GREAT Theatre: "Legally Blonde The Musical"

2023 SUMMER SUMMER CAMPS

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welcome

be part of the story!

jiMMY buFFETT'S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE

3rd Annual Outdoor Musical JULY 18-20, 2023 The Ledge Amphitheater Auditions: April 22 & 25 | ages 18+

guys and dolls

SEPT 15-24, 2023 Paramount Center for the Arts Auditions: June 24 & 25 | ages 16+

a year with frog and toad kids

5th Annual Youth Artist Project OCT 7-14, 2023 Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre Youth Artist Interviews: June 19 & 20 Open to all local high school students Auditions: July 31 & Aug 1 | ages 8-17

Little Women OCT 27-NOV 5, 2023 Paramount Center for the Arts Auditions: Aug 2 & 5 | ages 14+

Disney's Beauty and the beast

NOV 25-DEC 10, 2023 Paramount Center for the Arts Auditions: Aug 30 & Sept 2 | ages 10+

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

FEB 2-11, 2024 Paramount Center for the Arts Auditions: Oct 28 & Nov 1 | ages 12+

silent sky

MARCH 8-17, 2024 Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre Auditions: Dec 6 & 9 | ages 16+

Footloose

APRIL 5-21, 2024 Paramount Center for the Arts Auditions: Jan 10 & 13, 2024 | ages 16+

Native Gardens

MAY 10-19, 2024 Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre Auditions: Feb 14 & 17, 2024 | ages 18+

WELCOME FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LACEY SCHIRMERS Omigod, you guys!

It’s my honor to welcome you to Legally Blonde the Musical, the final show of our 22/23 season at the Paramount Center for the Arts. This season has gone by, like, so fast! And, it’s been seriously successful and such a joy. We intentionally made our set fall apart and turned the Helgeson Learning Lab into a train. We produced and performed two different shows at two different venues simultaneously for the holidays. We welcomed over 3,500 students and educators back to the theatre for student matinees and produced our fourth annual youth artist project.

We’ve had record numbers of people showing up to auditions, many sold-out performances, and more requests than ever from community partners for our outreach programming for youth. As Elle Woods would say, “What? Like it’s hard?” As a nonprofit organization, it's the loyal support of our community and generous contributions of time, talent, and treasure of our volunteers, donors, and sponsors that have helped fuel this success.

It’s also a great honor to invite you to our 2023/24 season! Selected with consideration from over 1200 season subscribers, volunteer actors, GREAT’s programming committee, staff, and Board of Directors (and, what we could get the rights to) next season is beaming with variety. Pick three or more shows to become a Season Subscriber and save up to 30% versus purchasing single tickets!

And don’t miss out on summer theatre camps!

Whether participating to advance their skills or trying theatre for the first time, camps give youth ages 4-18 a safe place to express themselves, meet new friends, gain confidence, and develop teamwork skills. Plus they’ll make many memories!

Thank you for supporting the arts by attending today and being part of our story. Enjoy the show!

With gratitude, Lacey

Legally blonde: the musical

is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

show length

Approximately 2 hours plus a 20 minute intermission

SYNOPSIS

Congratulations, you’ve been accepted to Harvard Law! Based on the smash hit movie, Legally Blonde the Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods from a pink-loving sorority girl to a Harvard law student. Follow our blonde heroine as she tackles all obstacles, overcomes stereotypes, and educates us all on staying true to your dreams through rousing songs and dynamic show-stopping dance numbers. Actionpacked and exploding with memorable songs and dances – this musical is so much fun it should be illegal.

VIDEOgraphy notice

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

content advisory

The script of this tongue-incheek comedy contains adult language, stereotyping and sexual innuendo.

lEGALLY blONDE the musical Music and Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin

Book by Heather Hach

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown And the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture Original Production by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals, Dori Berinstein, James L. Nederlander, Independent Presenters Network, Roy FUrman, Amanda Lipitz, Boradway Asia, Barbara Whitman, FWPM Group, Hendel/Wiesenfeld, Goldberg/Binde, Stern/Meyer, Lane/Comley, Bartner-Jenkens/Nocciolino and Warren Trepp; Produced in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.

production team DIRECTOR MUSIC DIRECTOR CHOREOGRAPHER CHOREOGRAPHY ASSISTANT SCENIC DESIGNER SCENIC DRAFTING ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR SCENIC CARPENTERS

SCENIC CHARGE ARTIST SCENIC PAINTER COSTUME DESIGNER COSTUME SHOP LEAD PROP DESIGNER LIGHTING DESIGNER SOUND DESIGNER STAGE MANAGER ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS ASL INTERPRETERS

Kendra Norton Dando Hillary Vermillion Kyle Weiler Maureen Sherman-Mendez Reiko Huffman Kim Lartz Ross Harris Anthony Schrock Chris Caballero Luke Reber Bonnie Bologna Jasmyn Linn Dana Svensson Jessica Mancini Bonnie Bologna Grant E. Merges Steve Sanders Amanda Kivel Rebekah Phifer Kaiden Ross Jeanna Borgerding Valerie Vedder

crew DECK/PROPS Jill Kothman Anna Grandlund WARDROBE CREW Nik Berger Alvina Lieser Zakyra Smith FLY RAIL OPERATOR James Onofrey LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR Erin Volker QLAB OPERATOR Keira Gray FOLLOW SPOT OPERATORS Micah Alm Maria Warhol

cast ELLE MARGOT/ELLE UNDERSTUDY SERENA PILAR EMMETT PAULETTE CALLAHAN WARNER VIVIENNE BROOKE/DANCE CAPTAIN ENID HOOPES GAELAN/CHUTNEY UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE KATE/COURT STENOGRAPHER/ENSEMBLE LEILANI/MARGOT UNDERSTUDY/EMSEMBLE SORORITY GIRL/CASHIER/ SERENA UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE DELTA NU/DANA/ENSEMBLE COURTNEY (SALESWOMAN)/ELLE'S MOM/ PAULETTE UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE ELLE'S DAD/CALLAHAN UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE GRANDMASTER CHAD/CARLOS UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE WINTHROP/ELLE'S DAD UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE LOWELL/D.A. RILEY/ENSEMBLE SUNDEEP/NIKOS UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE AARON SCHULTZ/EMMETT UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE WHITNEY/STORE MANAGER/JUDGE/VIVIENNE UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE DEWEY/PFORZHEIMER/TV REPORTER/ KYLE UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE NIKOS/ENSEMBLE CARLOS/WARNER UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE KYLE/ENSEMBLE/AARON UNDERSTUDY CHUTNEY/2ND PERFUME SALESGIRL/BROOKE UNDERSTUDY/ELLE'S MOM UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE JET BLUE PILOT/GUARD/ENSEMBLE KIKI THE COLORIST/ENID UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE BOOKISH CLIENT/DELTA NU SWING/ PILAR UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE H&H SALESGIRL/DELTA NU SWING/ KATE UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE BALIFF/ENSEMBLE BRUISER RUFUS

Kylee Crews Sam Pounds Mackenzie Krueger Martha Sanguma Spencer Van Beck Kelly Waid Anthony Schrock Kyle Seamans Alyssa Tasto Katie Bruender Alex Kelton Tierney Hammer Elizabeth Kothman Ellis Meyer Alana Wesenberg Chloe Roed Abby Schnobrich Chad Holien Travis Bunkers Jeff Kirchoff Matthew M. Toumi Denzel Kazeze Mitchell Hurrle Celena Hansen Matt Trombley Nick Benner Mark Reber Luke Reber Allison Legg Nate Lundstrum Cameron DeVillers Ashleigh Cola Ellie Hayden Zavawn Smith Dewey Trooper

orchestra KEYBOARD 1 KEYBOARD 2 BASS GUITAR DRUMSET PERCUSSION VIOLIN

Christina Tourino Jacob Hennigs John Tetrault Jake Hagedorn Matt Nelson Matt Nelson Arriana Schwab

VIOLIN TRUMPET 1 TRUMPET 2 TROMBONE HORN REED 1 REED 2 CONDUCTOR

Felix Shousse Tourino Tony Hutar Elizabeth Ford Jared Bade David Gouker Amanda Jansen Mary Beth Kulander Hillary Vermillion

dramaturgy The Elle Woods we know and love started out not at Harvard, but at Stanford Law School. It was there that Amanda Brown, author of the book Legally Blonde, penned the story of our favorite blonde heroine with pink ink on pink paper, pointedly ignoring her professors’ lectures.

Amanda Brown, daughter to two lawyers, thought of her story as a parody of law school with its fascinating characters, stressful course loads, and interpersonal pitfalls. Before long, her idle writings became stories and then a book. The heroine in Brown’s manuscript, Elle, was different from the one we’ve seen in the Legally Blonde movie and musical. In Brown’s book, Woods was judgemental, problematic, and disinterested in learning about law or helping others.

Once it was finished, Brown sent her manuscript to various publishers and film studios. Publishers ignored the book, but MGM saw potential in the work. A few changes later (Elle became a whirlwind of positivity instead of being hypercritical, Paulette gained a heart-warming character arch, and Stanford wanted nothing to do with the project, so it was set at Harvard) the pink-centric story was ready for cameras.

The film, starring Reese Witherspoon as Elle, was released in 2001 and was an instant classic, earning $20 million in its opening week.

It wasn’t long before the fun and hopeful story was adapted for the stage by Heather Hach, with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. They made further changes to the story, combining some characters and removing others (Elle’s strict professor Stromwell is removed, so Callahan kicks her out of class instead), revamping Elle’s admission “essay” (no longer a video, but a big dance number) and of course, turning the heft of the story’s action into song and dance numbers.

In 2006, Legally Blonde The Musical opened at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco to positive reviews, largely aimed at the stellar and genuine performances given by the cast. The show moved to Broadway in 2007 and ran for just over a year. Since then, it has played on The West End, won an Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and inspired people (regardless of hair color) all over the world!

References: Reilly, Kaitlin. “How Are the 'Legally Blonde' Movie & Musical Different? Here Are the 11 Biggest Changes.” Bustle, Bustle, 13 July 2016, https://www.bustle.com/articles/168557-how-are-thelegally-blonde-movie-musical-different-here-are-the-11-biggest-changes.

Kaplan, Ilana. “‘Legally Blonde’ Oral History: From Raunchy Script to Feminist Classic.” NY Times, NY Times, 8 July 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/movies/legally-blonde-oralhistory.html.

director's note Kendra Norton Dando

I first saw Legally Blonde the Musical in 2007 when I was attending a theatre conference in NYC. I rolled my eyes but wasn’t about to turn down a free ticket to a Broadway show. About twenty minutes into Act I my colleagues and I turned to each other…this show held promise…snappy lyrics, dynamic choreo, dogs on stage…we were laughing out loud and genuinely enjoying ourselves. Maybe I shouldn’t have been so quick to judge.

Fast-forward a few years and here we are in 2023, bringing Legally Blonde to the Paramount for the first time. The show still makes me laugh and it still has dogs (yeah!) and though things have changed significantly over the last sixteen years, the experience of Elle Woods is still relevant today.

Legally Blonde is a show that leans into stereotypes—some eliciting laughter while others make us cringe. But it’s through these stereotypes that we are asked to consider our own judgments and perceptions. As Elle comes to terms with who she is in a place that seeks to define her based on appearance, we also confront questions of loyalty, idealism, and what it means to be true to self.

So welcome to the world of Elle Woods…a world of blonde, of sisterhood, of pink. And also a world of defining and defying expectations. To thine own self be true.

act I OMIGOD YOU GUYS SERIOUS DAUGHTER OF DELTA NU WHAT YOU WANT THE HARVARD VARIATIONS BLOOD IN THE WATER POSITIVE IRELAND IRELAND (REPRISE) SERIOUS (REPRISE) CHIP ON MY SHOULDER RUN RUFUS RUN/ELLE REFLECTS SO MUCH BETTER

Elle, Margot, Serena, Pilar, Delta Nus, Manager, Saleswoman Warner, Elle Serena, Margot, Pilar, Delta Nus Elle, Delta Nus, Mom, Dad, Grandmaster Chad, Kate, Winthrop, Lowell, Pforzheimer, Margot, Serena, Pilar, Company Emmett, Aaron, Sundeep, Enid, Students Callahan, Students Serena, Margot, Pilar, Elle, Greek Chorus, Paulette Paulette Warner, Elle Emmett, Elle, Greek Chorus, Company Elle Elle, Greek Chorus, Company

20 minute intermission

act II WHIPPED INTO SHAPE DELTA NU NU NU TAKE IT LIKE A MAN BEND AND SNAP GAY OR EUROPEAN LEGALLY BLONDE LEGALLY BLONDE REMIX SCENE OF THE CRIME FIND MY WAY FINALE BOWS

Brooke, Callahan, Company Elle, Brooke Elle, Emmett, Salespeople Serena, Margot, Pilar, Paulette, Elle, Salon Folk Elle, Callahan, Enid, Vivienne, Emmett, Warner, Brooke, Carlos, Nikos, Judge, Company Elle, Emmett Vivienne, Enid, Elle, Company Margot, Serena, Pilar, Judge, Elle, Brooke, Delta Nus, Company Elle, Paulette, Company Company

biographies Nicholas Benner (NIKOS, ENSEMBLE) works for Fraser as a Behavioral Technician. In his free time, Nick enjoys playing video games and board games, and spending time with his niece and nephew. He has been in many GREAT productions including Disney’s Descendants, Newsies, and The Little Mermaid.

Tierney Hammer (GAELAN, CHUTNEY U/S, ENSEMBLE) is a Dance and Gymnastics Instructor at North Crest!

She’s been in GREAT productions including White Christmas, Grease!, and Mamma Mia!. When Tierney has time to spare, they like to sew, paint, and shop for shoes.

Travis Bunkers (GRANDMASTER CHAD, CARLOS U/S, ENSEMBLE) is a delivery driver at Gary’s Pizza. Travis’s history with GREAT includes shows like Mamma Mia! and The King and I. Travis decided to get involved with Legally Blonde because he likes working with fun people. Outside of work and theatre, they like rock climbing, video games, and horror movies.

Celena Hansen (STORE MANAGER, WHITNEY, JUDGE, VIVIENNE U/S, ENSEMBLE) is an Administrative Assistant at the St. Cloud Hospital.

When she has free time, Celina likes to read, watch old movies, and paint with watercolors. Celena decided to audition for Legally Blonde because she’s had fun with past GREAT shows, Grease! and White Christmas.

Katie Bruender (BROOKE, DANCE CAPTAIN) works as an Accounting Associate, is an avid reader, and bakes jaw-droppingly cute cookies. Katie’s been in GREAT productions of White Christmas, Mamma Mia!, and Chicago.

Katie is bringing her expertise with dance to the role of Brooke!

Ellie Hayden (H&H SALESGIRL, DELTA NU SWING, KATE U/S, ENSEMBLE) is a Marketing Specialist at Central Minnesota Mental Health Center.

Ellie has been in GREAT productions of Beauty and the Beast and Mr. Popper’s Penguins. In her spare time, Ellie likes to have game nights with friends, read, hike, and spend time with her dogs!

Ashleigh Cola (BOOKISH CLIENT, DELTA NU, PILAR U/S, ENSEMBLE) works in Acquisitions at Procore Technologies.

She’s been involved with GREAT productions both onstage and behind the scenes—you may recognize her from Little Shop of Horrors or The Play that Goes Wrong. Ashleigh enjoys theatre, swimming, and taking a bubble baths.

Kylee Crews (ELLE) is an honors student at SCSU, double majoring in Early Childhood Education and Spanish. She likes to spend her time enjoying theatre, reading, or cross-stitching. Kylee has been in GREAT productions of Grease!, White Christmas, and Little Shop of Horrors.

Kylee is thrilled to take the stage for Legally Blonde!

Cameron DeVillers (KIKI THE COLORIST, ENID U/S, ENSEMBLE) is a stylist at Great Clips. She has been in productions ranging from Fiddler on the Roof to The Rocky Horror Show, along with GREAT productions of Matilda and Mamma Mia!. When she’s not gracing the stage, Cameron might be painting, doing design work, or out seeing a show!

Chad Holien (ELLE’S DAD, CALLAHAN U/S, ENSEMBLE) is an Orthopedic Surgeon at St. Cloud Orthopedics.

Chad loves learning new things with each show he is in, and meeting people at different stages of their own theatre journeys. He has been in GREAT shows such as White Christmas, Mamma Mia!, and Beauty and the Beast. When he’s not onstage, Chad likes to watch sports, travel, and cook.

Mitchell Hurrle (AARON SCHULTZ, EMMETT U/S, ENSEMBLE) is a Registered Nurse on the NICU at the St. Cloud Hospital. Mitchell auditioned for Legally Blonde because he loves the music, but also because he loves meeting new people in each show he’s in. Mitchell’s theatre history includes GREAT productions of The Play that Goes Wrong, Mamma Mia!, and Grease!, among many others.

biographies Denzel Kazeze (SUNDEEP, NIKOS U/S, ENSEMBLE) is a full time student at Anoka Ramsey Community College, and likes to stay active, whether that means sports, dancing, or working out. Denzel auditioned for Legally Blonde because he wants to keep improving his singing and dancing, a journey he started with GREAT’s recent production of Black Nativity.

Denzel’s ultimate goal is to become an entertainer.

Alex Kelton (ENID HOOPES) catalogues books at the public library. Alex decided to audition after learning of Legally Blonde from “Pansies,” by Alexis Hall. From there, she listened to the cast recording, and with some encouragement from her partner, auditioned! When they’re not at rehearsal or work, Alex might be studying French, drawing, or experimenting with whiskey-based cocktails.

Jeff Kirchoff (WINTHROP, ELLE’S DAD U/S, ENSEMBLE) is the Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at St. Cloud Technical and Community College, as well as an avid hiker and disc golfer.

Jeff was in a number of productions in high school, such as Bye Bye Birdie and The Importance of Being Earnest, and recently returned to theatre with GREAT’s production of White Christmas. Jeff is excited to sharpen his theatre skills and meet new people with Legally Blonde!

Elizabeth Kothman (KATE, COURT STENOGRAPHER, ENSEMBLE) is a senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. Elizabeth sees theatre as an escape from the hustle and bustle of high school life, and as a way to meet new people and explore new parts of herself! Elizabeth has been in productions of Legally Blonde, Shrek, and Freaky Friday, among others! When she’s not in class or onstage, she likes to play games, listen to music, and hang out with friends!

Mackenzie Krueger (SERENA) is a power-lifter, a painter-by-numbers, and a server at Granite City Food and Brewery, among other things.

Mackenzie graduated from UMD with a musical theatre degree, and has been pursuing a career in the arts ever since! She’s been in many productions, including BARE: A Pop Opera, and recent GREAT productions of Matilda and Little Shop of Horrors. Legally Blonde is a show Mackenzie has always wanted to do “at least once.”

Allison Legg (CHUTNEY, 2ND PERFUME SALESGIRL, BROOKE U/S, ENSEMBLE) is an accountant at CrowdStreet, a choreographer for local theatre programs including Apollo and St. Cloud Tech, and a Disney fanatic. Allison was drawn to Legally Blonde for the strength of its characters, impressed that every ensemble role has a chance to shine. Allison has been in many GREAT shows, including The Play that Goes Wrong, Grease!, and Clue.

Nate Lundstrum (JET BLUE PILOT, GUARD, ENSEMBLE) works as a scheduling dispatcher in the transportation department of Tri-Cap. Nate didn’t know of Legally Blonde the Musical until he heard that GREAT was producing it, and now he couldn’t be happier to be part of it! His other theatre experiences include Nuncrackers, An Evening of Culture, GREAT’s production of Cinderella, and more!

Ellis Meyer (LEILANI, MARGOT UNDERSTUDY, ENSEMBLE) is a senior at Little Falls Community High School. She has been in many shows, including Kodachrome and GREAT productions of The Little Mermaid and Anne of Green Gables. When she’s not at rehearsal or school, Ellis may be competing at speech tournaments or hanging out with friends.

Sam Pounds (MARGOT, ELLE U/S) works at the St. Cloud hospital as the Specialty Scheduling Assistant for the Endoscopy department. She has been in many productions, including White Christmas, Young Frankenstein, and a GREAT production of Mulan Jr. Sam decided to audition for Legally Blonde as a fun and enlivening return to theatre after her studies pulled her away for several years.

Luke Reber (KYLE, ENSEMBLE, AARON UNDERSTUDY) is a custom carpenter.

Luke has been in many productions, including Elf the Musical, and GREAT productions of Newsies and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Some of Luke’s favorite pastimes are ultimate frisbee, basketball, and gardening.

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"We support GREAT Theatre because we believe the artistic experiences GREAT offers will not only help bring us through these challenging times, but will bring us through to something that is ultimately better - a stonger, more aware, more connected and engaged community. " -Dick & Mimi Bitzan

biographies Mark Reber (CARLOS, WARNER U/S, ENSEMBLE) works at Oak Hill Custom Cabinetry building cabinets. Mark has been in almost thirty GREAT productions, most recently appearing in White Christmas, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Beauty and the Beast. Mark spends his downtime playing sports (especially volleyball), camping, and hiking.

Chloe Roed (DELTA NU, DANA, ENSEMBLE) is a junior at Alexandria Area High School. She has been in many shows, including Chicago, Guys and Dolls, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Chloe decided to audition because she wants to be more involved with musical theatre!

Some of Chloe’s favorite hobbies are musical theatre and weight lifting.

Martha Sanguma (PILAR) graduated from beauty school last June, and now works at Waxing the City. She loves reading books, using her imagination, and spending time with friends and family. Martha has been in GREAT productions of Matilda, Mamma Mia!, and White Christmas, and they auditioned for Legally Blonde partially to work with choreographer Kyle Weiler again after working with him on White Christmas.

Abby Schnobrich (COURTNEY, ELLE’S MOM, PAULETTE U/S, ENSEMBLE) teaches English at Little Falls Community High School. She also acts, sings, spoils her nieces and nephews, and plays games with her friends! Abby loves Legally Blonde and knew that she had to be part of it as soon as she saw it on Broadway. Many GREAT shows have benefitted from Abby’s performances, including White Christmas, Mamma Mia!, and Matilda the Musical.

Anthony Schrock (CALLAHAN) is a carpenter at GREAT, where he puts his immense woodworking skill to use!

A writer and director, Anthony’s most recent local production was Attack Plan Alpha!, and he will be debuting a new play in November. Legally Blonde marks Anthony’s first show back at the Paramount in nearly thirty years. When he’s not working on local theatre productions, Anthony likes to write and paint!

Kyle Seamans (WARNER) is Vice President of Logistics at Brenny Transportation. He has been in GREAT shows such as Singin’ in the Rain, Tarzan, and West Side Story.

Kyle grew up alongside GREAT, with his second show, Pollyana, doubling as GREAT’s second show! Kyle likes to game, cook, and explore local breweries and restaurants in his free time.

Zavawn Smith (BALIFF, ENSEMBLE) is a Behavioral Technician at Northway Academy, a model, and a dancer.

Zavawn decided to audition for Legally Blonde when he learned about it from several production members of another recent project, Pale Horse Studio's film “Waking Night.” Zavawn has been involved with projects ranging from the music video for Rihanna’s “Cheers” to Preview Models, hosted

by Nick Cannon. Legally Blonde is Zavawn’s GREAT debut!

Alyssa Tasto (VIVIENNE) is a paraprofessional within the Sauk Rapids School District and a Teaching Artist with GREAT. She also likes to study history, write stories and songs, and learn new instruments!

Alyssa has played Elle in another production of Legally Blonde, and is excited to see the show from a new angle. She has been in shows such as The Rocky Horror Show, and GREAT productions of Grease! and White Christmas.

Matthew M. Toumi (LOWELL, D.A. RILEY, ENSEMBLE) has a BA in Theatre and Film Studies from SCSU, and is a bookkeeper and cashier at Holiday Stationstores. Matthew has been in dozens of GREAT shows, including recent productions of Murder on the Orient Express, Mamma Mia!, and Matilda.

Matthew is always looking to get involved with shows that are out of the ordinary, which is why he’s delighted to make Legally Blonde his 62nd show!

Matt Trombley (DEWEY, PFORZHEIMER, TV REPORTER, ENSEMBLE) is the Director of the Masters of Business Administration Program at St. Cloud State University.

Matt auditioned because he wanted to work on something amazing and entertaining for the community alongside a talented team! Matt has joined GREAT productions including Mamma Mia!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Elf the Musical.

biographies Spencer Van Beck (EMMETT) is a Special Education Teacher at Melrose Area Elementary School. He’s been in many shows, including Grease!, Mamma Mia!, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Spencer decided to audition for Legally Blonde in order to push his own limits and perform on a bigger stage than ever before. In his free time, Spencer might be running, swimming, camping, or spending time with friends and family.

Kelly Waid (PAULETTE) teaches fifth grade at Rice Elementary and sells books at Barnes & Noble. Kelly has loved singing since she was four, and has been in musicals since she was 14, including Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Secret Garden, and Urinetown. Legally Blonde is Kelly’s first time onstage in some time, as she’s been focusing on her career. This is also Kelly’s GREAT debut!

Dewey (BRUISER) is a 5-year old Chihuahua who loves cuddles and snuggles under warm blankets. He is working toward becoming a therapy dog where he will visit nursing homes and hospital patients.

Trooper (RUFUS) is a Boxer mix (including 3% Chihuahua!). He is 9 years old and making his 3rd stage appearance as a canine “actor.” You may remember him from GREAT’s production of A Christmas Story.

During his free time, Trooper enjoys climbing on laps for snuggles and long naps in the sunshine.

Alana Wesenberg (SORORITY GIRL, SERENA U/S, CASHIER, ENSEMBLE) is an Optical Technician at Insight EyeCare. She’s been in shows such as Footloose and Grease!, as well as a GREAT production of The Little Mermaid. Alana is moving to Portland in August, and sees her involvement with Legally Blonde as a way to do something she loves before leaving St. Cloud!

as a GREAT Board Member If you have experience with business, arts, education, and/or the nonprofit sector, are eager to learn, and want to deepen your connection to GREAT, this might be the volunteer opportunity for you! GREAT’s Board advises, governs, oversees policy and direction, and assists with the leadership, growth, and promotion of GREAT to support its mission. As a GREAT board member you'll get to support the work of the organization by providing mission-based leadership and strategic governance. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about GREAT’s mission!

read the full volunteer job description and complete the application at greattheatre.org/volunteer

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Ticket Prices Shows at the Paramount Center for the Arts: Guys and Dolls | Little Women | Beauty & the Beast | The Lightning Thief | Footloose Season Subscriber Tickets: Adult $35 | Students $25 | Available NOW! | NO FEES! Single Tickets: Adult $38-$48 | Students $28 | On sale June 2023 | + $3/ticket fee

Shows at the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre: A Year with Frog and Toad Kids: All Ticket $15 | No fees Silent Sky and Native Gardens: All Tickets $25 | No fees Season Subscriber Tickets available now. Single Tickets on sale June 2023.

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supporters GREAT is thankful for the generosity of our donors whose annual support bridges the gap between ticket sales and the true cost of producing high quality shows and camps, to ensure everyone in central Minnesota has access to the transformative power of the arts. Gifts of all sizes collectively make a big impact.

FROM THE BOARD CHAIR Cassie Miles

Welcome to GREAT Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde The Musical! A show that proves that not only is pink a great color, but also (and yes, more importantly) that you should never judge a book by its cover. Actually, it runs deeper than that – with catchy tunes and some hilarious moments – the story of Elle Woods teaches us that we can’t limit ourselves by others expectations OR by our own shortsighted expectations of ourselves.

I hope you’re rocking your best pink outfit and surrounded by friends as you enjoy a night of laughter, inspiration, and a reminder that we can all be a little bit more than we ever dared to dream. After all, that is what GREAT is all about - bringing our community together to experience the transformative power of theatre.

Thank you to our generous donors who help make this possible!

ANNUAL FUND CONTRIBUTORS March 2022 - March 2023

Acosta, Naomi * Ajayi, Adeyoola & Oluade *° Algoe, Dave & Jan * Allen, Sally & Tom Alm, Micah ° Amazon Smile Foundation * Ament, Bob & Karen * Anderson, Paulette Anderson, Sandy Anderson, Suzanne * Anonymous * Arceneau Family * Arnzen, Marianne* Ayers, Linda Bach, MJ & Hagedorn, Jake Back Shed Brewing Bahe, Mary * Balicky, Jayne & Tommy Barbara & Dennis Gregory Family Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation * Baron, Sue Barrett, Jeanine Barth, Daniel & Hokan, Raine Bartz, Corey & Erica Basol, Jessica & Travis Bates, Marge *°

Bologna, Bonnie & Steve Bauerly Kopel, Scott, Shelly & Family * Bauerly, Helga & Rick * BCI Construction Beckmann, Brynnly & Damon * Behrends, Jess*° Bellmont, Bob & Karen * Bellmont, Don & Nancy * Bennett, Adam Benschoter, Bonita & John * Benson, Joanne & Robert * Berg, Dorothy Berg, James & Kruger, Mary * Berg, Lisa * BerganKDV Berger, Dave Bidinger, Rory & Tiffany * Biorn, Deborah * Birkland, Marilyn * Bisek, Ginny & Jim * Bitzan, Erin & Walsh, Eamon * Bleam, Jeffrey & DeBlieck, David * Blenkush, Micki & Michaels, Dan* Blesener, Rose & Daly, William * Boatz, Margaret & Robert * Bobeldyk, Karen

Bohn-Gettler, Chris & Kate Bohn, Barbara & David Bohnsack, Jennifer & Benjamin Bolton, Aaron & Nicole Branam Macauley, Kelly Bregier, Anna Brewster, Mary Jane & Roger * Brink, Linda Brinkman, Harold & Marilyn * Brossoit, Maggie & Berg, Gary Bruender, Katie & Nathan Bruner, Linda & In Memory of James E. Bruner Brunsvold, Elizabeth Brzinski, Ecko Bunting, Dannielle * Burggraff, Breana Burggraff, Carrie & Don Burt, Jason Busse, Brad * Buttweiler, Patricia A. Calantoc, Mary & Hanks, Kevin *° Calpas, Dean & Elizabeth Carlson, Karen L. * Cash, Brian & Karen * Central Minnesota Arts Board * Central Minnesota

Donors who have given 3 or more years * | Monthly sustainers °

supporters Community Foundation * Childs, Mark & Amy Chmielewski, Mary Cicharz, Pat & Rick * Clark, Doug & Tarryl *° Clary, Tammy Coborn’s * Cotton, Dan & Elaine Crafts Direct – Schlecht, Diane & John * Cross, Ryan & Bethany Cummings, Beth & Michael * Dahl, Jessica & Nathaniel Danielson, Michele & Nate Daubanton, Mary * Dauer, Eileen & Brian * Davis, Mary A. *° Dearking, Amy & Eric DeLong, Jeanette & Leonard Dennis, Kay M. Dick & Mimi Bitzan Family Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation * Dingmann, Dana Dinndorf, Steve In Memory of Dinndorf, Joyce, Linda & Louie Disturbed Soil, LLC. Diversified Media Resources DJ Bitzan Jewelers Domek, Robert *° Don Christenson Family *° Don Helgeson & Sue Shepard Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation * Donna Kuhl & John M. Mahowald, M.D. Fund of Central Minnesota Community Foundation Donnelly, Beth & Kevin * Dorothy C. Becker Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation * Dorrie & Scott Larison Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation * Dorsher, Patricia * Dorsher, Steven *° Droll, Becky & Brock Duclos, Judy Duffy, Brendon & Megan Durand, Carla Dwyer, Seal Egeland, Deb * Eilers, Mary Eisenwinter, Becky & Mark Elg, Marsha & Ronald Ellis, John & Sara * Emberland, Heather, Mark & Family Epsen, Kayla & Chad * Erlandson, Lyndsie & Matthew Essig/Warren Household Euteneuer, Jennifer, Chris, & Kaylee *

Eveslage, Brenda * Executive Express – Logeman Family *° Fark, Dan & Jane *° Fasen, Deb & Bill * Feigh, Alison * Fenlason, Karen & Tom Finlayson, Karen & Loren * Fischer, Rosanne Fischer, Susan & Stephen Flinck, Theresa & Engholm, Joel ° Foster, Kimberly & Nicholas *° Fox, Jill * Francois Family Frank, Christine Franzmeier, Martin & Paula * Freudenrich, Layne & Oothoudt, Renae Friedrich, Suzanne & Kuehl, Eric Froehling, Marcia & Sandra * Fromm, Donna & Jeff * Gallagher, Michael & Mancini, Kateri * Gammell, Ginny & John * Ganick, Samantha Gartland, Bob & Patti * Gartner, Julie & Mark * Gaye Ross, Roseanna * George, Sandra Gerard, Ara Gertz, Tanya & Faust Giese, Teresa & Anton Gilbertson, Zach Gilder, Lynnae Glanz-Gambrino, Lori * Goenner, Mary * Grachek, Art & Barb Grachek, Sara & Mihalek, Jim Granite Partners Foundation of Minnesota, Inc. Grether, Frank Groetsch, Anne, Rick, & Paige * Gross, Richard Hageman, Diane & Stemper, John * Hall, Deb & Mark Hamak, Bridget & Scott * Hammer, Adam & Tanya *° Hammer, Kathi ° Hammond, Victoria Hansen, Judy & Norm Hansen, Wendy & Roger * Hanson, Brad & Lisa * Hanzsek, Jane & Rudy Hartmann, Jeanne & Tom * Haugen, Keith & Susan * Heen, Dena & Mike Held, Mary Ellen Helgeson, Karel & Michael * Hellier Kronebusch, Kim & Philip Henderson, Nancy *° Henry, Jim & Patty Henry, Patrick & Welter, Pat * Hershberger, Anne & Ava

Hoehn, Ann * Hoelscher, Brad & Megan Hoeschen, Anne & Scott Hoeschen, Stacie & Tad ° Hoffman, Irene * Hogenson, Cynthia & Erik Holien, Chad & Kelsi * Hollenhorst, Mark * Holmen, Kenneth & Linda Holtz, Phyllis Holweger, Kimberley * Hoppe, Joy & Paul Hoskins, Heather Howard, Laura Hurrle, Mitchell * Husen, Damien & Kristy Hutar, Anne Illies, Jody, Marcy & Emily * Imholte, Kristi & Steve In Memory of Kyle Weisbrich Jantzer, Amanda & Jake Jeff & Melinda Gau Family Fund of Central Minnesota Community Foundation * Jensen, Patricia L. John, Gareth & Metzo, Christine *° Johnson, Barb * Johnson, Betty * Johnson, Bob & Judy * Johnson, Chet & Karen ° Johnson, Diane Johnson, Ileen & Edward* Johnson, Janelle *° Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Laurie *° Johnson, Murdoch & Tuff, Dianne * Johnson, Tony Errold ° Jones, Judi Joul, Brenda & Steve *° Juilfs, Cathy & Darren * Kaercher, Cynthia Kampa, Harold & Nancy Kath, Kathy * Kay, Bonnie & Brian * Kelash, Lisa Kensington Bank * Kiffmeyer, Clarence & Judy * Killoren, Peggy * Kivel, Amanda * Kjaer, Dana & Lara Klein, Karen & Rick * Knutson, Sharon * Koepp, Duane & Kim Kokula, Mary Koop, Debra Kosloski, Christine & Mike * Kraemer, Tammy & Leroy * Krillan Inc. * Kroll, Gerard & Taffy Krueger, David & Pat * Krueger, Karla & Paul * Kudrna, Chris, Joanne & Family * Kuefler, Stacie Kurtz, Janell & Morris

Donors who have given 3 or more years * | Monthly sustainers °

supporters Kuzma, Susan * Lacroix, Bill & Phyllis * Landman, Jane & Kirk Larkin, Cassie Larkin, Valerie Larson, Camilla & David Lathe, Garrett & Holly * Lauer, Glen Lawrence, Alan & Sandy * Layne, Phillip & Sarah * Lee, Arya Legatt, Karen & Mathew* Legg, Allison & Jon * Leitzman, Dave & Jane Lenarz, Denise & Tom * Lesmeister, Jennifer Lesnau, Brenda & Jesse LFA Lieser, Alvina & Isidore * Lieser, Judy Lisbon, Marilyn & Joe Lolmasteymaugh, Ken & Rachel Lombardi, Joan * Lopez, Carlos & Clara * Loven, Royal Loy, Leanne Ludwig, Barbara & Steven Luetmer, Stacey Magnuson, Kimberly Mahowald, John & Maryanne * Maloney, Andrew & Sarah *° Manar, Christopher & Katie * Marks Family * Martin-Chaffee, Bill & Chip * Marty, Lucinda Mastromarco, Heather * Mattick, Kristen & Thor * Maurer, Eleanor & Richard * Mazacek, Joan McAlister, Deb McAnally, Dan & Michele McCarl, Deb & Skurdahl, Marilyn * MccLaurin, Lesa McClelland, Lynn & Mike * McClintock, Tamara * McClure, David & Diane * McLean, Angela & Tim McMullen, Jo Mechelke, Kate & Mark *° Meers, Sue * Melis, Rachel & Galler, Robert Meller, Alecia Mersinger, Hannah Meyer, Cherrie & Dan Miles Psychological Services, LLC *° Miller, Kristi & Luke Minkler, Melanie & Steve Minnesota State Arts Board * Miron, Aimee & Joel * Mix, Rebecca – In Memory of Jody Trovall Mockenhaupt, Daniel & Leah Moeller, Diane & Ralph

Moreland, Judith Morgan Family Foundation * Mosack, Nancy & Stan Muehlbauer, Roxanne * Mueller, Nadine & Gary * Muff, Ann & Murray Mund, Merry C. * Murray, Alec & Pauline * Najarian, Jessica Nelson, Josh & Michele * Nessa, Jill * Neubert, Janet & Marvin Nohner, Steven * Norton Dando, Kendra & Michael ° Norton, David & LB Novak, Bryan & Cassie Noyes, Jonathon, Mardi & Alexa *° Nunke, Jim & Mary * Nystrom, Betty * O’Hara, Mary * O’Malley, Robert A. Ohlenkamp, Dennis Ohlenkamp, Mark & Melinda * Olson, Jo Ann Osendorf, Gail & Phil Ostendorf, Julie Oswell, Larry G. & Sandy * Oxton, Jane & John * Palmer, Deb & Steve PAM’S Auto Inc. * Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund, a Turn Key fund of the Initiative Foundation * Patton, Alice Penly, Bobby & Lorraine Petersen, LaWayne & Pam * Peterson, Ardith Petroski, Jodi Philippi, DeAnn & Josh * Piepkorn, Cindy Place, Elaine Pogatschnik, Susan * Polley, Douglas Porter, Aaron Potter, Lori * Potthoff, Jeff & Tracy Precise Heating, A/C, Plumbing, and Refrigeration, Inc. Proell, Mary Proviant – Barclay & Janet Carriar * Quiggle, Gretchen & Scott Radeke, Katie & Paul *° Ramler, Nancy * Reberg, Dan & Kim Reck, Jerry & Jane Reding, Peggy Reid, Carol & Sherwood * Reisinger, Elizabeth & Eric * Reuter, Bernice & Nicholas * Rieder, Kelly Ries, Teresa & Takala, Ted * Riser, Virginia *

Ritter, Debra * Roberts, Keenan Rocheleau Dorholt, Jennifer Rogan, Jacqueline * Romanowsky, Ann & Dr. James * Romosz, Becky Roquette, Jan Rotto, Judy & Luther * Rowley, Farrah & Shaun Ruis, Jon & Joy Running, Cheryl Ruth, Andy & Paul Ruzanic, Rachel & Ted Schad, Alex & Katie * Schaefer, Victoria Scheuerell, Bob & Judy Schiffler, Bernie & Dennis * Schindele Paulzine, Dana & Paulzine, Lee Schirmers, James & Lacey * Schlichting, Joseph Schlough, Joyce & Tom * Schlueter, Jill Schmid, Judith Schneider, Abby & Craig ° Schnobrich, Abby Schoenfelder, Jackie & Ron * Schroden, Jerome & Carol Schultz, Mindi Schumacher, Greg & Stacy Seamans, Dottie & Tom Segura Schwartz, Mónica & Troy * Shaughnessy, Shannon & Kosel, Dave* Shobe, Joel & Susan * Simmons, James, Michelle, Ella, Molly & Autumn *° Sinclair, Jan & Ken Solheim, Dave & Jean * Soltis, Patricia & Randy * Sommerfeld, Allen & Wojtanowicz, Max Sorell, Jan * Spanier, Maureen * St. Cloud Reading Room Society Stavrum, Dick & Perian * Stenberg, Paul & Amanda* Stenger, Chuck * Stephens, Charlotte * Steve & Peggy Laraway Family Fund * Stoeckel, Julie & Micah * Stoermann, Joanne Stone, Linda & Thomas Storkamp, Mary * Stracke, Ed, Kris & Family Stupar, Karen &Pete Sueker, Beth, Family & Friends in memory of Cassie Sueker *° Symalla, David, Erin, & Cordelia * Symalla, Joe & MaryAnn *° Taatjes, Audrey Tenneson, Linda G. * The Rusty Pick *

Donors who have given 3 or more years * | Monthly sustainers °

supporters Theisen, Carol & James Thell, Joleen Thompson, Jeff & Molly * Tiffany, Lori J. Tomporowski, Mary Alice *° Torrey Family Fund of Central Minnesota Community Foundation Trettel, Dan & Lisa Trombley, Amy & Matt *° Trompeter, Aaron & Jessica * Unger, Jennifer * Vadnie, Michael & Kilkelly, MJ Van Beck, Diane & Joe * Vermillion, Dr. Hillary & Terry Vetter, Brian & Megan Vick, Carol Voigt, Karla, Larry & Family * Von Korff, Connie & Jerry & Rinke Noonan Law Firm* Vos, Mary *

Vosen, Judy & Thomas * Waggoner, Nicole Wagner, Alicia Wagner, Gordon * Walmart Walquist, Amy Watkin, Dove & Tracey * Watson, Dan & Jessica * Wayne, Chris & Katie * Weatherz, Tia &Brandon *° Weber, Melissa & Ryan * Weitz, John & Sue * Weldon, Derik & Nancy *° Welle, Andy & Nicole * Wells, Christy Weno, Martha * Wensman, Janet & Tim * Wesenberg, Janell & Jason * Weyer, Scott & Valerie Whaley, Nicole WhiteBox Marketing – Karki, Carrie

Wicktor, Carol & James Williamson, Abby Willis, Carrie & Robert Wilmesmeier, Barbara & James Windfeldt, Steve Wippler, Gina Witte, Dan Witte, Debbie * Wojtanowicz Family Fund of Central Minnesota Community Foundation Yalamanchili, Kanthi & Nathani, Ravi Zeleny, Katey & Pete * Zellner, Annella Zetah, Jody Zetterlund, Judy & Allen Zoeller, Diane & David

2022/23 Volunteers Sarah Abel Gage Allord Micah Alm Loretta Anderson Kyle Anderson Michael Arceneau Marianne Arnzen Angie Aronson Donna Balaski Jim Barkley Dan Barth Aimee Bartz Vicki Baston Kadence Becker Jacob Beckius Adam Bennett Pam Benson Elaine Benusa David Bicha Hannah Bierbaum Antoinette Boie Dave Boie David Boike Kathy Bokovoy Bonnie Bologna Joseph Bologna Steve Bologna

Elizabeth Borromeo Kayla Boser Terri Boysen Anna Breiger Mark Brennan Rachel Brewster Alissa Brickman JoAnn Brisse Sarah Brown Katie Bruender Derek Bryant Kristi Bryant Travis Bunkers Alex Burdorf Elizabeth Burfitt Anna Bursch Jordan Buysse Amanda Byrd Chris Caballero Elizabeth Calpas Katie Campbell William Chesemore Rich Cicharz Amelia Clark Ashleigh Cola Benjamin Cragle Katie Cragle

Steve Cragle Kylee Crews Holly Dahlinger Annika Dauer Eileen Dauer Rebecca Derr Bridget Deutz Cameron DeVillers Steve Dinndorf Karen Dinndorf Ava Domm Joanne Dorsher Dayton Drews Carla Durand Melissa Dvorak Anthony Eich Kate Ellis Sara Ellis John Ellis Alyssa Euteneuer Larissa Filippova Max Finlayson Rick Fleege Denise Fletcher Kimberly Foster Becky Frank Katie Frank

Madison Franzmeier Marty Franzmeier Carol Funk Linda G. Tenneson Elsa Galler Deb Galvez Abbey Gamble Faith Georgewill Lynnae Gilder Spencer Gillian Ayden Giswold Lori Glanz-Gambrino Karlyn Goenner Brennan Hafermann Max Hall Georgia Hallman Heather Halstead Tierney Hammer Elliott Hammer Celena Hansen Karen Hansen Marc Hargraves Ross Harris Paulette Hauge Ellie Hayden Olivia Hayden Eddisyn Helmin

supporters

2022/23 Volunteers CONTINUED Mark Heysse Susan Heysse Megan Hillesheim Megan Hoelscher Madison Hofer Chari Hoffman Cynthia Hogeson Chad Holien Katelyn Holstad Angelina Holte Scott Holte Noah Hubbard Katie Hultquist Mitchell Hurrle Claudia Janku Wayne Janku Kayla Jennissen Cerys John Jacki Johnson Bailey Jones Roman Jordan Sarah Justin Kathleen Kampa Nancy Kampa Talia Karki Amanda Keena Safiya Khan Joyce Kiehn Taylor Kilanowski Peggy Killoren Matt Kiminski Buddy King Otto Klemp Kate Kompas Talitha Kopp Keeley Kreft Dominic Kremer Sandra Kroll Mackenzie Krueger Grace Kuebelbeck Tiffany Lambert Adie Larsen John Larsen Holly Lathe Kate Lathe Sophie lathe Ronda Latterell Andrea Leafblad Jimm Legg Karen Legg Jonathan Legg Allison Legg Cindy Leigh Marie LeMont Alvina Lieser Isidore Lieser Grace Lindell MeiLe Linn Jan Lochner

Facio Long Carolyn Lopez Grecia Lopez Matthew M. Toumi Kelly Branam Macauley MJ Macauley Elizabeth Mackey Annette Majerus Luis Maldonado Heather Mastromarco Camille Matheny Caitlin Mayo Anne McCarney Alycia McLean Tanieya McLean Patrick McNeal Cassie Miles Diane Miller Isaac Miller Adelaide Miron Joel Miron Victoria Mitchell Sheri Moran Del Morrison Roxanne Muehlbauer Ivy MulQueen Lisa Myra Izzy Neisen Kelly Neisen Finn Nelson Diane Nicholson Mark Nicholson Karen Niedzielski Elise Niehaus Amanda Niemeyer Colin Nord Ben Nordmann Jane Norman Mary Nystrom Iris O’Donnell Chad O’Brien Jane Odgers James Onofrey Mary Cheryl Opatz Stephanie Otremba Anya Overlien Steve Palmer Steve Pappenfus Emily Penrod Adam Pesch Melissa Peterson Rebekah Phifer Mary Phillips Sally Bitzen Linda Plamann Ron Plamann Grace Plumski Mabel Plzak Jackie Popp

Lori Potter Caite Prigge Jay Ramos Julie Ramthun Janet Reagan Luke Reber Kaitlyn Reichel James Reichow Annie Reisinger Abby Reiter Hannah Renken Anne Rhodes Griffin Rhodes Clare Richards Julie Ripp Noelle Ritzema Hannah Rivard Keenan Roberts Lori Roggenkamp Joni Rone Lee Rone Madeline Rosales Amy Roske Pam Roske Diane Ruegemer Gabriel Ryland Alyssa Rysavy Albert Rysavy Martha Sanguma Doris Scharmer Scott Scharmer Jason Schindler Pamela Schirmers Steve Schirmers Susan Schleper Daniel Schmitz Renae Schneider Maria Schneider Abigail Schnobrich Anthony Schrock Jennifer Schroeder Mitchell Schulte Caleb Schweim Megan Seamans Monica Segura Schwartz Kenny Simon Joyce Simones Abby Skwira Joshua Snead Elizabeth St. Hilaire Mara St. Pierre Marileah Stang Al Stark Perian Stavrum Sarah Steinfeldt Ethan Stoeckel Mary Storkamp Kevin Storkamp Wendy Storkamp

Beth Sueker Laurie Swan Gunnar Swenson David Symalla Martina Talic Alysssa Tasto Linda G. Tenneson Jay Terry Cole Thomes Heather Thomes Matthew M. Toumi Matilda Tourino Christina Tourino Matt Trombley Lily Truebenbach Leah Tucker Khalil Uvero Jill Barrett Vardsveen Steve Vardsveen Jill Vardsveen Gavin Vaugn Timothy Vedder Hillary Vermillion Max Vetter Judy Vosen Betty Vossen Ralph Vossen Mari Walker Madelyn Weekley Summer Welch Cecelia Weldon Kari Wendroth Molly Williamson Grayson Willman Barb Wilmesmeier Tammy Winter Mireya Wolf Brenda Wright Kanthi Yalamanchi Sofija Tounglao-Talic David Zoeller Diane Zoeller

program support SPONSORS Ticket sales cover just 60% of the cost to produce our live theatre productions. From the presenting sponsor to specific effects sponsors, collectively our sponsors help us produce shows of the highest artistic quality.

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS Whether it's marketing and promotion support, travel accommodations for out-of-town designers, food for volunteers, lawn care, prop storage, studio use, or transportation of our sets from GREAT to the Paramount, we are grateful for the businesses that provide in-kind support with their services, allowing us to keep our operational costs low.

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

who we are mission Great River Educational Arts Theatre (GREAT) brings the community together through shared theatre experiences.

vision We ensure everyone in Central Minnesota will have access to the transformative power of the arts.

WE BELIEVE IN: • • • • • •

Building life skills through quality arts education.

Eliciting joy, empathy, and self-discovery through live theatre experiences.

Telling the stories of our community.

Creating social connections and civic engagement through volunteerism.

Ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all.

Providing fiscal integrity and excellent service.

board of directors

great staff

Marianne Arnzen Dan Barth Joanne Dorsher Kimberly Foster Lori Glanz-Gambrino Buddy King Chris Kudrna Cassie Miles (president) Chad O’Brien Steve Palmer Janet Reagan Mónica Segura-Schwartz

Jerome Akubue Bonnie Bologna Breana Burggraff Ross Harris Jasmyn Linn Nick Loweree Jessica Mancini Colin Nord

Kendra Norton Dando Anita Reber Keenan Roberts Lacey Schirmers Anthony Schrock Steve Sanders Dana Svensson Hillary Vermillion

Langston Hughes' Black Nativity December 2022, Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre