Associate Lighting Supervisor .......................................................... Dio Raquel Jr.
Senior Production Coordinator ..............................................................Madi Carr
Audio Visual Director ........................................................................... Luke Bezio
Production Coordinator ................................................................ Nichole Pollack
Production Manager ...............................................................Mark Kirschenbaum
House Manager .................................................................................... Alec Speers
Assistant House Manager ........................................................... Savannah Wagner
Director of Ticketing & Customer Relations ............................... Yasmeen Stogden
Ad Sales ..................................................... marketing@significantproductions.org
The Sharon®L. Morse
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Dear Patron of the Arts,
Welcome to The Sharon® L. Morse Performing Arts Center!
Much like the building’s namesake, my grandmother, Sharon L. Morse, we love all varieties of the performing arts here. It is in her memory that I, along with my amazing team of artists and arts administrators, strive to bring many different types of the highest quality entertainment here to The Sharon.
Since opening in 2015, we have strived to establish your trust, that a show at The Sharon is a show worth seeing. Perhaps you find yourself here today to see a concert of one of your favorite musicians, or to take in the national tour of a Broadway show. Either way, we encourage you to consider trying out a new show that perhaps you haven’t heard of before, knowing that it has been intentionally curated by our team.
We welcome you to The Sharon: a place for you to see an old favorite, but also a place to discover your new favorite. I sincerely hope you enjoy the show today, and I look forward to seeing you here again soon!
See You at The Sharon,
Whitney Morse
Artistic Director
ART. ARTISTS. AUDIENCE.
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS (SIGPRO) is a Non-Profit arts organization that operates The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center (The Sharon) & The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol (The Studio).
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. YOUR HELP GOES A LONG WAY! LEARN MORE & DONATE ON OUR WEBSITE
Thank You
FOR SUPPORTING SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS
In order of contributions:
MULTI-DONORS
Mary Homko
Donna Taylor
Russell Jones
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Sarah Lindmeier
Patricia Schlemmer
Jon Cronin
Private Donor
Fidelity Charitable
Private Donor
Attendees at The Sharon's
9th Birthday Lobby Lunch
Lynn & Kathy Glassock
Sharon Curry
Ron Kravet
Bob Kendi
April & David Linscott
Honey & David Kirk
John McAuley
Melissa Warner
Marge Alder
Russell Jones
Marianna Niesen
Liza Diana Walters
Donna Silver
Jim Ward
Roger & Karen Kass
Xiomara Guevara Medoza
Edward & Gale Labuda
Nancy Garrison
Marie Connolly
Stan Ackerman
Giuseppina (Jo) Jones
IN HONOR OF Peg Fiore
Jason Goedken
& Whitney Morse
Alice Stogden
Ursula Becker
Thank you to our anonymous donors.
JON LEHRER DANCE COMPANY
FOUNDER / ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / CHOREOGRAPHER
Jon Lehrer
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Cristiana Cavallo
TECHNICAL DIRECTORS
Jeremy Granger, Eli Medina
COSTUME DESIGNER
Laura Vanner
DANCERS
Ricardo G. Barrett, Mahalia Brookes, Cristiana Cavallo, Kristen Hedberg, Michael Miller, Riccardo Passera, Leah Suskind, Mitchell Takeda
Jon Lehrer Dance Company began in 2007 in Buffalo, NY and has already received critical acclaim nationally and internationally. Jon Lehrer, originally from Queens, NY, brought JLDC back home to NYC in 2019, where they continue to thrive! Under Jon’s artistic direction, the company showcases his unique choreography and embodies his definitive style. Jon’s extensive background in both the modern and jazz dance idioms fosters choreography that is organic, athletic, artistic, entertaining, and often humorous, reflecting life experience and the human condition.
JLDC’s expressive style is based on three main elements of movement - Circularity, 3-Dimensionality, and Momentum - which combine to create a form best described as “Organically Athletic”. With creativity, athleticism, and the ability to make new and innovative dance accessible to all audiences, the company has made quite a name for themselves in the dance world. Striking the elusive balance between art and entertainment, Jon Lehrer Dance Company showcases unique choreography and a fun, distinctive style that fuses modern and jazz dance with physics to create a true spectacle onstage which can be enjoyed by dance experts and novices alike.
JLDC tours extensively, receiving critical acclaim worldwide. Dance Magazine praised, “the company took the house not so much by storm as by quantum physics,” and Galerie Ortenau in Offenburg, Germany declared, “Dynamic, Powerful, Elegant – brings an absolute passion for the dance.” JLDC has toured to Europe every two years since 2014 and for their latest tour created a full evening to the music of Leonard Bernstein, called “Bernstein Celebration”. JLDC was honored and privileged to be one of only a handful of dance companies worldwide ever given the rights to use Bernstein’s music. From 2012-2016, JLDC
JON LEHRER DANCE COMPANY
toured to Russia, sponsored by the US State Department in order to, as they said, “bring the best in American modern dance to the people of Russia.” These cultural diplomacy tours brought the company to Vladivostok, Anadyr, Perm, Yekaterinburg, Chukotka, and Berezniki.
Jon Lehrer Dance Company is dedicated to maintaining the impact of dance through performance, education, outreach, community involvement, and collaboration. The professional dancers of JLDC work collaboratively towards a common creative goal, while maintaining and developing their own artistic voice. JLDC operates with integrity at all levels, respecting and honoring ideas from constituent groups including dancers, directors, and the public.
www.jonlehrerdance.com
JON LEHRER
JON LEHRER
Jon Lehrer, who was raised in Queens, New York, took his very first dance class at age 19 at the University at Buffalo. While dating a dancer, Jon teased her about how easy it must be to get an A in a dance class. The girl dared Jon to try a beginning level modern dance class and his life was changed. Jon ultimately received his BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo.
As a professional, Jon has danced with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company, Paul Sanasardo, John Passafiume Dancers, in Merv Griffin’s “Funderful” in Atlantic City, NJ, and the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. In 1997, Jon was hired by Giordano Dance Chicago, the worlds’ preeminent jazz dance company. After only three years he was promoted to Rehearsal Director and then became the Associate Director two years later. During his ten years with Giordano, Jon also became the resident choreographer, creating seven original works on the company that received rave reviews all around the world.
Jon has choreographed for several professional dance companies and universities all over the country. He teaches master classes throughout the U.S. and around the world, having been on faculty at Dance Masters of America, Jazz Dance World Congress, Dance Teacher Summer Conference, Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM), Chautauqua Institution, Florida Dance Educators Organization, and Florida Dance Masters to name a few. Jon has received many awards and honors, including the University at Buffalo Zodiaque Dance Company Distinguished Alumni Award, CNADM’s Artistic Achievement Award, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award, and the “Rising Star” SPARK Award for being an integral part of Buffalo’s thriving arts and cultural community.
DANCERS
RICARDO G. BARRETT is originally from Jamaica and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Arts Academy. In Jamaica, he was a three year member of The Jamaica Junior Theatre Company and The Company Dance Theatre. He continued his training in Jamaica until he left for the Martha Graham School as a member of Graham 2. Ricardo was a member of the second Company for three years, and an Apprentice with the Martha Graham Company for two years. Ricardo has also performed with Alison Chase Performance, Buglisi Dance Theatre, and Dzul Dance. Ricardo is a trained actor, dance teacher, singer and still explores different forms and styles of artistic expression. Ricardo is thrilled to be in his third season with JLDC.
MAHALIA BROOKES is originally from the US Virgin Islands where she started her training at Caribbean Dance School. After moving to Tampa, FL she continued her training at All American Dance Factory, All American Classical Ballet School, and at Blake High School. She has competed in the NAACP ACT-SO national convention where she worked closely with choreographer Anthony Burrell. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Marymount Manhattan College in NYC. While there she performed works by Earl Mosley, Jessica Lang, Anthony Morigerato, John Heginbotham, Sidra Bell, and Pascal Rioult. This is Mahalia third season with JLDC.
CRISTIANA CAVALLO is from Utica, NY and began dancing at the age of 3. She received her training at the Dancenter and at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute
School of Dance. Cristiana graduated in 2014 from the University at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Sociology. As a UB student, she was a member of the Zodiaque Dance Company, performed in several musicals, choreographed for many student productions and acted as Director of Dancer’s Workshop. She attended numerous summer programs, including NYSSSA, Thodos Dance Chicago Intensive, and Steps Summer Study. During her senior year, Cristiana was chosen for the Jon Lehrer Dance Observership, allowing her to train with the company and gain valuable insight into the professional world of dance. In 2019, Cristiana was invited to choreograph as part of the Barn Dance Project at the Theater
DANCERS
at Woodshill, curated by Caitlyn Schrader. Since 2020, she has also been the Director of Programs and Finance for JUNTOS Collective. Cristiana has been with JLDC for eleven years, becoming an integral part of the company’s success both on and off the stage.
KRISTEN HEDBERG was born and raised in Richmond, VA. She earned her BFA in Contemporary Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she was dual-enrolled with The Martha Graham School during her senior year. Kristen was a member of the RIOULT Repertory Dancers, under the direction of Pascal Rioult, Joyce Herring and Charis Haines. Other professional credits include: Curet Performance Project, Faustine Lavie Dance Project, and Susie McHugh + Dancers, among others. Kristen is delighted to be in her fourth season with JLDC.
MICHAEL MILLER grew up on Long Island, New York. He started dancing at the age of eight, focusing primarily on ballet and modern dance at Peconic Ballet Theatre. Michael then received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from James Madison University in Virginia, studying under Rubèn Graciani, Matt Pardo, Fran Kirmser, and Ryan Corriston. While at JMU, he also performed in the preprofessional Virginia Repertory Dance Company, under the direction of Matt Pardo, and was awarded the Excellence in Performance Award his senior year. Michael had the pleasure to work in multiple residencies with choreographers such as Abraham in Motion (A.I.M) directed by Kyle Abraham, Rubèn Graciani, and Ryan Corriston. He also performed in original works choreographed by Omàr Roman De Jesùs, Xiang Xu, and Ricky Ruiz. This is Michael’s third season with JLDC.
RICCARDO PASSERA is from Milan, Italy and draws on his heritage that spans across the Atlantic Ocean, from Italy to the Caribbean. He started dancing Caribbean dances at the age of 10 at Ratz Mataz school and later continued his ballet, modern and contemporary training with The Ballet School, AreaDance Nuova and New Style Dance. During this time Riccardo performed works by Lino Villa, which toured Italy with New Style Project Dance Company. He
DANCERS
also performed choreography by Mattia Cuda while he was an apprentice with MAADE Ensemble. At the age of 18, Riccardo moved to New York City to train at The Ailey School, where he was a member of the Ailey Student Performance Group from 2022 to 2024, performing Alvin Ailey’s works across the tri-state area under the direction of Freddie Moore. During his time at Ailey, he performed Bird Lives by Alvin Ailey, an excerpt of Festa Barocca by Mauro Bigonzetti and Mr. Ailey’s Memoria for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons at New York City Center. Between Italy and New York, Riccardo has had the pleasure of working with choreographers such as Clifton Brown, Amy Hall Garner, Ronald K. Brown, Darrell Moultrie, Brice Mousset, Norbert De La Cruz, Johan King Silverhult, Attila Joey Csiki and Rita Pivano. This is Riccardo’s first season with JLDC.
LEAH SUSKIND was born and raised in Randolph, NJ. In May 2022, she graduated summa cum laude from New York University Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in dance. While at NYU, Leah had the opportunity to perform works by Yin Yue, Stephen Petronio, Jaclyn Walsh, and Molissa Fenley. In the fall of 2022, Leah participated in the inaugural GibneyPro Training Program where she got to work with artists such as Rena Butler, Maleek Washington, Laja Field, and Elia Mrak. Throughout her summers, Leah has attended programs at Jacob’s Pillow, Orsolina 28, the Juilliard School, and with companies such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, GALLIM, Parsons Dance, the Rockettes, and the Martha Graham Company. Leah’s most recent choreographic work, “VII”, was recently selected to perform at the Spring 2023 JCE Jazz Dance Project as well as the 2023 Hartford Dance Festival. She was also the fellowship recipient of the 2021 DM.Connect Choreographer Competition. Leah was an apprentice with JLDC for two seasons and is so excited to be in her second season as a full JLDC member.
MITCHELL TAKEDA was born in Taiwan and raised in Sacramento, CA. He graduated from Ball State University in May 2024 with a BFA in Musical Theatre and was part of the Honors College. Mitchell was introduced to JLDC during the Fall Semester of 2022 when the company visited Ball State for a three-day masterclass series. Since then, he has always dreamed to dance with the company and perform with them one day. He participated in the JLDC Winter Intensive in January 2024, and is excited to be with the company as a performing apprentice.
PROGRAM
Bridge and Tunnel (2001)
A playful and joyous homage to growing up in Queens, NY.
Music - Paul Simon
Lighting - John Imburgia
Costumes - Laura Vanner, after Cindy Darling
Dancers - The Company
Here In This Eden (2013)
Music - Lisa Gerrard & Pieter Bourke, Balanescu Quartet
Lighting - Kam Hobbs
Costumes - Laura Vanner
Dancers - Ricardo G. Barrett, Leah Suskind
VOLT (World Premiere)
Music - James Asher, Pablo Samonta, Rhythm Scott, Baptiste Thiry, Damen Deshayes
Lighting - Eli Medina
Costumes - Laura Vanner
Dancer - Mahalia Brookes, Michael Miller, Ricardo Passera
La Follia (2022)
The musicality and ‘madness’ of Vivaldi combined with the athletic ingenuity of JLDC. La Follia was created through the generosity of a choreographic residency at the University of Tampa.
Music - Antonio Vivaldi
Lighting - Jon Lehrer
Costumes - Laura Vanner
Dancers - The Company
- INTERMISSION -
mingos! (2024)
A Flamboyance of Flamingos turn into an Ostentation of Peacocks, while performing in a Las Vegas Revue circa 1977.
Music - Banda Ionica, La Caravane Passe, Gogol Bordello, Soviet Suprem
Lighting - El Medina
Costumes - Laura Vanner
Dancers - The Company
Troika (2016)
Music - Goldmund, Michael Nyman
Lighting - Kam Hobbs
Costumes - Jessica Wegrzyn
Dancers - Cristiana Cavallo, Ricardo G. Barrett, Michael Miller
A Ritual Dynamic
(2007)
The work that started it all! “A Ritual Dynamic” was the very first company piece, created to define Jon Lehrer Dance Company’s signature combination of artistry, athleticism, and entertainment.
Music: Hovannes K, DJ Disse
Lighting - Kam Hobbs
Costumes - Cindy Darling
Dancers - The Company
JLDC DONORS
As a 501c3, Non-Profit organization, Jon Lehrer Dance Company depends on the generosity of our fans, friends, and supporters to thrive and continue creating!
Thank you to ALL of our generous donors!
$8,000 and above
Dave Jansen
Arthur Samel
$4,000 - 7,999
Laura Vanner
$1,000 - $3,999
Nancy Brock and Scott Goldman
Colleen Cavallo
Mark and Lois Hedberg
Kathy and Sam Larson
Cheri and Lars Lindell
Linda Sanchez & Gregory Ho
Robin and Jay Suskind
$500 - $999
Lydia Cavallo
Ron DiNizo
Ashley Peters
Edwin D. Smith jr
Katharine Westerfield
$100 - $499
Allison Armfield
Myron & Ellen Arakawa
Susan Bartlett
Sandra Beckman
Jane Dietz
Nancy DiNizo
Laurel Canan
Cristiana Cavallo
Mike and Ann Cavallo
Sonia Clark
Marie Cobado
Amber Cockey
Larry Cook and Viki Viu
Molly Duffy
Stuart Gellman
Amy Harrison
Betty and Steven Hedberg
In memory of Richard Hoard
Dale Julian-Bierce
Randy Kramer & Theresa Quinn
Shelley Hain Lewandowski
Sammye Larson
Heidi Latzky
Jennifer Lehrer
Frank Olive and Mollie McCarthy
Andrew Ottoman
Lorraine Papasodero
Beth Rice
Michael Rice
Armondo Sanchez
Sheri Sarkisian
Mike and Yumiko Sayama
Cynthia and David Silverstein
Sandy Strominine
Seth Stuhl
Dina Tigeleiro
Up to $99
Anthony Andreach
Noa Barenblat
Jaszver Bauzon
Amanda Bell
Anatoly Bondarchuk
Lisa Brandes
Brittany Brown
Beverly Buscemi
Fran Cavallo
Up to $99 continued
Christine Dempsey
Allyn Ginns
Kristen Hedberg
Peggy Kenyon
Lois Kittner
Emily McCormick
Emma Montague
Helen Myers and Paul Murphy
John Passafiume
Anthony Petrella
Cindy Phillips
Zeno Pittarelli
Michell Rios-Ordonez
Richard Sayama
Laura Scala
Marcia Spraker-Cavallo
Mary E. Tomanovich
David and Susan Wedekindt
JLDC DONORS
Become a JLDC Supporter: www.jonlehrerdance.com
Significant Productions would like to thank our Annual Sponsors for The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center
PRIVATE BOX experience
ENJOY YOUR NEXT SHOW AT THE SHARON LIKE A VIP!
• Private experience for up to 15 guests.
• Private lounge for the evening including home-like furnishings, private facilities, and direct access to the auditorium box for comfortable viewing of your show.
• Upgrades available such as a private bartender or personalized celebratory furnishings.
To explore accommodations and availability, please contact Yasmeen@SignificantProductions.org
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For information on prices, ad sizes, and availability, please email us at marketing@significantproductions.org.
