Onegin
By
Amiel Gladstone and Veda Hille
Choreography
MARCH 5-8 • 7:30 P.M. | MARCH 9 • 2 P.M.
Director's Statement
Look around, look around, look around…
We live in chaotic and uncertain times. Social unrest, political corruption, and talk of war fills the news. But we are not the first generation to experience such times. In fact, one could say that all of humanity has shared this lived experience to varying degrees.
While Onegin is the title character, he is not quite a hero. Onegin is the prototype for the superfluous man, a literary figure known for being unmindful, indifferent or unempathetic with society's issues. He will often use his power for his own comfort and security and will have very little interest in being charitable or using it for the greater good.
Onegin’s journey teaches us that we should take an opportunity when it is presented, to live in the now, and not to waste a chance based on fear, uncertainty, or preconceptions of what is to come. This is a theme that Pushkin revisits in his poem, ‘Tis Time, My Friend, with the line “Make plans to live. Look, all is dust, and we shall die.” My hope is that you leave the theatre with hope for a brighter future, a passion for the present, and a sense of connectedness with others.
…do you see someone worth dying for?
— Eric Griffs
Please note there will be a 10-minute intermission.
Dramaturg’s Note
“It’s Russia, it’s winter, it’s a long time ago…”
While Onegin explores preoccupations of the early nineteenth century such as Romanticism and the cult of the aloof Byronic hero, Amiel Gladstone and Veda Hille offer a fresh perspective on the young central characters and their concern with matters of love and death. The Romantic concept of world-weariness is reframed simply as boredom. When the “charming, rakish” Evgeni Onegin arrives in her house, Tatyana risks danger by revealing her desire for him. Callous but honorable, Evgeni does not behave like the characters in novels she has read.
This adaptation achieves a striking balance of sincerity and irony, often through conscious repetition of similar phrases in different contexts: “I don’t care;” “Look around;” “In the dark of the night, she is the North(ern) star.” Gladstone and Hille acknowledge both Alexander Pushkin’s verse novel Eugene Onegin (published 1825-1833) and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s opera (1879) as source material for their indie rock version. Where Pushkin employs a sarcastic narrator to mock the aristocratic characters as pretentious hypocrites, Tchaikovsky takes the characters quite seriously in an effort to wring tragedy and pathos from their tumultuous youthful emotions and self-destructive decisions. Grounded in Tchaikovsky’s sincere approach, this Onegin reintroduces some of Pushkin’s ironic treatment (especially for more comic characters such as Zaretsky and Triquet).
Ultimately, this musical invites reflection on high-stakes questions about human connection. Onegin asks, “Do you know me? Do you want to know?” Tatyana asks, “Who sees me? Who knows me?” And as they sing you this love song, all involved will ask repeatedly, “Do you see someone worth dying for?”
— Daniel Smith
Onegin Cast
EVENGI ONEGIN .............................................................................. Ethan Rogers
TATYANA LARIN ................................................................................Emily Harrell
VLADIMIR LENSKY/ENSEMBLE ................................................. Jaiden Connel
OLGA LARIN/ENSEMBLE ..................................................... Courtnee Tabacchi
TRIQUET/ENSEMBLE ......................................................................... Chloe Butts
ZARETSKY/ENSEMBLE .................................................... Alexander Hammond
GUILLOT/ENSEMBLE ...................................................................... Blake Halinar
PRINCE GREMIN/ENSEMBLE .................................................... Mac Chambers
MADAME LARIN/ENSEMBLE ............................................ Madison Hildebrand
ENSEMBLE ..................................... Bailey Waldow, Lynn Baker, Jayla Beasley
Musicians
Conductor ............................... Dr. Dana Gorzelany-Mostak
Piano Dr. Lev Ryabinin
Cello ................................................. Jared Cooper
Violin ......................................... Dr. Bryan Emmon Hall
Guitar ............................................ Matthew Robinson
Percussion ...........................................Dr. Brad Fowler
Production Team
Director ................................................. Eric Griffis
Music Director ............................... Dana Gorzelany-Mostak
Dramaturg ............................................. Daniel Smith
Stage Manager .................................. Hannah Zdancewicz
Asst. Stage Managers ............ Bee Rowan, Seth Clinton, Jo Stephens
Production Manager .................................. Beate Czogalla
Scene Designer Phillip Male
Scenic Artist ......................................... Bentley Savelle
Scene Painters .............. Kelsey Hall, Claire Pluskota, Casey Sarrazin
Master Carpenter ..................................... Daniel Nguyen
Props Runners Benjamin Brown, Tess Davidson
Technical Director ................................... Patrick Hamilton
Choreographer ............................... Helen Garcia-Carreras
Lighting Designer ..................................... Patrick Schoen
Light Board Operator Sophia Wilson
Follow Spot Operators .................. Jason Barlow, Jesse Stallworth
Lighting Intern ......................................... Charles Alfaro
Props Supervisor ..................................... Laurence Grau
Sound Designer ..................................... Natalie Cardona
Mix Engineer Nic Hoeppel
Sound Intern/A2 ...................................... Alexander Rice
Costume Designer/Shop Supervisor ................... Cathleen O'Neal
Wardrobe Supervisor .................................... Eliza Rianey
Dressers Ava Bass, Vee Todd, Vy Jarret-Lazzari
Hair/Makeup Designer ................................... Gabi Sowell
Make Up Assistant .................................... Josey Maddox
House Manager .................................... Paige Blakemore
Asst. House Manager .................................. Ainsley Greve
Box Office Lead Amelia Daws
Box Office Manager ................................Jennifer Gheesling
Cast and Crew Bios
Charles Alfaro (Political Science 2028, Lighting Intern) Previous positions include At the Wedding (Floating Intern) He would like to thank his parents.
Brooklyn Bailey (Liberal Studies & Mass Communication 2028, Production Intern) Previous shows include Twelfth Night (Scenic Artist). She would like to thank all of the friends she has made within the Theatre department.
Lynn Baker (Theatre 2028, Ensemble) With previous roles including Twelfth Night (Viola) and Sweeney Todd (Ensemble), Lynn is very honored to be working with this lovely cast and crew!
Jason Barlow (Theatre 2026, Follow Spot Operator) Previous positions include At the Wedding (Light Board Operator). They would like to thank everyone for their support.
Ava Bass (Undeclared 2028, Dresser) Previous positions include At the Wedding (Dresser), and an actor in Directing Scenes. She would like to thank her parents for all their love and support!
Jayla Beasley (Theatre 2028, Ensemble) This is Jayla’s first production at Georgia College. She has been acting for 8 years and is very excited to begin her new chapter here!
Paige Blakemore (Mass Communication 2025, House Manager) Previous positions include Head Over Heels (Assistant House Manager). She would like to thank the Department of Theatre & Dance for keeping the arts alive at GCSU.
Benjamin Brown (Sociology 2025, Props Runner) Previous positions include At The Wedding (Props Runner). He is excited to be a part of this production and would like to thank everyone for coming out to the show!
Chloe Butts (Theatre 2026, Triquet) Previous shows inlude At the Wedding (Eva), We Will Rock You (Ensemble), and These Shining Lives (Charlotte). She would like to thank Eric for this opportunity!
Natalie Cardona (Sound Designer) is a Georgia College Theatre alum (2024) and is delighted to be working with the department again. Previous mix credits include Frozen for City Springs Theatre Company, Anastasia, Jersey Boys, Frozen, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Frozen for Tuacahn Center for the Arts, as well as sound designer & engineer for We Will Rock You, Head over Heels, and Ride the Cyclone at GCSU. She would like to thank her friends, family, and Pepina for their constant support!
Mac Chambers (Theatre 2025, Prince Gremin) Previous performances include Leveling Up (Ian) and The Legend of Georgia McBride (Tracy Mills), and he would like to thank his family and roommates!
Seth Clinton (Theatre 2028, ASM) Seth is thrilled to be working on their first musical and second production at GCSU. They would like to thank their parents for their unconditional support. Previous roles include Hairspray (Edna Turnblad).
Jaiden Connel (Theatre 2027, Lensky) Previous roles include At the Wedding (Leigh), We Will Rock You (Ensemble). Jaiden would like to thank her family, girlfriend, and the wonderful cast and crew for their efforts.
Jared Cooper (Cello) received his Bachelor of Music degree at Texas Tech University under the tutelage of Jeffrey Lastrapes and received his Master of Music degree at Lynn University studying with David Cole. He has held positions with orchestras such as the Palm Beach Symphony and the Florida Grand Opera, to name a few. He was also a cellist with the Bridgerton Experience in Atlanta and is now a core performer with the Candlelight concert series. He currently resides in the Atlanta Metro area performing, recording, and teaching.
Bea Czogalla (Production Manager) is delighted to have been a part of the theatre program at GCSU as Professor of Theatre Design since the Fall of 1999. She has a BA and MA degree in Theatre from Giessen University (Germany) and an MFA degree in Scenography and Lighting Design from Virginia Tech. Ms. Czogalla has designed internationally with credits at theatres across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Tess Davidson (Theatre 2028, Props Runner) Previous positions at GCSU include ASM for Twelfth Night. Tess would love to thank their blind dog Maddie even though she cannot watch the show and often ignores them.
Dr. Brad Fowler (Percussion) is an Assistant Professor of MIS in the College of Business and Technology at GCSU. He has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Alabama.
Helen Garcia-Carreras (GCSU 2024, Choreographer) Previous roles include The Twelfth Night (Music Director/Arranger, Feste | GCSU), 25th Annual...Bee (Choreographer | Birdhouse Theatre), In The Heights (Choreographer | Putnam County HS), Working (Kate Rushton, Dance Captain | The Plaza and The Arts Barn), Seussical (Mayzie, Dance Captain | TPAC and TAB). She would like to thank Lora Garcia-Carreras for showing her the importance of choreographic dramaturgy.
Dr. Dana Gorzelany-Mostak (Music Director) is an Associate Professor of Music at Georgia College & State University and an expert on pop music and US electoral politics. In addition to serving as GCSU’s resident musicologist, she directs the Women’s Ensemble and Music Theatre Scenes. She is thankful for the opportunity to work with the talented folks in the Department of Theatre & Dance, all of whom are kind enough to feign interest in her cat pics. Lubov to Buddy and Squeaks!
Ainsley Greve (Mass Communications 2025), Assistant House Manager. Previous roles and positions include The Nutcracker (Props Master), Twelfth Night (Musician), Ride the Cyclone (Props Master), and The Revolutionists (scenic painter). She would like to thank her parents for their constant support.
Laurence Grau (Theatre 2026, Props Supervisor) Previous positions include Twelfth Night (Dresser) He would like to thank his Mom and Dad for being supportive of his endeavors.
Eric Griffis (Director) is the Professor of Costume Design and Chair for the Department of Theatre and Dance at GCSU. Previous designs include These Shining Lives, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Ride the Cyclone, and The Revolutionists at GCSU; Homos: Or Everyone in America, Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Warplay, Christmas with the Crawfords, I Am My Own Wife, and Porcelain for Out Front Theatre Company (Atlanta); and The Marriage Counselor and The Last Five Years for Birdhouse Theatre. Visit ericgriffis.com to see more of his work.
Blake Halinar (Theatre and Music 2028, Guillot) He would like to thank his parents for always supporting him. Previous roles include Hairspray (Edna) and Footloose (Ensemble).
Dr. Bryan Emmon Hall (Violin) is a violinist and an Assistant Professor of Music at GCSU where he serves as the orchestra director and string coordinator. Dr. Hall has performed extensively in the United States and abroad as a violinist, violist, and conductor. He has performed in the sections of leading professional orchestras, including the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera, Atlanta Symphony, Juneau Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Boise Baroque, and the Utah Symphony Orchestra.
Kelsey Hall (Graphic Design 2026, Scenic Painter) Previous positions include At the Wedding (Scenic Artist) Leveling Up, We Will Rock You and Twelfth Night (Scenic Painter). They would like to thank their family and friends for their support.
Patrick Hamilton (Technical Director) received his BA in Theatre from GCSU and now serves as the department’s Technical Director and Scene Shop Supervisor. Over the past decade, Hamilton has worked as a freelance scenic designer and technical director building a resume that boasts over 100 productions across the Middle Georgia area.
Alexander Hammond (Nursing 2028, Zaretsky) He would like to thank his parents for their support and the GCSU theatre program for this opportunity.
Emily Harrell (Theatre 2025, Tatyana Larin) She is so grateful to be performing on the Russell Auditorium stage one more time. Previous roles include: Twelfth Night (Fabian), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive), We Will Rock You (Scaramouche), These Shining Lives (Pearl), and Head Over Heels (Ensemble). She would love to thank Eric, Hannah, her parents, Trey, Courtnee, Bandit, and everyone involved! (epic backflip)
Madison Hildebrand (Theatre 2028, Madame Larin) She has lots of interest in musical theatre and is glad to be a part of this production. She is very thankful for the opportunity to be in the show.
Nicolas Hoeppel (Environmental Science, 2025, Mix Engineer) Previous roles include: The Jimmy Jam (Lou); The Feast (Sound Designer); We Will Rock You (Audio Assistant); Leveling Up (Sound Designer). Nic would like to thank his family and friends for their support!
Vy Jarret-Lazzari (Theatre 2028, Dresser) Previous roles include Twelfth Night (Sir Andrew), Property Rites (Figure 3). I’d like to thank my parents, and Camelot Theatre Company!
Josey Maddox (Theatre 2026, Makeup Assistant) is excited to be a part of her first GCSU production. She assistant managed the Spring Dance Concert in 2022. She looks forward to working on more productions and hopes you enjoy the show!
Phil Male (Scenic Designer) is the new Asst. Professor of Scenic Design at GCSU. He is excited to begin this new chapter in his career.
Daniel Nguyen (Theatre 2025, Master Carpenter) is so excited to for you to see this show. He describes his experience as master carpenter as transformative. Past GCSU productions include (The Legend of Georgia McBride, Stupid F*cking Bird). He would like to thank his family and friends!
Cathleen O'Neal (Costume Designer) has worked for Georgia College's Department of Theatre and Dance as Costume Shop Supervisor since Fall of 2017. She has enjoyed designing costumes and hair and makeup for various productions while here at GCSU. She received her MFA in Costume Design and Production from The University of Alabama and has worked
professionally for various Theatrical organizations including: The Virginia Shakespeare Festival, Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Camp, and Aurora Theatre.
Claire Pluskota (Theatre 2026, Scenic Painter) Previous roles include Head Over Heels (Dresser), We Will Rock You (Dresser), At The Wedding (Scenic Painter), Twelfth Night (Wardrobe Supervisor). She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her!
Eliza Rainey (Theatre and English 2025, Wardrobe Supervisor) Past Shows include OutFront At the Wedding (Costume Designer), OutFront Hairspray (Assistant Wig Designer), At the Wedding (Costume Designer), We Will Rock You (Hair & Makeup Designer). Enjoy the show!
Alexander Rice (Accounting 2028, Sound Intern) Previous positions include Sound Bound Operator for At the Wedding, Scenic Painter for Twelfth Night.
Matthew Robinson (Guitar) earned his graduate degree from Georgia State University’s School of Music in 2019. He has been invited to numerous academic performances, including the 2016 Georgia Music Educators Association, and has participated in chamber guitar events with world-renowned artists. His ongoing venture into the world of guitar ensemble music has been a particularly relevant source of inspiration for his own guitar compositions, which eventually earned him the 2018 Austin Texas Guitar Composition Competition Award.
Ethan Rogers (Theatre 2027, Evgeni Onegin). Previous shows include: These Shining Lives (Tom Donohue), The Nutcracker (The Nutcracker Prince). He would like to thank his family and the GCSU Theatre & Dance department.
Bee Rowan (Theatre/Mass Com 2028, Assistant Stage Manager) Previous roles include At The Wedding (Props Runner), Twelfth Night (Floating Intern). She would like to thank the GCSU theatre department for being so welcoming and kind.
Dr. Lev Ryabinin (Piano) studied as a pianist in Ukraine, Israel, and the United States. He finally earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa. Dr. Ryabinin has worked as a collaborative pianist/accompanist for Interlochen Center for
the Arts, Chicago Opera Theater, Roosevelt University, the University of Iowa, and numerous music theatre productions. He has also presented recitals in Germany, Ukraine, Israel, Spain and the United States. Dr. Ryabinin currently serves as staff accompanist and piano instructor at Georgia College, and greatly enjoys collaborations with the Theater Department.
Casey Sarrazin (Theatre 2026, Scenic Painter). She would like to thank the theatre department.
Bentley Savelle (Theatre 2026, Scenic Artist) Past shows include At The Wedding (Assistant Stage Manager) and Leveling Up (Scenic Artist). She would like to thank her friends, family and the amazing cast and crew.
Patrick Schoen (Theatre 2025, Lighting Designer) Patrick is thankful for all the opportunities he has had at GCSU. Previous shows include: The Feast (Lighting Designer), Twelve Angry Jurors (Lighting Designer), Newsies (Lighting Designer), and At the Wedding (Lighting Designer). Patrick would like to thank his friends, family, and fans for all their support!
Daniel Smith (Dramaturg) is the Martha Daniel Newell Visiting Scholar at GCSU this semester. Recent credits as a dramaturg and translator include work with Disney Theatrical Group, Karlin Music Theatre, and Chicago Fringe Opera, in addition to numerous productions at his home institution, Michigan State University. Dan is also a three-time Jeopardy! champion, appearing on the show in February 2009.
Gabrielle Sowell (Theatre 2025, Hair and Makeup Designer) Previous roles include Fences (Stage Manager), Sweeney Todd (Light Board Operator) and Hair the Musical (Sheila). She would like to thank her amazing family and boyfriend for their endless love and support and she hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Jesse Stallworth (Theatre 2027, Follow Spot Operator) Previous positions include Assistant House Manager for At the Wedding. She would like to thank her family for supporting her!
Josephine Stephens (Philosophy/Liberal Studies 2028, Assistant Stage Manager) Previous shows include Twelfth Night (ASM). She would like to thank her family and friends!
Courtnee Tabacchi (Theater & Mass Communications 2025, Olga Larin) Past shows include: At the Wedding (Carly) Disenchanted (Cinderella), We Will Rock You (Ensemble), and Big Fish (Witch). She would like to thank
Eric, her friends, and family for supporting her through everything! She is thankful for Mack, Eliza, Emily, Chloe and her dog Winnie for always believing in her. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show! *epic dab*
Vee Todd (Theatre 2028, Dresser) Previous positions include At the Wedding (Dresser) and Twelfth Night (Props Runner). They would like to thank their friends and family.
Bailey Waldow (Mass Communications- Television & Film 2025, Ensemble) She would like to thank her friends and family for always being so supportive of her passions! Notable roles include: Hairspray (Penny), Titanic (Kate Mullins), Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitel).
Sophia Wilson (Theatre 2027, Light Board Operator) Previous roles include These Shining Lives (Dresser), Leveling Up (Sound Board Operator), We Will Rock You (A2), Twelfth Night (Curio, Musician). They would like to thank their friends, family and theatre faculty!
Hannah Zdancewicz (Theatre 2026, Stage Manager) Previous shows include At the Wedding (Asst. Director/Stage Manager), We Will Rock You (Stage Manager), Leveling Up (Stage Manager), Head Over Heels (ASM), Medea (ASM). She would like to thank her parents, Emily, Chloe, Makena and Josh, and she hopes all the cast and crew break legs!
Meet the Faculty and Staff
Eric Griffis .............. Costume Design Faculty and Department Chair
Natalie King ................................ Interim Director of Dance
Beate Czogalla ............... Lighting and Stage Management Faculty, Production Manager
Dr. Amy Pinney ..................... Dramaturgy and Directing Faculty
Jeremy Lee Cudd Acting Faculty
Cathleen O’Neal Costume Shop Supervisor
Phillip Male .................................... Scenic Design Faculty
Patrick Hamilton .................................. Technical Director
Ryan P. Jones .................................... Lecturer in Theatre
Juliana Freude ....................................... Dance Lecturer
Jennifer Gheesling ......... Office Coordinator and Box Office Manager
SPOTLIGHTS AND SUPPORTERS
The Department of Theatre would like to extend a special thank you to our friends and supporters who generously gave to our GCSU Theatre Scholarship Fund or GCSU Theatre Foundation fund from Jan. 1, 2020 to the present.
Platinum Level: $5,000 or more
Dr. Karen Berman
Paul G. Accettura
Beth Thompson
Dr. Ken Proctor
Silver Level: $1,000-$2,499
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Pursley III
Green Level: $500-$999
Karen Carney
Blue Level: $100-$499
Mike and Carol McDonald
Darlene Tighe
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Burrell
William Ash
Patrick Gamble
Mr. and Mrs. David Thompson
Ellen Goodrich
Beate Czogalla
Amy Pinney
Charles Schwab
(This list represents gifts received during the current calendar year. We apologize to those whose donations came in after the printing deadline.)
To donate online, scan the QR code to make a donation to GCSU Theatre and Dance Department.
To donate by mail, please make a donation to: “GCSU Foundation—Theatre and Dance” c/o Georgia College & State University Theatre and Dance Department, CBX 119, Milledgeville, GA 31061
Spotlight your business in our season playbills by contacting Jennifer Gheesling at jennifer.gheesling@gcsu.edu.
Premier Seating
Recognition in Playbill
Complimentary Tickets*
Reception with Behind the Scenes Tour
Recognition on Posters and Advertisements
*2 tickets per show
Special thanks to the following individuals and institutions who provided generous support to this production:
Cathy Cox, President
Dr. Holley Roberts, Interim Provost
Dr. Indiren Pillay, Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Associate Dean Winston Tripp, College of Arts and Sciences
