It
Feels Like Christmas
THEATRE STAFF
Executive Director .......................................................................... Jason Goedken
Artistic Director ............................................................................ Whitney Morse
Associate Artistic Director ................................................................. Angel Creeks
Director of Operations ......................................................................... Jon Cronin
Director of People, Projects & Culture ...............................................Leslie Becker
Production Manager ....................................................................... Mike Giovinco
Booking Manager ................................................................................ Sierra Weiss
Senior Business Manager ................................................................... Sean Graham
Lighting Supervisor ......................................................................... Ally Southgate
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
Marketing Director ..................................................................... Monica Berdecio
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.
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
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
Muriel Trulson
John Van Dyke
Diann Sherwin
Brian Grode
IN HONOR OF Peg Fiore
Alice Stogden
Ursula Becker
Thank you to our anonymous donors.
VOCTAVE
A cappella sensation Voctave has had over 160 million social media views of their videos, and their albums frequently debut in the top 10 on the Billboard and iTunes charts. In 2024 they released the third volume in their popular The Corner of Broadway & Main Street series and recorded a number of collaborations with guest artists including Tituss Burgess and The Swingles. Last season Voctave released a brand-new holiday album It Feels Like Christmas and embarked on a North American holiday tour. Other recent highlights include an album of lullabies entitled Goodnight, My Someone and tours of their popular show The Corner of Broadway & Main Street. Formed in 2015 by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, the voices that bring their arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. Hailing from Central Florida, the eleven members of Voctave have performed across the globe and appear on countless recordings. The group has performed with GRAMMY, Dove and American Music Award recipients including Sandi Patty, Pentatonix’s Kirstin Maldonado, Mark Lowry, David Phelps, and Jody McBrayer. Voctave’s albums are digitally available on all platforms.
KATE LOTT - SOPRANO 1
Kate has traveled the world with her voice, and she began with a broad variety of roles in Regional Theaters around the country before moving to Orlando more than a decade ago. Honoring her BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah University, Walt Disney Entertainment invited Kate to move to Orlando, Florida, where she has been singing First Soprano with the Voices of Liberty for over ten years. As a soloist, Kate has sung the National Anthem for the Atlanta Braves, Run Disney, and President Barack Obama. Her signature high notes have been captured on multiple studio recordings. She and her husband Rob reside in Windermere, Florida with their dog, Leo.
TIFFANY COBURN - SOPRANO 2
Tiffany Coburn has been called a singer’s singer! Her love of music is undeniable. Whether you hear her singing with Voctave or performing her own gospel concerts, your heart will be moved by her voice. Her career has been filled with “pinch me” moments!
At the age of 17, she began the “tour” life beginning with the Continental Singers and Orchestra. She has toured with TRUTH, Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty just to name a few. She has had the privilege of performing as a soloist with the Boston Pops, the Orlando and Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestras, appeared at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and sang for the closing ceremonies of the Special Olympics. She represented the United States at the April Spring Friendship Festival in Pyongyang, North Korea against 40 other countries and brought home First Place Honors. Tiffany was a member of EPCOT’s Voices of Liberty for over 25 years, recorded the theme song “Share a Dream Come True” for Disney’s 100 Years of Magic,” as well as recordings for parades, stage shows and special events for Disney World as well as the other parks worldwide. She became a Dove Award Nominated Artist with her most recent recording “You Are More” in the categories of Inspirational “Album of the Year” and Grass Roots “Song of the Year.” She currently lives in Clermont, FL with her husband of 30 years.
BIOGRAPHIES
ASHLEY ESPINOZA - SOPRANO/ALTO
Ashley Espinoza lives in Florida with her husband, Christian and children, and is a singer with the Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney World. In her spare time, she is a studio singer, and she records and travels with the viral group, Voctave. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance, & discovered barbershop at her college, Vanguard University of Southern California. In the past she has been a member of the Harborlites Chorus, Hypnotic, Vogue (2010 Rising Star Champions), Charmed, and Windsor. Along with her love for music, she also enjoys reading, loves cats, and is enjoying learning how to be a good wife & mother.
SARAH WHITTEMORE - ALTO 1
Sarah Whittemore originally hails from Greensboro, North Carolina. Growing up, her passion and talent for singing was apparent, whether in touring children’s choirs, cantering at church, or singing in her own jazz trio.
For the past 18 years, she has called Central Florida her home, establishing herself as a premiere live and studio vocalist. Sarah’s signature silky sound can be heard in the worldrenowned a cappella group, Voctave. Sarah’s other a cappella accolades stem from her time spent with the Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney World. Sarah is a highly sought after entertainer, lending her velvety vocals as a guest artist with the Orlando Philharmonic, the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, and as a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
While Sarah loves live performance, her talents extend to the studio as well. She has made a name for herself as a veteran of the session world, singing for hundreds of projects. Highlights include recordings for Tokyo Disney Sea, Tokyo Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Springs, Norwegian Cruise Line, Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios Japan, Purina Dog Show, Nickelodeon, FELD Entertainment, Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival, Motiongate Dubai, Hal Leonard, Excelcia Music Publishing, Timeless Psalter & Commentary Project, and albums for Jon Anderson of “Yes” and Broadway’s Marty Thomas. Sarah’s debut solo recording, “Love Song” EP, released on February 5th, 2021. It marks her debut as a solo artist and showcases her vocal jazz bona fides. Most recently, Sarah has expanded her musical reach as a songwriter with Excelcia Publishing and upcoming projects.
CHRYSTAL JOHNSON - ALTO 2
Chrystal Johnson is an accomplished singer and actress who is a 13-year veteran of Disney World’s famed “Voices of Liberty” at Epcot, a lead performer in Disney’s Festival of The Lion King, and many other venues throughout Greater Orlando, Florida. She was raised in the Great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, where she began her singing career and received a degree in Public Relations and Religion from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. While at Lee, she was a premier singer for the “The Voices of Lee,” where she recorded with numerous artists as well as toured the world with the popular gospel group The Gaithers. She currently resides in Florida with her husband and four children.
E. J. CARDONA - TENOR 1
Born and raised in Orlando, FL, E. J. has performed all over the world in a variety of ensembles and venues. Some of his favorite theatrical credits include, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Voice of Quasimodo), West Side Story (Chino) and In the Heights (Piraguero) at Musical Theatre West. In his many years with Walt Disney World Entertainment, he has performed featured roles in Finding Nemo: The Musical (Crush), High School Musical 3: Senior Year and various Special Events.
As a session vocalist, he has recorded in studios such as Capitol Records, The Imagination House, Roy O. Disney Studios, Jim Henson Studios and many more. E.J. was a contestant in the premier season of The X Factor (FOX), the first winner of Orlando Idol (FOX) and was seen in GAP’s holiday commercial (national). He has sung background vocals for SuperFruit, Jordan Fisher (ABC), Shoshana Bean, Jackie Evancho, Chris Daughtry and others. E.J. has a passion for a cappella music, performing/collaborating with groups such as Pentatonix, The Voices of Liberty (Disney), The American Music Machine. He is also a Director of Live Entertainment at Hawkmoon Creative!
Much love to my entire world, Lindsay and Leo!
BIOGRAPHIES
DREW OCHOA - TENOR 2
Originally from Ohio, Drew relocated to Orlando, FL to pursue an entertainment career with Walt Disney World. He is a full-time member of The Voices of Liberty and can sometimes be found hanging around with The Dapper Dans. Drew holds a BA in Music Education from Bowling Green State University and a MM in Voice Performance from Roosevelt University. He is an avid a cappella singer in the barbershop style winning the 2018 International Barbershop Quartet Contest with his quartet, After Hours.
JAMEY RAY - TENOR 3/ARRANGER
A native Floridian, Jamey serves as the sole arranger and producer for Voctave, crafting every note the group has ever sung and producing all their recordings. Since founding Voctave in 2015, Jamey has guided the group to prominence with their distinct a cappella renditions of Disney classics, Broadway hits, Christmas favorites, jazz standards, and many other exciting projects.
For 14 years, Jamey was a music professor at Rollins College, an experience he is deeply grateful for. Now, he brings his expertise to Excelcia Music Publishing as the choral editor, where he continues to curate the ever-growing choral catalog, ensuring a rich selection of music for choirs of all ages and levels. With arrangements appearing on albums by Pentatonix, The King’s Singers and The Swingles, Jamey has produced hundreds of recordings and dozens of full albums for multiple Broadway and Disney performers as well as groups including Voctave, the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park and the Liberty Voices.
KURT VON SCHMITTOU – BARITONE
Originally from the Nashville Tennessee area, Kurt was raised in a somewhat musical family. In the church he attended growing up, his father led the music and his mother played piano & organ. Kurt began playing piano at age 5, and later played trumpet and tuba, eventually attending college on a tuba scholarship. While in college at Middle Tennessee State University, he fostered his love for singing everything from Classical to Country. He got his Bachelor of Music degree majoring in Recording Industry Management and Music Industry. Getting a lot of hands-on experience in Nashville, Kurt performed in several shows
at the Opryland theme park, sang as a solo artist on the Grand Ole Opry, and toured internationally as a vocalist with The Chippendales. He has performed with numerous recording artists including Conway Twitty, Wynona Judd, Loretta Lynn, Brenda Lee, Lee Greenwood, Jessica Simpson, and Yanni to name just a few. Kurt’s Broadway credits include the closing cast of the original run of CATS on Broadway (Cats Chorus, Old Deuteronomy u/s and Gus/Growl Tiger/ Bustopher Jones u/s) and the Original Broadway Cast of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (Sid/Inventor/Lord Scrumptious).
He has recorded voice-overs for such companies as Disney, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Nickelodeon, Universal Studios, Legoland, Gaylord Resorts, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruise Lines, NASCAR, and numerous others. Performing at Walt Disney World for over 25 years in such shows as BEAUTY & THE BEAST and THE VOICES OF LIBERTY, Kurt originated the roles of “Bruce the Shark” in the original cast of FINDING NEMO; THE MUSICAL and “Baloo” in the original cast of JOURNEY INTO JUNGLE BOOK at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He has also performed in the original cast of several other Walt Disney World shows including THE AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE and FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER: A FROZEN SING-ALONG CELEBRATION. At this time, his voice can be heard either singing or providing voiceovers in every Disney theme park in the world.
Residing in Central Florida with his husband Zach and two cats Thunder & Pride, Kurt currently spends most of his time in the studio recording voice-overs, singing, and narrating audio books.
AARON STRATTON - BARITONE/BASS
Originally from West Virginia, Aaron moved to Central Florida in 1996 to pursue a full time position with the Dapper Dans of Main Street, USA at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort. After 12 years with the Dapper Dans, he was cast in Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage where he spent the next 5 years of his WDW career at Disney’s Hollywood Studios pursuing Belle through a quiet village. In 2013, he became a full time member of the acapella ensemble, Voices of Liberty, at Epcot. Aaron loves spending time off with his wife and two children and is honored to be a member of Voctave!
BIOGRAPHIES
KARL HUDSON - BASS
Karl Hudson is a bass singer who has traveled all over the world, sharing his passion for music and the pursuit to uplift humanity through song. He has had the privilege of recording with Grammy Award winner David Benoit at Capitol Records, Shoshana Bean, Pentatonix, Marc Broussard, Mindi Abair and David Foster amongst other amazing artists. He is the bass singer of MTV’s Top Pop group The Edge Effect, a five-man vocal band who has opened for Robin Thicke, Sky Blue of LMFAO and can be seen touring throughout the year. No stranger to the Mouse, he has been with Disney’s premier a cappella group, Voices of Liberty for ten years. He also plays the role of Kiume in Disney’s Festival of the Lion King and countless special events for the Walt Disney Company. He studied at the Hartt School of Music where he was introduced to the a cappella world through Barbershop. Karl earned an international collegiate gold medal in the group Men in Black who later went on to become an international top ten quartet in the main competition. After graduating with a BFA in Musical Theatre, he started his career working in NYC and regional theaters playing roles from Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime to Balthasar in Much Ado About Nothing with Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba and Joe in Show Boat. Soon after he began working as a studio voice over actor landing his first big commercial for Centrum Vitamins. Karl is blessed to do what he loves and always grateful for the next opportunity to share it.
ROB A. LOTT – SHOW DIRECTOR
Rob A. Lott has been proudly but quietly writing and directing Voctave’s live shows since 2018. Rob has been a professional performer and director for twenty-five years. From Tokyo and New York, to Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, he and his teams have created intimate atmosphere shows as well as spectacle stage productions for large audiences. Rob is the Owner and Lead Creative at Blue Trumpet Creative, specializing in creating unforgettable experiences for audiences and artists alike. You can hear his thoughts on Leadership and Creativity on his regularly hosted show, The Leading Creative Podcast as well as Let’s Talk Soon - The Podcast where he and his sister, Tricia, New York Times Best-Selling Author, talk about the latest things they are reading about, writing about, thinking about, and speaking up about. Rob and his wife, Kate (yes, that Kate), live in Orlando, FL with their dog Leo. @RobALott
BRADLEY ROBERTS – MUSIC DIRECTOR
Bradley Roberts has served as Music Director for Voctave since 2020. It is truly one of the greatest and most fulfilling joys of his life. His music making and leadership career has spanned his entire life. From leading choirs and performing in his home state of Tennessee to performing and music directing for Royal Caribbean International to a 15-year career as a tenor and vocal captain for the Voices of Liberty at Epcot, he has a passion for coaching and leadership in every opportunity he is given. Currently, Bradley is honored to serve as the Senior Director of Traditional Music at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Orlando in addition to his continuing role with Voctave. “Gratitude guides my steps. And for my Voctave journey and family I am forever grateful!”
KENDALL THOMSEN – SOUND ENGINEER
Kendall has extensive experience in recording production and live sound reinforcement. He began his career in the Air Force Band in Washington DC, touring providing sound reinforcement needs and managing the Air Force’s recording productions. After working in DC for 10 years, Kendall was offered a position as chief engineer and studio manager at Starke Lake Studios in Orlando, FL. Kendall has worked with many prestigious clients such as Warner Bros., Walt Disney Entertainment, Universal Studios, Sea World, NASA, and many others. Kendall is the owner of Specialized Personnel Locators and provides recording production and musician contracting services for several publishing companies. He is also actively working with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Bach Festival Society of Winter Park Choir and Orchestra. He travels with Voctave providing sound reinforcement and recording services.
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 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
The Villages® Community Sarasota Plaza | 352-775-1772
The Villages® Community Southern Trace | 352-461-1740
*Introductory offers valid for first-time visit only and not valid towards gift cards. Sessions include time for consultation and dressing. Limited time offer. Rates and services may vary by location. Independently Owned & Operated. ©2024 Hand & Stone Corp. Franchises Available. MM39256/ CE10017237, MM43233/CE10034642
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