Bailey, I’ll love you until the day I die.

Who’s Who in the Cast Laura Murden (Mary Bailey) is proud to be on stage with such a dedicated cast and crew to celebrate her two year anniversary in El Paso and with The El Paso Playhouse. Her previous credits include Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Hollow, and Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.

While each experience at The El Paso Playhouse has been a joy for her, Laura has been especially inspired by the message of It’s A Wonderful Life. She encourages all of you to give without expectation and be good to one another regardless of your differences. (Oh, and please keep supporting The El Paso Playhouse and the arts in your community!)

Scott Brocato (Henry F. Potter) is excited to make his El Paso Playhouse debut as Mr. Potter in “It’s A Wonderful Life”. He has co-starred in several plays in suburban Atlanta and his hometown of St. Louis such as God Of

Carnage, Inherit The Wind, You Can’t Take It With You, The Crucible, and Twelve Angry Jurors. A resident of Las Cruces, NM since July and a radio

d.j. for 30 years, he can be heard on 103.9 KGRT-FM in the afternoons Monday thru Friday, and Classic Hits 98.7 middays. He would like to thank directors Sammantha Franco and Christine Ambriz for casting him (as well as their unending patience with his work schedule during rehearsals); his supervisors at Adams Radio Group Las Cruces for indulging him; Minden, Veronica, and Eurydice for their friendship and welcoming him into the El Paso Playhouse family; and finally “It’s A Wonderful Life’s” equally wonderful cast for making this Bedford Falls a great place for him to “come home” to.

Alberto Telles (Mr. Potter’s Goon) born in El Paso, TX and a graduate of Bel Air High School and Alberto also attended El Paso Community College. He retired from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office after 25 years of service with the rank of Sergeant. He is married with four children ages 14 to 25 and his hobbies include magic and acting. He has appeared in the History Channels TV show Gang Land and National Geographic show Lockdown. Alberto officially began acting in January of 2016 locally and has been in several short student films and projects.

Elizabeth Avila (Mr. Potter’s Secretary) is a native El Pasoan. Elizabeth earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. During her college years at UTEP she watched and enjoyed many plays which is when she discovered her passion for theater. Elizabeth is excited to be making her debut with the “It’s A Wonderful Life” theatrical production and thrilled to have this opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew.

Christina Zermeno (Miss Andrews) has been regularly involved with theatre for the past 5 years. She is currently attending EPCC with a major in theatre education and plans to continue acting and otherwise participating in shows for the foreseeable future. She is currently cast in It’s A Wonderful Life, The Women, and Little Shop of Horrors. Zermeno would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her in passion.

Who’s Who in the Cast Nana Nguyen (Mrs. Thompson) Banana “Nana” Nguyen is a nomadic anarchist who’s delighted to be a part “It’s A Wonderful Life.” It’s A Wonderful Life marks her second show at The El Paso Playhouse. She would like to thank all the motorists and truck drivers who took a chance on an unknown hitchhiker and got her to El Paso. Her personal motto in life: Thumbs up!

Christine Ambriz (Miss Carter) has been doing theatre for nearly 13 years. She enjoys stage managing, acting, directing and set building equally and hopes to continue to use and expand her talents for many years to come.

Zoey Herman (Zuzu) is five years old and from El Paso, TX. This is her second main stage role. In her spare time Zoey enjoys doing yoga with her mom and playing My Little Pony. She is also an avid Star Wars fan and likes playing Rock Band with her dad.

Kiera Blakely (Janie Bailey) It’s A Wonderful Life is Keira’s first show at the El Paso Playhouse. She started acting at Kids-N-Co at the age of eight. She’s played (Little Fiona) in Shrek the Musical, (Tessie) in Annie and (Shprintze) in Fiddler on the Roof just to name a few. She’s had the pleasure of working at the UTEP Dinner Theater as well as many short films at NMSU. She enjoys acting and plans on continuing to do so in the future.

You once called me a warped frustrated old man.

Isabella Candelaria (Mrs. Martini) has been a part of the theatre community in El Paso for two years. She has participated in shows at Kids n Co., Sun City Musical Theatre, most memorably as (The Queen) in Cinderella the Musical and (Ruffiana) in A Company of Wayward Saints.

This is her first show at the El Paso Playhouse and hopes to continue to perform here. She would like to thank her sisters, Grandma, BHF, Roxy, and most importantly her parents for inspiring her and allowing her to follow her passion.

The El Paso Playhouse wishes you and yours a Happy Holiday and prosperous New Year!