NEXT TO NORMAL
BOOK
& LYRICS
BY BRIAN YORKEY
OUR SIGNIFICANT THANKS
The lumber and other scenic build materials for this production were proudly donated by RoMac Building Supply.
MUSIC BY TOM KITT
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.
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
STANDING OVATION
$2,022 A YEAR
Robert & Joan Jalbert
Jim & Dee Judd
Andy Pawlowski
Elliot Sussman
John Swartz
ENCORE ENTHUSIASTS
$60 A MONTH
Celeste Hankins
John Hilt
April Linscott
Marianne Niesen
Jim Ward
ARTS AMBASSADORS
$30 A MONTH
Bob & Diane Kendi
Edward & Gayle Labuda
Kathleen Litch
Holly Nicholson
Bonnie Park
Karen B. & Clarence
Russell Jr.
Patricia Schlemmer
Donna Silver
Donna Taylor
Jan & Dave Thomas
Bob & Iris Trinh
Barbara & John Van Dyke
Melissa Warner
DEDICATIONS
Ursula Becker
Peg Fiore
Alice Stogden
Jackson L. Straub III, M.D.
Lorraine Torgerson
Thank you to our Vibe Setters and anonymous donors.
ABOUT THE STUDIO THEATRE™ TIERRA DEL SOL:
Tierra del Sol was once a Country Club where live performances accompanied fine dining and sweeping golf course views. In time, this beloved space was transformed into a vibrant Black Box Theatre, now celebrated as The Studio Theatre™. With 120 seats and flexible staging configurations including Thrust, Round, and Proscenium, The Studio Theatre offers an intimate home for bold, boundary-pushing artistry. Presenting nearly 180 performances each season, The Studio Theatre has become a vital stage for theatrical innovation and community connection.
The Studio Theatre is an extension of The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center®, located in The Spanish Springs Town Square® at the heart of The Villages® community. Affectionately known as The Sharon, this landmark venue welcomes just over 1,000 guests into a world-class, multi-level theater. With state-of-the-art acoustics, immersive visual design, and advanced theatrical rigging, The Sharon is a destination for extraordinary concerts, comedians, opera, dance, and Broadway-caliber productions.
Together, The Studio Theatre and The Sharon are proudly powered by Significant Productions, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to championing the arts, fostering creativity, and curating unforgettable cultural experiences that enrich the lives of our community.
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS BOARD MEMBERS:
President, Elliot Sussman, MD, MBA Vice President, Marcus Bridgewater Treasurer, Donna Taylor Secretary, Elizabeth Constant Board Member, Jason Goedken
THE STUDIO THEATRE TIERRA DEL SOL
acknowledges that we gather on the traditional land of the Seminole and Timucua People. We honor the rich cultural history of the Peoples who lived on this land prior to European colonization. This acknowledgment does not replace authentic relationships with indigenous communities, but serves as a first step in honoring the living legacy of the People and the land.
NEXT TO NORMAL
Music by TOM KITT
Book & Lyrics by BRIAN YORKEY
Original Broadway Production Produced by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo & Second Stage Theatre
Orchestrations by Michael Starobin & Tom Kitt | Vocal Arrangements by AnnMarie Milazzo
New York Premiere Produced by Second Stage Theatre, New York. February 2008
Carole Rothman, Artistic Director Ellen Richard, Executive Director 'Next To Normal' was subsequently produced by Arena Stage in November 2008.
Developed at Village Theatre, Issaquah, WA
(Robb Hunt, Executive Producer, Steve Tomkins, Artistic Director).
An earlier version was presented in the 2005 New York Musical Theatre Festival. Support for the development of "Next To Normal" was provided by the Jonathan Larson Foundation. Next to Normal is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
DIRECTOR
Kristin Clippard
ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR
Miles Randolph
PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTANT
Dr. Lauren Butterfield, MD
COSTUME DESIGNER
Melissa Leigh Gilbert
SOUND DESIGNER Rew Tippin
DECK STAGE MANAGER
Madison Youngblood
FOUNDER & PRODUCER
Jason Goedken
MUSIC DIRECTOR Bert Rodriguez
INTIMACY CHOREOGRAPHER Emily A. Rollie
SCENIC & PROPS DESIGNER Joshua E. Gallagher
LIGHTING DESIGNER Ethan Vail
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER Zach Mlekush
SWING STAGE MANAGER Nicolas Raffenaud
FOUNDER & CONSULTING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Whitney Morse
OUR SIGNIFICANT THANKS
The lumber and other scenic build materials for this production were proudly donated by RoMac Building Supply.
Echoes of the Past, Visions of the Future SEASON 10
NEXT TO NORMAL
Music by Tom Kitt
Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Side effects may include... dysfunction.
Dan is an architect; Diana rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their children are bright, wise-cracking teens. They may seem like a typical American family, but their lives are anything but normal – Diana has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Containing a thrilling contemporary score by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, Next to Normal is an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other. Join Significant Productions as we celebrate our 10th season with this reimagining of our debut production. Whitney Morse is reprising her critically acclaimed role as Diana, who Chicago critics hailed as “rueful but free of self-pity, funny without resorting to stereotype, and allaround engaging.” – Kelly Kleiman. Don’t miss the show, The New York Times called "Much more than a feel-good musical; it is a feel-everything musical."
Directed By:
Kristin Clippard
PREVIEWS / $35
SEP 23RD-25TH, 2025
PERFORMANCES / $45
SEP 26TH-NOV 1ST, 2025
TALKBACKS
OCT 9TH, 23RD, 2025
ASL PERFORMANCE
OCT 14TH, 2025
Music Direction By:
Bert Rodriguez The lumber and other scenic build materials for this production were proudly donated by RoMac Building Supply.
ADA & THE ENGINE
By Lauren Gunderson
Love letters in numbers.
Set in the Victorian era among the houses of intellectual elites, we find Ada, a young female mathematician whose invention of binary code shapes our modern world today. Ada and the Engine, written by America's most produced living playwright, Lauren Gunderson, composes the story of Ada Byron Lovelace, poet Lord Byron's daughter. This lyrical play details the life of Ada as she struggles between the traditional demands of her mother and the pull of her mathematical ambition. Ada sees the creative potential in "The Engine" created by her mentor, the scholar Charles Babbage. As pressures mount and feelings grow, these two form a partnership that will change the course of the future. Jane Austen meets Steve Jobs in this poignant pretech romance heralding the computer age. In celebration of our 10th season, come along with us as we recalculate this music-laced story of love and friendship, the patrons’ pick: Ada & The Engine
Directed By: Rebekah Lane
The lumber and other scenic build materials for this production were proudly donated by RoMac Building Supply.
KIM’S CONVENIENCE
By Ins Choi
Humor and heart on every aisle.
Mr. Kim, a first-generation Korean immigrant, dispenses fatherly wisdom, history lessons, and potato chips from behind his convenience store counter in the upand-coming Regent Park neighborhood of Toronto. With new luxury buildings popping up around the convenience store and a Walmart preparing to move in, Mr. Kim receives an unexpected offer for his property. He now has a difficult decision to make: keep the cash or keep Kim’s. But Kim’s Convenience is more than just his livelihood — it is his legacy. Follow Mr. Kim as he tries desperately, and hilariously, to convince his daughter Janet, a budding photographer, to take over the store. Wholly original, hysterically funny, and deeply moving, Kim’s Convenience tells the story of one Korean family struggling to face the future amidst the bitter memories of their past. But no matter what, humor and heart find their way onto every aisle in this award-winning play that is now a hit series on Netflix.
Directed
By:
Yong Suk Yoo
PREVIEWS / $30
JAN 27TH-29TH, 2026
PERFORMANCES / $40 JAN 30TH-MAR 14TH, 2026
TALKBACKS
FEB 5TH, 19TH; MAR 5TH, 2026
ASL PERFORMANCE MAR 3RD, 2026
ONLY SOME OF GOD’S CHILDREN OR MISSISSIPPI MAGNOLIAS
By Paris Crayton III
Will roots grow on Promised
Land?
Best friends, John Curtis and William “Cochise” Brown, return home to Plantersville, Mississippi after taking part in the 1963 March on Washington. Inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, the two men contemplate if they want to spend the rest of their lives in the south. Betty, John’s wife, is anxious to leave Mississippi after their son Ezekiel is attacked at a sit-in protest. Meanwhile Cochise’s wife, Hattie Mae, a local juke joint singer, is excited at the prospects of singing in northern nightclubs. She willingly leaves the decision to Cochise, but Cochise only looks to John. The hope of owning the Promised Land, worked on by generations of John’s family, further complicates the decision of whether to leave Mississippi. Where will these two close families choose to grow their roots: in new northern lands, or the fertile southern soil they know so well? Only Some of God's Children or Mississippi Magnolias is a beautiful, yet terribly honest story of five different flowers just waiting to bloom.
Directed By:
Paris Crayton III
PREVIEWS / $30
APR 7TH-9TH, 2026
PERFORMANCES / $40
APR 10TH-MAY 9TH, 2026
TALKBACKS
APR 16TH; MAY 7TH, 2026
ASL PERFORMANCE
APR 28TH, 2026
Mini Summer Vacation 2026
NIGHTSWEAT
By Natalie Symons
Pre-Elderly Girls Gone Wild
Britney Cox, a washed-up actress has been canceled on social media! To hide from the haters her anxious young assistant, Maude Bender, has booked a girl’s murder mystery weekend at a Berkshires Airbnb. Joining the fun is Tawny Fitzsimmons, a tired mom, and ex-cop and security detail Dale James. Comic mania ensues when the girl’s weekend goes awry. Between pipe bombs, appliances that don’t work, slashed tires, a mysterious landlady, and news of a serial killer hunting “pre-elderly women,” what more could go wrong? “Bridesmaids” meets “Friday the 13th” in Natalie Symons’ hilarious new farce, Nightsweat, as it pokes fun at wokeness, Florida, pronouns, Ozempic, white privilege, “don’t say gay,” horror movie tropes, fake news, and, of course, Hall & Oats. Book your stay at McCurdy’s Haunted Airbnb where murder, mayhem, and belly laughs are behind every door.
Directed
By:
Anne Hering
PREVIEWS / $30
JUN 16TH-20TH, 2026
PERFORMANCES / $40
JUN 20TH-AUG 8TH, 2026
TALKBACKS
JUN 25TH; JUL 9TH, 23RD; AUG 6TH, 2026
ASL PERFORMANCE
JUL 21ST, 2026
CAST
JEREMIAH GARCIA (Gabe)
Off-Broadway: Dustin in the three-time Drama Desk nominated Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical (Playhouse 46), Runka in Hip Hop Cinderella (New Victory Theatre). He was also selected to perform at the Town Hall as a “Broadway Rising Star”. Other credits: Jekyll & Hyde (White Plains Performing Arts Center), Playlist Performer (Carnival Cruise Line), Ivories (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Roger in Grease (North Shore Music Theatre) and Ogie in Waitress (Michigan Stage). LaChanze Performance Award winner. Bobby G Award nominee. Television: BroadwayHD/Prime Video (Stranger Sings!) Good Day New York BFA Musical Theatre, Marymount Manhattan College. @liljaymiah
ALEX JORTH* (Dan) is elated to return to The Studio Theatre after appearing in The Story of My Life (Alvin Kelby) and A Doll’s House (Torvald Helmer). As a resident of southeast Florida, Alex has performed around the state with such companies as Walt Disney World, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Asolo Rep, Palm Beach Dramaworks, Actors’ Playhouse, Slow Burn Theatre Company, TheatreZone, freeFall Theatre and others. Regionally, he has performed in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the Footloose National Tour, and at McCarter Theatre Center, Gateway Playhouse, Porthouse Theatre, Little Theatre on the Square and many more. Alex is a Millikin University graduate (BFA Music Theatre) and tennis fanatic. Many thanks to Whitney and the entire N2N and SigPro teams. Love to Michael.
WHITNEY MORSE* (Diana)
Off-Broadway: Abingdon Theatre’s 'Til Death alongside Judy Kaye and Robert Cuccioli. Regional Credits: Every Brilliant Thing (Pennsylvania Shakes) Beauty and The Beast (Garden Theatre), Next To Normal, The Last Five Years, Proof (BWW Award), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Company, White Rabbit Red Rabbit, Tell Me
On a Sunday, Now. Here. This., A Doll's House, Cabaret, Urinetown, Unnecessary Farce, Pippin, and Suite Surrender (Significant Productions at The Studio Theatre), The Secret Garden, 1776, Big River, Outside Mullingar (Mad Cow Theatre), Every Brilliant Thing, Much Ado About Nothing (Orlando Shakes), The Giver (Orlando Rep), Other Desert Cities (Citadel Theatre), The Children's Hour (Pride Films and Plays), Spike Heels (Brown Paper Box), The Turn of the Screw, Jeeves at Sea, Unnecessary Farce, The Merchant of Venice (First Folio Theater). MFA Acting - Columbia University. whitneymorse.com IG: @whitneyalicemorse
BRETT RICCI (Dr. Madden) is thrilled to reprise this role for the 10th anniversary at The Studio Theatre! Brett is an actor, producer, composer/lyricist and dramaturg. Based in New York City for 14 years, he has performed off-Broadway, as well as on national and international tours and cruise lines. Favorite theatre credits include LeFou (Beauty and the Beast), Jack Ruby (Oswald, world premiere), and The Baker (Into the Woods). Producing credits include: The Kite Runner (Broadway, National Tour), Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (West End: London, off-Broadway), and ‘Til Death (off-Broadway). His passion is developing new works by lesser-known writers: “from script to stage.” Blessed to have the support of his wife, Ashley, and four-year-old son, Benton. @RicciBrett
ELENA ROSALES (Natalie) is thrilled to be making her regional theatre debut with Significant Productions! Previous credits include Diana Morales in A Chorus Line and Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly! (North Texas Performing Arts), and Metellus Cimber in Julius Caesar (Ohio Northern) —okay, range. As the undisputed favorite child, stepping into Natalie’s overlooked shoes has been a challenge, but she’s honored to take on all Natalie carries—even if it was a hard pill for her parents to swallow (they’ve adjusted… mostly). Endless thanks to her parents, brothers, and vocal coach David Gaschen. She’s back on the job hunt come November—so if you like what you see, catch her after curtain call. IG: @elena.grace.rosales … she’s gonna be big!
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.
ETHAN YAHEEN-MOY
CHAN (Henry) is thrilled to be making his debut with Significant Productions! New York City, born and bred. Past Credits: BLENDED (HARMONY):
The Kim Loo Sisters (Theater Mu, Broadway World Best Supporting Actor in a Musical Nominee), Double Helix (Goodspeed Musicals, Bay Street Theater), Sweeney Todd (Winnipesaukee Playhouse), Everest (National Asian Artists Project), The Sound of Music (NCAA at Jean’s Playhouse), Working: A Musical (LaGuardia PAC). BFA ‘23, Western Connecticut State University. LaGuardia Arts Vocal Music ‘19. Proudly represented by and eternally grateful to Eric, Ellery, and Stephanie at The Mine Agency. To Mom, Dad, Estella, and , I hope Next to Normal is perfect for you. ethanymchan.com
BETH ANN STRIPLING
(Understudy for Diana) is thrilled to be making her debut with Significant Productions! Originally from Knoxville, TN, she has spent the majority of her life traveling and telling stories. Some of her favorite credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Hello, Dolly! (Encore Performing Arts), Significant Other (New Generation Theatrical), Turn of the Screw (11th Hour Productions), Bare: A Pop Opera (Off-Broadway Revival), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), and Bernstein’s Mass (Royal Scottish National Orchestra). She received her bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and her master’s degree from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. A million thanks to her family and the beautiful support system and community she has gained since moving to Orlando. @kiss_of_beth
AVIANNA TATO (Understudy for Natalie) is thrilled to make her debut with Significant Productions with this powerful production. She has long felt a deep connection to the material and is honored and beyond grateful for the chance to work alongside such a remarkable team. Some of her favorite performance credits include Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar (Theater West End), Barb in Stranger Sings (Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts), Disco
Singer in 54 (Renaissance Theatre Company), and Susie in Snapshots (Winter Park Playhouse). May this story find you where you are and leave you changed. As always, endless thanks to her friends and family for their constant love and support. IG: @avytato
HARRISON SAKAI (Swing for Gabe, Henry) is a New York based actor and alum of Nazareth University, where he received his BFA in musical theatre. Harrison has performed regionally with theatres such as The REV Theatre Company, Totem Pole Playhouse, West Virginia Public Theatre, and more. Favorite past roles include LeFou (Beauty and the Beast), Willard (Footloose), and Tank in the debut of Zanna, Don’t - the Reboot!, a rewrite of the cult classic off-Broadway musical Zanna, Don’t! Harrison is thrilled to make his debut with Significant Productions and would like to extend a huge thanks to the cast, crew, and creatives, as well as the team at YOU Talent Agency. harrisonsakai.com | @harrisonsakai
RUSSELL STEPHENS (Swing for Dan, Dr. Madden) is thrilled to be back onstage at The Studio Theatre, where patrons will remember his performances as Ernst in Cabaret and Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other recent performance credits include: Rock of Ages (Theater West End); Route 66 (Winter Park Playhouse); and Stranger Sings! (Dr. Phillips Center). A prolific cabaret performer, Russell has appeared in solo shows at venues including The Sharon, The Winter Park Playhouse, The Blue Bamboo, and The Abbey, and he will make his debut at Judson's Live at the Dr. Phillips Center in January. His musical arrangements have been featured in concerts and cabarets throughout the southeast and in New York. Proud graduate of the University of Alabama’s Musical Theatre program.
MUSICIANS
BERT RODRIGUEZ* (Music Director, Keys 1) works extensively as both a performer and music director in Central Florida and beyond. He moved to Orlando in 2006 to open Finding Nemo: The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, co-originating the role of Crush. In his role as music director, some highlights encompass Cabaret (Orlando Shakes) Dracula: The Musical (Opera Del Sol), In The Heights (City Springs Theatre Company), Little Shop of Horrors and Broadbend, Arkansas (The Studio Theatre), Beauty and the Beast and On Your Feet (Garden Theatre), and A Chorus Line and Always, Patsy Cline (Theater West End). He spent over a decade music directing for Norwegian Cruise Line. Additionally, he was fortunate enough to music direct the regional premieres of Spank! The 50 Shades Parody (Florida Theatrical Association) and Heathers: The Musical (New Generation Theatricals). He had the honor of performing as a featured soloist in the concert An Evening with Kristen & Bobby Lopez as part of Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and the American Federation of Musicians, local 389. IG: bert.m.rodriguez
MILES
RANDOLPH (Assistant
Music Director, Guitar) is a music director, musician, actor, performer, and Florida native who grew up in St. Petersburg. Miles started performing at the young age of five years old learning piano, guitar, bass, drums and many more instruments. Miles would love to dedicate his performance to his parents, family, friends, and everyone who helped him get to where he is today. @milesandrewrandolph CAMDEN JORDAN (Cello)
RYAN LOECKEL (Company Manager, Music Supervisor, Violin, Synth) is an active musician, actor, vocalist, and collaborative arts producer. Trained as a classical musician at the Ohio State University, he is a descendant of the Max Aronoff line of violists through studies with Marcia Ferritto, and studied chamber music with the Cavani String Quartet. Ryan has played in Principal positions under numerous notable conductors and composers in addition to sharing the stage with various artists including Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, Anne Murray, Ben E. King, Barry Manilow, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. His performances and musical arrangements have been heard on syndicated national broadcasts, aboard five-star ships, and at venues internationally. Ryan is also Artistic Director of an annual summer concert series in conjunction with the Wicker Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District. @loeckelmusik
CHRIS MEWHINNEY (Electric Bass, Double Bass) is so happy to be back at the Studio Theatre after being treated so kindly during last year’s production of Little Shop of Horrors . Other recent performances include Cabaret at Orlando Shakes, and Five Guys Named Moe and Desperate Measures at the Winter Park Playhouse. Recordings include “Welcome to Our Clef” featuring Michael Manring and “Chris Plays Ray: A Tribute to Ray Brown”. Chris is a graduate of Berklee College of Music where he studied with Jim Stinnett.
ROB WEISENBARGER (Drums, Percussion) is a central Florida music educator, percussionist, and arranger. Graduating from Rollins College, Rob has used his knowledge and experience to pursue instrumental education, elementary music education, and music arrangement across the country. Rob is a member of two touring bands and is a regular in the central Florida music community. Rob would like to thank The Studio Theatre for the wonderful opportunity to play in this production!
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.
ACTOR’S EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S labor union that represents more than 50,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages and working conditions, and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension. Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. #EquityWorks
DIRECTION
TOM KITT (Music) is a two-time Tony, two-time Emmy, Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award winner. As a musical theater composer, he has written the music for six Broadway shows: Next to Normal (Tony Award, Olivier Nomination), If/Then (Tony Nomination), Almost Famous (Tony Nomination), Flying Over Sunset (Tony Nomination), High Fidelity, and Bring it On, The Musical. His work for the stage has also been seen Off Broadway at Second Stage (Next to Normal, Superhero), The Public Theater (The Visitor, Shakespeare in the Park) and he has worked at some of the most prestigious regional theaters including The Old Globe, Arena Stage, Berkeley Rep, The Signature Theater, and ART. In addition, Tom’s Broadway credits as an orchestrator include: Next to Normal (Tony Award), Hell’s Kitchen (Tony Nomination), The SpongeBob Musical (Tony Nomination), Jagged Little Pill (Tony Nomination), Almost Famous, Head Over Heels, Everyday Rapture, and American Idiot. Tom has also been active in the world of film and TV. As one of the vocal arrangers working on the Pitch Perfect films, Tom most notably helped create the classic “Riff-off.” Tom also served as music supervisor/arranger/orchestrator for Grease Live, and contributed songs for Royal Pains, Penny Dreadful, and Sesame Street. He also provided music supervision for the NBC series, Rise and served as a Supervising Music Producer on the Bobby Lopez/Kristen Anderson-Lopez/Steven Levenson/Thomas Kail musical television series Up Here . And he is known for his three original opening numbers for The Tony Awards, “This Party’s for You” in 2024, written with Amanda Green for Ariana Debose, “Live” in 2019, written with David Javerbaum for James Corden, and the Emmy Award winning “Bigger” in 2013, written with Lin-Manuel Miranda for Neil Patrick Harris. Tom is also proud that his musical adaptation of
Freaky Friday, co-written with Bridget Carpenter and Brian Yorkey was turned into an original movie musical for Disney Channel. Tom is a Sony Masterworks artist, with whom he recorded his debut album, Reflect in 2021.
BRIAN YORKEY (Book & Lyrics) received the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the 2009 Tony Award for Best Score, and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Next to Normal and was also nominated for the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical. He partnered again with the Next to Normal team on If/Then (Tony Award Nominee for Best Score) starring Idina Menzel. Brian co-wrote the libretto for The Last Ship (Outer Critics Nomination, with John Logan), with a score by Sting. He wrote lyrics for the Disney Theatricals musical adaptation of Freaky Friday, which also became a Disney Channel Original Movie. Brian most recently served as the Executive Producer and Co-Showrunner for the Netflix series Echoes. Prior to that, Brian was the Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner of 13 Reasons Why for Netflix and Paramount Television. He has also directed for theatre and television. Brian is a graduate of Columbia University, where he was artistic director of the Varsity Show, an alum of the BMI/Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop and a proud member of the Dramatists Guild, the WGA, and the DGA.
KRISTIN CLIPPARD (Director)
Selected credits include: Ugly Lies the Bone, A Night in November, Dear Jack, Dear Louise (Florida Studio Theatre), The Luckiest People, A Christmas Carol (Orlando Shakespeare Theater), Native Gardens, What the Constitution Means to Me, Morning After Grace (The Hippodrome Theatre), Silent Sky, The Roommate (American Stage), Alabaster (Capital Stage), The Agitators (freeFall Theatre), The People Downstairs (Stageworks), Twelfth Night (Island Shakespeare). Kristin holds an MFA in Directing from the University of Iowa, and a BFA in Acting from Wright State University. She is an associate member of the Shakespeare Theatre Association, Theatre Communications Group, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. She sits on the Board of Directors for The National New Play Network. www.kristinclippard.com
DR. LAUREN BUTTERFIELD, MD (Psychiatric Consultant) is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist practicing in St. Petersburg, FL. She attended medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and psychiatry residency and fellowship at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Butterfield specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression in adolescents and young adults. As an actor and musician herself, Dr. Butterfield often incorporates the arts into her treatment and urges her patients to explore this within themselves as another modality to help manage their symptoms.
EMILY A. ROLLIE (Intimacy Choreographer) is an intimacy choreographer and theatre director based in Washington state. Her intimacy choreography credits include Spring Awakening, Stupid F*****g Bird, Holiday Inn (Central Theatre Ensemble); Angels in America (University of Wisconsin Madison); In the Blood, Fefu and her Friends, Nora (Purdue University); Carousel, The Sound of Music (Leavenworth Summer Theatre); The Thin Place (ACT Seattle). Emily s an Associate Professor of Theatre at Central Washington University, where she teaches performance. She is associate faculty with Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE), a founding member of PNW Theatrical Intimacy Collective, a member of SDC (Stage Directors & Choreographers Society), and a registered yoga instructor who leads Yoga for Artists workshops around the country. emilyrollie.com
PRODUCTION
CLAYTON BECKER (Technical Director) is from the DFW area of Texas. Always wanting a career in theatre, he received his BA in Theatre from the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR. After graduating, Clay worked as the Technical Director at Circa’ 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, IL before joining The Studio Theatre team in 2018. When not in the theatre, he is out hiking, kayaking or biking the
wonders of mother nature across the country. Clay invites everyone to see the brilliant work our team does at both The Sharon and The Studio venues!
LESLIE BECKER (Director of People, Projects & Culture) is happy to be at The Studio Theatre working alongside such a passionate and knowledgeable team of professionals. Originally from Illinois, she has worked in all areas of the theatre world from onstage to behind the scenes. A theatre kid for life, she is honored to be a part of The Studio’s mission to bring thought provoking works to Central FL.
DELICIA BENT (Backstage Dresser) is happy to be back with The Studio Theatre. You’ve just seen her onstage as Murphy Stevens in Suite Surrender. Previously, she worked backstage on Pippin and When We Were Young and Unafraid. Prior acting roles include Jean in POTUS, Anna in Burn This, Powell in Men on Boats, June in A Map of Virtue, and Emmy in A Doll’s House Part 2 (Second Stage Theatre at Stetson University). Without further ado she hopes you enjoy the show!
MONICA BERDECIO, MA (Marketing Director) Bolivian roots drive her passion for the arts, food, and people. She is a two-time graduate of the University of Florida, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializing in Global Strategic Communication. She has taken on various roles within The Villages community, leading her to her most recent one as Marketing Director for Significant Productions, where she continues to pursue her love for making stories resonate with diverse communities. When she's not creating stories for work, she's creating memories with her husband and three kids wherever the fun is.
TINA CARROLL (Assistant Manager of Patron Services) attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University where she earned a B.A. in Journalism and a
minor in Marketing. She has spent the majority of her career working as office manager and children’s ministry director in large churches with lots of volunteers. A great joy has been teaching children’s choir for many years. Music, dance, and theater is vital in her life and she enjoys performing as well as directing. She and her husband have two sons. Tina loves living in The Villages and is delighted to celebrate her “un-retirement” joining SigPro as Assistant Manager of Patron Services.
ROEL CAVAZOS (Audiovisual Supervisor) is the Audiovisual Technician Assistant for Significant Productions. Roel is originally from Raymondville, TX. He joined us in the summer of 2023, after having been on tour with Jurassic World Live as an automation technician under Feld Entertainment. Before Feld Entertainment, he worked for Jurassic Quest National Tour for over 2 years. Since getting off the road, he has enjoyed learning new things everyday about his work here at The Studio Theatre and The Sharon. Him and his partner, Madi Carr, who is the Production Coordinator for The Sharon, have been welcomed with open arms into the Significant Productions family, and look forward to many more shows with them.
ANGEL CREEKS (Artistic Director) is honored to join this wonderful company with over 30 years of experience as an actor, singer, dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director. A few credits include: Film and television (North Hollywood, Days of Our Lives, Living Single), Broadway (Fosse, Chicago the Musical), national tours and artists (Chicago the Musical, Starlight Express, Michael Jackson, Anne Reinking), regional and theme parks (Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, Frozen-Live at the Hyperion, Romeo and Juliet, Hairspray, Godspell, Seussical). She is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion working with PSPI.org, CFEABlackbook.org, and Blacktheatregirlmagic.org. She has a B.A. in Performing Arts from St. Mary’s College of California, and a certificate in leadership from University of Notre Dame.
ANTONIO CAMPAGNA (Carpenter) born in Caracas, Venezuela, with Italian heritage,
found his way to the United States in 2013. His passion for art and entertainment led him to graduate in Film Production and obtain a Certificate in Stage Technology from Valencia College. Since childhood, he has cultivated his artistic talent, writing plays and exploring various forms of creative expression. Currently, he channels his love for entertainment at The Studio, where he plays a crucial role in creating sets and stages for theatrical productions. His world revolves around the fascinating universe of performing arts, where he continues to make his mark with creativity and dedication.
JON CRONIN
(Director of Operations) has been working in live events for fifteen years. His professional journey before joining The Sharon in 2021 included Dave Matthews Band, Huey Lewis & The News, World Wrestling Entertainment, Apple Events, Universal Parks and Resorts, and The Walt Disney Company. Jon currently serves as Director of Operations at SigPro, where he supports the production and operations teams across both of our world-class venues. An avid cruiser and theme park fan, Jon spends as much time at Disney or in the middle of the ocean as possible.
JACOB EADDY (Choreographer) is a 20-year veteran performer in the Central Florida area. When not onstage, he performs in the parks as an actor and serves as a creative director on local projects. He also works in creative education consulting.
KRISTIN FORTUNA
(Analyst, Sales, and Customer Support) Originally from Nashville, TN, Kristin fell in love with the Arts at an early age. Her career began in Nashville in the 1990s, working for venues such as Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and Starwood Amphitheater before accepting a position with Clear Channel located in Houston, Texas. Following that, she made her way to Orlando, Florida in 2004. Kristin has since had the opportunity to lend her talents to multiple other venues including Hard Rock Live, Dr. Phillips Center, Clermont Performing Arts Center, and Reilly Arts Center.
Outside of work, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family, photography, and performing at local music venues such as Orange Blossom Opry and Morgan’s Music Junction.
JOSHUA E. GALLAGHER
(Scenic & Props Designer) has been designing imaginary places in real spaces for the past decade. He began working with The Studio Theatre in 2021 creating an assortment of deserts for The Cake, and became a full-time member of the Significant Productions team shortly thereafter. He has also designed scenery for Garden Theatre, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, University of Cincinnati, Villanova University, Millbrook Playhouse, and Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, among others. Joshua has a Master of Fine Arts in Stage Design from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. JoshuaEGallagher.com
CORY H. GARRETT (Costume Shop Supervisor) is a graduate of the Masters in Entertainment Design at Southern Methodist University and received his undergraduate degree from East Texas Baptist University. Before packing up the truck and moving to paradise, he assisted Elaine J. McCarthy on the world premiere opera The Diving Bell and the Butterfly at The Dallas Opera. He is a freelance costume and scenic designer currently based in Central Florida. Selected designs include Cabaret (The Studio Theatre), Next to Normal (Theater 3), Plano (Richland College Theatre), Let the Right One In (Outcry Theatre), The Rape of Lucretia (Meadows Lyric Theatre), Twelfth Night - The Musical (Southern Methodist University), and The Odyssey (Dallas Theatre Center-Public Works Dallas). IG: @thartsofthartopolis
MELISSA LEIGH GILBERT
(Costume Designer) Since 2022 Melissa has been the Resident Costume Designer and Instructor of Theatre at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY. With a BFA from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and an MFA from the University of Iowa her work as designer, artisan, and educator has spanned
numerous genres and disciplines. Recent Credits include Ghost Music, Pride and Prejudice, The Moors, The Children's Hour, The Tempest, Angels in America, Little Women (Transylvania University Theatre), The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, Footloose, A Grand Night For Singing (University of Kentucky) The Outsider (Keegan Theatre), Sherlock! The Musical, Hand to God, Speech and Debate, As You Like It (abridged) (McDaniel College). www.melissaleighgilbert.com
JASON GOEDKEN (Producer) has been the Operations Manager at The Sharon since its opening in 2015. Prior to his time in Florida, he spent the previous 11 years working in various theatres in NYC and Chicago. Jason helped found both The Sharon and The Studio Theatre and manages the staff from both venues. Although his work is mostly behind-the-scenes, he made a memorable acting debut in The Studio Theatre's Second Season as Harry in Company.
LONNIE GOERTZ (Assistant Manager of Patron Services) After touring for two decades as a prop person with national tours of Broadway musicals, Lonnie Goertz recently relocated to The Villages from Atlantic Beach, FL to be closer to her mom. A graduate of NYU, some of her credits include Dear Evan Hansen, Jersey Boys, Moulin Rouge, Fun Home , and The Lion King . When she’s not in the theater, Lonnie enjoys running, cooking, chatting about vegetables, and chasing lizards in the park with her dog. She’s looking forward to becoming a better line dancer and has a hard time saying no to coffee ice cream.
MARIO GONZALEZ (Lighting Supervisor) is thrilled to be working with Significant Productions. He graduated in 2025 from the University of Florida with his MFA in Lighting Design, where he designed multiple shows including Macbeth, Blood at the Root, and Pipeline. He also has a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Tampa. He's incredibly excited to start this new chapter with Significant Productions and cannot wait to help create incredible shows.
JORDAN GREGSON (Literary
& Casting Associate) is an arts advocate, arts administrator, and theatrical director. His journey in the arts encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences within not-for-profit arts organizations and regional theaters. Jordan currently serves as the Literary & Casting Associate at The Studio Theatre. His assistant directing credits include: Angel Street (The Studio Theatre); Intimate Apparel (Asolo Rep); Jekyll & Hyde, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Players by the Sea); Power to the Queendom (Black and Latino Playwrights Celebration); Gloria the 2022 Broadway World Austin Award Winner for Best Play. His directing credits include: Everyone But Us (Retama Theatre Series); Imaginary Friend, The Meeting (TXST New Play Festival); We Are Proud to Present…, Punk Rock (Apex Theatre Studio). He is an alumnus of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and Texas State University. jordanhoughgregson.com | @just_jayhgreg
KRISSI KUGLER (Graphic Designer) has been in the design world over 20 years. From freelancing and contract gigs to helping shape the look and feel of The Sharon and The Studio Theatres since day one, she has done all facets of design. Originally from the Northeast (Go Birds!), she has called Florida home for over a decade, continuing to create and collaborate on a diverse range of projects and clients.
ALISON MADISON (Assistant Technical Director) Originally from the Hudson Valley area in New York. Alison graduated with her AAS from Genesee Community College in technical theater and BA in theater from UNLV with a concentration in carpentry and technical direction. She has interned with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA, and worked at UFPA as head carpenter. She loves building spaces for imaginary people for The Villages audience to enjoy! Thank you to my husband. You are my rock! Shout out to theater gremlins, please stop taking my tools.
Carpenter) was born and raised here in sunny central Florida and is excited at the opportunity to present important and culturally relevant theater to her home community. She's been with The Studio Theatre since 2023 but has been a lover of the performing arts as long as she can remember, and is happy to be able to express that love in the workshop!
ZACH MLEKUSH (Production Stage Manager) is a Midwesterner at heart, born and raised in Illinois but loving life as a Floridian! Zach joined the Stage Management team in Season 9, and loves working with this team! Past favorite Stage Management credits include Exit Laughing, The Vote, Pippin (The Studio), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Tiananmen: A New Musical, Elf: The Musical, The Lehman Trilogy (The Phoenix Theatre Company), The Book of Will (Illinois Shakes), and Lost in Yonkers directed by Jane Lynch. He hopes you enjoy the show!
VERNA MCINTYRE (Scenic
SAVANNAH ROSE PARKER (The Studio Theatre House Manager, Assistant Manager of Patron Services) is excited to join Significant Production's House Management Team. She comes with 13 years of experience in the customer service industry and is very much looking forward to using her skills to enhance the experiences of patrons at The Studio Theatre. Prior to joining the theatre industry, she honed her hospitality skills at several companies, her favorite of which were the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, NC and the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. Savannah prides herself on displaying strong attention to detail and infusing positivity into her workplace. In her personal time, she enjoys baking, traveling, and antiquing. She can't wait to see you at the theatre!
NICOLAS RAFFENAUD
(Swing Stage Manager) holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of South Florida. There, he worked on shows such as Ride the Cyclone, Little Women, As You Like It, and 9 to 5. Most recently he served as the Assistant Stage Manager for the world premiere of The Boy Who Loved
Batman in Tampa, FL. Other Credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Wizard of Oz (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre).
DIO RAQUEL JR. (Lighting Technician) hails from Honolulu, HI then relocated to Las Vegas, NV. He received his training from Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts (Las Vegas, NV) and his B.F.A. in Theatre Studies, emphasizing in Lighting and Arts Leadership from Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln, NE).
ALEC SPEERS (Manager of Patron Services) has a long history of working with theatre productions. After over a decade of working on and around the stage, he feels most at home in the theatre and is very proud to be Significant Production's House Manager. Favorite credits include Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog (Colorado, 2012), La Traviata and La Boheme (Germany, 2017), and Ada and the Engine (The Studio Theatre, 2021). Alec also has experience in set building, stage managing, and directing. He holds two degrees in Theatre Studies and Music from the University of Northern Colorado. It is always a privilege to work in the industry that you love, so Alec would like to thank The Studio family, Significant Productions, and his own immensely supportive family for everything they do.
YASMEEN STOGDEN
(Development Director) has professionally supported the arts in our community since 2015. Having worked, performed, and supported the arts since she was 8 years old, she has grown passionate about keeping the arts alive and active. Yasmeen was a professional flutist, competitive conductor, has launched Music Arts Society chapters, and founded a Collegiate Marching Band Program. Yasmeen has been involved and graduated from many leadership and organizational development programs, including Panhellenic Sorority, NCAA athletics, National Camp School, and spent years as a Director and Ambassador of The Villages. To this day, she stands by the training and leadership gained within music and performing
arts programs. She is set to ignite the passion and purpose in others to support the arts.
REW TIPPIN (Sound Designer) has previously designed for the SigPro shows La Cage Aux Folles, The Vote, and Suite Surrender. You can often hear his work at Urbanite Theatre in Sarasota, where his past credits include Birds of North America, Spaceman and The Sound Inside. Credits from elsewhere include Eurydice, Grounded, Sofonisba and a plethora of Shakespeare for Theatre at Monmouth in Maine, Double Happiness for Oakland Ballet in California, Amadeus for Gretna Theatre in Pennsylvania, Bo-Nita for Denizen Theatre in New York, and The Remarkable Rooming-House of Madame LeMonde for Beau Jest Moving Theatre in Massachusetts. You will be able to hear his work this spring at the FSU Conservatory where he'll be designing Exit, Pursued by Bear and even more Shakespeare! He is always delighted to be a part of this vibrant family of artists.
ETHAN VAIL (Lighting Designer) is pleased to be joining the team at Significant Productions again. Credits include–The Sarasota Ballet: La Sylphide ; Florida Studio Theatre: Black Pearl Sings, What the Constitution Means to Me; Urbanite Theatre: The Burdens, At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen ; Asolo Repertory Theatre: Grand Horizons, Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer, Camelot; The Players Centre for the Performing Arts (Sarasota, FL): Head Over Heels, All Shook Up; Millbrook Playhouse (Mill Hall, PA): 65 Productions including the regional premiere of Fun Home. He was the recipient of the 2013 USITT YD&T Award, sponsored by Barbizon Lighting Company, for A Midsummer Night’s Dream that he designed at Purdue University. He is also the Production Manager and Resident Lighting Designer for the Sarasota Ballet.
MADISON YOUNGBLOOD (Deck Stage Manager) was born and raised in the Central Florida area and has been a member of the resident stage management team at The Studio Theatre since season 6. With more than a dozen
years of stage management experience, Madison has lived and worked in Central Florida, Philadelphia, and New York. Some of her favorite credits at The Studio Theatre include Urinetown, Cabaret, Exit Laughing, Pippin, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Madison worked as an intern with WICKED on Broadway and has stage managed for the Arts for Autism Broadway Concerts and the Broadway Green Alliance. She graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Directing, Playwriting, and Production.
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CAST
Gabe .......................................... Jeremiah Garcia
Dan ................................................... Alex Jorth*
Diana Whitney Morse*
Dr. Madden ....................................... Brett Ricci
Natalie ........................................... Elena Rosales
Henry Ethan Yaheen-Moy Chan
Understudy for Diana ........... Beth Ann Stripling
Understudy for Natalie ................... Avianna Tato
Swing for Gabe, Henry Harrison Sakai
Swing for Dan, Dr. Madden ...... Russell Stephens
MUSICIANS
Music Director, Keys 1 ................ Bert Rodriguez
Assistant Music Director, Guitar .. Miles Randolph
Cello Camden Jordan
Music Supervisor, Violin, Synth Ryan Loeckel
Bass Guitar .............................. Chris Mewhinney
Drums, Percussion ................. Rob Weisenbarger
DIRECTION
Director .................................... Kristin Clippard
Psychiatric Consultant Dr. Lauren Butterfield, MD
Intimacy Choreographer ............. Emily A. Rollie
PRODUCTION
Producer ...................................... Jason Goedken
Artistic Director ............................. Angel Creeks
Director of Operations Jon Cronin
Director of People, Projects & Culture ...................................... Leslie Becker
Director of Development ......... Yasmeen Stogden
Technical Director Clayton Becker
Assistant Technical Director ....... Alison Madison
Company Manager......................... Ryan Loeckel
Literary & Casting Associate Jordan Gregson
Production Stage Manager............ Zach Mlekush
Deck Stage Manager .......... Madison Youngblood
Swing Stage Manager Nicolas Raffenaud
SCENIC
Set Designer, Scenic Artist .... Joshua E. Gallagher
Carpentry ... Antonio Campagna, Verna McIntyre
COSTUMES
Costume Designer ............. Melissa Leigh Gilbert
Costume Shop Supervisor Cory H. Garrett
Backstage Dresser ............................ Delicia Bent
LIGHTING
Lighting Designer............................... Ethan Vail
Lighting Supervisor .................... Mario Gonzalez
Lighting Technician Dio Raquel, Jr.
AUDIO/VISUAL
Sound Designer Rew Tippin
Audiovisual Supervisor ................... Roel Cavazos
PROPS
Props Designer, Set Dressing... Joshua E. Gallagher
HOUSE MANAGEMENT
Manager of Patron Services ............... Alec Speers
Assistant Manager of Patron Services ................................ Tina Carroll
Assistant Manager of Patron Services Lonnie Goertz
The Studio Theatre House Manager, Assistant Manager of Patron Services .................. Savannah Rose Parker
MARKETING
Marketing Director .......... Monica Berdecio, MA
Marketing & Social Media Coordinator ............................. Natalie Bollinger
Marketing Account Manager Erika Nelson
Graphic Designer ............................Krissi Kugler
Web Designer ........................... David Sponseller
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.
Great theatre requires talent, passion, and the support of our community. The Villages values the power of art and recognizes Significant Productions’ role in enriching our lifestyle. Join them, as we have, in ensuring that live theater continues to thrive.
POWERING art IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH
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Expert Repairs by In-House Master Jewelers
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Appraisals On-Site GIA Gemologists in The Community for 25 Years
Proudly Family-Owned in The Villages® Community for 25 Years
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