Mamma Mia!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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.

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

Clyde Allen

Backlund

Bartlett

Herbst Bergman

Boyd

DiBella

Ellis

Grymes

Sherri Holbert

Ippolito

Leiman

Laughter

Luy

Mandell

Marshall

McGaughy

Dot Moyer

Otto

Rouse

Russell

Sullivan

Sullivan

Weitzel

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

YOU TO OUR SEASON SPONSORS

MICHAEL

NICHOLAS

MAMMA MIA! CAST (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

JELANI BELL (ENSEMBLE) is a Virginia native now based in Nampa, Idaho. He is a recent graduate of Greensboro College Class of 2021. Since graduating, he has worked in Idaho, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Pennsylvania. On the Flat Rock stage he appeared in West Side Story and Mozart to Pop Chart. Other recent credits include Rod in Singin’ in the Rain (Prather Productions), a Featured Dancer in Holly Jolly Christmas (Broadway Palm), and Neleus in Mary Poppins (Starlight Mountain Theatre). Jelani is currently working at Flat Rock Playhouse in North Carolina until November 2022. He’d like to thank his Mom, Patricia, and his Dad, Jarome, for their love and support. IG: @jelvnibell

EVAN BERTRAM (ENSEMBLE) is based in NYC, but originally hails from Charlotte, North Carolina. Recent regional credits include: Sarah Brown, Guys and Dolls (Axel rod PAC), Margo Crawford, Bright Star (Riverside CPA), Blue Girl, Shout! (Mason Street Warehouse), Rapunzel, Into the Woods (Timberlake Playhouse), and Brooke, Noises Off (Timberlake Playhouse). She is a singer/songwriter and is working on producing an EP in the coming year. Evan is absolutely thrilled to be back at Flat Rock, where she spent the summers of 2017 and 2018 performing as an apprentice in Annie, Joseph and the… Dreamcoat, and Mamma Mia. She received her BA in musical theatre from James Madison University. All the glory to God and love to her family, friends, and her beloved, Jackson!

TAUREN HAGANS* (ROSIE) is so happy to be back on the Flat Rock stage. You last saw her singing in A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas last holiday season. Other Flat Rock credits include 2018’s Mamma Mia! (Rosie) and Always a Bridesmaid (Deedra), 9 to 5 (Roz), The Music Man (Eulalie), The Dixie Swim Club (Jeri Neal) and Annie (Ensemble). Tauren has performed in Menopause the Musical (Professional Woman), How To Suc ceed in Business Without Really Trying (Ms. Jones), Pride and Prejudice (Mrs. Bennet) In The Heights (Camila) and the world premiere of Far From Canterbury (Oracle) . She was also part of the vocal ensemble for the movie In The Heights which was in theaters in 2021 and an episode of Blue Bloods in 2022. Proud PANK (Professional Aunt No Kids) to Jaimie, Kori, Bea, Beck, Miles and Baxter.

LOUIS HANSEN* (ALI) was a first year apprentice back in 2019 and was most recently Big Deal in West Side Story on Flat Rock’s main stage. Prior to this, Louis had graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Lindenwood University, moved to Brooklyn, and performed at various regional houses along the East Coast. Their recent credits include Spamalot, Mamma Mia!, Sweet Charity, Fame, & a devised virtual work with Miami Queer Theater entitled ZeeZou’s Stardust Extravaganza. Louis is beyond grateful for their friends and family for continually providing love and support, and all patrons of the arts for making live theatre possible once again. Louis-hansen.com

KAITLYN HARRINGTON (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be performing at the Flat Rock Playhouse in Mamma Mia! She has been a dancer in A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas for the past 5 seasons and just recently performed in West Side Story. 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 cred its Pat Shepherd, Sheraton Shepherd-Phillips, Dustin Phillips, and Matthew Glover for their guidance and mentorship 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 oppor tunities she has had at FRP!

NICOLETTE HERNANDEZ* (SOPHIE) is beyond thrilled to be returning to Flat Rock Playhouse! You may have recently seen her as Rosalia in West Side Story this season. Nicolette is a graduate from the Boston Conservatory where she received her BFA in mu sical theatre. Represented by Hudson Artists Agency, Nicolette is currently living in New York City but is originally from Miami, Florida. She wants to thank her family, partner, close friends, and agency for their love and support. Focused and Fierce!

CAYMAN ILIKA* (DONNA) is delighted to be making her Flat Rock Playhouse debut! Some favorite credits include: Kiss Me, Kate (Lilli Vanessi/Kate) and Austen’s Pride at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Oliver! (Nancy) at Musical Theatre West, the world premiere of Beatsville (Natasha) at Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), and Million Dollar Quartet (Dyanne) at Village Theatre, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well... and Vanities - A New Musical (Kathy) at ACT Theatre, and Always… Patsy Cline (Patsy Cline) at CenterREP, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, and Taproot Theatre Company. Cayman’s vocals can be heard on the Original Cast Album for Persuasion, and the Studio Cast Album of Yankee Doodle Dandy. Off stage, Cayman is mother to Teddy - the greatest kid on earth. Visit Cayman online at www.caymanilika.com

JOHN PAUL LAPORTE* (EDDIE / DANCE CAPTAIN) Is excited to be back after performing in FRP production of West Side Story. Off- Broadway: The Donkey Show (dir. Diane Paulus). National Tour: CHICAGO West Side Story (Maltz Jupiter TheatreChino, Fulton Theatre, Rev Theatre, HLTC, New Canaan Theatre and more) Miss SaIgon (Riverside), Mamma Mia! (Arkansas Rep.), Gypsy (Harbor Lights Theatre Company), Priscilla QOTD ( Fiddlehead Theatre Company, Man of La Mancha (Westchester Broad way Theatre). JP is currently a company member of The Metropolitan Opera for his sixth year (AIDA, Turnadot, Agrippina, Don Carlos, Les Pecheurs de Perles, Boris and more, swing - PBS Great Performances). Thanks to ATB Talent and creatives for everything! Love to Mom, Dad, Angel and Steve. @johnpaullaporte.

EDDIE MALDONADO* (BILL) Last seen as Bernardo in West Side Story, the South west 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, Vir ginia Rep, Phoenix Theatre Co., Capital Rep, Argyle Theatre, and AZ Broadway Theatre. 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

JJ NIEMANN* (SKY) is thrilled to be making his Flat Rock Playhouse debut and living out his Abba DREAMS with this dream team! JJ is a NYC-based Broadway actor and content creator. Broadway: The Book of Mormon. Regional: the World Premiere of BLISS at The 5th Avenue Theatre; Grease at Cape Playhouse; Footloose at The Rev Theatre Co.; Hairspray at The Muny; Shrek, Damn Yankees, South Pacific at Pittsburgh CLO; and the TikTok musicals for you, Paige and Ratatouille. Proud BFA Music Theatre grad of Elon University. Huge thanks to the team at Flat Rock, his agents at CGF Talent, Paul at Select Management Group, and his incredible family. Connect with JJ on Instagram or TikTok @jjniemann. Enjoy the show!

JOHN PREATOR* (HARRY) Having spent last summer in South Carolina as Bill in Mamma Mia!, John is thrilled to be returning to the ABBA-soaked Grecian Isles here in North Carolina, this time as Harry. Select credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Jasper), Show Boat (Ravenal), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy) and Oklahoma! (Curly). In 2004, John performed as one of 32 semi-finalists on Season 3 of FOX’s Amer ican Idol, alongside Fantasia Barrino & Jennifer Hudson. Most recently he was seen on The Equalizer starring Queen Latifah on CBS. Originally from the great state of Utah, John currently resides in New York City. Love to Mabel & Trev. @johnpreator

MERRILL PEIFFER* (TANYA) is absolutely stoked to be back at Flat Rock Playhouse after playing Pattie in Beehive in 2016. Mamma Mia! is a favorite show of hers and this will be her fifth time playing Tanya! Other favorite credits include: Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda, Miss Sandra in All Shook Up and the Mayor/Ma in Toxic Avenger. Many thanks to all who believe in Merrill and make the world a better place. Thanks to Hudson Artist Agency and the Playhouse for bringing her back. Enjoy the show and sing your heart out with us! This is for you, Gavin. IG: @merrilllove

PJ PALMER* (PEPPER) is stoked to be back at Flat Rock after appearing in West Side Story earlier this year. PJ was recently seen on Broadway hailing a taxi, but more legit imate credits include: National Tours- Elf The Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Facto ry. Regional- Goodspeed, Paper Mill, MUNY, North Shore, Maine State, North Carolina Theatre, Casa Mañana, Tuacahn, Fulton, KC Starlight, and Stages St.Louis. PJ is thrilled to Cher this story and grateful to Matthew and Lisa for ‘taking a chance’ on him. Proud member of AEA, Alcohol Enthusiasts of America. @peejpalmer

MADY BEC ROGERS (ENSEMBLE) is very excited to join Flat Rock Playhouse as an ap prentice this season. She is originally from Groves, TX. Mady graduated with her BFA in musical theatre from Rider University. Some of her past credits include: West Side Story, Mozart to Pop Chart, Rocky Horror Picture Show (Janet), Mamma Mia! (Ali), Will Rogers Follies, Cabaret, Sister Act, The Sound of Music, La Cage Aux Folles, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. A special thanks to family and friends for all the love and support! @madybrogers www.madyrogers.com

KELSEY SCHERGEN* (LISA) is thrilled to dance her way to Greece in her Flat Rock Play house debut! National tours: Fame the Musical and The Wizard of Oz. Favorite regional credits: Ariel in The Little Mermaid (Weathervane Theatre), Sunset Boulevard (North Shore), Cabaret (Theatre Aspen), Cinderella (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Guys & Dolls (Village Theatre), Black Hole Wedding (NYMF). BFA NYU Tisch. Special thanks to her friends, family, and Avalon Artists Group for their support! @schergen www.kelseyschergen.com

SCOTT TREADWAY* (FATHER ALEXANDRIOS) 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.

J. TAYLOR WRIGHT* (ENSEMBLE) is a theater maker, performer, musician and edu cator from Waxahachie, TX, with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina Univer sity. 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, Uptown Players. You saw him in West Side Story earlier this season at Flat Rock and 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.

JASON WATSON* (SAM) To the island, once more! After a journey which started in 2010, with stops in Las Vegas, the National Tour, the Broadway, and even right here on the Leiman Mainstage in 2018, could this be Jason’s last Greek adventure? Hope not! This show is just as much fun as it was on day 1, and even more so here at FRP with his Vagabond family! Previously this season, you may have caught a glimpse of Jason in the hilarious Catch Me if You Can and keep an eye out for his return to A Flat Rock Christmas (with wife, Kathleen) next month! Love and gratitude to Matthew, Lisa, and the entire FRP staff and crew. And, of course, to all the loves in his life - “Thank you for the music!”

The Power of Deep Roots

Ready to make a move? I can help.

Primary care for life

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 success ful 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, mumerous 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: ap prentice, actor, writer, apprentice director, and music director. He was the music director and conductor of the Saturday Night Fever national tour and Elon University’s Music Theatre program. He’s played pia no 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 musical, Rootabaga Express!, can be seen every summer across the street at the Carl Sand burg 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 Welder, 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 20092013. 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-Cham paign, a Bachelors of Science in Theatre Production from Illinois State University, and is a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists.

BILL MUÑOZ* (PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER) Words are hard to find to express the gratitude and happiness Bill feels to be able to return to work at this wonderful organization after two years of pandemic survival. Being able to call himself an active member of the Vagabond community is a very high honor. Celebrating his 31st season, it’s a feeling of rebirth. A time to look forward and be a part of a positive movement. Special thanks to those who support live theatre and make the arts an important contribution to society. Much love to his wife and daughter, the two most important people of his life.

AMELIA DRISCOLL* (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) is thrilled to be back at Flat Rock Playhouse working on another fantastic production. In 2012, she graduated from UNC Wilmington with a BFA in Creative Writing and a minor in Theatre. Since then, she has worked as an Production Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager for theatres in North Carolina, South Carolina, and California. She would like to thank the cast, crew, production team, and everyone at FRP for making this a wonderful experience. Finally, to her friends and family, a huge thank you for their endless support and love.

AIMEE AMELIA GRECO (ASST. STAGE MANAGER) This is Aimee Amelia Greco’s first time with Flat Rock Playhouse, working as assistant stage manager for Mamma Mia & stage manager for A Charlie Brown Christmas. She has been working in theatre for a decade now, dating back to early high school. Credits include stage managing for the eduction department of Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, Florida, taking part in productions such as The Addams Family, Little Women, Grease, and Little Shop of Horrors as stage manager. She has also worked with companies such as the Illinois Shakespeare Festival & Virginia Stage Company; working as ASM on productions such as Julius Caesar, Hold These Truths, A Christmas Carol, & The Thanksgiving Play. Aimee Amelia Greco holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Florida Gulf Coast University. Beyond stage management, AAG has also worked in costuming, props, acting, and pursues visual arts in her spare time.

DENNIS C. MAULDEN (SCENIC DESIGNER) Apprenticed with the Playhouse in 1967 and continued for 11 years as Equity Stage Manager and Scenic Artist. He became Resident Scenic Designer in 1985 and joined the full-time staff in 2000. With an MFA degree from UNC-Greensboro in 1977 and mem bership in United Scenic Artists, New York Local #829, Maulden has designed standard and classical repertory works, experimental projects, new plays, operas, and musicals in regional, university, and New York theatres. Proud to have contributed to the theatre’s physical and aesthetic growth, artistic production quality, and strong educational development, Dennis feels particularly blessed to be a part of the Playhouse family. denniscmaulden.com

BEN HAMANN (HEAD OF LIGHTING AND PROJECTIONS) Ben first joined the FRP family 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 The atrical Productions); Christmas Cabaret (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.

LIZZIE KOMOSA (ASSISTANT 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 certificate in arts administration. Other shows that she has done at the playhouse include West Side Story (Assis tant Stage Manager), and Million Dollar Quartet (Assistant Stage Manager).

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 graduating, 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 Campus Event Technical Director and Brevard Music Center’s Head of Audio. Recently, he co-designed 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 Repertory Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Blowing Rock Stage Com pany, 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.

LAURA RIKARD, (INTIMACY CHOREOGRAPHER) is an intimacy choreographer/director and coordi nator, director, actor, and professor. She is Co-Founder and Head Faculty of Theatre Intimacy Education. She choreographs, consults, and teaches workshops on best practices for staging intimacy for profes sional and educational theatre and film nationally and internationally. Intimacy Choreographer credits include: Spring Awakening; Heathers, Indecent, Tick Tick Boom Scenes From an Execution; among oth ers. Intimacy Coordinator credits include: Harlem; Mother’s Instinct; Interview With A Vampire; Ramy; Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches; and Billy Porter’s Anything’s Possible. She is a contributor to the first book on theatre intimacy, Staging Sex: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques for Theatrical. As a director and ac tor, she has worked in film and television, NYC, regionally, on national tours, internationally and devised solo productions. She is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of South Carolina Upstate. She is a recipient of the Best Acting award at the Virginia Film Festival and has been named by Academic Keys as a “Who’s Who in Fine Arts Education” Festival, the Kennedy Center Medallion for contribution to Intimacy Direction, and the Faculty Teaching Award at USC Upstate. She is based in Asheville, NC and the Mom of 3 year old twins.

SAM GAINER (PROPS MANAGER) is from Charlotte, NC. In May 2022 he graduated from the Univer sity 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.

MARANDA DEBUSK (PROJECTION DESIGNER) (she+) is a theatre maker specializing in lighting and media designs. Previously at Flat Rock Playhouse: Media Design for Little Mermaid Jr. (2017). Regional Design credits: Playmakers Repertory Company, Virginia Stage Company, Triad Stage, Ware house Theatre, Music Theatre Wichita, and Actors Express. Associate Design credits: Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Trinity Repertory Company, and the Repertory Company of St. Louis. International Exhibits: Featured Emerging Artist, USA Pavillion, Prague Quadren nial, 2019 (Prague, Czech Republic); and Emerging Artist, World Stage Design Expo, 2017 (Taipei, Tai wan). Currently, she is serving as an Assistant Professor of Design and Technology at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. At the core of all of her work is her belief in the power of the dramatic arts to create positive change in our communities. The greatest work is that which when let out into the world, improves it.

Sniffles and sneezes, Coughs and wheezes

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

View wait times and reserve

We’re here for you.

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.

Quality sod year round

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

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.

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE INDIVIDUAL DONORS:

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS