Blumental Performing Arts: Legally Blonde, March, 2023

Hannah Bonnett (center, in pink) as Elle Woods with Hazel as Bruiser in Legally Blonde – The Musical.

Photo by Drager Creative.

Hello Queen City theater fans - so nice to meet you!

Welcome to the Encore family of publications, which includes Atlanta’s Broadway Across America at the famed Fox Theatre, The Woodruff Arts Center (including both the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Alliance Theatre), the Atlanta Opera, the Atlanta Ballet, and the Cobb Energy Centre.

We are thrilled to partner with Blumenthal Performing Arts and to showcase the amazing Broadway season lineup that is in store for you. From tonight’s Legally Blonde to Aladdin, to Chicago and MJ The Musical, we will dance, cry, laugh, celebrate, and sing together over the months to come!

Brantley

Publisher

PUBLISHER

Brantley Manderson brantley@encoreatlanta.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Hila Johnson hila@encorecharlotte.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Robert Viagas robert@encoreatlanta.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tamara Hooks tamara@encoreatlanta.com

DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Jennifer Nelson jennifer@encoreatlanta.com

WRITER

Page Leggett epageleggett@gmail.com

For over a century Loftin & Company served the Charlotte area with commercial printing services. Our services include offset & digital printing, mailing & fulfillment, print management/e-commerce and custom packaging. We are in business to serve and exceed our customers’ expectations.

So sit back and enjoy the show. We’re glad you’re here and we’re glad to be here too.

Manderson

AN UNDERDOG IN PINK

Elle Woods (with help from her dog, Bruiser) overcomes low expectations—and her ex

STORY BY Page Leggett

At first glance, Elle Woods doesn’t appear to be an underdog. She’s a sorority girl (Delta Nu) who gets accepted to Harvard Law. Only she’s not interested in studying law, at least not at first. Applying to the Ivy League institution was part of her plan to win back her Harvard Lawbound ex-boyfriend, Warner, who thinks she’s too much of an intellectual lightweight.

Clad in light pink and with her pet chihuahua tucked right under her arm, Elle could have been nothing more than a caricature. Instead, she’s a happygo-lucky heroine and an inspiration to anyone who’s ever been counted out. Elle has looks, brains and a heart.

She’s the central character of Legally Blonde, a 2007 musical with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and a book by Heather Hach. The show has big dance numbers, youthful energy and, according to

Hannah Bonnett (center, in pink) as Elle Woods with Hazel as Bruiser in Legally Blonde – The Musical.

Photo by Drager Creative.

Sophie Whitfield, company manager for the national tour, “lots of sugar.”

Based on Amanda Brown’s novel and the 2001 hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, the 2007 Broadway musical was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. It earned seven Tony Award nominations and 10 Drama Desk Award nominations.

DOG DAYS

After the movie’s success, Elle’s tiny canine, Bruiser, developed a following of his own. Bruiser’s in the musical, too, although he’s not with Elle as much as the film Bruiser was.

Here in Charlotte, Bruiser is, in fact, played by a female—one named Hazel who belongs to Whitfield. Hazel is one of two dogs in the show. Hazel wasn’t bred for show biz. Whitfield and her partner, James Book (head carpenter for the touring production), came upon a litter of puppies being given away outside a Southern California thrift store. “As soon as we met her, it was love at first sight,” Whitfield said. “We were attached straightaway.”

Hazel—67 percent chihuahua, 13 percent poodle with some miniature pinscher mixed in—was eight weeks old when the couple adopted her. Frequently on the road for work, the couple would take Hazel along with them.

When they joined the company of Legally Blonde - The Musical and the production needed a chihuahua, a star was born.

“Finding a dog to tour is particularly challenging,” Whitfield said. “You need a certain temperament. Hazel had been with us on prior tours and was always my emotional support animal. We knew she was good on the road.”

Prior to landing the role of Bruiser, Hazel had already been well-trained by Book and his mom. “It was just a matter of getting her used to the actors she does her scenes with,” Whitfield said.

The eight-pounder is no diva. She doesn’t travel with an entourage. Whitfield hires groomers in whatever city they happen to be in. “She always stays put right where she is,” Whitfield said of her nearly 4-year-old pooch. “She doesn’t need to be on a leash.”

The current touring production has been on the road—with Hazel in tow—since last October. In short order, she came to “belong” to everyone in the 45-person company.

PINK AND SPARKLE AND SUGAR

The musical—which sticks closely to the beloved movie “other than some fun surprises everyone expects from live theatre,” Whitfield said—sees Elle discover how the law can help people. She’s surprised by her own aptitude for it when she successfully defends fitness queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial. Those who’d underestimated Elle—including her ex, Warner—

discover she’s, in fact, a force to be reckoned with.

Fans of the flick will be glad to know Paulette, Elle’s friend who works in a beauty salon, appears in the musical—as does the iconic “bend-and-snap” maneuver.

Whitfield has a few favorites in the show. Her favorite song is “There! Right There!” in Act II. She won’t reveal the subject of the song; she said it’s too good a surprise to spoil. Her favorite moment comes “when something happens in Act II that leads Elle to sing a really vulnerable ballad.”

She said, “For me, it’s the show’s most heartfelt moment. The audience connects with the storyline because everyone’s had that moment where they felt defeated and vulnerable and then risen above it.”

Don’t be surprised to see people in the audience dressed in pink. It happens night after night. “We love seeing it,” Whitfield said. “It’s an amazing feeling to see our work supported like that.”

But she’s quick to add, “Even if you’re not into pink and sparkle and sugar, you’ll find something to connect with. It’s about an underdog who’s left in the worst position but then makes something great out of it. I think that connects to everyone in the world.”

Hannah Bonnett as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde – The Musical.

Photo by Drager Creative.

CAST

Margot JESSE LYNN HARTE

Serena TAYLOR LLOYD

Pilar RORY FUREY-KING

Elle Woods.............................................................................................................................................. HANNAH BONNETT

Courtney KAELEE ALBRITTON

Store Manager CARLY CAVIGLIA

Warner Huntington III JAMES OBLAK

Kate ............................................................................................................................................................... ALEXIS LOISELLE

Dad CHRIS CARSTEN

Mom KAELEE ALBRITTON

Grandmaster Chad MATTHEW DEAN HOLLIS

Winthrop CHRIS CARSTEN

Lowell ..................................................................................................................................................... BRANDON MORENO

Pforzheimer GILL VAUGHN-SPENCER

Emmett Forrest AATHAVEN THARMARAJAH

Aaron JACK GIMPEL

Your Majesty................................................................................................................................................... PABLO PERNIA

Enid HARLEY BARTON

Vivienne Kensington LEA SEVOLA

Professor Callahan CHRIS CARSTEN

Paulette Bonafonte ASHLEY MORTON

Whitney KAELEE ALBRITTON

Dewey MATTHEW DEAN HOLLIS

Brooke Wyndham KAELEE ALBRITTON

Prison Guard CARLY CAVIGLIA

Salesgirl........................................................................................................................................................... CHANEL BLACK

Kyle MATTHEW DEAN HOLLIS

Reporter BERNARD RICHARDS

D.A. Joyce Riley CHANEL BLACK

Nikos ......................................................................................................PABLO PERNIA

Carlos BRANDON MORENO

Judge CARLY CAVIGLIA

Chutney EMMA WILCOX

Court Stenographer MEG FROST

ENSEMBLE

KAELEE ALBRITTON, HARLEY BARTON, CHANEL BLACK, CARLY CAVIGLIA, MEG FROST, RORY

FUREY-KING, JACK GIMPEL, JESSE LYNN HARTE, MATTHEW DEAN HOLLIS, REAGAN KENNEDY, TAYLOR LLOYD, ALEXIS LOISELLE, BRANDON MORENO, PABLO PERNIA, BERNARD RICHARDS, GILL VAUGHN-SPENCER, EMMA WILCOX

DANCE CAPTAIN: REAGAN KENNEDY

UNDERSTUDIES

For Elle Woods: JESSE LYNN HARTE, REAGAN KENNEDY;

For Emmett Forrest: GILL VAUGHN-SPENCER

For Paulette: HARLEY BARTON

For Margot: CHANEL BLACK, CARLY CAVIGLIA, BRANDON MORENO;

For Serena: CHANEL BLACK, CARLY CAVIGLIA, BRANDON MORENO;

For Pilar: CHANEL BLACK, CARLY CAVIGLIA, BRANDON MORENO

For Warner: JACK GIMPEL; For Vivienne: ALEXIS LOISELLE

For Enid: EMMA WILCOX; For Courtney, Mom, Whitney, Brooke: ALEXIS LOISELLE

For Chutney: MEG FROST; For Store Manager, Prison Guard, Judge: CHANEL BLACK

For H&H Sales Person, DA Joyce Riley: REAGN KENNEDY For Kate: MEG FROST

For Grandmaster Chad, Dewey, Kyle: PABLO PERNIA;

For Callahan, Dad, Winthrop, Your Majesty, Nikos, Aaron: BERNARD RICHARDS

ACT ONE

Scene 1: UCLA Delta Nu Sorority House/Mall/Elle’s Door

“Omigod You Guys” Margot, Serena, Pilar, Delta Nus, Elle, Shopgirl, Manager

Scene 2: Restaurant

“Serious” .............................................................................................................................................................Warner, Elle

Scene 3: Delta Nu Sorority House/Golf Course/Harvard Law School Admissions Office

“Daughter of Delta Nu” Margot, Serena, Pilar, Kate, Delta Nus

“What You Want”

Scene 4: Harvard Yard

Elle, Margot, Serena, Pilar, Kate, Mom, Dad, Grandmaster Chad, Winthrop, Pforzheimer, Lowell, Delta Nu’s and Company

“Harvard Variations” Emmett, Aaron, Enid, Padamadan, Harvard Students

Scene 5: Callahan’s Classroom

“Blood in the Water” Callahan and Company

Scene 6: Harvard Yard

“Positive” Elle, Margot, Serena, Pilar, Greek Chorus

Scene 7: The Hair Affair

“Ireland” ..................................................................................................................................................................... Paulette

“Ireland” (Reprise) Paulette

Scene 8: Harvard Party

“Serious” (Reprise) Elle, Warner

Scene 9: Harvard Yard/Elle’s Room/Callahan’s Classroom

“Chip on My Shoulder” ..................................................................... Emmett, Elle, Greek Chorus and Company

Scene 10: Dewey’s Trailer

Scene 11: Harvard Hallway

“So Much Better”

Elle, Greek Chorus and Company

THERE WILL BE ONE 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION

ACT TWO

Scene 1: Conference Room of Hearne, Fox, Zyskowski & Callahan/Women’s Prison

“Whipped Into Shape”

Scene 2: Hansen-Harkness Department Store

Brooke, Callahan and Company

“Take It Like a Man” Elle, Emmett, Salespersons

Scene 3: The Hair Affair

“Bend and Snap” Elle, Paulette, Serena, Margot, Pilar, Salonfolk

Scene 4: Courtroom

“There! Right There!”

Scene 5: Callahan’s Office/Elle’s Door

“Legally Blonde”

Scene 6: The Hair Affair

“Legally Blonde Remix”

Elle, Callahan, Emmett, Brooke, Vivienne, Warner, Enid, Judge, Nikos, Carlos and Company

Elle, Emmett

Vivienne, Enid, Elle and Company

Scene 7: Courtroom/Bathroom of the Wyndham Mansion

“Omigod You Guys” (Reprise) ...................................................................................................... Elle and Company

Scene 8: Harvard Law Graduation

“Find My Way/Finale” ................................................................................................... Elle, Paulette and Company

ORCHESTRA

Music Director, Keys 1 - EDDIE CARNEY

Associate Music Director, Keys 2 - BRADEN CHUDZIK

Reeds - HENRY HERNANDEZ; Bass - CASIMIR OLKO

Guitar - JAY ROSEN; Drums - MARC MCDUFF

WHO’S WHO in the CAST

HANNAH BONNETT (Elle Woods) Dream come true! OffBroadway/Regional: The Big Bang Theory: A Pop Rock Musical Parody, Carnival Cruise Lines, SKATES. Endless gratitude to the Legally Blonde Team, Alison, Brian Graziani at HKA, Badiene Magaziner, Chris York and Leesa Csolak. Extra love to my AC/ DC angel. For Mom, who always believes in me.

AATHAVEN THARMARAJAH (Emmett) National tour debut! Recent credits: Hello, Dolly!, Elf the Musical, Illyria, Freaky Friday, Strictly Ballroom (U.S. premiere). BFA University of Utah MT. Shoutout to Brian at HKA and my friends, professors, & family for all of their love and support. And, of course, much love to MTP ‘22. @aathaven.t

CHRIS CARSTEN (Professor Callahan, Dad, Winthrop, Reporter) Mr. Carsten has been seen in Big League Productions projects for more than 25 years and is thrilled to be reprising the role of Professor Callahan! Some of his favorite roles with Big League include John Adams in 1776, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, and Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. Since 2014 Chris has been seen in Big League’s annual holiday production of A Christmas Story The Musical as Jean Shephard. He sends his thanks to his family for their love and support!

ASHLEY MORTON (Paulette) (she/her): Touring: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Mama Who) Regional: Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), Ragtime (Ensemble, Kathleen), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania), The 39 Steps (Woman), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle). Much thanks and love to my gorgeous family and incredible friends! IG - @ashmort.

JAMES OBLAK (Warner)

Originally from Cleveland, James currently resides in NYC. Credits include Tours: Legally Blonde (Warner- Nat’l Tour), Broadway Christmas Wonderland, Million Dollar Quartet (Jerry Lee Lewis – NCCL). Favorite Regional Credits: Mamma Mia! (Fulton Theatre) Footloose (TBTS) Avenue Q (Princeton/ Rod – Human Race Theatre), and Life Could Be a Dream (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati) His original debut album is available on iTunes and Spotify!

@James.Oblak

LEA SEVOLA (Vivienne) is from Randolph, New Jersey and is a proud Ithaca College alum. Favorite credits: Athena (Athena - Urbanite Theatre), Hamlet (Ophelia - Shakespeare at the Castle), Xanadu (Calliope - Hangar Theatre), and Mamma Mia (Ali - Oregon Cabaret Theatre). Love to her wonderful family. www.leasevola.com

@leasevola

KAELEE ALBRITTON (Brooke, Courtney, Mom, Whitney, Ensemble) Thrilled to be skipping across North America with my sisterhood! Recently Amber Von Tussle on the Hairspray National Tour. BFA in Musical Theatre from The University of Mississippi. Endless thanks to Take 3 Talent, Eddie Rabon and the entire Legally Blonde cast and creative team. For my family, friends and angels, Nana and Aunt Stacie. Let’s work it out!

@kaealbrittonnn

HARLEY BARTON (Delta Nu Sister, Enid, Ensemble, U/S Paulette) is a New York-based actress who is utterly stoked to be making her national tour debut! Reprising the role of Enid, her previous time being at The Argyle Theatre, NY. Credits: Footloose (Rusty). Shout (Yellow Girl). So much love to the fam. IG: @harley_barton

CHANEL BLACK (Delta Nu Sister, H&H Sales Person, DA Joyce Riley, Ensemble, U/S Margot, Serena, Pilar) a recent graduate of Rockford University, is overjoyed to be making her tour debut with Legally Blonde The Musical! Favorite credits include: Sister Act (Deloris), Bullets Over Broadway (Olive), West Side Story (Consuelo). Endless thanks to her friends and family for their continuous support. Keep on, keeping on. @ChanelEBlack

CARLY CAVIGLIA (Delta Nu Sister, Store Manager, Student, Prison Guard, Judge, Ensemble, U/S Margot, Serena, Pilar )

National Tour debut! Regional: Flashdance (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Beauty and the Beast & The Last Five Years (NBFT), A Christmas Carol (WPPAC), The Last Five Years (Syracuse Stage). BFA: Syracuse University. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Claire, cast, creative, and production teams. For Brian Roberts. www. carlycaviglia.com @carlycaviglia

MEG FROST (Delta Nu Sister, Student, Court Stenographer, Ensemble, U/S Chutney) Meg Frost has been performing since she was two years old. She is overjoyed to be a part this incredible touring production. She would like to thank her family, Avalon Artists Group, Ivy Artist Management, the cast and crew for this wonderful experience! Insta @Meg.W.Frost “From The Top With Feeling”

RORY FUREY-KING (Pilar, Ensemble) is so grateful to be back home inside theaters! Off West-End: Operation Mincemeat (Jean, originated). International Tour: Cats (Bombalurina). Regional: School Girls Or; The African Mean Girls Play (Ericka u/s) at the Goodman Theater. Film: Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again! Second City NBC Bob Curry alum. ArtsEd, London (BA-MT) and proud Paper Mill Playhouse Conserv. alum. Rory is represented by Luedtke Agency and reps Jersey on this tour!

@roryfureyking

JACK GIMPEL (Aaron, Ensemble, U/S Warner) is thrilled to be touring North America with

this amazing cast and crew!

Credits: Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz (Workshop), Kinky Boots, Footloose, and Cinderella (Theatre By The Sea). Proud graduate of Rider University (2022). So thankful to family and friends for their unwavering support. Hugs to Mom, Dad, Em, and Clare for their unconditional love. @jgimps92

JESSE LYNN HARTE (Margot, Ensemble, U/S Elle Woods)

Jesse Lynn is thrilled to be a Delta Nu! Favorite credits include Serena (Legally Blonde) and Lisa (Mamma Mia!) at The Palace Theatre, Ariel (Little Mermaid) at Fiddlehead Theatre, Gertie (Oklahoma!) at The MacHaydn, Star To Be (Annie) at Westchester Broadway. Thanks to Big League Productions, the fam, Carl, and Vienna. @JesseLynnHarte

MATTHEW DEAN HOLLIS

(Grandmaster Chad, Dewey, Kyle, Ensemble) is very excited to be a part of this production of Legally Blonde. Most recently, he has toured nationally with Cocomelon Live as Dad, and internationally with Marvel Universe Live as Thor. Matthew obtained a BA in theatre performance from High Point University, and is a certified USA Gymnastics coach.

REAGAN KENNEDY (Co-Dance

Captain, Swing, Ensemble, U/S Elle Woods) is grateful to be making her touring debut. Reagan is a recent graduate from the School of Theatre, Film and

Television at The University of Arizona where she was last seen as the Witch in Into The Woods (Arizona Repertory Theatre). She thanks all her cheerleaders. Love and Gratitude. @_reagankennedy

TAYLOR LLOYD (Serena, Ensemble) (she/they) is a Jersey-raised, New York-based creative who is tickled pink making her national tour debut! Credits: The Flamingo Kid (Swing), Grease (Rizzo), Sweet Charity (Helene). Graduate of The Hartt School. Big thanks to Michael at The Roster Agency! Endless love to the fam. IG:@ taylloyd74

ALEXIS LOISELLE (Delta Nu Sister, Student Kate, Ensemble, U/S Vivienne, Brooke) is ecstatic to be making her national tour debut with Legally Blonde! OffBroadway: Fire Island, Sleepy Hollow. Favorite regional credits: Company (Sarah, Kathy), Hair (Sheila), Freaky Friday (Savannah), Miss Saigon (Ellen). All the love to mom, dad, sibs, and fiancé Jacob for their endless support.

BRANDON MORENO (Carlos, Lowell, Ensemble, U/S Margot, Serena, Pilar) is a proud triple-threat performer whose credits so far include Larry in A Chorus Line and this current production! Brandon recently graduated from AMDA but has also trained as an award-winning choreographer and dancer at AV Dance Studio 81 and DNA Studios. Follow my journey! @busy.with.brandonnn

PABLO PERNIA (Nikos, Your Majesty, Ensemble, U/S Kyle, Dewey, Grandmaster Chad)

National Tour debut! Past credits include NSMT: Kinky Boots (Angel/Asst Choreographer)

Theatre By the Sea: Footloose (Lyle/Jeter/ Ren u/s), Cinderella (Ensemble, Topher u/s), Kinky Boots (Angel). PPTOPA: Cabaret (Emcee); Slow Burn Theatre Co: Kinky Boots (Angel), Matilda (Rudolpho); The Wick Theatre: Gypsy (Yonkers); Loxen: In The Heights (Jose); Titusville Playhouse: Legally Blonde (Carlos). Thanks to Mikey, Jack, and all his family and friends for their unconditional love and support always. @pabloperniaa

BERNARD RICHARDS (Swing, Ensemble, Reporter, U/S Callahan, Dad, Winthrop) Bernie is thrilled and honored to be making his national tour debut. A graduate from Kent State University in dance performance, his previous experience includes Carnival Cruise Line and Crystal Cruises. Thanks Momma and Didah for never telling me “No” when it comes to my dreams!

GILL VAUGHN-SPENCER

(Pforzheimer, Violinist, Ensemble, U/S Emmett) A Small Potato in the Big City! Recently seen in the A Chorus Line 2022

International Tour. Regional: White Christmas and Beauty and the Beast (NBFT), A Chorus Line (City Springs and Weathervane Theatre). Point Park 2020 and YOU Talent client. Thanks to all for such a wonderful experience! www.gillvs.com || IG:@gill.rvs

EMMA WILCOX (Delta Nu Sister, Chutney, Ensemble, U/S Enid) is thrilled to be on her first National Tour! BFA in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University. Regional: Theatre By the Sea (Million Dollar Quartet, Footloose, Cinderella), A Charlie Brown Christmas (NYC Company). Big thank you to her family, Avalon Artists Group, and Alison Franck Casting! @emmatwilcox

HEATHER HACH (Book) received 2007 Tony and Drama Desk nominations for her work on Legally Blonde. Graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, School of Journalism. Worked at The New York Times Denver Bureau as a research assistant and Sports and Fitness Publishing in Boulder, Colorado, as a magazine editor. Member of Denver’s Comedy Sports improv comedy troupe. Worked on the TV shows “Caroline in the City” and “Dilbert.” Won Walt Disney Screenwriting Fellowship in 1999. Film credits include Disney’s Freaky Friday and What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Also wrote the young adult novel “Freaky Monday” with Mary Rodgers. Much love to friends and family, especially Jason, Harper and Drake.

LAURENCE O’KEEFE (Music and Lyrics) received 2007 Tony and Drama Desk nominations for his work on Legally Blonde. Larry thanks all Blonde producers and creative team. He won the Ed Kleban Award, the ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award and a

Jonathan Larson award for his music and lyrics. Off-Broadway credits: Bat Boy: The Musical (Lucille Lortel, Richard Rodgers, Outer Critics’ Circle awards), which has received 100+ productions worldwide; music for Sarah, Plain and Tall, lyrics by Nell Benjamin (touring with TheatreWorksUSA). Co-author with Nell Benjamin of Cam Jansen (Drama Desk nomination) and The Mice. Larry is a product of his education with the Harvard Krokodiloes, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the Harvard Lampoon and the Actors’ Gang, but especially the incomparable Nell Benjamin.

NELL BENJAMIN (Music and Lyrics) co-wrote the score to Legally Blonde, the Musical with composer Laurence O’Keefe, which received Tony Award nominations, Drama Desk nominations, and the Olivier and Helpmann Awards for Best Musical. Nell’s play, The Explorers Club, won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding OffBroadway Play, the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award, and an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation grant. Nell has written book and/or lyrics for Pirates! (or Gilbert and Sullivan plunder’d), Sarah, Plain and Tall, Cam Jansen (Drama Desk-nominated), I Want My Hat Back, How I Became A Pirate, The Mice, Life of the Party and Because of Winn Dixie. She is working on musical adaptations of Dave, Gotta Dance, and Mean Girls. Television writing includes Unhappily Ever After, Animal Planet’s Whoa!

Sunday with Mo Rocca and the new Electric Company.

MUSIC THEATRE

INTERNATIONAL (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser, and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide. MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City with additional offices in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).

JEFFREY B. MOSS (Director)

Jeffrey B. Moss is the awardwinning director of the critically acclaimed New York and London productions of Bock and Harnick’s new Rothschild & Sons. Also In New York, he directed the hit musical Mayor, the Cy Coleman/Neil Simon’s Little Me, Bill Boggs’ Talk Show Confidential and was the director of the New York and Kennedy Center productions of Some Enchanted Evening, now part of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Library. He has created newly imagined stagings of classic

musicals such as Golden Boy, Rags, The Spitfire Grill and Brigadoon and his work also includes the development of new plays and musicals such as Before The Dream, Passin’ It On, The Jazz Club, Mermaids, (based on the MGM film) and Charles Strouse’s Real Men. He has staged over 35 national and international tours including Guys and Dolls, Hello, Dolly!, Man of La Mancha, The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, On the 20th Century, The Music Man, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Music of the Night, Annie, West Side Story, 42nd Street, Annie Get Your Gun, Mame, a Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Damn Yankees, Saturday Night Fever and Legally Blonde. His acclaimed international production of My Fair Lady played in the United States, Singapore and China. Plays directed include Master Class, Ali, Norman, Is That You?, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, A Shayna Maidel and The Sunshine Boys. Last season, his new productions of An American in Paris and South Pacific delighted audiences across America. This season, new projects include Damn Yankees and tonight’s new production of Legally Blonde.

BOB RICHARD (Choreographer) of the Broadway and tour productions of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for the past 15 years. Off-Broadway he directed and choreographed Inventing Mary Martin: The Revue of a Lifetime (Joseph A.

Callaway Award nomination) and The Road to Qatar. He has directed at North Shore Music Theatre, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Theatre By The Sea, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Theatre Under The Stars, and Pioneer Theatre Company. Internationally in Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore and Tokyo and London and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. His choreography has received a Footlight Award, Gypsy Rose Lee Award, Ivey Award, Ernie Award, and San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award. My love to my Rocks Diane and Robert Henry thank you for showing me the beauty of life and love.

RANDEL WRIGHT (Scenic Design) Randel Wright, native Texan, has designed scenery for Singin’ In The Rain (national), Unsinkable Molly Brown (national / Debbie Reynolds), Pal Joey (Joel Grey) (Dixie Carter), The Wiz (Stephanie Mills), I Do! I Do! (Sandy Duncan), Batteries Not Included (Jamie Hammerstein co-author & dir.), Coca-Cola Centennial, Dr. Pepper Centennial and Yale University Tercentennial

JOHN BELTRE (Costume Design Coordination) John Beltre is excited to be working with Big League Productions again! They are a NYC based Costume Designer for Theatre and Film. They work mostly with new works for both Theatre and Film but some of their recent Theatre credits include: South Pacific (US National Tour 2021),

Lizzie the Musical (Stagedoor Manor), Sondheim on Sondheim (Stagedoor Manor), Miracle in Rwanda (Theatre Row), Dialogues of a Traveler (National Sawdust), The Crucible (Access Theatre). Beyond Theatre, some of their recent Film productions include: a modern adaptation of As You Like it, The Stamp Collector, Here She Goes, and Catfight. To see more about John and their work, visit their website at www.JohnBeltre.com.

CHARLIE MORRISON (Lighting Design) National/international tours: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (NYC, Grand Ole Opry, US Tour), A Chorus Line (US Tour, Japan, and China), South Pacific, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Miss Saigon, Aida (US and Asia), The Producers, Man of La Mancha, Guys and Dolls, Groovaloo (NYC, LA, US Tour), Hello, Dolly!; My Fair Lady; The King and I (US, South America and Korea), Spelling Bee, Gypsy, 42nd Street (US and Japan), Smokey Joe’s Cafe, The Who’s Tommy (Europe and Japan), Titanic, The Music Man and many others. TV: Finding Magic Mike for HBOMax. Las Vegas: Rouge at The Strat. Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Guthrie Theater, Shakespeare Theatre Company (D.C.), Goodspeed Musicals, Seattle Repertory, Seattle 5th Avenue, Broadway Sacramento at Music Circus, Theatre Under the Stars, Dallas Summer Musicals, Kansas City Starlight, Pittsburgh CLO, George Street Playhouse, North Carolina

Theatre, PlayMakers Repertory, Tulsa Opera and many others. Charlie is the recipient of two Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Lighting Design. www.cmlighting.com.

JONATHAN INFANTE (Video Design) Jonathan Infante is an award winning scenic video artist based out of Southern California. Owner of Infante Media, a boutique production company, that has developed video content for television, film, museums, concert tours, plays and musicals around the world. He thanks his family and friends for their continued support. Most recent credits: An American in Paris / South Pacific 2022 Tour. Dreamgirls 2020 Asia Tour, American In Paris 2019/2020 National Tour, Legally Blonde US National Tour. Regional Credits: Shrek (3D-T), Matilda (Tuacahn), Prince Of Egypt (Tuacahn), Beauty and the Beast (MRE), Newsies (Moonlight), Big Fish (Moonlight), Mary Poppins (MRE), Damn Yankees (Sacramento Music Circus) American Idiot (LMT).

SIMON LAMBERT (Sound Design) Simon is a passionate and dedicated sound designer and operator with a career spanning 30 years covering much of the globe. He started in the live music industry where his credits included Blur, BB King, Robert Plant and Coldplay amongst many others. He made the move into live theatre, sound designing shows such as The Full Monty, Hello, Dolly!, Our House; Jesus Christ Superstar and Debbie Reynolds Alive and

Fabulous West End shows. He is proud to be working on this fun-loving musical with such a talented and dedicated band, cast, crew and creative team.

KARIN LOPEZ (Hair & Wig Design) Happy to be working with Big League Productions again, Karin is a CT native with over 25 years as a wig specialist. Proud IATSE local #74 member and Head Supervisor at The Palace Theater Waterbury. She has been teaching a special program with Waterbury Arts Magnet School for over a decade and prides herself in helping the kids learn to sew, costume, and wigs for their own productions. She has been the Lead Costumer and Wig Designer for all their Productions. Design credits include Big League Natl Tours: A Christmas Story, An American in Paris and South Pacific 20212022. She thanks her family and is dedicating this show to her dad for all his love and support over the years.

SKIP BREVIS (Co Music Supervisor) is a busy New York City producer, arranger, musical director, composer and consultant who works with top artists in theater, music and film. He co-created, arranged, and musical directed the original production of Beehive, the 60’s Musical. Other original productions created and musical directed include Winner Take All (A Rock Opera), and Showdown!, now in its fifth year in Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Recent theatrical projects include Martin, the new Charles Strouse / Leslie Lee musical and Damn Yankees!, and

you can hear his original music in the award winning documentary film Married and Counting. Skip’s long-running R&B show band, The Stingers, continues to perform at events here and around the world, backing such artists as Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald, Darius Rucker, Anita Baker, and Jennifer Hudson.

SEAN CAMERON (Co Music Supervisor) Sean Cameron is a New York City pianist, conductor, & music director, primarily working in musical theatre. He attended the College Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati on full scholarship as a Cincinnatus Scholar, earning dual degrees in Music Education and Performance. Sean was the music director for the 2022 Tokyo production of A Chorus Line, directed and choreographed by Baayork Lee. He was previously the associate music director and pianist for the 2018 U.S. and Japanese tour of A Chorus Line, and he has also spent a holiday season traveling across the country as music director and conductor for the NETworks touring production of Elf The Musical. He has often served as music director and arranger for Michael R. Jackson. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor and staff accompanist at Marymount Manhattan College. He also serves as music director, pianist, and organist for the Sayville United Church of Christ, the progressive voice of the South Shore. He has previously music directed for the National Asian Artists Project Broadway

Community Chorus and Keanstage at Kean University.

EDDIE CARNEY (Music Director)

International Tours: A Chorus Line (Associate Music Director Tokyo). National Tours: South Pacific (MD), An American in Paris (MD), Legally Blonde the Musical (AMD — 2019), and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! the Musical (AMD). Beginning his career at age fourteen, Eddie’s credits span the musical theatre gamut from Show Boat to Chicago to Mamma Mia! In New York, he had the honor of accompanying Tony Award-winner Daisy Eagan (The Secret Garden) at 54 Below. Eddie is the recipient of two Excellence in Musical Direction honors from the American College Theatre Festival (Sunday in the Park with George, Whistle Down the Wind) and holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Ashland University. Dedicated to his fiancé Preston and his parents for their endless love and support. “Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos.” — Stephen

Sondheim

ALISON FRANCK (Casting Director) has been a casting director in NYC for over 25 years. She started as an assistant for many Broadway Productions, then she worked in film/ TV for several years, then from 20002010, she was the Resident Casting Director at Paper Mill Playhouse. In 2011 she joined the team at Liz Lewis Casting Partners, where she cast commercials, voiceovers, film/TV, and theatre. Alison now runs her own company, Franck Casting, where she has cast several tours of well-known musicals including Dreamgirls, An American in Paris, A Christmas Story: The Musical, A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde, The Simon and Garfunkel

Story and upcoming The British Invasion Live. www.franckcasting.com

BROADWAY & BEYOND

THEATRICALS (Tour Booking) Led by founders Tracey McFarland, Victoria Lang, and Ryan Bogner, Broadway & Beyond Theatricals (BBT) is dedicated to the distribution and creation of quality branded theatrical content for traditional and non-traditional venues throughout North America and beyond. BBT’s InHouse booking division delivers quality productions tailored to a venue’s size and budget. BBT’s Custom Content division offers commercial producers and IP stakeholders strategic management, consulting services and distribution solutions, while producing quality theatrical content in New York and for the road. Upcoming productions: Paradise Square (Broadway), The Kite Runner (Broadway), Cambodian Rock Band (Tour). Broadway tours as agent: Paradise Square, The Cher Show, The Kite Runner, An American In Paris, Legally Blonde, Million Dollar Quartet Christmas & more. www.bbtheatricals.com

WENDY J. CONNOR/DONNA FIEGEL (Press and Marketing)

TRUE Marketing is a full-service entertainment marketing firm based in Orlando, Florida that boasts a full Marketing and Public Relations Consulting Team, Graphic Design Department, Social Marketing Strategy Team and In-House Video Production Team. Team TRUE has worked on national tours of A Christmas Story: The Musical, An American In Paris, Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line, My Fair Lady, Spring Awakening, The Producers, 42nd Street, Dreamgirls, Guys and Dolls, and The Wizard of Oz. www.TeamTRUE.com

BIG LEAGUE PRODUCTIONS/ DANIEL

SHER (Executive Producer and General Management) is celebrating its 30th season of producing and general managing Broadway shows and attractions throughout the world. Early highlights were collaborations with Disney on Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida (North America, Taiwan, and China) and with Cameron Mackintosh on a new production of Miss Saigon. Also, US tours of the Tony®-Award winning Broadway revival of 42nd Street and Susan Stroman’s Broadway production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man Others: Footloose (Las Vegas, USA), Titanic, 1776, Peter Pan, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum starring Rip Taylor, Blast!, The Who’s Tommy (North America, South America, Europe, and Japan), Ain’t Misbehavin’ with Ruben Studdard, and the First National Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – flying car and all. More recent: The Producers (Susan Stroman’s original work), Hello, Dolly! with Sally Struthers, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady (US Tour and China premiere), original

hip-hop dance show Groovaloo (Off-Broadway), Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (10 USA tours, Grand Ole Opry, and Madison Square Garden), Dreamgirls (US, China premiere, Japan), Hair (US and Japan), Bring it On (US and Japan), and Legally Blonde (US, China premiere, Singapore). In 2018-19, A Chorus Line toured the USA and Japan before performing for the first time ever in China in 2019. In the post-pandemic 2021-22 season, Big League will remount its acclaimed tour of An American in Paris, premiere its new production of South Pacific, and tour its flagship production of A Christmas Story, The Musical for a seventh holiday season. Future tours include The Cher Show and Little Women.