A Highly Caffeinated Comedy
CONTENTS Theatre Staff.......................................................................................................................................2 Whitney Morse on The Sharon® L. Morse Performing Arts Center.....................................................3 Production.......................................................................................................................................10 Biographies................................................................................................................................ 11-14 Coming Soon............................................................................................................................. 18-19
THEATRE STAFF Associate Lighting Supervisor......Dio Raquel Jr. Production Swing......................Nichole Pollack Manager of Patron Services .............Alec Speers Assistant Manager of Patron Services...............................Tina Carroll Assistant Manager of Patron Services............................Lonnie Goertz Assistant Manager of Patron Services ...............Savannah Rose Parker Marketing & Social Media Coordinator............................Natalie Bollinger Marketing Account Manager......... Erika Nelson Graphic Designer..........................Krissi Kugler Lead Housekeeper........................ Victoria Doss Ad Sales....marketing@significantproductions.org
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS BOARD President...................................................................................................Elliot Sussman, MD, MBA Vice President......................................................................................................Marcus Bridgewater Treasurer....................................................................................................................... Donna Taylor Secretary ............................................................................................................... Elizabeth Constant Board Member.............................................................................................................Jason Goedken
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© The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center. © Significant Productions, Inc. 300
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 Technical Operations......................Clay Becker Booking & Contracts Manager.......Sierra Weiss Assistant Production Manager...........Madi Carr Deck & Facilities Coordinator... Tony Fairchild Lighting Supervisor.................... Ally Southgate
WHITNEY MORSE on
The Sharon®L. Morse
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Dear Patron of the Arts, Welcome to The Sharon L. Morse 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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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
ENCORE ENTHUSIASTS
Robert & Joan Jalbert
Celeste Hankins
Jim & Dee Judd
John Hilt
Andy Pawlowski
April Linscott
Elliot Sussman
Marianne Niesen
John Swartz
Jim Ward
$2,022 A YEAR
$60 A MONTH
ARTS AMBASSADORS $30 A MONTH
Marie Connolly
Bonnie Park
Mary Homko
Karen & Clarence Russell Jr.
Russell Jones
Patricia Schlemmer
Bob & Diane Kendi
Donna Silver
Honey & David Kirk
Donna Taylor
Edward & Gayle Labuda
Jan & Dave Thomas
Kathleen Litch
Bob & Iris Trinh
Holly Nicholson
Barbara & John Van Dyke
Dina Nizza
Melissa Warner
DEDICATIONS Ursula Becker Derek Mumford Peg Fiore Alice Stogden Jackson L. Straub III, M.D. Lorraine Torgerson Thank you to our Vibe Setters and anonymous donors.
Thank You
TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS
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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experience
PRIVATE BOX
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 VIP@SignificantProductions.org
Benefiting
SAVE THE DATE
03.21.26 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Emerald City Gala ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Celebrate where art, artists, and audience meet. Our second annual fundraising gala brings the community together to ensure the theatre thrives for years to come.
ENTERTAINMENT FROM THE BAY KINGS BAND
JOIN US THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE SIGPRO! For questions email Info@SignificantProductions.org
PRODUCTION Oskar Eiriksson & Theater Mogul Present
TRIPLE ESPRESSO A Highly Caffeinated Comedy
Written by Bob Stromberg
Written by Michael Pearce Donley
Written by Bill Arnold
Bobby Bean John Bush
STARRING: Hugh Butternut Paul Somers
Buzz Maxwell Patrick Albanese
Lighting Design Michael Klaers
Scenic Designer Nayna Ramey
Sound Design John Markiewicz
ASM/Technician Asa Gutow
Costume Designer Kathleen Egan
Executive Producer Zachary Hedner
Stage Manager Paige Stanton
General Manager Exclusive Tour Direction Jill Bowman Broadway & Beyond Theatricals
Consulting Producer Dennis Babcock
Artistic Director William Partlan
The show is produced under a special agreement with Dennis Babcock, Executive Producer of Triple Espresso—a highly caffeinated comedy. Exclusive Tour Direction Broadway & Beyond Theatricals Tracey Stroock McFarland • Ryan Bogner Jaymi Gilmour • Megan Savage • Zachary Hedner • Kelsey Young
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BIOGRAPHIES WILLIAM PARTLAN (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR) directs each presentation of Triple Espresso and collaborates with directors around the world to adapt the play to other languages and cultures. Known for his work with new plays and playwrights, Partlan directed 44 plays at the O’Neill Center’s National Playwrights Conference, including the premieres of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Fences. He has directed such well-known actors as Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Mary McDonnell, Frances McDormand, Howard Rollins, and John Turturro. He founded a New Play Series at New York’s Bottom Line, where he premiered the pre-Broadway musical Leader of the Pack, the music of Ellie Greenwich, featuring Darlene Love, Paul Shaffer, and Ellie Greenwich. Partlan directed the world premiere of All God’s Dangers, starring Cleavon Little at the Cricket Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Lamb’s Theatre Off-Broadway, and for PBS American Playhouse. His American premiere production of Hugh Whitemore’s The Best of Friends was produced offBroadway by actor Michael Douglas. His Cricket Theatre premiere of Matt Witten’s Sacred Journey toured the U.S. and Great Britain twice. He has directed plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, The Empty Space in Seattle, Florida Stage, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, New Mexico Repertory Theatre, Philadelphia Festival Theatre, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence, Virginia Stage, and Yale Repertory Theatre. Bill was the Artistic Director of the Cricket Theatre in Minneapolis for nine years, where he produced over fifty plays, including Triple Espresso. BILL ARNOLD (CO-AUTHOR) started performing in comedy and magic clubs and has stayed busy emceeing and entertaining at corporate events and fundraisers all over the country. You can hear him at myfaithradio.com weekdays from 3-5 PM (Central) on Afternoons with Bill Arnold and as host of Real Recovery Sunday nights at 5 PM. He enjoys photography and going to bed early. MICHAEL PEARCE DONLEY (CO-AUTHOR) owned the basement where Triple Espresso was written back in 1995. All these years (and a few basements) later, he still loves sharing the show with all the performers, crew, staff, and audiences who’ve invested their hearts in it. Mike has also performed with Park Square Theatre (2 Pianos 4 Hands), Ten Thousand Things (Man of La Mancha, Once On This Island), Nautilus Music Theater, Bucket Brigade, Front Porch Theatre, and others. He works full-time at Eagle Brook Church, writing and producing creative media. Mike’s married to theater director Joy Donley, and they have two children, Emma and Lewis; he dedicates the show to the memory of Lew.
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| A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.
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BIOGRAPHIES BOB STROMBERG (CO-AUTHOR) originated the character of Bobby Bean and played the part for Triple Espresso’s first ten years. He also created the one-man show That Wonder Boy, which premiered in 2008 at the Music Box Theatre in Minneapolis and later played Nelson Hall in Cheshire, CT, The Temple Theater in Des Moines, IA, Theater L’Homme Dieu in Alexandria, MN, and the United Solo Theater Festival in NYC, where it won top honors. He lives in Minnesota with his wife, Judy, and throughout his career performing as a featured comedian, it has been his joy to advocate for impoverished children through the ministry of Compassion International. Please visit www.compassion.com to learn more about this important work, and please visit www.bobstromberg.com. PATRICK ALBANESE (BUZZ), A native Chicagoan, could be seen regularly on WGN’s popular Bozo’s Circus. In Los Angeles, he emceed over 9,000 shows at Hollywood’s prestigious Magic Castle. He also entertains corporate clients or designs effects for their events. He has appeared in more than 100 television commercials over the years. He even stinted as a TV traffic reporter in Des Moines. Multiple cities and over 3,500 performances of Triple Espresso have given Patrick many wonderful experiences, but none better than meeting his future wife, Janet, during the show’s initial run in Des Moines, where they now live with their two children, Elena (Ellie) and Evan (EJ). JOHN BUSH (BOBBY) will soon be appearing in the made for TV film The Garage, on HULU’s Triumph’s Election Special, AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, and FOX NEWS Channel’s Red Eye. As an actor, he has been seen on TV’s Spin City, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and in the film The Thomas Crown Affair. John has performed stand-up comedy on HBO, Comedy Central, as well as sketches on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Currently, he is an actor, writer, and producer on ‘The Kyle Dunnigan Show’ on YouTube and is touring nationally with ‘Cash Cab’ star and comedian Ben Bailey. John also performs year-round for events and private parties.
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BIOGRAPHIES PAUL SOMERS (HUGH), A native of Waseca, Minnesota, Paul has been a member of Triple Espresso since 2003, which has brought him all over the country and Ireland. He recently starred in The Church Basement Ladies. Over the last 20+ years, he has worked with many theater companies and artists, such as Urban Samurai Theater, the Jon Ferguson Company, Park Square Theater, Daytrippers Dinner Theater, and The Mystery Cafe. Loads of love and thanks to Paul’s sons (who have practically been raised by Triple Espresso), Jack, Greg, Will, and Alec. They embraced their Dad’s dorkiness and, with their love and support, made everything possible. PAIGE STANTON (PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER) always dreamed of being involved in a community that encourages and nurtures change, love and respect for all. Thanks to her long history with Pyramid Theatre Company, Gateway Dance Theatre, Grand View University, and various other projects, she is fulfilling that dream. Through the years she has performed many jobs in theatre including designing, acting, directing, dramaturgy, stage managing and company manger. Her past shows as production stage manager include Shakuntala and Shakuntala: On the Move for Gateway Dance, three years of the Cloris Awards, and In the Upper Room, The Piano Lesson, Buffalo Women, A Love Offering, How I Learned What I Learned, Too Heavy for Your Pocket, Intimate Apparel, Prowess, The Amen Corner, and Mississippi Goddamn with Pyramid. She was stage manager for the most recent production of Triple Espresso at the Temple Theatre in Des Moines, Iowa and is so honored to be blessed with a reprise. In 2016, she won the Region V Dramaturgy Award during the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. A renaissance woman, her hobbies include photography, singing, dancing, crocheting, embroidery, sewing, JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) and traveling. Paige thanks her theatre family; her mentor, Janet Albanese; her college professor, Kristin Larson; her family – husband Chris, their children, Jeice, Dominic, and Bjorn, and parents April and Mike, for supporting her and giving her the love, strength, support, courage, and tools to become the stage manager and artist she is today.
SignificantProductions.org |
| A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.
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BIOGRAPHIES THEATER MOGUL / ÓSKAR EIRIKSSON (PRODUCER) Based in Reykjavik, Iceland, Óskar Eiriksson co-founded the internationally acclaimed production company Theater Mogul in 1999. Since then, he and his partners have mounted, invested in, and produced theatrical hits across the globe—from the U.S. and South America to Europe, Asia, and South Africa. Theater Mogul’s flagship show Defending the Caveman continues to play in over 150 cities worldwide. Óskar also produces Defending the Cavewoman, the long-running comedic retort to Caveman, and has brought audiences international sensations such as Shaolin Monks, Menopause the Musical, The Blues Brothers, Umoja, Lovelace – A Rock Opera, Sexy Laundry, and 100% Sex Therapy across Europe, South Africa, and Iceland. The company’s New York City debut, Silence! The Musical—a parody of The Silence of the Lambs—earned critical acclaim. Theater Mogul went on to co-produce the award-winning Broadway musical Groundhog Day (2017) and the hit parody Friends! The Musical (2018), which has since toured the U.K., Las Vegas, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland. Most recently, Óskar co-produced the feature film CAVEMAN with Germany’s Constantin Films, alongside a documentary chronicling the show’s journey and Theater Mogul’s global success. Known for his personal, creative, and hands-on approach, Óskar continues to collaborate with partners and friends worldwide—expanding Theater Mogul’s reach while championing new talent and original productions. ZACHARY HEDNER (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) is a New York City-based producer and performer. He is the Content & Operations Associate at Broadway & Beyond Theatricals (Beaches, The Fantasticks, Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean) and is part of the Executive Producing team for the off-Broadway production of Tartuffe starring Tony Award winner André De Shields. He is currently finishing his thesis year at Columbia University for an MFA in Theatre Management & Producing. Selected experience: Thesis Operations Manager at Columbia University, Theatrical Operations Manager at Norwegian Cruise Lines (SIX the Musical & Burn the Floor), and Executive Director of the Arts Consortium of Carver County. Zachary graduated with a Bachelor’s in Theatre and has performed professionally across NYC, cruises, and regional theatres. www.zacharyhedner.com BROADWAY & BEYOND THEATRICALS (BOOKING AGENT), helmed by Ryan Bogner and Tracey McFarland, is a Tony-nominated Broadway production company and booking agency, dedicated to the creation and distribution of quality theatrical content throughout North America and beyond. Broadway: The Kite Runner, The Cottage, Paradise Square. Upcoming: The Fantasticks, Beaches, Trading Places, Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean, The Hello Girls, Safety Not Guaranteed. Regional: Judgment Day, Where We Belong, Avaaz, Cambodian Rock Band. Selected Tours as agent: The Cher Show, The Kite Runner, Legally Blonde, The Music Man, A Christmas Story.
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