Sunset Blvd-JPAC

Proudly Presents

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Book and Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton Based on the film by Billy Wilder STARRING Mary K. Nigohosian James Nedrud Micheal A. Kott Rachelyn Primm Christopher Skyles Joel Camden Lane Halverson Daniel Hurtado FEATURING Rena Ahmed Brett Baleskie Vincent Colon Alicia Hurtado Warren Karas Kristin Lutzeier Sarah MacLean Steve Malone Jaime Martinez Omar Nunez Gil Pena Lindsay Prerost Jamie Szynal Katelyn Thompson Carlynn Zahn Produced by Diana Visk Multimedia Design by Micheal A. Kott

Lighting Design by Dante Orfei

Scenic Design by Michael Nedza

Costume Design by Lindsay Prerost

Choreography by Sarah Bright

Music Direction by John Warren

Directed by Dante Joseph Orfei SUNSET BOULEVARD is presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals and The Really Useful Group, Ltd. Sunset Boulevard 1

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT I “Overture”........................................................................................................................... Orchestra “Prologue”.......................................................................................................................................Joe “Let Me Take You Back Six Months”........................................................................................Joe “Let’s Have Lunch”......................................................Joe, Betty, Artie, Sheldrake, Ensemble “Betty’s Pitch”.....................................................................................................................Betty, Joe “Car Chase”........................................................................................................................ Orchestra “After Car Chase”.......................................................................................................................... Joe “Surrender”............................................................................................................................. Norma “Once Upon A Time”............................................................................................................ Norma “With One Look”.................................................................................................................... Norma “Salome”......................................................................................................................... Norma, Joe “The Greatest Star Of All”....................................................................................................... Max “Schwab’s Drugstore”.................................................................... Joe, Betty, Artie, Ensemble “Girl Meets Boy”.................................................................................................... Joe, Betty, Artie “I Started Work”................................................................................................................. Joe, Max “New Ways To Dream”................................................................................................ Norma, Joe “Organ Music”.................................................................................................................. Orchestra “Great Day”........................................................................................................................ Orchestra “Transition to The Lady’s Paying”.............................................................................................Joe “The Lady’s Paying”...............................................................Norma, Manfred, Joe, Salesmen “New Year Tango”................................................................................................................Joe, Max “The Perfect Year”......................................................................................................... Norma, Joe “I Had To Get Out”.........................................................................................................................Joe “This Time Next Year”..................................................................... Joe, Betty, Artie, Ensemble “Auld Lang Syne”.......................................................................................Artie, Betty, Ensemble ACT II “Entr’acte”........................................................................................................................... Orchestra “Sunset Boulevard”......................................................................................................................Joe “There’s Been A Call”.................................................................................................... Norma, Joe “It Took Her Three Days”.............................................................................................................Joe “As If We Never Said Goodbye”.........................................................................................Norma “Paramount Conversations”...........Betty, Joe, Sheldrake, Max, Norma, Cecil B. DeMille “Was That Really Norma Desmond?”............................................................. Cecil B. DeMille “Girl Meets Boy” (reprise)...............................................................................................Joe, Betty “A Little Suffering”.............................Astrologer, Masseurs, Beauticians, Analyst, Doctor “I Should Have Stayed There”...................................................................................................Joe “Too Much In Love To Care”...........................................................................................Betty, Joe “New Ways To Dream”(reprise).............................................................................................. Max “Phone Call”.............................................................................................................................Norma “What’s Going On Joe”.................................................................................... Betty, Joe, Norma “The Final Scene”.........................................................................................................Norma, Max There will be one 15 minute intermission.

The use of flash photography and video recording devices without the written permission of the management is prohibited.

Please remember to silence or turn off your cellular phones and other messaging devices.

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F R O M T H E D I R E C TO R ’ S C H A I R It is indeed a privilege to direct the musical adaptation of “Sunset Boulevard”. The film which was nominated for Eleven Academy Awards is not only considered a film classic, but it is ranked number 12 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 best American films of the 20th Century. Deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” by the U.S. Library of Congress, it was included in the first group of films selected for preservation by the National Film Registry. That group included only twenty-five films. In major population centers, the film was an enormous box office success and broke a number of existing records in that regard.

The film draws its title from the boulevard which runs through Los Angeles and into Beverly Hills, California. It was written and directed in 1950 by Billy Wilder (with co-writer Charles Brackett). As the motion picture industry grew, luxurious homes noted for their grandeur were built in the area. By the 1940’s, many of the former stars from the silent film era still lived in them although, for the most part, they were no longer involved in the film business. Wilder wondered how they spent their time now “that the parade had passed them by”. From those ponderings, came the story of a star that had lost her celebrity and box office appeal.

Though, in a sense, the story becomes widely universal as it deals with a person who once was so highly heralded for things such as their high school football stardom and their journey into obscurity as they travel onward into the remainder of their not so noteworthy life. How do they make the transition? How does the “fall” from their notoriety shape their lives? These questions are more widespread and, thus, strike a chord in many of the members of the audience.

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CAST Norma Desmond...............................................................................................................Mary K. Nigohosian Joe Gillis......................................................................................................................................... James Nedrud Max Von Mayerling................................................................................................................... Micheal A. Kott Betty Schaefer.......................................................................................................................... Rachelyn Primm Cecil B. DeMille ...................................................................................................................Christopher Skyles Artie Green...................................................................................................................................... Joel Camden Sheldrake..................................................................................................................................... Lane Halverson Manfred....................................................................................................................................... Daniel Hurtado Ensemble............................................................................................................ Rena Ahmed, Brett Baleskie,

Vincent Colon, Alicia Hurtado, Warren Karas,

Kristin Lutzeier, Sarah MacLean, Steve Malone,

Jaime Martinez, Omar Nunez, Gil Pena,

Lindsay Prerost, Jamie Szynal, Katelyn Thompson, Carlynn Zahn

BIOGR APHIES Rena Ahmed (Lisa, Harem Girl, and Beautician) mezzosoprano, has been featured in numerous productions of opera, operetta, musical theatre, and concert works throughout the Chicago area. Most recently she was seen in Amahl and the Night Visitors at Music by the Lake in Williams Bay, WI. Some of her favorite roles include the title role in Iolanthe, The Principessa in Suor Angelica, The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Agnes Gooch in Mame, and Suzuki in Madama Butterfly. She has also been featured on Jake Burn’s recording of Irish folk rock, Drinkin Again, on the EMI UK label.

Brett Baleskie (Myron, Salesman and Ensemble) is so thrilled to be in Sunset Blvd, and to be working with JPAC for the first time. He has performed with several other theatre groups in the Chicago-land area! Recent credits include: Songs For a New World (Man 2), The Drowsy Chaperone (Robert Martin), RENT (Benjamin Coffin III), Children of Eden (Ham), Grease (Teen Angel/ Vince Fontaine), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Leaf Coneybear). Brett is so thankful to the production team and cast for welcoming him in to this experience, to his friends and family for their love and support, and most importantly to God who has presented every opportunity.

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Joel Camden (Artie Green) was last seen on the JPAC stage in Man of La Mancha (Anselmo). Other JPAC credits include The Phantom of the Opera, The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit (Leo), A Tale of Two Cities, and Promises, Promises (Eichelberger). He is a member of The Festive Singers and The Chicago Red Line. Other credits include Chad Morton’s TV Christmas Miracle (Jay); Rent (Angel); and Man of La Mancha (Sancho Panza).

Vincent Colon (Salesman, Ensemble) has been interested in theatre since in his senior year at Morton West High School. His participation in theatre began with the musical Grease. He also took part in several high school plays written and directed by students. Vincent is very grateful for being involved with Sunset Boulevard. He feels this experience is very unique, and is happy that he had the opportunity working with such a talented and promising cast. Vincent would like to thank his parents for giving him support. He would also like to thank Dante and Diana for making this possible.

Lane Halverson (Sheldrake) is embarking upon a stupefying 20 shows at the JPAC with Sunset Boulevard. It has been an immense pleasure and honor to work with so many talented actors,

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) musicians and production people over the years. Thank you Dante for your passion and interest in keeping live theatre alive in the modest little enclave of Cicero IL!!

Alicia Hurtado (Secretary, Ensemble) is unfathomably ecstatic to be a part of this her first JPAC production. Past credits include Christine in Phantom of the Opera (Fox Valley), Jane in The Women (Circle Theatre), Fredrika in A Little Night Music (Circle Theatre), and Anne in A Little Night Music (Tuesday’s Child). She does a lot of theatre at her high school, and intends on majoring in musical theater in the future. Look out for her in Chicago Folk’s Operetta’s upcoming show: The Circus Princess. She would like to thank her crazy theater parents, her acting teachers, her voice teacher, her friends, Stephen Sondheim, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Daniel Hurtado (Manfred, Finance Man, and Ensemble) returns to the JPAC stage after appearing in Phantom of the Opera and Man of La Mancha. Daniel is a lawyer by day. His favorite roles from before his lawyer days include Mr. Bumble (Oliver), the Padre (Man of La Mancha), Toby (Sweeney Todd), Nicely-Nicely (Guy and Dolls), Jacey Squires (Music Man), and Gino the Bad Boy (Pinocchio). In 2010, after his having practiced law for 17 years, Daniel’s daughter, Alicia (who also appears in this production), talked him into returning to the stage to perform with her in a production of A Little Night Music. He is glad that she did.

Warren Karas (Finance Man, Astrologer, Ensemble) is excited to be on the JPAC stage again, having appeared in Phantom of the Opera as ‘Andre,’ Hairspray as the ‘Male Authority Figure’, ‘Tevya’ in Fiddler on the Roof, ‘Sweeney ‘ in Sweeney Todd, ‘The Narrator’, in Blood Brothers, ‘Norman’ in The Boys Next Door, ‘John Freeman’ in Metroplis, ‘Juan Peron’ in Evita and most recently in

Miracle Worker as Captain Keller. He has also performed at “The Drama Group” in Chicago Heights in Midsummer Night’s Dream as ‘Oberon’. Special thanks to all his family and friends for their love and support.

Kristin Lutzeier (Joanna, Beautician, and Ensemble) is excited to be back at JPAC for her forth show! She made her JPAC debut as the Confidant in last year’s production of The Phantom of the Opera. She played the Housekeeper in Man of La Mancha and was most recently seen as Miss Skillon in See How They Run. Kristin holds a BFA in Musical Theater from the Chicago College of Performing Arts Theater Conservatory. She would like to thank her parents for all their love and support.

Sarah MacLean (Dawn, Sandy, and Ensemble) a recent graduate from the University of Houston with a BA in music, Sarah is thrilled to be a part of the cast of Sunset Blvd! Past musical theatre credits include: Marsinah in Kismet, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, and Maria in The Sound of Music.

Operas include: Grasshopper in The Cunning Little Vixen, Buffy in A Wedding, and Love Police in Orpheus in the Underworld. She has partaken in the Wesley Balk Institute and master classes with Joseph Evans, Matthew Lord, and George Sorensen.

Steve Malone (Sammy, Doctor, and Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Jedlicka Theatre debut with this wonderfully supportive and fun cast and production staff. My top hat, white tie and tails go off to Dante, John, Sarah, Diana and Lindsay...you all rock! Steve is a theater veteran (aka Old Timer!) having appeared in over 70 shows throughout Chicagoland. And I am just getting started! Thanks to my friends and family for their support and always to the audience for making this incredible part time dream possible.

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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

Jaime Martinez (Morino, Salesman, and Ensemble) is a classically trained pianist from Oak Park’s Steckman Studio of Music. He is currently a Music Education major studying at Morton College with prospects to transfer to Vandercook College of Music. Jaime also has a background in both classical and jazz guitar and has never been struck by lightning. Also known as Chocolate Thunder, Jaime makes his electrifying theatrical debut in Sunset Boulevard.

James Nedrud (Joe Gillis) is thrilled to be back at JPAC where he was last seen as Raoul in Phantom of the Opera. Other Chicago credits include Spelling Bee with Metropolis (Barfee), The Wizard of Oz with Emerald City (Tin Man), Porchlight Music Theatre, Actor’s Theatre Company, Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. James is a graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Many thanks to friends and family and especially Tommy.

Mary K. Nigohosian (Norma Desmond) is delighted to return to the JPAC stage as another iconic female figure having played Edie Bouvier in last year’s Grey Gardens. A wife, mother, voice teacher, choral conductor, singer and Actor’s Equity Candidate, Mary has played many sassy, sexy, sage, silly, sophisticated and staunch characters. Other JPAC credits include Giulietta Trapani in Aspects of Love, Elsie in Strangers On A Train and the manipulative and devious Queen Tiye in the premier of Nefertiti. Chicago credits: Gabrielle, The Dinner Party (Brightside Theatre), Janet, Boeing, Boeing (ITC), Eris, The Trojan War (a world premier with Inconceivable Theatre), Joan, The Good Harvest (a world premier with Polarity Ensemble); Mrs. Gibbs, Our Town (Theatre-Hikes); Doris, Same Time, Next Year (Oil Lamp Theatre); Woman 3, Midlife! The Crisis Musical (Fox Valley Repertory Theatre); Kate, Sylvia (Metropolis Performing Arts Center); 6 Jedlicka Performing Arts Center

Ellen, Luv (Grounded Theatre); Charlotte, Charlotte’s Web (Emerald City Theatre and Epic Theatre); Kate/Lilli, Kiss Me, Kate (Woodstock Opera House); Millie Bailey, A Wonderful Life (Porchlight Music Theatre) as well as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Amanda in Private Lives, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha and staged readings with Theatre Building Chicago. Thank you David and Rosalie for your continuing support and encouragement. And thank you Dante for another fantastic opportunity to do what I love to do. Mary’s next production will be as Beatrice in Rappacini’s Daughter with Evergreen Theatre Ensemble in Naperville.

Omar Nunez (Wunderkind, Analyst, Salesman, and Ensemble) is proud to be making his JPAC debut in the production of Sunset Boulevard. Past performances include The Musical Murders of 1940 (Ken De La Maize), Black Comedy (Harold), Bye Bye Birdie (Mayor), Once Upon a Mattress (Dream Prince), and The Nutcracker (Arabian). Omar would like to thank John Warren for his attentive guidance and advice. It is much appreciated.

Gil Pena (Guard, Ensemble) is currently studying secondary education in English at UIC. Gil started theater his final year of high school starring as Snug in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a brother in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Leon in Neil Simon’s Fools, and Orpheus in Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses. Gil is excited to return to theatre especially here at the JPAC. Being a part of this production, and along with his girlfriend, Mandy, have inspired and motivated him to return to what he loves to do. Thank you!

Lindsay Prerost (Mary, Danielle, Beautician and Ensemble) is excited to be a part of such a timeless show, and back once again at JPAC. This will be

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

Lindsay’s 5th show with JPAC including Man of La Mancha, Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, and A Tale of Two Cities. Aside from performing Lindsay is also a licensed cosmetologist, and costumes shows as well.

She would like to thank her family, this wonderful cast and God. Rachelyn Primm (Betty Schaefer) is excited to return for her third show with JPAC. She has recently been seen as Maria in Man of La Mancha and in the ensemble of Phantom of the Opera. Other Chicago credits include The Mikado and The Sorcerer, both productions with The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. All of her love to God for His provision, to her family for their constant belief and support, hugs to her friends and to you for supporting the arts!

Christopher Skyles (Cecil B. DeMille) is honored to be a part of his third JPAC production. Last year Chris was a featured baritone in Phantom of the Opera and ‘The Innkeeper’ in Man of La Mancha. Chris has been a featured artist and guest soloist with several opera and choral groups around Chicago. He is currently in American Chamber Opera’s Elijah and will be seen this summer as Massetto in their production of Don Giovanni. Chris is also a National Anthem Singer for the Joliet Slammers and Kane County Cougars Minor League Baseball Teams, as well as the primary National Anthem singer for the Chicago Express Hockey Team. Chris would like to dedicate his performance to his family and dear friends, who love, encourage and support him. Many Thanks!

Jamie Szynal (Ensemble) Jamie earned a B.A. in Music Theatre and a B.M. in Vocal Performance (magna cum laude).

After graduation, she moved back to the

Windy City where she worked as a performer and teacher. Past theatrical credits include: Nancy (Oliver!), Reno (Anything Goes), Barbarina (Le Nozze di Figaro), Secret Garden, West Side Story, and Die Fledermaus. Past teaching positions include: Western Michigan University, Northbrook Theatre and St. Patrick’s High School. Wanting to further her passion, she earned a M.A. in Musical Theatre Performance (with Distinction) from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she also taught at the UK Theatre School and Dramaworks. Jamie was a finalist at the 2010 Stephen Sondheim Competition at the Queen’s Theatre, was a featured singer with John Barrowman on Tonight’s the Night and performed in the Scottish Premiere of Spring Awakening as Marta. Now finally on home soil she continues to perform and teach in various venues throughout Chicagoland. For more visit www.jamieszynal.com.

Katelyn Thompson (Jean, Larissa, Masseur, and Ensemble) attended school at Iowa State University as a Performing Arts Major. She recently moved to the Chicago area and makes her Chicago-land debut at the JPAC theatre. Some previous credits include Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest (Iowa State University), Sharpay in High School Musical II (Des Moines Playhouse), Shirley in Fifth of July (Iowa State University), and Agnes/Hollywood Blonde in Gypsy! (Iowa State University) Carlynn Zahn (Harem Girl, Ensemble) is a native of Beloit, WI. After graduating from Stephens College in Missouri with a BFA on dance, she pursued a performance career in the Twin Cities. Her repertoire includes shows such as Crazy for You, The Pajama Game, Fiorello, and The Producers. Her most recent performance was as the role of Mimi in Rent for Bower City Theatre in Janesville, WI. This is Carlynn’s first production with Jedlicka Performing Arts.

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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

Dante J. Orfei (Director, Lighting Designer) has been the Artistic Director at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center for over 25 years.

He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and has produced and directed a travel documentary titled European Sojourn, which aired on PBS. Dante also directed the U.S. Premiere of the musical Metropolis and worked closely with the show’s creator, Academy and Grammy Award-winner Joseph Brooks on the development of the show. Dante directed the national regional theatre premiere of Brooks’ most recent Broadway show, In My Life. He has studied with Tony Award-winners Harold Prince and Jules Fisher. He directed the Midwest Regional Premiere of the Queen rock musical, We Will Rock You, and has also directed the World Premiere of Nefertiti – The Musical, as well as Premiere Chicago Productions of Little Women, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love, Blood Brothers, Jekyll and Hyde, The Baker’s Wife, and numerous plays by Olivier Awardwinning playwright Ray Cooney, including the U.S. Premiere of Cooney’s It Runs in the Family.

Dante has directed well over 175 stage productions on the professional, dinner theatre and academic levels.

John Warren (Music Director) recently music directed Its a Grand Night for Singing, and is excited to musically direct his second show at the JPAC theatre. No stranger to the JPAC stage, John has performed in both Phantom of the Opera and Man of La Mancha. John just began teaching music at Morton College, and he is excited to get a chance to work with a great group of musicians in Sunset Boulevard!!

Michael Nedza (Scenic and Properties Designer/ Technical Director) has been designing throughout the Midwest for over 25years. He has designed over 75 shows here at the JPAC. Some of the designs he is most proud of include, Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, In My Life, We Will Rock You, Jekyll and Hyde, and 1776. Michael is a Theatre Arts faculty member here at Morton College. Michael has been recognized with the “Award of Merit” from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for his set designs of The Middle Ages and Picasso at the Lapine Agile.

Micheal A. Kott (Max Von Mayerling / Multimedia Design) has directed numerous plays and musicals both stateside and in Europe, including his critically acclaimed production of Murderer,

by Anthony Shaffer. His JPAC directing credits include Doubt, Lilies of the Field and The Boys Next

Door. Michael is also a veteran performer at the JPAC having been involved in 18 shows over the last 12 years. Among his favorites are Blood Brothers, Moonlight and Magnolias, Peter Pan, and Tuesdays with Morrie. He is very grateful to Dante Orfei for his friendship, support, encouragement and trust. Micheal played the scene-stealing Psychic in Brain Damaged Film’s 2008 release Secrets of the Clown, available at www.blockbuster.com!

Micheal is the founding director of the Green Door Theatre in Garlstedt, West Germany. Currently he is the Artistic Director of Master’s Backstage Players in Carol Stream, Illinois. Micheal was also an ensemble member of Cenacle Theatre in Chicago, where he acted and directed numerous productions. Mike is the multimedia specialist for Morton College by day and at night divides his time among the various theatres in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. He is very thankful to Dr. Felicity Thoet for her guidance and direction. She is a wonderful director and I thank her for her knowledge.

Sarah Bright (Choreographer) is a Chicago based choreographer and performer, and quite pleased to be working with Dante Orfei and JPAC again. Former productions here include A Grand Night for Singing, The Muckle Man, Grey Gardens, Man of La Mancha, and The Miracle Worker. Other Chicago credits include roles with CityLit Theatre, Light Opera Works, The Artistic Home, The Drama Group, and others.

Sarah has also choreographed and performed in Germany in productions of Grease, Annie, California Suite, and Godspell and in England in a production of Proof. Much thanks to the cast of Sunset Boulevard for their talent and hard work, and to Christopher and Devon for their continued love and support.

Lindsay Prerost (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be able to costume her first JPAC show, previously assisting with hair and makeup. Lindsay is a supervisor at Downers North High School for the theatre department and has costumed/designed hair and makeupfor the One Act shows for Norths 2011-2012 season. She has also designed hair and makeup for Summerplace Theatres Grease! Thank you Dante for putting your faith in me for this show! Thank you to Brett and Tori for their assistance.

Diana Visk (Producer) has been involved with numerous productions at JPAC and would like to express her deep gratitude to Dante for giving her such a wonderful opportunity.

T H E AT R E S TA F F Box Office...............................................................................................................................................Diana Visk Technical Crew....................................................................................... Keenan Powell, Arthur Stepanek,

Natalie Stepanek, Martin Vanegas, Karl Ziegler Usher/Concessions .............................................................................. Robert Jadach, Margie McGowan 8 Jedlicka Performing Arts Center