A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas

MISSION STATEMENT:

Flat Rock Playhouse, The State Theatre of North Carolina, enriches lives through the art of theatre by sustaining production excellence, nurturing talent, and inspiring creativity in an inclusive safe haven for artistic vision, life-long learning, and creative risk.

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE’S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION:

Flat Rock Playhouse, The State Theatre of North Carolina, is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community of artists, patrons, volunteers, students, partners, and supporters where everyone is welcome.

At Flat Rock Playhouse, all people – whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, religion, education, or ability – are valued and respected.

As storytellers, we strive to tell stories that reflect and illuminate the diversity of our shared humanity. We are grateful to our community and our audience members for joining us in this shared spirit of inclusion and equity for all.

Treating Noses, Throats & Ears

For Over 50 Years.

•A hearing loop magnetically transfers the microphone or TV sound signal to hearing aids and cochlear implants that have a tiny, inexpensive “telecoil” receiver. This transforms the instruments into in-the-ear loudspeakers that deliver sound customized for one’s own hearing loss.

•69% hearing models—including in-the-ear models and conventional behind-the-ear models.

•A form of assistive listening, including hearing loops, come with portable receivers and headsets.

•What is a telecoil?

-A tiny coil of wire around a core that will induce an electric current in the coil when its in the presence of a changing magnetic field. Normally, a hearing aid "listens" with its microphone, then amplifies what it “hears”.

-A telecoil “hears” a magnetic signal which represents sound.

-On telecoil-equipped hearing aids and CIs, the wearer must “turn on or “switch to” telecoil mode. Some users prefer a mode that only uses the telecoil and not the microphones when they are in telecoil mode, and other users prefer a combination of telecoil and microphones. Major

•Can use your own hearing aid that is geared to your particular needs.

A MESSAGE FROM JOE IPPOLITO PRESIDENT, FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

We are back! Perhaps that makes me a “cockeyed optimist” akin to Rogers and Ham merstein’s Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. Uncertainty about the pandemic indeed lingers. Still, we all need to return to some semblance of normality in our lives. So, it is far too difficult for me to be anything but excited about Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2022 season. With great pleasure as President of the Board of Trustees, I welcome you back to the Rock. We are happy to see you – and we have missed you!

I assure you that the entire Playhouse Staff and Board are excited to be back as well. And we are back with the same professionalism and delightful productions you expect from this compa ny of outstanding thespians. Nothing has changed—the excellence you have come to expect is still the watchword around here.

Flat Rock Playhouse owes each of you and many others a very big THANK YOU for your support during the hiatus that marked 2020 and 2021. We thank you for your wonderful generosity during our Rock Solid Campaign last year. Your trust and dedication to the arts and FRP are cherished and cheered. You exhibit the can-do Vagabond Spirit that inhabits this Playhouse.

Still, we must not rest on the success of the Rock Solid Campaign alone. Live theater is a costly business. We seek to produce “magic” for our audience and transport you to different places and eras, all of which we do with lights, scenery, costumes, sound, props, facilities and administrative support, and superb actors. What goes on behind the scenes is not unlike the magic of the rabbit in the magician’s hat. Yes, we all know the rabbit was put there by the magician, but we still are charmed and entertained when the rabbit magically appears from the magician’s empty hat. And like the magician, it’s our job to keep the secrets of our work away from you to surprise and dazzle you from show to show.

But all of that ‘magic’ requires care and feeding. That is where your continued generosity is so import ant. Ticket prices alone cannot (and do not) support all the costs of production. So, we still need your welcomed and continued contributions to keep your “Western Carolina Broadway” vibrant and magical for you.

Thanks, for your caring, thanks for your patronage and support, and thanks for your continuing generosity. Now, sit back and let us entertain you!

Sincerely, Joe Ippolito

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Connie Backlund

Bird Bartlett

Connie Herbst Bergman

Cam Boyd

Bob DiBella

Deanna Ellis

Harry Grymes

Joseph Ippolito

David Leiman

Joseph Laughter Peg Luy

Lee Mandell

Tom Marshall

Janette Sullivan

Clyde Allen

Sherri Holbert

Larry McGaughy

Dot Moyer

Charlotte Otto

Turner Rouse

Emily Russell

Michael Sullivan

Michael Weitzel Sandy Williams

Welcome (back) to Flat Rock Playhouse! If I hadn’t lived it every day, it would be nearly impossible for me to believe that FRP’s doors were completely shut for 19 months, (572 days,) or that the 2022 season opener Catch Me If You Can would be the first professional play we’ve produced since the Fall of 2019. Either way—it has been a long time! We missed all of our patrons and artists and the thrill of producing live theatre more than I can express.

As it has all over the world, the global pandemic has had its way with ‘The ROCK’ too. The live arts were particularly challenged since having folks gather indoors en masse was a deep concern for health experts, not to mention the complex process involved behind the scenes in putting a live show together and ensuring the safety of the team, as well as meeting the requirements of the Actors Equity Association. BUT! We’re here now and overjoyed to get back to doing what we do—for You! And honestly, we’re ready to remind everyone just how special The State Theatre of North Carolina is and that there is nowhere else in Western North Carolina that offers world-class entertainment quite like the Playhouse does.

Thank you for coming back to the theatre! Without you, there [literally] is no Flat Rock Playhouse. Our gratitude for the unwavering support of Playhouse and theatre lovers knows no bounds, and we just want to thank you over and over with production excellence that brings joy and light to your lives and to everyone who ventures out to the ROCK for decades more to come.

With love and gratitude, Lisa K. Bryant, Producing Artistic Director

A MESSAGE FROM LISA K. BRYANT, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Fever and aches, Shivers and shakes

Need care right away for an injury or illness but it’s not an emergency? Pardee Urgent Care helps you feel good again fast, and is open evenings, weekends, and most holidays.

Brevard 45 Hendersonville Hwy. 828-435-8100

Fletcher 2695 Hendersonville Rd. 828-651-6350 Hendersonville 212-A Thompson St. 828-697-3232

Mills River 3334 Boylston Hwy. 828-694-8100

Moving FORward requires VISion

Introducing FORVIS, forward vision from the merger of BKD and DHG. FORVIS has the enhanced capabilities of an expanded national platform and deepened industry intelligence. With greater resources and robust advisory services, FORVIS is prepared to help you better navigate the current and future dynamic organizational landscape.

We are FORVIS. Forward vision drives our Unmatched Client Experiences TM .

FORVIS is a trademark of FORVIS, LLP, registration of which is pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Introducing FORVIS, forward vision from the merger of BKD and DHG

Your finances are more than just numbers. They’re the story of your life, where it’s been and where you want it to go. A First Citizens banker can help you get there with less drama and a happier ending. First Citizens Bank. Forever First.®

Member FDIC

Pat’s School of Dance Understudies: Samantha Kanipe and Julianna Samotis

A FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS CAST (IN

ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

MADDIE FRANKE (ENSEMBLE / DANCE CAPTAIN) is thrilled to be back on the Rock! She has missed this place with all her heart- you might remember her from All Shook Up, South Pacific, or as Sammii in Propos als, Ali in Mamma Mia, or her star turn as Harry Hatman in the touring production of Letterland. Her other FRP credits include A Flat Rock Play house Christmas (1 .0, 2.0, 3.0 and the virtual show), Annie, A Funny Thing Happened..., Meet Me in St. Louis, Man of LaMancha, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Other credits include; Off Broadway: Sleep No More, Kicking and Screaming (Assistant Director) Regional: The Arvada Center, ArtPark, The Stephen Foster Story. Maddie is a proud member of AEA and is a graduated with her BFA from Elon University.

CLAIRE GRIFFIN (ENSEMBLE) is so pleased to be back on the Rock where she began her theatre education 10 years ago! Credits include: Deanna Durbin/Judy Garland cover (Chasing Rainbows: A New Musical) with FRP and Goodspeed Opera House, Eurydice (Orphée aux enfers), Marie (Prodaná nevěsta), Lucy (The Telephone), Adele (Die Fledermaus), Sister Genevieve (Suor Angelica), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel). Festivals: Aspen Opera Theatre and VocalARTS (co-directors Renée Fleming and Patrick Summer), Utah Vocal Arts Academy, Brevard Music Center. Originally from Brevard NC. BM in Voice Performance from UNC Greensboro (class of 2022). Big, big hugs to the Griffins and Blan tons, Matthew, and Lisa. And thank YOU, lovely audience, for supporting the arts.

KAITLYN HARRINGTON (ENSEMBLE / DANCE COORDINATOR) is thrilled to be performing at the Flat Rock Playhouse She has been a dancer in A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas for the past 5 seasons and just recently performed in West Side Story and Mamma Mia! Born and raised in WNC she has trained at Pat’s School of Dance for 16 years. Other performances include Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Carnival Cruise Lines and Halftime performances at the Orange Bowl with DNCE, Holiday Bowl, Gator Bowl and Sugar Bowl. She credits Pat Shepherd, Sheraton Shepherd-Phil lips, Dustin Phillips, and Matthew Glover for their guidance and mentor ship for helping her become the dancer she is today. When not dancing, Kaitlyn enjoys the beautiful outdoors and spending time with her family. She’s more than excited to join the Flat Rock stage this fall and appreciates the opportunities she has had at FRP!

EDDIE MALDONADO (ENSEMBLE) Last seen as Bernardo in West Side Story and Bill in Mamma Mia!, the Southwest actor excitedly returns to FRP! Credits include: Ritchie Valens - The Buddy Holly Story, US Anniversary Tour, Carlos - Legally Blonde Tour, Simba - Disney Cruise Line, and Opener for Jordin Sparks. Regionally: Off-Broadway (iLLA), NYMF, FringeNYC, Virginia Rep, Phoenix Theatre Co., Capital Rep, Argyle Theatre, and AZ Broadway The atre. TV/Commercial: Colgate, Clean Elections, Arizona’s Desert Financial, Lincoln Motor, and Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Love & Gratitude to FRP and C.D. – Enjoy the Show! @eddie_maldonado

BRANDON KEITH ROGERS (ENSEMBLE) is so thrilled to be reunited with the Flat Rock family for the Holiday season! Brandon’s credits include; TV/Film: “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.” NY/Workshops: Jerome Robbins Broadway (Guggenheim/American Dance Machine), Austen’s Pride (ACT of CT); National Tours: Eoin Colfer’s Nöel (Original Cast, Dance Captain), Grease (RCCL); Regional Theatre: West Side Story (Tony at Flat Rock Playhouse & 5-Star Theatricals, Swing at Barrington Stage Co.), Damn Yankees (Henry, u/s Joe Hardy at Musical Theatre West) Matilda (Escap ologist,La Mirada), 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor, Palace Theatre), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Brad,Mason Park Productions). Many thanks to Lisa & Matthew, the cast and my family. Instagram: @bkr7793

AMANDA TONG (ENSEMBLE) is beaming with joy to be spreading Christ mas cheer this holiday season while making her Flat Rock debut! Some of her past favorite regional credits include: Regional Premiere FLASHDANCE (Gloria); INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella); ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE (Ra chel); MAN OF LA MANCHA (Antonia); SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (Stephanie) *Winner for Most Impressive Actress in a Lead Role; GODSPELL (Robin); MARVELOUS WONDERETTES (Cindy Lou); Regional Premiere ROCK OF AGES (Constance, u/s Sherrie); CRAZY FOR YOU (Polly); I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT NOW CHANGE (Woman 1); DAUGHTER OF SOCIETY (Herself) *New York SummerFest Winner for Best Vocalist in a New Musical; A WALL APART-Air Supply Musical New York Musical Festival. Amanda is a mem ber of the USO Show Troupe where she has had the honor and privilege to travel all over the world performing for our troops, veterans and their families. Her extreme gratitude to Matthew, Lisa and the rest of the Flat Rock family. To her one and only, Sean, I love you with all my heart; Merry Christmas darling. She hopes to give you a sprinkle of Christmas blessings this holiday season. Proud member of Actors Equity. Galatians 6:9

SCOTT TREADWAY (ENSEMBLE) This is Scott’s 38th consecutive season as a Vagabond. Favorite roles include Man in Chair (Drowsy Chaperone), Tony (Dial M for Murder), Tom (The Glass Menagerie), multiple residents of Tuna, Texas, among bunches of others. But his favorite role, by far, is the role “Ava’s Dad.” Scott dedicates his work this season to his dear late Mama Doots who made it all possible.

JASON WATSON (ENSEMBLE) How glorious it is to be back on the boards of Flat Rock Playhouse after performing in Mamma Mia and three productions of A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! It is a pleasure to be sharing the Vagabond Christmas joy, spirit, and music with y’all, once again - perhaps more than ever. Live theatre is back!! For Kathleen, Jake, and Adeline. Merry Christmas!

KATHLEEN WATSON (ENSEMBLE) Kathleen is so excited to be joining the FRP Christmas show for the 4th time! This season with the playhouse began a bit earlier than expected, when she was called with 2 days notice to join the cast of Mamma Mia in the leading role of Donna (due to Covid). She jumped at the opportunity to play opposite her husband in one of her all time favorite shows! You might have also seen her as Marmee in HART’s Little Women this year. Other roles she has enjoyed playing locally are Lucy in Bright Star, Cindy Lou in The Marvelous Wonderettes, and Karen in Church Basement Ladies. She and her husband, Jason, took quite a risk moving from NYC to her native home of NC. They are so grateful to their FRP family! She would like to say a special thank you to Jason & their kids, Jake & Addie, for supporting mommy & her dreams.

J. TAYLOR WRIGHT* (ENSEMBLE) is a theater maker, performer, musician and educator from Waxahachie, TX, with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University. Select credits: National Tour and Chinese Premiere of A Chorus Line, afterglow (Off B-way), Hangar Theatre, The Cape Playhouse, New London Barn Playhouse, Northern Stage, and Uptown Players. You saw him in West Side Story earlier this season and recently Mamma Mia. He was Assistant Director for God of Carnage and Blood Knot. Most recently, J. Taylor was a visiting Guest Artist at Coastal Carolina University in acting and movement. Visit j-tw.com to learn more.

Don’t forget to visit the Flat Rock Playhouse

Located behind concessions.

JOHN

MATTHEW GLOVER (ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE / DIRECTOR / CHOREOGRAPHER)

In 1998, Matthew became a fellow Vagabond where he fell in love with the theatre at the age of 11 performing in The Sound of Music and The Will Rogers Follies followed by many more productions on the Rock! Thankful to continue to direct and choreograph for FRP. Matthew also creates, directs and choreographs the successful production of A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas which is now in it’s sixth season! After receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre from Elon University, he traveled the worl performing in national tours, mumer ous regional theatres, cruise ships and theme parks. Over the last several years, Matthew has transitioned to the creative side of the theater, wearing many hats that come with the territory. Huge thanks to the FRP Staff and team for bringing me back home!

ETHAN ANDERSEN (MUSIC DIRECTOR) Ethan is celebrating his 10th year of being a Vagabond: apprentice, actor, writer, apprentice director, and music director. He was the music director and conductor of the Saturday Night Fever national tour and Elon Univer sity’s Music Theatre program. He’s played piano for Broadway’s Mean Girls and Company and conducted for BCEFA’s Easter Bonnet Competition. As a writer, Ethan is a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, ASCAP, and Dramatists Guild. His musi cal, Rootabaga Express!, can be seen every summer across the street at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, and his Playhouse Jr. shows, Letterland Alive! and Greetings from North Carolina!, will tour NC schools this fall. Ethan received a BFA in Music Theatre from Elon University. He is grateful and excited to be back on the Rock. ethan-andersen.com

ADAM GOODRUM (PRODUCTION

MANAGER)

Adam graduated from UNC School of the Arts in with a B.F.A. in Technical Direction. After graduating he went to Goodspeed Opera House where he spent 3 years climbing the ranks from a Carpenter, Lead Weld er, Master Carpenter to their Assistant Technical Director 2007. He then moved to DC to become Signature Theatre’s Technical Director. After a year with Signature he returned to Goodspeed to take over as their Technical Director where he stayed from 2009-2013. In 2013 Adam moved closer to home and joined the Flat Rock Playhouse staff where he took on the position of Technical Director, and in 2014, he moved up to be the Production Manager. Adam is happy to have found his place back in his home state of NC where he is closer to family and friends and where he and his wife, Samantha welcomed their first child Ryden to the Vagabond Family in 2018.

JOSHUA STEWART (ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION MANAGER)

Prior to joining Flat Rock Playhouse for the 2022 season, Joshua served as the assistant production manager for the Theater Department at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts. He has also worked as a stage manager across the US for companies such as Florida Grand Opera, the Atlanta Opera and Piedmont Opera, among others. Joshua holds a Master of Fine Arts in Stage Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a Bachelors of Sci ence in Theatre Production from Illinois State University, and is a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists.

LIZZIE KOMOSA (STAGE MANAGER) Lizzie is from Madison, WI, and graduated last spring from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in theatre and a certif icate in arts administration. Other shows that she has done at the playhouse include West Side Story (Assistant Stage Manager), and Million Dollar Quartet (Assistant Stage Manager).

BEN HAMANN (HEAD

OF LIGHTING AND PROJECTIONS)

Ben first joined the FRP fam ily in 2019 as the lead electrician and in 2022, he stepped into a new role as the head of lighting and projection. He is a North Carolina native and holds both a BA and MA in Theatre Arts from Bob Jones University. His favorite shows to work on at FRP have been The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe, All Shook Up, and Turn of the Screw. His other lighting design credits include Guys & Dolls, Mary Poppins (Overshadowed Theatrical Productions); Christmas Cab aret (Younts Center). He would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support and a special thanks to CJ Barnwell for his guidance and mentorship these past few years.

KURT DAVIS (SOUND DESIGNER) graduated from The University of Mississippi, receiving a B.F.A. in Theatrical Design & Production with an emphasis in Sound Design. After graduat ing, he moved to DC to work at the Shakespeare Theatre Company as a Sound Operator from 2015 to 2018. He then returned to his hometown of Jackson, MIssissippi and worked with New Stage Theatre for a season-and-a-half as the Sound Engineer. While there, he designed several productions, including The Diary of Anne Frank, Sweat, Bright Star, and Matilda: The Musical. In February of 2020, Kurt moved to Brevard, NC to serve as Brevard College’s Cam pus Event Technical Director and Brevard Music Center’s Head of Audio. Recently, he co-de signed 2021’s A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas and soon after became Head of Audio for the playhouse. He is thrilled to be here at The Rock for it’s 2022 season!

ASHLI ARNOLD CRUMP (RESIDENT COSTUME DESIGNER / COSTUME SHOP MANAGER)

No introduction needed, Ashli has been a Vagabond for 30 years and has led the costume department for over a decade. What a long, strange trip it’s been. A graduate of the former FRP Theatre for Young People Conservatory program. She has a degree in Theatre Design and Technology from Appalachian State University. As the Resident Costume Designer she has designed countless FRP productions. Some of her favorites include South Pacific, All Shook Up, Annie, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Chasing Rainbows, Million Dollar Quartet, 9 to 5, The Music Man, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Hank Williams Lost Highway, The Little Prince, Peter Pan, and A Christmas Story. Ashli has also worked for New Stage Theatre, Florida Reperto ry Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Blowing Rock Stage Company, The Opera Company of NC, Brevard Music Center, Brevard College, and Sapsis Rigging. You can also see Ashli’s handcrafted jewelry and designs at The Garage on 25 in Fletcher, NC.

SAM GAINER (PROPS MANAGER) is from Charlotte, NC. In May 2022 he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he got his degree in Design and Technical Production. This is his first job out of college and he could not be more excited! His previous FRP credits include West Side Story, Letterland Alive! and Greetings from North Carolina.

BRINGING ARTISTS AND COLLECTORS TOGETHER.

We have a passion for bridging connections around our love for art and design. Experience a thoughtfully curated collection of artworks in our spacious gallery located in the heart of Historic Flat Rock.

Historic Flat Rock 2702A Greenville Hwy 828.698.7000 galleryflatrock.com

Find your light

At Tryon Estates, a premier Acts Retirement-Life Community in the Blue Ridge foothills, we believe the things you love should always get top billing. We take care of the worries, while you put life center stage. Discover a retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Call today.

2022 MAINSTAGE SEASON

Preserving the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site for generations to come - would you like to be a part of that legacy? Connect with The Friends of Carl

THE LEIMAN

Find peace and tranquility in this new garden of remembrance.

Flat Rock Playhouse’s founder, Robroy Farquhar, settled in this beautiful mountain region to celebrate the joys of nature and create a safe haven to practice his craft. In 2021, we continue to embrace the quiet serenity of our beautiful surroundings with The Leiman Garden of Remembrance.

David and Sharon Leiman donated this hallowed ground in memory of the six million Jews and millions of other men, women, and children murdered by Nazi Germany. The garden invites us all to remember, learn, reflect and NEVER FORGET.

David and Sharon first came to Flat Rock Playhouse in 2016 for the all-star hit production, Million Dollar Quartet. We are honored and overjoyed to call this dynamic duo part of the Flat Rock Playhouse team of patrons, donors, and volunteers.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE INDIVIDUAL DONORS:

We are abundantly grateful for the generous support of our donors who ensure that the show will go on. Together we can preserve, ignite, and revitalize the arts in Western North Carolina.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional theater and arts education organization, Flat Rock Playhouse relies on tax-deductible donations to support our programming.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS