Director: Stephanie Lynge^
AEA Stage Manager: Amber Wilkerson*^
Scenic Designer: Warren Goodwin
Costume Designer: Erin Jester
Production Manager/Lighting Designer: Robert P. Robins^
Technical Director: Warren Goodwin
Props Design Original Production: Erika Capin
Master Electrician: Bill Boothman
Music Director: Paul Helm*
Sound Designer: Amanda Nipper
Voice & Dialect Coach: Susan Schuld
The Hippodrome Theatre recognizes and acknowledges that it resides on the historic territories of the Timucua and Seminole peoples who long inhabited this land.
Actors’ Equity Association Actors’ Equity Association (“Equity”), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 50,000 actors and stage managers. Equity seeks to foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. #EquityWorks
Hippodrome programs are sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture; Visit Gainesville Alachua County, and by the City of Gainesville, Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. Playbill by Le Alem Getachew.
Please do not use the entrances and exits during the performance. The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
The Cast Detective Marcus Moscowicz: Paul Helm* The Suspects: Brady Wease* The Setting Time: Present day, on the night of Christmas Eve.
Place: An isolated mansion in rural New England Murder for Two: Holiday Edition is presented through special arrangement with SHP Presents LLC. For more information, please visit www.MurderForTwoMusical.com. For licensing inquiries, please call (212) 354 6510 or email Murder ForTwoMusical@gmail.com.
Music “Steppin' Out” Track by Ethan Deppe and Graphics Murder for Two Artwork by AKA
Hippodrome productions are supported in part by: the National Endowment for the Arts, the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, Visit Gainesville Alachua County, and by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department.
*Appearing through an Agreement between the Hippodrome Theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
^ Member of The Hippodrome Theatre’s company of actors
There will be one 15 minute intermission The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this performance is strictly prohibited.
PRODUCTION CO SPONSOR
JVC Broadcasting and Florida Pest Control
Director’s Note
Joyful Music and Mayhem Holiday Style
Everyone is a suspect in this hilarious murder mystery with a twist. But what is the twist? Well for one thing, it’s Christmas Eve. Oh, and one actor plays the investigator, and the other plays all 13 suspects. And even more impressively both play the piano. That’s right. These two multi talented actors act, dance, sing, transform on a dime, and play every song in the show.
So what was it like to rehearse a show this complicated with so many moving parts and only two actors to juggle it all? Well, I will tell you. It was an absolute joy.
Our most popular show in our 49th season, we have worked with the creators of the play to celebrate the holiday season “tongue in cheek” style.
If you all have half as much fun as we all had creating this production, we know you will be tapping your toes, holding your sides with laughter, and waiting for the “ho ho ho” to hit the fan.
So hold onto your funny bone. And enjoy the ride.
Stephanie Lynge (Director) Stephanie Lynge^
Artistic Director’s Note
The Hippodrome is thrilled to have you here with us for our season Beyond Limits as we celebrate the spirit that founded the artistic heart of our community, beating right here in downtown.
From its inception in 1973, the Hippodrome Theatre has brought stories to the stage that explore and celebrate the human condition. 50 years ago six determined individuals, (Marilyn Wall, Bruce Cornwell, Greg Von Hausch, Kerry (McKinney) Oliver Smith, Mary Hausch , Orin Wechsberg) took a leap into the unknown, creating a theater that challenged expectations.
Throughout its history, The Hippodrome has pushed the limits of storytelling, creating memorable productions like Equus, The Elephant Man, Amadeus, The Royal, and The Mountaintop. The Hippodrome Improvisational Teen Theatre (HITT), Open Stages and TYA (Theater for Young Audiences) brought innovative works beyond the walls of the theater and into the Gainesville schools and community,
proving that theater is an important tool that can be used to explore deep issues, educate, and spark discussion.
The Hippodrome Theatre’s 50th season Beyond Limits continues storytelling outside the norm, producing stories that challenge our assumptions, and reminding all of us that there are no limits to what we can do and who we can be. The Hippodrome also continues to explore new ways of bringing storytelling and the community together. By pushing the limits through its New Works Festival celebrating Floridian voices and stories, our educational Summer Spectacular and outreach programs creating the artists of tomorrow, and the Hipp Unplugged series that fosters new playwrights, new directors, and helps us grow the talent right here in our community.
Our founding history and energetic present will continue to launch us beyond all limits as we move into the future. Come take this journey with us as we leap joyfully into our next 50 years.
Who’s Who
Joe Kinosian (Book and Music).
Joe is the composer and co bookwriter (with lyricist Kellen Blair) of Murder for Two, which he’s also performed in over 700 times. Murder for Two had its world premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, receiving the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Musical and earning Joe a nomination for Best Leading Actor, before going on to an acclaimed off Broadway run, where it earned Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations. A two year national tour and well received productions in Japan, China, Korea, England, Chile, and Argentina followed. Joe’s work with Kellen has been showcased at The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and on Broadway at the Theatre World Awards, and their new backstage musical/farce is currently in development at Second Stage Theater. In addition, Joe (with Marcus Stevens) adapted the children’s book Dragons Love Tacos into a successful touring musical. Joe is the recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Mary Rodgers/Lorenz Hart Award, selected and presented by Stephen Schwartz, and the Harrington Award from the BMI Workshop. His acting credits include Dear Edwina (off Broadway), as well as regional productions of Dirty Blonde with Emily Skinner, An Act of God, and the title role in The Nerd. kinosianandblair.com
Kellen Blair (Book and Lyrics)
Kellen is the Drama Desk nominated co creator of Murder for Two, the murder mystery musical comedy that ran for a year off Broadway and has been continuously produced across the United States and
Stephanie Lynge (Hippodrome’s Artistic Director)
internationally since 2014. The show earned Kellen (and co writer Joe Kinosian) the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Musical Work in Chicago and the AȘCAP Foundation Mary Rodgers / Lorenz Hart Award for their contribution to musical theatre. Kellen’s lyrics have been heard on Broadway stages (at the Theatre World Awards), at the Kennedy Center, and in theatres across the country. His other musical works include Scrooge in Love (available to license through Tams Witmark), Just Between the All of Us (an immersive musical comedy commissioned by Pittsburgh CLO), and Diane Steals the Show (being developed with Second Stage Theatre). In addition to writing for the theater, Kellen enjoys writing fiction and poetry. He teaches film and playwriting in New York City, where he lives with his wife and young son. www.kinosianandblair.com
Who’s Who
Stephanie Lynge (Director)
Stephanie Lynge is an accomplished actor, director, producer, teacher and coach. Stephanie has enjoyed a career of more than 27 years in professional theater and education. Since 2013 she has worked on more than 50 productions at the Hippodrome either as an actor, director, choreographer, or dramaturg. She was seen on stage in The Wolves and Let The Right One In. Her other acting credits include performances in New York City on Broadway and Off Broadway at Lincoln Center, BAM, Jean Cocteau Rep, and the York Theater Workshop. Regional theaters include Freefall, Goodspeed Opera House, Sacramento Music Circus, Pasadena Playhouse, Rep Theater of St. Louis, Flat Rock Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Seaside Music Theater, as well as several National Tours. Directing credits include the Hippodrome’s Every Christmas Story Ever Told, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Sex With Strangers, The Blameless, and Lone Star Spirits as well as plays at the 45th Street Theater (NYC), New York Musical Theater Festival, and the University of Florida.
Stephanie has served as a Visiting professor at Indiana University, and an Adjunct professor at New Jersey City University and University of Florida. After receiving her BA in Musical Theater from Indiana
University, Stephanie lived and worked as an actor in New York City for over 20 years. Stephanie holds a Master of Fine Arts in acting from University of Florida and is a proud member of Actors Equity Association since 1996.
Who’s Who
Paul Helm* (The Detective)
Paul is elated and honored to be back, having made his Hippodrome debut in Murder for Two last season. He has performed, directed and music directed with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Florida Studio Theatre, freeFall Theatre Company, First Stage Children’s Theater, Sacramento Theatre Company, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Midland Centerfor the Arts, and Bucknell University. Recent credits include High School Musical, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Bright Star, Big River, The Fantasticks, Souvenir, Crazy for You, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Cocoanuts, Spring Awakening, Big Fish and Forever Plaid. Paul was also a vocalist for Disney on Classic, a three month symphony concert tour of Japan with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. Happy Holidays! www.paulhelm.net
Brady Wease* (The Suspects)
He has spent the majority of the past year cruising all over the world as a piano bar player aboard multiple ships for the Holland America Cruise Line. He is so excited to return to The Hippodrome with his good buddy Paul Helm to do the holiday edition of this crazy show. Previous credits include: Hippodrome State Theatre: Murder For Two, Million Dollar Quartet. Mill Mountain Theatre: Million Dollar Quartet. Florida Rep: Million Dollar Quartet, Shear Madness. (Directed by Bruce Jordan), SSTI: Shear Madness. Triad Stage: A Christmas Carol, Snow Queen, All’s Well That Ends Well. Experiential Theatre Co.: Journey to Oz (National Tour), The Odyssey Experience; Education: BFA from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Who’s Who
Amanda Nipper (Sound Designer)
Amanda is thrilled to be in her tenth season at the Hippodrome. Other regional credits include Cape Fear Regional Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar, Legally Blonde: The Musical, and The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ’61 Freedom Riders, and as the mix engineer in Fayetteville, North Carolina at Dorset Theatre Festival: Keep moving forward.
Amber Wilkerson*^ (Stage Manager)
Amber is a professional Stage & Event Manager. She has been affiliated with the Hippodrome Theatre since 2003, first as Properties Intern, then as Assistant Stage Manager before moving to New York City to pursue a career in theatre. She returned to the Hipp as the AEA Stage Manager of A Christmas Carol in 2005 & 2006. She has worked professionally for The Metropolitan Opera (NYC), The Shakespeare
Theatre of New Jersey (Madison, NJ), North Shore Music Theatre (Beverly, MA), and Times Square New Year’s Eve 2006 2010 (NYC). In 2006, Amber served as a Production Assistant on the Broadway musical, Grey Gardens. Amber spent five years working with Manhattan Theatre Club as a Subscriber Services Representative and two years as a House Manager at Playwrights Horizons, both in New York City. Originally from Maryland, she holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Salisbury University. Amber is a proud member of the Hippodrome Company and the Actors’ Equity Association.
Bill Boothman (Master Electrician)
Bill joined the Hippodrome as Master Electrician in September of 2019. Six months later the pandemic would be in full swing, and Bill would become a videographer/editor for the Hippodrome’s virtual productions. Favorite productions from this time include This Wonderful Life and Shakespeare, Thou Art Translated. Before getting into technical theatre Bill earned an AA in Anthropology from Santa Fe College, a BA in Sociology from Florida State University, and studied Chinese Language and Culture at Tianjin Foreign Studies University. After a brief (and expensive) detour to graduate school for Museum Studies, Bill went on to earn an AS in Theatre and Entertainment Technology at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Favorite productions worked as a student include Young Frankenstein as Props Designer, Stalking Ottis Toole: A Southern Gothic as Master Electrician, and Peter and the Wolf as Lighting Designer. After graduating from FSCJ, Bill worked full time as a union stagehand with IATSE local 115 in Jacksonville, FL. Bill is an art and music hobbyist.
Erika Capin (Properties Designer Original Production)
Erika has been involved in theatre since childhood & has done a little bit of everything including acting, directing, stage managing, painting sets, and even running the spotlight, but she finally found her true calling in the wonderful world of props. Her artistic creations have appeared on the stages of several local theatres in many shows over the years most recently in The Revolutionists, Murder For Two, Lone Star Spirits, The Blue Period of Milton Van der Spuy, Mamma Mia, Gypsy, Time of My Life and Ins and Outs. When she isn’t making props or working at her day job, Erika also designs jewelry and takes care of an assortment of rescued animals.
Erin Jester (Costume Designer/Shop Supervisor)
Erin is delighted to return to the Hippodrome for its 50th season. Erin is a UF alumna and a former Hippodrome costumes intern (2015 16 and 2016 17 seasons), and in 2020 received her MFA in costume design and technology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Previous costume design credits include productions of Cabaret, Much Ado About Nothing and Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses. Other credits include costume historical research for North Carolina State University’s Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies, historical costume reproduction for the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel, MS, and costume coordination for the Moscow Ballet’s The Great Russian Nutcracker and the independent film series 12 Westerns in 12 Months, directed by Travis Mills.
Robert P. Robins^ (Production Manager/Lighting Designer)
Bob is enjoying his 39th season here at the Hippodrome, where he has designed lighting for over 700 Hippodrome productions and events. He has worn many Hipp hats throughout the decades: Lighting Designer, Production Manager, Facility Manger, IT Manager, AEA Stage Manager, TYA Tour Stage Manager, Safety Officer, Intern Recruiter, Light Board Operator, Sound Mixer, Mainstage State Tour Technical Director, and Bartender, just to name a few. Bob also continues to provide lighting designs throughout the country, working with clients that include architects, theatres, dance companies, industrial events, schools, colleges and universities, municipalities, various types of small and large companies, and homeowners. He proudly holds a BFA in Theatre Production from the University of Florida.
Susan Schuld (Voice & Dialect Coach)
Susan has been acting and vocal coaching nationally for over 25 years and is an Associate Professor of Voice and Speech here at the School of Theatre and Dance. M.F.A in Acting from Rutgers University, Designated Linklater Teacher, Certified Teacher of Knight Thompson Speechwork, and a National Michael Chekhov Association Teacher.
Warren Goodwin (Technical Director)
Warren joined the Hippodrome in 2004 as a carpenter in the scene shop, and assumed the role of Master Carpenter in 2006. In addition to helping build over a hundred of Hippodrome sets, Warren served as co scenic designer on The Christians and The Wolves. He is thrilled to be currently serving as Technical Director. In his free time, Warren enjoys painting, and is an accomplished local artist. You can often find his work on display next door at Maude’s Cafe.
Timothy J Dygert^ (Scenic Designer) Tim is a staff member of The Harn Museum of Art, and the owner and operator of Dygert Design LLC, a professional design firm based in Gainesville Florida, specializing in entertainment, residential, and commercial design and consulting. He has been involved in theatre and event production for the entirety of his adult life, having been instrumental in the creation of more than 500 live theatre, dance, music, and corporate events. Tim has worked with internationally recognized and award winning designers, playwrights, performers, and entertainment professionals. Tim also serves as the Harn Museum of Art’s Exhibit Installation Coordinator and Preparator. He is a professional art handler, assists in the design and installation of exhibitions, and fabricates mounts and custom art installations. His design work can be seen at dygertdesign.com.
Special thank you to Michael A. Eaddy for photographing The Hippodrome’s moments for the last 20 years.
Our Generous Donors The Hippodrome thanks its many donors for their generous contributions to support our productions and programs! For more information on how your gift supports the Hippodrome, please contact Matt Dibble at (352) 373 5968 ext. 256. Donations listed are from
PRODUCER $50000+ Nathan S. Collier DIRECTOR $10,000+ (anonymous) ● Anne Margoluis ● Janet H. Silverstein PLAYWRIGHT $5,000 $9,999 (anonymous) ● Bryson Foundation, Ltd ● Mary Trew & Weaver Gaines ● Jan Snyder & Steve Wilson DESIGNER $2,500 $5,000
11/1/21 11/11/22.
David & Linda Bloom ● Debbie & Mike Conlon ● Bradley & Marta Pollitt
COMPOSER $1,000 $2,500
(anonymous) ● (anonymous) ● William Anderson ● Julie Anspach ● Wayne & Penny Archer ● Margaret Bachus Estate ● Jan Baur ● Dr. Theresa Beachy ● Kenneth & Laura Berns ● Roxane Bleiweis ● Joyce Bono ● Kim Bosshardt ● Patrice Boyes, ESQ. ● Richard Brown ● Mary Day Coker ● Bruce Cornwell ● Forrest S. Crawford ● Katherine D’Amato Weinhold ● Sheila K. Dickison ● Chris & Rusty Forsmark ● Ira & Gerri Gessner ● Bob & Carol Gwin ● Tashia & Jeff Hale ● Colin Hines ● Linda Kallman ● Kim Kazimour ● David P. Kienast ● Maureen Killoran & Peter Hyatt ● Leslie Klein ● Lucinda Lavelli ● Jennifer Lee ● Melanie Leonard ● Joseph W. & Lucille Little ● Trevor & Charlene Luke ● Stephanie B. Lynge ● Richard Allen & Susan Mastin ● Ginny Maurer ● Eileen McCarthy Smith ● Quinn Family Charitable Foundation ● Carol Meyer ● Chris M. Morris ● Jon Morris ● Rob & Carol Oglesby ● Nell Page Rainsberger & Kevin Rainsberger ● Galatia Ramphal ● Amanda Rodriguez Demaria ● Lynn Rousseau ● Vivian Ruth Sawyer ● Molly Sexton ● Ilene Silverman ● Midge Smith ● Farol Tomson ● Tonewood Family Music ● Flo Turcotte ● Justine Vaughen Fry ● Helen Warren ● Nel & Daniel Webster ● Kate Wilkinson ● Merry Lynne Wilson ● Jorgia Wooten ● Elaine Young ● Bill & Carol Zegel
CHOREOGRAPHER $500+
(anonymous) ● Maria Elena Augistin ● Joy & Michael Avery ● Dr. Azra Bihorac ● Frederick Brenneman ● Peter Joseph Carpenter ● Ed & Sheila Crapo ● Mary Ellen & Maywood Ellifritt ● Laura Gillman ● Michael Gorham & Veronika Thiebach ● Fred Harden ● Heather Harrell ● Ann Hatfield ● Marie House ● Melanie Leonard ● Richard J. Howard ● Rosemary Hume ● Carol & Salvadore Locascio ● Richard Mankin ● Charlie Mitchell ● Emily Pritchett ● Karen Scarborough ● Richard & Joy Segall ● Allison & Jason Shinn ● John & Daun Spindler ● Ruth L. Steiner ● Connie & Bob Stern ● Amy Pazzalia & William “Joe” Stokes ● Kenneth D. Wald ● Marjorie & Roy Weiner ● Cynthia White
CAST $250+
(anonymous) ● (anonymous) ● Erika Aenlle ● Linda Boyles ● Jane Brockmann & Thomas Rider ● Daniela E Castro ● Randall Caton ● Eddie Daniel & Jason Neumann ● Mai & Cooper Dean ● Ed & Marcia Ellett ● Cherie Fine ● Lauren Groff & Clay Kallman ● Gary & Joann Ihas ● Timothy Leslie ● From the Estate of Edward E. Mingle in honor of Jason Reeves, a tremendous friend ● Michael & Sherrilyn Pasternak ● Jaquie & Michael Resnick ● Carol & Jim Sarisky ● Jeff & Diana Shamis ● David & Loren Smyth ● Jane Townsend ● Samuel Welker ● Harvey & Missy Ziegler
Sponsors The
productions
SEASON PRODUCERS $50,000+ City of Gainesville ● The Collier Companies ● Florida Division of Cultural Affairs ● Visit Gainesville,
County EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS $20,000+ 98.5 KTK, 97.3 The Sky, Country 103.7 The Gator, AM 850 ● Arlington Square Apartments ● CBS4 / NBC9 ● James Moore Consulting ● Michael and Phyllis Warren on Behalf of AMJ Group, Inc ● UF School of Theatre + Dance PRODUCERS $10,000+ EFN Properties ● Gainesville Health and Fitness Center ● Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille ● Wind FM 92.5 Gainesville/95.5 Ocala ● Lake and Emerald Publications ● Nell Page Rainsberger Realtor, Campus to Coast Realty ● Quality Plumbing ● WUFT FM, WUFT TV PRODUCTION SPONSORS $5,000+ Ben E. Keith Foods ● Bevis Chiropractic ● Destination Florida ● Greater Gainesville Chamber ● McGurn Investment Company ● Marc Radio Group ● Renaissance Printing ● UF Health PRODUCTION CO SPONSORS $2,500+ Alliance Credit Union ● Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors ● Florida Pest Control ● Gabrielle Redfern ● Gator Moving and Storage Co. ● JVC Broadcasting ● King’s Heating and Air, Inc ● Mini Maid ● Oak Hammock at the University of Florida ● Pride Community Center of North Central Florida (PCCNCF) ● Residence Inn by Marriott ● Rush and Frisco Law ● Sherwin Williams OPENING NIGHT PERFORMANCE SPONSOR $2,000+
Corporate
commitment of the corporate community is critical for the Hippodrome to sustain its highly acclaimed
and programs. To learn more about corporate partner opportunities, contact The Hipp at development@thehipp.org.
Alachua
Allstate Agent Judy Locascio
PERFORMANCE SPONSORS $1,750+
Amelia's Fine Italian Cuisine ● The Bagel Bakery ● Hansel Hudson Photography ● JohnRussell Salon ● Tonewood Family Music ● Watchguard Technologies ● Kelley D. Jones P.A.
The Hippodrome would like to thank the City of Gainesville and Alachua County for years of generous support.
