Presented by
A N I N T I M AT E E V E N I N G W I T H
DAVID FOSTER KATHARINE MCPHEE WITH SPECIAL GUEST
FERNANDO VARELA
CONTENTS Theatre Staff.......................................................................................................................................2 Whitney Morse on The Sharon Performing Arts Center®....................................................................3 Biographies.................................................................................................................................... 8-9 The Sharon Open House..................................................................................................................11
THEATRE STAFF Founder & Executive Director...Jason Goedken Founder & Artistic Consultant...Whitney Morse Artistic Director............................Angel Creeks Director of Operations.....................Jon Cronin Director of Business..................... Sean Graham Director of People, Projects & Culture........................Leslie Becker Development Director........... Yasmeen Stogden Marketing Director.........Monica Berdecio, MA Senior Manager of Programming.....Sierra Weiss Senior Manager of Technical Operations......................Clay Becker Technical Production Manager...Andrea Huneycutt Assistant Production Manager...........Madi Carr Production Swing................. Andrew Sinkewicz Deck & Facilities Coordinator... Tony Fairchild Lighting Supervisor.................... Ally Southgate Associate Lighting Supervisor......Dio Raquel Jr. Audiovisual Supervisor..................Roel Cavazos
Senior Manager, Patron Services....................... Yasmeen Stogden Manager of Box Office & Sales............ Natazsa Roby-Smith Manager, Front of House Operations ...........................Alec Speers Senior Coordinator, Front of House Operations...........Savannah Rose Parker Coordinator, Front of House Operations............Tina Carroll Coordinator, Front of House Operations.........Lonnie Goertz Development & Customer Support Coordinator...................Lyndsey Shore Digital Marketing Coordinator...Natalie Bollinger Marketing Account Manager......... Erika Nelson Graphic Designer..........................Krissi Kugler Lead Housekeeper........................ Victoria Doss Ad Sales....marketing@significantproductions.org
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS BOARD
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TheSharon.com |
© Significant Productions, Inc. xxx
Elliot Sussman, MD, MBA Donna Taylor Jason Goedken Loren M. Vasquez Deborah Franklin, MA Holly Tobin Bill Doherty
| 352-668-9502
WHITNEY MORSE on
The Sharon
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER®
Dear Patron of the Arts, Welcome to The Sharon Performing Arts Center! This year marks a very special milestone—10 years since The Sharon first opened its doors. What began in 2015 as a bold dream has grown into a vibrant home for live performance, rooted in the adventurous and artistic spirit of my grandmother, Sharon L. Morse. Over the past decade, we’ve been honored to earn your trust, show by show, standing ovation by standing ovation. Whether you’re here tonight to experience a beloved Broadway tour, a favorite artist, or something entirely new, know that every performance has been thoughtfully curated by our passionate team of artists and arts administrators. As we celebrate our first ten years, we’re also stepping into an exciting new chapter: The Sharon is now proudly powered by Significant Productions, a registered nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful, memorable arts experiences in our community. With this new foundation, we’re not only preserving what makes The Sharon special, we’re building toward a future filled with bold ideas, diverse stories, and even more opportunities to surprise and delight you. Thank you for being part of this journey. We’re so glad you’re here. Enjoy the show, and here’s to the next ten years of discovery, connection, and applause. See You at The Sharon,
Whitney Morse Founder & Artistic Consultant Significant Productions
SignificantProductions.org |
| A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.
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SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS (SIGPRO) is a Non-Profit arts organization that operates The Sharon Performing Arts Center® & The SigPro Studio™.
ART. ARTISTS. AUDIENCE. OUR MISSION; SigPro cultivates a diverse collaborative community with a focus on artists' well-being that strives to provoke thought and spark conversation through high quality performing arts.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS We believe that fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace is essential for the creation of exceptional art. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to our employees. This ensures every individual who contributes to our productions feels valued and empowered. We actively promote a workplace culture that embraces differences and encourages collaboration among our diverse team of artists, technicians, administrators, and volunteers.
Thank You
FOR SUPPORTING SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS
CENTER STAGE | $5,000+
Henry Nias Foundation Robert & Joan Jalbert
Elliot Sussman John Swartz
STANDING OVATION | $2,022 A YEAR Mary Burke Bonnie Carnes Carolyn Cass Robert & Karen Chaikin
Jim & Dee Judd Andy Pawlowski Gwen Zeller
ENCORE ENTHUSIASTS | $60 A MONTH
Laura & Bruce Benard John Cable Sandra Christian Celeste Hankins John & Linda Hilt
April Linscott Marianne Niesen Bill & Deb Nietert Kevin & Teresa O’Grady Patricia Schlemmer
Ron & Chris Thomas Jan & Dave Thomas Jim Ward
ARTS AMBASSADORS | $30 A MONTH
Stan Ackerman Robert Becker David Burns Tim & Rhonda Casey Marie Connolly David Cook Bill & Gail Gross Pat Donovan Cindy Galeone Lynn & Kathy Glassock Patricia Grogan Mary Homko Russ & Jo Jones Gerard Judge
Bob & Diane Kendi Robert & Elizabeth King Honey & David Kirk Ron & Sandy Kravet Edward & Gayle Labuda Convertible Club Janice Mazzallo Don McConnell Tracey McLean Holly Nicholson Dina Nizza Bonnie Park Ron & Nancy Pfeffer Karen & Clarence
Russell Jr Donna Silver Irene Stevens & Linda Thornton Donna Taylor Tina Teraskiewicz Bob & Iris Trinh Muriel Trulson Barbara & John Van Dyke Melissa Warner Peter Webb Byron Wan Lit Wong
DEDICATIONS
Ursula Becker Derek Mumford Peg Fiore Donna McLean
Alice Stogden Jackson L. Straub III, M.D. Lorraine Torgerson
Thank you to our Vibe Setters and anonymous donors.
Thank You TO OUR SPONSORS
Thank You TO OUR PARTNERS
your help
GOES A LONG WAY! LEARN MORE & DONATE ON OUR WEBSITE SIGNIFICANTPRODUCTIONS.ORG | Significant Productions is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435- 7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. FLORIDA REGISTRATION #CH76504
SignificantProductions.org |
| A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.
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BIOGRAPHIES DAVID FOSTER is one of the most illustrious composers of our time. With 16 Grammy Awards, including three for Producer of the Year, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and Three Oscar nominations for “Best Original Songs,” Foster has earned a reputation as a keen spotter of new talent, playing a key role in the discovery and career launches of Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Bublé. Few other individuals can claim to have their fingerprints on more major moments in all of popular music than DAVID FOSTER. He has created hit songs for a diverse array of artists including Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Chicago, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind Fire, Tony Braxton, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Hall Oates, Brandy, ’N Sync, Boz Scaggs, and Gloria Estefan. In 2008 and 2011, Foster stepped out as a performer in his own right with Hitman, David Foster and Friends PBS specials which became PBS’ highest-rated shows in decades. In 2018/19 Foster started touring with his show ‘An Intimate Evening with David Foster’. The shows garnered rave reviews and were so successful that he now devotes much of his time to selling out concerts around the world. Foster composed the scores to Boop! a new Broadway musical about the iconic animated character “Betty Boop.” In 2023 David released a Christmas album with Katharine McPhee, titled “Christmas Songs.” Foster has made charitable work his life’s other priority. Meeting with a young girl from his hometown who was awaiting a liver transplant had a profound impact and led him to create The David Foster Foundation in 1986. Its mission is to provide financial support to Canadian families with children in need of live-saving organ transplants, along with a new focus on organ donor awareness. KATHARINE MCPHEE is one of a handful of artists who takes the lead in a career that includes film, television, Broadway, recording and concert tours. Katharine first burst onto the scene in 2006, during a successful run on Season 5 of AMERICAN IDOL, that made her a household name. As an actress, she is well-known to television audiences for starring as ‘Paige Dineen’ on the CBS’ spy drama SCORPION (2014-2018), and also as one of the leads in the NBC musical drama SMASH (2012-2013), executive produced by Steven Spielberg. She also starred in the Netflix comedy series, COUNTRY COMFORT (2021). She has also guest-starred in the series CSI: NY, Community, Family Guy, and Ugly Betty. As a singer, Katharine is renowned for her powerhouse presence, and show-stopping performances. Her recordings have topped the charts in multiple genres including pop, jazz and adult contemporary. A sought-after performer, Katharine has taken the stage for various PBS broadcasts throughout the years, including Foster and Friends, Chris Botti In Boston, and headlining her own SoundStage special.
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TheSharon.com |
| 352-668-9502
BIOGRAPHIES In Spring 2018, McPhee made her Broadway debut starring as Jenna in the hit musical WAITRESS, featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. She then originated the leading role in the West End production and then returned to Broadway to perform in the shows final weeks. In addition to her acting and singing career, McPhee is a passionate philanthropist, having served as an ambassador for organizations such as BuildOn, Malaria No More, and Feeding America. Katharine continues to perform at many charitable events including The David Foster Foundation of which she is an avid supporter. A veteran of the concert stage, Katharine performs to sold out audiences around the world. Most recently Katharine paired with David Foster to create a show called ‘An Intimate Evening with David Foster and Katharine McPhee’. This in demand show has garnered rave reviews and they perform to sold out concert venues around the world. Christmas 2022 Katharine released Part 1 of her Christmas album called “Christmas Songs.” A collection of Christmas classics produced by David Foster. Part 2 was released Christmas 2023. FERNANDO VARELA The story behind Fernando Varela begins and ends with a voice. A voice tells the tale of a breathtaking tenor whose spirit and determination has defied the odds. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fernando moved to Florida at the age of eight, and while he always loved music it was not until he was seventeen that he discovered the impressive talent he had within him. Fernando trained with some of opera’s renowned classical icons and tours worldwide with Grammy Award-Winning producer David Foster. Varela can also be seen featured on David Foster’s recently released PBS Special. He has also performed amongst some legendary superstars including Lionel Richie, Sarah Brightman, Babyface, Gladys Knight, Peter Cetera, Neil Diamond, Seal, Jewel, The Beach Boys, Steven Tyler, Josh Groban, and Chaka Kahn. In 2019 Fernando was a special guest performer for two prestigious events that aired on PBS: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honoring Gloria and Emilio Estefan, as well as The Grammy Salute to Legends where he honored Julio Iglesias. Varela is signed with Universal Music Group and released his debut album “Vivere,” in March 2017, accompanied by his debut solo PBS Special, “Coming Home.” Fernando is currently in the studio with producer Emilio Estefan working on his followup album. Fernando Varela sets the standard for what true musicianship is all about, combining a unique voice and an engaging passion that lights up the stage.
SignificantProductions.org |
| A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.
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we re ’ STREAMLINING our ticketing! BEGINNING DEC 1, 2026 SIGPRO WILL BE THE ONLY AUTHORIZED TICKET SELLER for The Sharon Performing Arts Center® and The SigPro Studio™. The Villages Entertainment will no longer sell tickets for our venues.
BOX OFFICE CLOSED NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2026 Our Box Office will be closed to efficiently prepare for a SMOOTHER, FASTER, AND MORE RELIABLE ticket purchasing experience!
QUESTIONS? Stop by our Open House Dec 2-6 at The Sharon.
SCAN FOR MORE INFO
THE SHARON OPEN HOUSE
Featuring The Tibetan Monks of The Mystical Arts of Tibet from Drepung Loseling Monastery Our Lobby will be open to the public - all are welcome! Join us for a full week of activities featuring the Tibetan Monks of the Mystical Arts of Tibet from Drepung Loseling Monastery, including a LIVE Mandala creation and more! WED, DEC 2ND 12PM................................MANDALA SAND PAINTING OPENING CEREMONY Music & Chants, Mandala Construction Begins
12:30-6PM..........THE SHARON OPEN HOUSE & MANDALA VIEWING HOURS THU, DEC 3RD 10AM-6PM...........THE SHARON OPEN HOUSE & MANDALA VIEWING HOURS 2PM........THE ANCIENT ART OF HEALING: THE TIBETAN BUDDHIST APPROACH
Lecture by Gashe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Ph.D. *FREE / RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED*
FRI, DEC 4TH 10AM-6PM...........THE SHARON OPEN HOUSE & MANDALA VIEWING HOURS SAT, DEC 5TH 10AM-2PM...........THE SHARON OPEN HOUSE & MANDALA VIEWING HOURS 6PM....................... SACRED MUSIC, SACRED CHANTS FOR PEACE & HEALING The Mystical Arts of Tibet Stage Performance *TICKETED EVENT*
SUN, DEC 6TH 10AM-4PM...........THE SHARON OPEN HOUSE & MANDALA VIEWING HOURS 4PM....................................MANDALA SAND PAINTING CLOSING CEREMONY Celebrate the Mandala Completion with Traditional Music & Chants
For tickets or reservations visit TheSharon.com
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