THEATRE STAFF
Executive Director Jason Goedken
Artistic Director Whitney Morse
Associate 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
Booking Manager ...........................Sierra Weiss
Production Manager.................. Mike Giovinco
Assistant Production Manager .......... Madi Carr
Audiovisual Supervisor Luke Bezio
Audiovisual Technician Roel Cavazos
Desk & Facility Director Tony Fairchild
Lighting Supervisor Ally Southgate
Associate Lighting Supervisor Dio Raquel Jr.
Production Swing Nichole Pollack
House Manager Alec Speers
Assistant House Manager .............. Tina Carroll
Assistant House Manager ..... Savannah Wagner
Lead Housekeeper ....................... Victoria Doss
Housekeeper ................................ Amber Sacks
Analyst, Sales & Customer Support .................... Kristin Fortuna
Marketing & Media Coordinator ..... Jessica Nix
Marketing Account Manager ........ Erika Nelson
Graphic Designer Krissi Kugler
Web Designer David Sponseller
Ad Sales marketing@significantproductions.org
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS BOARD
Jason Goedken
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.
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
MULTI-DONORS
Mary Homko
Giuseppina (Jo) Jones
Russell Jones
Donna Taylor
Jennifer Velez
Jim Ward
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Stan Ackerman
Marge Alder
David Burns
Marie Connolly
Jon Cronin
Sharon Curry
Fidelity Charitable
Carol Floros/Koszola
Nancy Garrison
Lynn & Kathy Glassock
Brian Grode
Roger & Karen Kass
Bob Kendi
Honey & David Kirk
Ron Kravet
Edward & Gale Labuda
Chuck & Bev Levy
Sarah Lindmeier
April & David Linscott
John McAuley
Xiomara Guevara Mendoza
Jan & Tom Miller
Marianne Niesen
Rosemary Pacenta
Patricia Schlemmer
Diann Sherwin
Donna Silver
Jan & Dave Thomas
Muriel Trulson
John Van Dyke
Liza Diana Walters
Melissa Warner
Peter Webb
Attendees at The Sharon 9th Birthday Lunch
DONATIONS IN HONOR OF Ursula Becker
Peg Fiore
Alice Stogden
Thank you to our anonymous donors.
Part I
“National Anthem”
Christopher Macchio
“O sole mio” by di Capua
Grant Norman, Christopher Macchio and Clark Barrios
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel
Grant Norman
“You Raise Me Up”
Clark Barrios
“Recondita Armonia” from Tosca by Puccini
Christopher Macchio
“Mamma”
Mary Jo Vitale
“Maria” from West Side Story
Grant Norman
“Torna Surriento” by De Curtis Christopher Macchio
“Lord’s Prayer”
Clark Barrios
“Un bel di” from Madama Butterfly
Mary Jo Vitale
“Time to Say Goodbye” by Sartori/Quarantotto/Peterson
Mary Jo Vitale, Grant Norman, Christopher Macchio, Clark Barrios
Intermission
Part II
“La Donna e Mobile” from Rigoletto by Verdi
Grant Norman, Christopher Macchio and Clark Barrios
“Una Furtiva Lagrima” from Elixir of Love
Grant Norman
“Be My Love” by Brodsky
Christopher Macchio
“Feelin’ Good”
Clark Barrios
“Think of Me” from Phantom
Mary Jo Vitale
“Stranger In Paradise” from Kizmet by Borodin
Christopher Macchio
“Over the Rainbow” from Wizard of Oz
Grant Norman
“The Prayer”
Mary Jo Vitale & Clark Barrios
“Memory” from Cats
Mary Jo Vitale
“Nessun Dorma” from Turandot by Puccini
Mary Jo Vitale, Grant Norman, Christopher Macchio and Clark Barrios
BIOGRAPHIES
CARK BARRIOS
The name Cark Barrios has become synonymous with a high caliber musical talent that is both versatile and entertaining. Born in New Orleans and raised by his grandparents, Clark’s first musical exposure was through the recognition he received singing in the Church choir at the young age of 5. That recognition led to a musical scholarship at Loyola University in New Orleans and then began a musical quest which would ultimately bring happiness and joy to hundreds of thousands in audiences across the country. Chasing that dream led Clark from New Orleans to Atlanta to Las Vegas to Austin to Orlando (twice) and now to his forever home here in Central Florida. He is a gifted vocalist, who has been referred to as a musical chameleon adapting his voice and persona to the musical genre at hand, who also plays clarinet, guitar, bass, and piano. Clark is part singer, part mimic, 100% entertainer. You can find Clark singing throughout The Villages and surrounding areas with the Clark Barrios Band at the squares, many local country clubs, various restaurants, and of course, Clark’s many tribute shows at the Savannah Center. Clark feels blessed to have performed with Maestro Pasquale Valerio of The Villages Philharmonic and recently Mastro Bill Doherty in the “Change The World” Benefit Show at the Sharon.
CHRISTOPHER MACCHIO
Christopher Macchio is an international classical-crossover vocalist, known globally for his command performances on LIVE international television from the White House, Madison Square Garden, a memorial tribute at the return rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and his performance of the U.S. National Anthem at the 47th Presidential Inauguration. He has performed 10 consecutive sold-out concerts as one of the three New York Tenors at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, made solo guest appearances with legendary producer David Foster (producer of Andrea Bocelli), and recently performed duets with Grammy-Winners Peabo Bryson, Al Jardine of the Beach Boys, and American Idol Finalist Haley Reinhart. After making his professional debut in a PBS-TV concert special Bell’Aria: Live from Las Vegas, he recently made his acting debut, being featured singing in two major Hollywood films, Cabrini (2024) (from Oscar-contender director Alejandro Monteverde, director of blockbuster hit Sound of Freedom), and DON Q (2024) starring Armand Assante (Mambo Kings).
GRANT NORMAN
Grant Norman. Best known for his portrayal of the Phantom in the Broadway production of Andrew LLoyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, Broadway star Grant Norman, himself a graduate of Central Florida Lyric Opera’s Resident Artist Training Program started out in theater with the Red River Dance & Performing Company in Fargo, ND. He was a member of their company for 4 years, during which time he worked his way through the ranks to become a principal dancer. During his 11 original productions with the company he was fortunate enough to work with its directors, Kathy & Eddie Gasper. Their experience and generosity proved to be invaluable to Grant. Kathy was a successful classical ballerina and Eddie was a Broadway veteran and former Assistant to Bob Fosse. Under their tutelage he learned Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Character dancing. Grant Norman’s first starring role in musical theatre was with the Red River Dance & Performing Co. as “Paul” in Carnival; which happened to be a joint production between the Red River Dance & Performing Co. and The Fargo/Moorhead Community Theatre. In the following years, Grant began working in many wonderful regional theatres throughout the country while returning to Fargo and the Red River Dance & Performing Co. to play “Tony” in West Side Story. Some of his most highly acclaimed regional roles included “Smudge” in Forever Plaid (Alley Theatre, TX), “Petruchio” in Taming of the Shrew, “Curley” in Oklahoma (Jupiter Theatre, FL), the “Prince/Wolf” in Into the Woods (Seaside Music Theatre, FL), “Max” in Lend Me a Tenor (Hippodrome Theatre, FL), “Gaston” in Gigi (Royal Palm Dinner Theatre, FL), “Johnny Canton” in 1940’s Radio Hour (Ruth Foreman Theatre, FL), “Adam” in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Mark II Dinner Theatre, FL), “Corporal Billy Jester” in Little Mary Sunshine (North Dakota Repertory Theatre, ND), and “Sydney Carton” in A Tale of Two Cities (Backers Production, NYC).
In 1990, Grant Norman began his long-standing musical affiliation with Maestro Bill Doherty when he joined the Central Florida Lyric Opera’s Resident Artist Training Program. As a member of the training program, Grant studied classical Italian opera singing with Mr. Doherty and also appeared in numerous concerts and opera programs with Bill Doherty and the Central Florida Lyric Opera. Grant moved to New York City in 1991 where he immediately joined the cast of two legendary Broadway shows - Miss Saigon and The Phantom of the Opera. “My time with The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway led to the opportunity to tour the U.S. as the Phantom in the National Touring Company. I then went on to play the Phantom in London at Her Majesty’s Theatre. After I returned to
BIOGRAPHIES
the States, I took some needed time off; and then accepted a contract, working for Disney, touring the U.S. and Canada as the “Beast” in Beauty and the Beast”, (a role for which he was nominated for two National Theatre Awards). “Although I loved touring our beautiful country, I was happy to be home again in New York.” Once back in New York, he landed a role in the Off-Broadway production of Johnny Guitar where he can be found on the Original Cast Recording. Most recently, Grant Norman finished a 2 1/2 year run playing the role of Gaston in the Broadway production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and also appeared in the hit television drama “Law & Order”.
At the present time, Grant stars in Disney’s “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…And Beyond” at Disneyworld’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
MARY JO VITALE
A Florida native, Mary Jo Vitale was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale. She attended the University of South Florida on a full music scholarship and was the premier vocalist for the Pinellas Opera League in St. Petersburg FL in 2002. She regularly performs concerts and cabarets for sold out crowds in the Villages and surrounding areas. Mary Jo’s musical versatility and charisma on stage has earned her the title of “The Sweetheart of the Villages”. She has been invited to perform in several local musical theater productions such as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar (2017), Eva Peron in Evita (2018), Johanna in Sweeney Todd (Oct. 2018) and Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady (2019). She starred in Rogers and Hammerstein’s beautiful musical Carousel as Julie Jordan and as Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia!(2021) to rave reviews. She played Antonia in Man of La Mancha (2022). Ariel Truax in Grumpy Old Men (2023) and Christine in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Spring 2024) and most recently as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz (Fall 2024)! Her favorite role of all, though, is that of wife and mother. Mary Jo has been married to her college sweetheart, JonMarc MacLean for 19 years and they have two children together; Danny (14 years old) and Lila Rose (8 years old). Mary Jo’s husband is the Lead Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in the Villages where he has been serving for 15 years. Mary Jo regularly leads worship at Hope Lutheran Church’s new southern campus at Everglades Recreation Center. The Villages is certainly proud to call this versatile entertainer one of their own.
MAESTRO BILL DOHERTY
Maestro Bill Doherty has been performing as a concert pianist since the age of four and continues to delight audiences all over the world with his virtuosity at the keyboard. His musical studies included intensive training in piano, conducting, musical composition and voice, studying with such well-known teachers as Albert Bowen (Tanglewood), Barbara Marchesani, Pasquale Caputo (Mohawk Valley Opera), Solomon Mikowski and Sonia Vargas (Manhattan School of Music), Abraham Kaplan (Juilliard School of Music), Carmen Savoca and Peyton Hibbitt (Tri-Cities Opera, NY), and Rita Shane (Metropolitan Opera, Vienna StaatsOper). As an operatic tenor, he sang with the Mohawk Valley Opera and the Tri-Cities Opera, and was later mentored by the legendary soprano Licia Albanese (Metropolitan Opera, La Scala).
As a composer, conductor, pianist and singer, Mr. Doherty has performed in some of the world’s finest performance halls and Cathedrals including the Vatican, Lincoln Center (New York), St. Patrick’s Cathedral (New York), The Prudential Center (Boston), the Villa Faccanoni - Lake Iseo (Italy), and on tour throughout Italy and Asia. He received international critical acclaim for his performances in Kyoto and Osaka, Japan with operatic soprano Takako Yamamoto and tenor Oscar Feliu. In 2012, he conducted members of the Central Florida Lyric Opera and the St. Timothy Choir in a special Mass of Thanksgiving at the Vatican for Pope Benedict XVI and in concerts in an around Rome, Italy. His original composition “Requiem” received its world premiere in Jerusalem, Israel, 2014 under the auspices of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music (Pontifico Instituto di Musica Sacra) and in 2016 was presented in Rome, Italy where he and his choir also sang for the “Closing of the Holy Doors” at the Vatican for Pope Francis. In August of 2022, he conducted the world premiere of another original composition “Requiem for World Peace” at the Salzburg Festival in Austria and in October of 2022, was inducted into his High School Alma Mater’s “Hall of Distinction” in Clinton, NY. He has conducted and accompanied extensively in opera for over 35 years, collaborating with some of the world’s greatest operatic stars including the legendary Licia Albanese and serving as accompanist to world-renowned Metropolitan Opera sopranos Deborah Voigt, Susan Neves and Grammy Award winning operatic soprano, Molly Fillmore among many others.
Mr. Doherty is also one of the nation’s leading voice coaches and operates a teaching studio in both Florida and New York City. His students have drawn international attention in principal roles with opera companies throughout the world, on and off Broadway, and by winning top awards in national and
international vocal competitions including the Metropolitan Opera Competition (NYC) among others. His student Fernando Varela (“FORTE”) was among the finalists in the world-renowned talent competition America’s Got Talent. An internationally recognized teacher and workshop clinician, Bill Doherty has conducted Master Classes in opera and voice at universities and conservatories throughout the world, including Marymount Manhattan College NYC, and the Conservatoire Leo Delibes, Ville de Clichy-La-Garenne, France, among others. His interviews and performances have been broadcast on PBS, CBS, and NBC. He has also appeared on various talk shows including the “Late Show with David Letterman”.
Year after year, Mr. Doherty has served as adjudicator for the Licia AlbanesePuccini Foundation’s International Vocal Competition in New York City and has also performed as an accompanist for the Foundation’s Gala concert several times at Lincoln Center, NY. He also is adjudicator for the prestigious Gerda Lissner International Opera Competition, NYC and the Giulio Gari International Vocal Competition, NYC.
He is Founder and General Director of the Central Florida Lyric Opera, Inc. and is the Director of Music at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church (The Villages, FL). His work with the International Opera Center of America, Central Florida Lyric Opera’s International Exchange Program, has been recognized and commended by both Florida Governor Charlie Crist and United States President George W. Bush. Among his many honors and awards, Mr. Doherty is the recipient of the New York State Council on the Arts Humanities Award and his signature has been immortalized on the “Muro di Alassio” in Alassio, Italy.
Celebrating a Decade on Stage
This spring, we will host our inaugural fundraising gala, an evening that promises dazzling entertainment, fine dining, and a celebration of 10 years of artistry, community, and impact. It’s a moment to reflect on our journey, honor our supporters, and look ahead to the future of arts in our community.
Inaugural Fundraising Gala 04.26.25 • 5:30pm $150
For more information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit our website or contact us at Info@SignificantProductions.org
A Maestro
Bill Doherty Production
BEHIND THEcurtain tour
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite shows at The Sharon? Want to share footprints with some of the world’s biggest stars? Back by overwhelming demand... The Sharon: Behind the Curtain Tour! Visit SignificantProductions.org/Tour for more information. Private tours are available at request. Email: Info@SignificantProductions.org
PRIVATE BOX experience
ENJOY YOUR NEXT SHOW AT THE SHARON LIKE A VIP!
• Exclusive experience for up to 15 guests.
• Private lounge for the evening, including home-like furnishings, restroom, and direct access to the auditorium box for comfortable viewing of your show.
• Upgrades available such as a private bartender or personalized celebratory furnishings.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO CREATING AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER!
To explore accommodations and availability, please contact Yasmeen@SignificantProductions.org
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE SHARON
Powered by Significant Productions, a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping the arts alive in our community, The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center is committed to providing quality entertainment for our valued patrons. We are reaching out to gather your thoughts on what interests you most about our offerings and what encourages you to return for more. Your honest feedback is greatly appreciated, and we hope to continue welcoming you to our venue. Your support means the world to us.
ADVERTISE
Increase your visibility by marketing your message to The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center’s local, engaged audience, as well as advertise in The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol’s Programs and our monthly Digital Newsletter, The Scoop!
For information on prices, ad sizes, and availability, please email us at marketing@significantproductions.org.
