2023-2024 SEASON SPONSORS THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR FOUNDATION SUPPORT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES CO-CHAIR Lisa Hale
CO-CHAIR Jared K. Mathis TREASURER Harley Bassman
VICE-CHAIR Kate E. Phelan-Lowen, JD SECRETARY Jeff Winston
GOVERNANCE & NOMINATIONS Justin Myers Scott Armanini Heather Anne Chalmers Torin J. Cunningham, MD James Hale Joe Hanauer
Artistic Director David Ellenstein
Dr. Gary Jenkins Barbara MacGillivray Heidi Miller Xiaohong Rose Jordy Spiegel Emeritus Trustees Glenn E. Gray Otis Healy Ilona Martin Melinda Masson Jim Mellor
Managing Director Bill Kerlin
presents
A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS
written by KRISTOPHER LYTHGOE produced by LYTHGOE FAMILY PRODUCTIONS
starring VERONICA DUNNE*, JOELY FISHER*, MARK GAGLIARDI*, BEN GIROUX, AUSTYN MYERS*, PATRICK ORTIZ*, JEFF SUMNER*, JENNIFER LEIGH WARREN*,BECKY LYTHGOE*, ASHLEY CHAVARRIA, MARCELLO SALVATIERRA, ALEX THO*, ALISSA WILSEY, ADDISON CHANG, JULIAN GWIN, RAE MARTINEZ, TREVOR McCUTCHEN, NAVA TATE costume coordinator/ hair & makeup designer
lighting designer
CRYSTAL R. SHOMPH
HAVEN HANSON
associate producer
ALEX DAY
sound designer
production stage manager
BRIDGET ROONEY*
casting director
IAN SCOT
BECKY LYTHGOE
assistant stage manager
CASSY SOTTILE
choreography by musical direction by BECCA SWEITZER ANDREW STREET directed by BONNIE LYTHGOE * Denotes a member of the Actors’ Equity Association.
NOTES TO THE AUDIENCE: Please be considerate to the performers and your fellow audience members by turning off any device that could emit light and/or sound. The photographic or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device for such photographing or sound recording inside the theatre, without written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Violators may be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for money damages. THE VIDEOTAPING OR OTHER VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
OPENING NIGHT DECEMBER 8, 2023 • MOULTON THEATRE, LAGUNA BEACH
THE COMPANY Cinderella...................................................................................................... Veronica Dunne* Baroness (Dec 8-17, Dec 27-29)........................................................................Joely Fisher* Vine.................................................................................................................Mark Gagliardi* Buttons.................................................................................................................. Ben Giroux Dandini.............................................................................................................Austyn Myers* Prince................................................................................................................. Patrick Ortiz* Hollywood........................................................................................................... Jeff Sumner* Fairy Godmother................................................................................Jennifer Leigh Warren* Understudy Baroness (Dec 7, Dec 21-24).................................................... Becky Lythgoe* Chorus..........................................................................................Ashley Chavarria, Marcello Salvatierra, Alex Tho*, Alissa Wilsey Junior Dancers.......................................................................... Addison Chang, Julian Gwin, Rae Martinez, Trevor McCutchen, Nava Tate
SING-A-LONG CLAP YOUR HANDS FOR THE BRIDE STOMP YOUR FEET FOR THE GROOM CHARMING AND CINDERS ARE GONNA WED MARRY A SISTER? I’D RATHER BE DEAD! LET ME ROOT ROOT ROOT FOR THE FAIRY HER MAGIC IS HONEST AND TRUE FOR IT’S 1 2 3 WAVES, AND SAY BIBIDI BOBIDI BOO
NOTE TO OUR AUDIENCE Pantos are interactive shows. We encourage you to shout and participate. We encourage you to BOO and SCREAM at the Baroness and to CHEER for Cinderella and her friends! Sing along to songs you know and love; and, above all, enjoy yourself! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
INTERMISSION
There will be a 15 minute intermission.
THE COMPANY
VERONICA DUNNE
JOELY FISHER
PATRICK ORTIZ
MARK GAGLIARDI
JEFF SUMNER
ASHLEY MARCELLO CHAVARRIA SALVATIERRA
ADDISON CHANG
JULIAN GWIN
BEN GIROUX
AUSTYN MYERS
JENNIFER LEIGH WARREN
BECKY LYTHGOE
ALEX THO
ALISSA WILSEY
RAE TREVOR MARTINEZ McCUTCHEN
NAVA TATE
THE MUSIC OF A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS All Songs Used with Permission. All Rights Reserved. ACT ONE
1. “9 TO 5” Words and music by Dolly Parton All rights owned or administered by Velvet Apple Music (BMI) 2. “MADE YOU LOOK” Words and music by Sean Douglas, Meghan Trainor, Luis Federico Vindver All rights owned or administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, WarnerTamerlane Publishing Co. 3. “WHEN YOU’RE GOOD TO MAMA” Words and music by John Kander and Fred Ebb All rights owned or administered by Unichappell Music Inc. 4. “HAVEN’T MET YOU YET” Words and music by Michael Steven Buble, Alan Chang, Amy Foster All rights owned or administered by I’m The Last Man Standing Music, Inc. c/o WB Music Corp. (ASCAP). Ihan Zhan Music, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. obo itself & Ms. Doe Music (BMI) 5. “DYNAMITE” Words and music by David Stewart and Jessica Agombar All rights owned or administered by Big Hit Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment 6. “CUPID” Words and music by Adam von Mentzer, Mac Felländer-Tsai, Louise Udin, SIAHN, AHIN, Keena. All rights owned or administered by Warner Chappell Music, Inc 7. “WHAT WAS I MADE FOR” Words and music by Billie Eilish O’Connell, Finneas O’Connell. All rights owned or administered by Universal/MCA Music Limited and Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. 8. “ROYALS” Words and music by Joel Little, Ella Marija La Yelich O’Connor All rights owned or administered by EMI Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd. (APRA) c/o EMI April Music, Inc. (ASCAP), Songs of SMP (ASCAP) 9. “WHEN YOU BELIEVE” Words and music by Kenneth B Edmonds, Stephen Laurence Schwartz All rights owned or administered by Almo Music Corp. obo DWA Songs (ASCAP), Irving Music, Inc. obo Songs of DWA (BMI)
ACT TWO
10. “DANCE THE NIGHT” Words and music by Dua Lipa, Andrew Wyatt, Caroline Ailin, Mark Ronson All rights owned or administered by Concord Copyrights, Koabalt Music Publishing and Warner Olive Music LLC. 11. “BARBIE GIRL” Words and music by Søren Rasted, Claus Norreen, René Dif, and Lene Nystrøm. All rights owned or administered by Universal Music (Denmark) A/S and Warner Chappell Music, Inc. 12. “WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEONE” Words and music by James Alan, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp, Lukas Forchhammer, Jaramye Daniels, Morten Pilegaard and David Labrel. All rights owned or administered by Warner Chappell Music, Inc. and Kobalt Music Publishing and Olin and the Moon Music. 13. “ONE MOMENT IN TIME” Words and music by John Bettis, Albert Louis Hammond All rights owned or administered by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP) obo itself & Bettis John Music (ASCAP), Albert Hammond Music (ASCAP) admin by Kobalt Music Publishing America, Inc. 14. “CELL BLOCK TANGO” Words and music by John Kander and Fred Ebb All rights owned or administered by Unichappell Music Inc. 15. “I AM WHAT I AM” Words and music by Jerry Herman All rights owned or administered by Mpl Music Publishing Inc. 16. “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU” Words and music by Carey, Mariah, Afanasieff, Walter N. All rights owned or administered by Beyondidoliztion, Sony/ATV Tunes LLC HIPGNOSIS SFH I LIMITED, Tamal Vista Music and Universal Music Corporation
THE COMPANY
VERONICA DUNNE (Cinderella) is overjoyed to be working with the Lythgoe family once again after originating the role of Cinderella in A Cinderella Christmas. She is most recognized for her role as Marisa on Disney Channel’s “KC Undercover” and making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago. Along with other TV and Film protects, some stage credits include: Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey). Veronica hopes you enjoy this beloved fairytale once again and wants to thank Becky, Bonnie and Kris for making it all come to life! Instagram: @veronica_dunne. JOELY FISHER (Baroness) is a triple-threat star of television, musical theatre, and motion pictures. She starred on Broadway in Tommy Tune’s revival of Grease and her turn as Sally Bowles in Sam Mendes’ and Rob Marshall’s revival of Cabaret (Broadway, and the National Tour) earned her rave reviews. However, it was her five seasons as Paige Clark on the groundbreaking ABC show, “Ellen,” that introduced her to TV audiences around the world, and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Other notable TV roles include: Pamela Gamble-Miller in “Normal, Ohio,” Zoe Busiek in “Wild Card,” Nina Fletcher in “Desperate Housewives,” Joy Stark in ’Til Death,” and Wendi Gracin in “Last Man Standing”. Her film credits include The Mask, Mixed Nuts, and I’ll Do Anything. Her crowning achievement to date was starring with Matthew Broderick in the hit Disney film Inspector Gadget. Her television movies include Thirst, Jitters, Seduction in a Small Town, Cupid and last years Lifetime’s ripped from the headlines hit Girl in the Basement. In recent years Ms. Fisher has embarked on a directing career ranging from directing television shows like “Sunset Fever” and directing Laguna’s own “Cinderella,” Veronica Dunne in an episode of “KC Undercover,” to directing socially conscious PSA campaigns for IFAW and Welcome US. She will make her feature directorial debut this January with Girls Gone Wine. She has led the charge to improve the lives of members of SAG/AFTRA for the past few years and she is happy to be back in Laguna after a seven-year absence. Greatest role to date is mother of five. MARK GAGLIARDI (Vine) was most recently a regular on the CBS series “Blood and Treasure” (2019-2022) as Father Chuck, a role that landed him a 2023 Movieguide Award nomination. Before that, he was the original & frequent narrator of the Emmy-winning Comedy Central series “Drunk History” and appeared in numerous network & Disney sitcoms. He is also one of many stars of “The Thrilling Adventure Hour,” a hit live staged oldtime podcast. He’s voiced “DC SuperFriends” (Batman), “Willy’sWonderland,” “Venture Bros,” “Star vs the Forces of Evil” and others. Millions have heard his weekly podcast “We Got This!” on Maximum Fun. He has been in dozens of plays and musicals and played the Genie in Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular at Disneyland. He holds a BFA in Acting from DePaul’s Theatre School, graduated from The Second City Training Center, and is a veteran of many LA improv stages. BEN GIROUX (Buttons) stars as Nate Wright on Paramount’s Emmy-nominated “Big Nate” series and The Toddler on Nickelodeon’s “Henry Danger” and “Danger Force” franchise. He’s amassed over 100 television and voice credits including “The Big Show Show” (Netflix), “Coop & Cami” (Disney), “Psych” (USA), “Bones” (FOX), “House” (FOX), and “Rick & Morty” (Adult Swim). Giroux regularly creates viral content for his nearly 5 million TikTok fans, including his celebratory “Back to the 90s” music video that charted on Billboard and landed him in Las Vegas with The Backstreet Boys. A prolific comedy writer, Giroux is currently developing multiple optioned TV pilots. AUSTYN MYERS (Dandini) is thrilled to be making his debut at the Laguna Playhouse with A Cinderella Christmas! Acting Credits include: Broadway: Les Miserables. T.V. / Film; “Meet Dave”, “Team Spitz”, “Moon Rocks” and “Lighter Fluid”. Regional: Rogers the Musical (Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion); Kingdom City (La Jolla Playhouse); October Sky, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Lost in Yonkers, The First Wives Club (The Old Globe); Newsies (Moonlight Amphitheatre); Witnesses (California Center for the Arts, Escondido); Lost in Yonkers, Newsies (McCoy Rigby Entertainment); Secret Garden (Lambs Players); Spring Awakening, Peter and the Starcatcher, Secret Garden (Barnstage Theatre). PATRICK ORTIZ (Prince) TV: NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”where he played Eddie (recurring), “One Life To Live”, and “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”. Broadway credits: West Side Story (Chino) and Mamma Mia! (Eddie u/s) National Tours: We Will Rock You (Brit u/s), West Side Story (Shark swing) Regional: The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric), the MUNY’s West Side Story (Pepe), Drag: The Musical, BAZ Star Crossed Love at The Palazzo, Las Vegas, Invicible w/ Pat Benatar (Paris), The Brat Pack (NCL and The Line Hotel, Los Angeles), Altar Boyz as Juan (North Carolina Theatre and Westchester Broadway Theater, NY), West Side Story (Bernardo) Palos Verdes and 5 Star Theatricals, Bottle Shock the Musical (Gustavo Brambila), Mamma Mia! at The Tropicana, Cathy Rigby’s Peter Pan, Orchid: A Burlesque Circus, Miami, FL as lead vocalist and vocal captain. BFA in Musical Theatre CSUF. @patrick.m.ortiz
THE COMPANY
JEFF SUMNER (Hollywood) returns to the Lythgoe Panto Universe in Laguna having previously appeared in The Winter of Oz (Scarecrow) and Sleeping Beauty (Nanny Tickle). Other Lythgoe Pantos: Cinderella (Seacrest) El Portal Theatre; Sleeping Beauty (Nanny Tickle) TUTS Houston; Aladdin and his Winter Wish (Widow Twanky) Raleigh. Other notable credits include: 44: The Obama Musical (Lindsey Graham) Bourbon Room Hollywood; Disney’s Aladdin A Musical Spectacular (Genie); The Legend of Georgia McBride (Tracy Mills) ICT; Annie (Bundles/ Harold Ickes) Hollywood Bowl; and Happy Days (Jumpy Malachi) National Tour. Film: Dumb and Dumber To. Television: “Ugly Betty”, “Desperate Housewives”,“Togetherness”,“Rosewood”, and “Clipped”. Jeff teaches musical theatre to kids and has an amazing dog named Duffy. Follow @jeffsumneractor and jeffsumner.net JENNIFER LEIGH WARREN (Fairy Godmother) has been lauded for her show-stopping performance as “Alice’s Daughter” in the original Broadway cast of Big River (song written for her by Roger Miller), to the original Little Shop of Horrors, to the original Broadway Marie Christine, the Drama Desk nominated Lonesome Traveler, all four tours of A Night with Janis Joplin ( BroadwayHD.com), Rock My Soul (LA Philharmonic/Disney Concert Hall) and is thrilled to return to the role she originated in the very first Lythgoe US Panto. Television: “RENT: LIVE,” “The Tonight Show,” “CONAN,” “Kimmel “(with Broken Bells, The Kills, Trombone Shorty, Lisa Loeb, OK GO). Film: Valentine’s Day, The Other Sister, Grace of My Heart, The Crossing Guard, Sour Grapes, What’s Love Got to Do With It. A Dartmouth grad and a proud SAG-AFTRA AEA member. JenniferLeighWarren.com, @jenniferleighwarrensing BECKY LYTHGOE (Understudy Baroness/Casting Director/Producer) One of the founders of Lythgoe Family Productions which has received congressional recognition for their contribution to the arts. TV: “How I Met Your Mother” (Fox), “House, M.D.” (Fox), “All of Us” (CW), host of “Stars in Danger” (Fox), host of “CD:USA” (DirecTV), host of “Planet Green” (Discovery), host of “Star Weekly” (E!). Recording Artist: Universal Records debut album, #1 Billboard charting dance artist. Director: Rodgers & Hammerstein‘s Cinderella (TACFA). Moderator/Keynote Speaker: OMEGA (Swatch Group), CHLA, AT&T, IMG, Coca-Cola Lifehouse. She is a proud graduate of The University of Michigan Musical Theatre Department and a member of The Board of Trustees for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Love always to my real life Princes- Kris, George and Leo. IG: @beckyblythgoe ASHLEY CHAVARRIA (Chorus) is a dancer/teacher/choreographer from California. Theatre credits include: In The Heights (Yolanda/Dance Captain), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat (Ensemble/Stilt Walker), West Side Story (Ensemble), Spamalot (Ensemble). Commercial credits include: music videos (Prince of Eden, GIN), Ontario City commercial (Invisible Connections) print modeling and various live events (Nocturna Entertainment, Herbalife, independent). Ashley is a member of the Royal Flux Dance Company, featuring in their live performances and videos such as “Paper Trails”. Additionally, she choreographs for studios throughout SoCal and for Beckman High School. All her love to her family, friends and those supporting the arts! @ashleychavarria MARCELLO SALVATIERRA (Chorus) is excited to be joining A Cinderella Christmas this year as a member of their ensemble! Marcello has just graduated from high school in San Jose, California where he was a part of his high school dance team, as well as competitively dancing with his home studio. Now, he is currently a freshman at Chapman University where he is studying psychology. Along with school, he is training in Shannon Mathers Bridge Into the Industry program, which helps young adults make their way into the dance world. Marcello is extremely excited to be sharing his passion on stage this season and can not wait for more in future! ALEX THO (Chorus) Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Alex Tho is making his live theater debut with A Cinderella Christmas! His credits include “The Masked Singer” (FOX), “The Voice” (NBC), “Ravens Home” (DISNEY), “General Hospital” (ABC), The Karate Kid Musical (Pre-Broadway Lab) and more. Much gratitude to the creative team, mentors, Bloc, family and friends. ALISSA WILSEY (Chorus) is so excited to be back telling the classic story of Cinderella with the Lythgoe Family Productions, but this time as a Christmas Panto! After over a decade of performing on stages around the world, this Laguna local is thrilled to be performing in her own backyard. Favorite credits include: Disney Junior Live on Tour, Warren Carlyle’s ¡Havana!, Disney Cruise Line, Tokyo Disneyland, Happy Hour The Musical (Norwegian Cruise Line), Benise’s Fuego Tour, Feld Entertainment, West Side Story, 42nd Street (PVPA), and Guys and Dolls (MTW). Psalms 37:4. alissawilsey.com KRISTOPHER LYTHGOE (Writer/Producer) is so grateful to be back with Panto in Laguna. TV credits include: “So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox), “Corkscrewed: The Wrath of Grapes” (Fox Reality), “Who are You” (Fox), “On the Nose” (TVG), “My Beautiful Game” (Fox Soccer), “Soccer Superstar” (Nickelodeon), “Ellen’s Game of Games” and “True Story” (NBC). Theatre credits: Footloose, The Wedding Singer and many American Pantos across the country. He dedicates this year’s Panto to the legendary Bill Kenwright, Becky, George and Leo.
THE COMPANY
BONNIE LYTHGOE (Director) With a career spanning more than 30 years, Bonnie’s achievements as a dancer, choreographer, director, TV presenter, TV producer and Broadway producer are second to none. Starting her acting career in the feature film “To Sir, With Love” starring Sidney Poitier, she followed up with a variety of choreography and directing roles including the world premiere of Robin Hood and Maid Marion: A Holiday Panto, Snow White, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Grease, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Full Monty, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Aladdin, West Side Story and Royal Variety for the late HRH Queen Elizabeth. With ongoing success in TV and musical theatre, Bonnie served as a judge for a BBC singing reality series “S Club Juniors” created by Simon Fuller. She joined the next Simon Fuller venture, “American Idol,” where she served as a producer on the first three series before moving on to another new project, “So You Think You Can Dance America” which she was both judge and producer for the first two series. Bonnie then headed Down Under to judge “So You Think You Can Dance Australia”. then followed on with a Reality series in 2016 similar to “Survivor”. She is honoured to be the Patron for World Dance and is now involved in the new Musical ‘Beaches’ which opens 2024 in Canada. In 2011, Bonnie created Lythgoe Family Productions in Los Angeles with her son Kristopher. Together they have brought musical “Pantos” to Los Angeles. The first production was Cinderella, followed by Snow White with Neil Patrick Harris. Well-known for her creativity and involvement in global television hits, Bonnie is dedicated to bringing affordable theatre to families across the world through fun, laughter and music. www.ozpanto.com BECCA SWEITZER (Choreographer) Becca’s choreography has appeared on the TV shows “Jessie,” “Bunk’d,” “Code Black,” “AGT,” Fox’s “Alter Ego” and HBO’s Emmy nominated “We’re Here”. Commercial credits include Ugg, Chrysler, Beats By Dre and Sensa, and music video credits include Scissor Sisters, Passenger, Raphael Saadiq, and Cher Lloyd. She’s worked with many high profile drag queens on videos, television, tours, and notably, at Dolce & Gabbana’s Fashion Week party in Milan. Theater credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Garry Marshall Theater) and Starmites (Open Fist Theater Company). She’s a three time World Choreography Award nominee. Find performing credits at www.beccasweitzer.com. IG: @beccasweitzerchoreo ANDREW STREET (Musical Director) Television programs featuring his music are watched in over 100 countries throughout our world. His compositions, arrangements, and musical direction have won many major industry awards in England, Europe and the United States. He was the composer for “Madeline,” for which he was honored with an Emmy in 2003. He has continued to be a prolific composer in the television genre, writing all the music for “Strawberry Shortcake,” “Angelina Ballerina,” and recently a new NBC/Universal show, for children, called “Norman Picklestripes.” In 2012, Andy became the associate Musical Director and arranger for “American Idol” on Fox. He also mentored many of the successful singers on that show. In October, 2017, he was hired as Musical Director for a new variety series, Last Laugh in Vegas, featuring many variety stars of the past few decades in an all-new format, complete with orchestra, dancing girls, and the legendary Las Vegas razzmatazz! Andy’s first love, though, has always been the theatre. His latest musical, Doodle opened in January 2018 in London. This follows other productions, The Hard Boiled Egg and the Wasp, and 27 Santas and an Elf Called Kevin, also from the pens of Street and his good friend Jonathan Kydd, which were staged successfully in London and New York. He is currently working with Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction) on a new thriller musical set in London in the 18920s and in Spring 2024 he is looking forward to working with acclaimed director, Charlotte Ercoli, scoring her new feature film, “Fior di Latte,” set in New York and Florence HAVEN HANSON (Costume Coordinator/Hair & Makeup Designer) is a multi-hyphenate production designer whose scenic, costume, hair, and makeup designs have graced stages all over Southern California. Highlights of his professional design experience include productions for Laguna Playhouse, Tustin’s Broadway In The Park, The Music Room, and JStage Irvine. Haven was trained in the Production and Design Conservatory at the prestigious Orange County High School Of The Arts and was named Musical Theatre West’s Costume Design Scholar of 2022. Some notable pieces he recently costumed were Tustin’s Broadway in the Park of Cinderella and JStage Irvine’s Music Man. Check out his work at www.Stitchxhaven.com or @sewinghaven on Instagram. CRYSTAL SHOMPH (Lighting Designer) has been a lighting designer for over 26 years, lighting many musicals, dance shows, and plays. Crystal designs for International City Theatre where she previously designed The Andrews Brothers, Valley Song, and recently Deathtrap. Last year was her first summer with Broadway in the Park and the Lythgoe Family Productions working on Wizard of Oz. Crystal is excited to be back working with the incredible design team for Lythgoe Family Productions of Cinderella here at the beautiful Laguna Playhouse. IAN SCOT (Sound Designer) is a composer and sound designer specializing in the development of new works and installations. His music and designs have been heard at Playwrights Horizons, Roundabout Theatre, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Yale University Art Gallery, Actors Shakespeare Project, Dorset Theatre Festival, Ars Nova, Heartbeat Opera, Yale Repertory Theatre, Space Wing. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Ian has made an extensive career as an A1 for productions with Audible Theatre, The New Group, Signature Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, New York Theatre Workshop, Rattlestick Theatre, Tuacahn Amphitheater, Classic Stage Company, Theatre for the New City, Berkshire Theatre Festival, and others. Ian received his MFA in Sound Design from Yale School of Drama.
THE COMPANY
ALEX DAY (Associate Producer) is a British-born, Los Angeles based writer and producer. He co-wrote the viral 2017 PSA, “My Heroes” that ignited a global conversation about gender stereotypes. In 2018, he worked closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and co-wrote “New Together,” an empathetic call to stand with refugees. His short film, “Dress,” won multiple awards across the festival circuit. Alex began working with the Lythgoe Family back in 2015 and is returning to the Laguna Playhouse for his 9th year of Panto! SAM CRAVEN-GRIFFITHS (Technical Producer) started in theatre at a young age, helping to run backstage for his local drama club. Since then, he has had a passion for theatre and for the past 25 years he has had the privilege of working on various productions in the West End, London Fringe, and many cities around the world. Locally, he has worked at Center Theatre Group, The Geffen Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse to name a few. Growing up in England, panto has been a part of his childhood and professional career and he is excited to be part of the team that helps bring this Christmas tradition to SoCal. BRIDGET ROONEY (Production Stage Manager) is excited to be rejoining Lythgoe Family Panto for A Cinderella Christmas. Recent credits include: 44: The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED Obama Musical (The Bourbon Room), Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today? (La Mirada Theatre), The Wonderful Winter of Oz (Laguna Playhouse), Saturday Explorer Series (24th Street Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (TACFA), Into the Woods (College of the Canyons), Cries and Whispers (CalArts CNP), Little Women (Digital Workshop). MFA, California Institute of the Arts. CASSY SOTTILE (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to work with the Lythgoes again on A Cinderella Christmas. Recent credits include: Dream Under the Southern Bough (CalArts), 44: The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED Obama Musical (The Bourbon Room), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts), Heroes of Santa Clarita (Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival), Ghosts Can’t Pay Rent (Hollywood Fringe Festival), Elegies for Angels, Punks, and Raging Queens (College of the Canyons), Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today (La Mirada Theatre), Makor (Stomping Ground), Wizard of Oz (Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts). MFA, California Institute of the Arts. DAVID ELLENSTEIN (Artistic Director) Born into a theatrical family, David has been working in professional theatre for the better part of five decades - from San Diego to Portland, Maine and from Miami to Anchorage, Alaska - and most places in between. At Laguna Playhouse, credits include directing The Angel Next Door, Chapatti, Alexandros and playing “Einstein” in Picasso at The Lapin Agile. Other directorial credits include The Chosen at Paper Mill Playhouse; Halpern and Johnson and Sonia Flew at Coconut Grove Playhouse; The Glass Menagerie, Rocket City and Honky Tonk Angels at Alabama Shakespeare Festival; His Royal Hipness at 59E59 in NYC; and Long Day’s Journey into Night at Renaissance Theatre. As Artistic Director at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach since 2003, over 60 Directorial credits including Way Down River, The Tempest, A Moon for the Misbegotten, The Outsider and The Homecoming. David’s career includes acting credits of playing the title roles in Hamlet at LA Theatre Center and LA Rep; Richard III at California Shakespeare Festival; Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof at Moonlight Stage; Jonathan in Sight Unseen, Max in Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Matt in Talley’s Folly at North Coast Rep as well as over three dozen film and television episodes. BILL KERLIN (Managing Director) Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, Mr. Kerlin brings over 30 years of finance, marketing, and sales experience to the Laguna Playhouse, including 12 years as Managing Director for North Coast Repertory Theatre and 16 seasons as the Director of Administration at the legendary Coconut Grove Playhouse, in Miami. During the time that Bill served at Coconut Grove, it was the largest professional not-forprofit producing theatre in the State of Florida. Mr. Kerlin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Miami in 1984. While he completed his Master of Science from Florida International University, he concurrently taught classes at Miami-Dade College. He was also the Chief Financial Officer for Professionals’ Retirement Strategy, a national insurance and retirement planning service firm in Irvine, CA. He has also served as a Board Member for Camposition, a performing arts company whose mission was to push the boundary between contemporary performance and activism through live performance, interactive outreach programs, and professional development trainings.
JAN 24 - FEB 11, 2024
This joint will be jumpin’! Don’t miss it, get your seats today!
STAY IN THE KNOW SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST For more information about our upcoming shows, Youth Theatre classes and shows, special events, special offers, and season packages, please give us your email!
LAGUNAPLAYHOUSE.COM/EMAIL
BECOME A DONOR YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS Your gift will provide vital support for Laguna Playhouse’s theatrical productions, education, community engagement, and ticket engagement programs. Laguna Playhouse is a 501c3 non-profit theatre. Ticket sales only cover 40% of our annual costs and we rely on the generous contributions of our donors for the remainder.
LAGUNAPLAYHOUSE.COM/SUPPORT
AT THE THEATRE BOX OFFICE HOURS
GROUPS HAVE MORE FUN
WARNING
The box office is open TuesSun from 12pm - 4pm (or until show time) and Monday 2 hours before show time for all your ticketing needs. Please be sure to check the website for any updates to our new hours or any holiday hours or closures.
Groups of 10 or more enjoy discounts on tickets. Group tickets can be purchased through our group sales line at 949.497.2787 x229, by email at groups@lagunaplayhouse. com, or just add 10 or more tickets online and your order will automatically be updated!
Flashing and/or strobing lights and non-toxic synthetic fog, smoke and haze may be used during this production.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
@LAGUNAPLAYHOUSE
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT Laguna Playhouse acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral lands of the Tongva people. We recognize the enduring presence of the Tongva and are committed to showing respect to the past, present and future caretakers of this land.
COMING UP AT
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
DEC 18-19
DEC 31, 1 PM
DEC 31, 7 PM
JAN 4-7
WE SALUTE OUR LIFETIME SUPPORTERS Heartfelt thanks from your Laguna Playhouse DISTINGUISHED BENEFACTORS Lisa Hale Suzanne and James Mellor The Moulton Company Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District BENEFACTORS CIRCLE Barbara Steele Williams Foundation Harry & Grace Steele Foundation Maggie R. Murdy Trust The Miki F. Young Charitable Trust Laguna Playhouse gratefully acknowledges our many donors, within the last year, September 15, 2022 – November 15, 2023 included here at Advocates and above. CENTER STAGE CIRCLE Jeffrey & Caron Winston The Shubert Foundation The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Duane & Kelly Roberts O.L. Halsell Foundation The Miki F. Young Charitable Trust Greg & Barbara MacGillivray Gary & Betsy Jenkins Hans & Valerie Imhof Hearst Foundation Lisa Hale Judi Gorski California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant PRODUCER’S CIRCLE Heather Anne Chalmers Milli Fredricks Haskell & White, LLP Otis & Joann Healy Jay Herron & Dana Klein Gerald & Jackie Kehle Linda D. Leisner Anonymous James & Suzanne Mellor The Moulton Company The Daniel & Francine Scinto Foundation U.S. Bank
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
Bank of America Foundation Orange County Community Foundation Tom & Carolyn Bent Suzanne & David Chonette John & Ann Clark Jon Cobain & Judy Flynn Bobbi Cox Cody & Deborah Engle Joe & Jane Hanauer David & Brenda Hopper George & Diane Keplinger* Timothy Kippen & Ileana Frometa Grillo Jaye Ruth Friedman-Levy Ilona Martin Masson Family Foundation Jared & Kate Mathis Penny Pralle Louis & Laura Rohl Sheila Sale Richard & Adrienne Thomas Ueberroth Family Foundation Arn & Nancy Youngman PATRON’S CIRCLE Jill Adams Assistance League of Laguna Beach Trudi Bonnet Carolyn Brown Nancy Bushnell Crevier Family Foundation James & Gretchen Gorman Pauliana Hall & Fariborz Milani Jerry Harrington* & Maralou Harrington Hoag Hospital Foundation
Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Foundation Peter & Diane Lannon Brent & Diane Liljestrom Susan Lund Rick & Kitty Malcolm Masson Family Foundation Karen Magnuson Mauro Terry McDonald & Toni McDonald* Mike & Linda Mussallem Justin Myers Newport Beach Arts Commission Barbara Roberts Sharon & Jonathan Rose Charles & Kathy Rosenberger Richard & Laurie Sandfer Jacqueline Sanson Schlinger Family Foundation Richard & Maureen Schweickert Claudia Silverman Jordy Spiegel John & Gail Ueberroth Ray & Sandra Wirta Jennifer Yelland CIRCLE OF STARS Aires Law Firm Dorothy Bendetti Mary Ann Brown & Rick Reiff Valerie Cantwell Gregg & Mary Ann Haly Lois Jacobs John & Bonnie Livingston John & Lisa Mansour Family Fund Anthony & Melinda Moiso Boyd & Carol Plowman Diane Silber Ronald & June Stein Robert & Mary Ward
Susan Wunderlich ARTIST’S CIRCLE Eric Alcouloumre & Annee Della Donna Anonymous Jack Anthony & Elizabeth McDermott Harley & Lori Bassman Robert & Michelle Bendetti Jim & Judy Bergman Bayard Bosserman Graham & Eva Branton Steven Brittan Caplin Foundation, ^Ruth & Mortimer Caplin Henry & Eileen Cohen Ed Colson III GM (Jim) & Nora Cunningham Robert Daily & Veronica Gray Herman Cantrell & Joann Data Robert & Julie Davey Alison Davis Gregg & Mary DeNicola Maura Doyle Michael & Sherie Dunbar The Eberhardt Family Paul & Donna Eckles Michael & Sherie Dunbar Elizabeth & Doug Frost Margaret Gates Kathryn Burton Gray & Glenn Gray Alison & Bill Gregg Pramila Gupta Daniel E. Haspert, MD & Gerard V. Curtin, Jr. Mark & Jan Hilbert Renae Hinchey Ara & Sandra Hovanesian Steve & Judi Johnson Lucetta J. Kallis Lisa & Vahe Karamardian Dennis & Joanne Keith Chris & Tracy Keys Hiroaki Kinoshita Spencer L. Knapp & Carolyn Knapp Art & Terry Kostka Robert Krause Lee Kucera Jarrett & Tommye Kuske Jessica Langer Robert & Pat Mclaughlin Patrick & Tiare Meegan Olga Megdal Heidi Miller William Kasper & Leslie Anne Mogul Frank & Arlene O’Donnell Richard & Lauren Packard Therese Poitevin Mike & Michelle Polini Paul & Jorja Puma Fritz Reynolds Patricia Romero
Susan Schrepper^ Ronald & Sindi Schwartz Morris & Stephany Skenderian Nancy Smith Anonymous Clay Stevens Leslie Sykes Toni Tartamella & John Castelli Virginia Templeton Richard & Monica Thompson Belle Tuckerman Dena Van Slyke Jean Vivrette Virginia Wetterau Doug & Karen Wilson ADVOCATE’S CIRCLE Alex Alessandrini Martha Becker Gary & Nancy Beverage Suzanne Boras Laurie Bowers Brien Amspoker & Ellen Breitman Steven Brenneis Mackenzie & Paula Brown Krista Clark Robert & Ann Coffee Ed Crook Family Dr. Dvora Cyrlak & Neil Spingarn Azeem & Zeena Dallah Joseph Davis Paul J. Dukesherer Ruth Elder Natalie Fennel Paul Feuerborn Jerrold Gonce Jeff & Holly Hahn Warren & Tina Haines Terry Hanna J. Stanley & Mary W. Johnson Family Foundation James & Stephanie Johnson Tom Knego Kim & Mark Krouse Adrian & Elaine Kuyper Amy Larson & Jake Smith Kathy Leclair Milton & Susan Legome Orville & Jeane Marlett Ramon Martinez Jim Mears^ Susan Mears Joan Moe Tricia Nichols Rey O’Day Phyllis Parkhurst Amy Peninger & Jim Pisa Cherri Penne-Myers Madeleine Peterson Johni Pittenger Keith Polakoff John & Sue Prange Hilary Davis & Sandy Ratner
Michelle Reinglass Juan & Veltria Roman Paul Specterman & Terry Hanna Diane Stovall The Covington Cornelia Thomsen Toby Curry and Dolores Trevorrow Jerald & Patricia Waldman
^ gift in memory of
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE STAFF
David Ellenstein Artistic Director
Bill Kerlin Managing Director
MANAGEMENT FINANCE & TICKETING General Manager..........................................................................................Denys Baker Chief Financial Officer/Chief Technology Officer.................................Veltria Roman Assistant General Manager/Company Manager........................... Rachel Garlington Accounting/HR Assistant................................................................................Larry Stotz Ticketing Services Senior Manager...................................................... Chelsea Morgan PRODUCTION Assistant Ticketing Services Manager.........................................................Morgan Leal Production Manager..................................................................................Jordan Muller Ticketing Services Lead..............................................................................Nikki Johnson Technical Director............................................................................................. Paul Rossi Ticketing Services Representatives.............................................Marlon Gomez-Smith, Resident Sound Designer/Audio Engineer.......................................................Ian Scot Kehaunani Jensen, Tiffany Land-Willis, Robert Phipps Lighting Supervisor......................................................................................Jeremy Plant Website Consultant..............................................................................Andrew Lombardi Wardrobe Supervisor..................................................................................Stacey Nezda IT Services...................................................................................... Method Technologies Production Management Assistant.........................................................Cameron Wall DEVELOPMENT Director of Advancement.................................................................Michael G. Murphy EDUCATION Development and Donor Relations Manager......................................Savannah Casey Director of Youth Theatre, Education...........................................................Joe Alanes Grants and Community Outreach Manager.........................................Erin O’Flaherty Education and Outreach Coordinator................................................Nakisa Aschtiani Teaching Artists......................................Nathan Acupan, Jack Clark, Sabrina Harper, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Anthony Kairouz, Mary Sherg Kaye, Christina Mott, Interim Director of Marketing........................................................................Kate Brandt Steve Northeast, Emily O’Flaherty, Toni Redman, Marketing Manager.........................................................................Mackenzee Osborne Mary Shipley, Arizsia Staton, Keya Vance Graphic Designer........................................................................................Teresa English Press Consultant...................................................................... David Elzer, Demand PR FACILITIES OPERATIONS Broadcast Consultant................................................Nancy Pank, Nancy’s Media Buys Facilities Manager........................................................................................ David Bryant Season Ticket Sales....................................................................................Theatre Direct Facilities Maintenance Technician.................................................................Brian Lyter CONSULTANTS FRONT OF HOUSE Legal Services...............................................................................................Stephen Berry Artistic & Audience Services Manager.....................................................Wally Ziegler Community Relations Liaison............................................................... Karyn Philippsen House Manager..............................................................................................Jules Butler Medical Provider.................................Caduceus Medical Group, Dr. Gregg deNicola Assistant House Manager...............................................................................Clara Bush Parking Supervisor.......................................................................................Curtis Pebley Bartenders........................................................... Marlon Gomez-Smith, Leanne Nolan The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Please check house boards for any program changes.
Laguna Playhouse is a member of the League of Resident Theatres.
PRODUCTION CREW
Child Performer Supervisor...................................................................Heather Nielsen Dresser/Wigs.......................................................................................................Kat Scott Deck Crew/A2...........................................................................................Ethan Shanklin Deck Crew..................................................................................................Cameron Wall Follow Spot Operators....................................................Josh Collins, Devon Rieckhof
LYTHGOE FAMILY PRODUCTIONS STAFF Company Manager...........................................................................................Jill Barnes Technical Producer........................................................................Sam Craven-Griffiths Media Manager............................................................................................... Ryan Tirrell
SPECIAL THANKS
Thank you to the Mellor Family for their contribution to the Laguna Playhouse via the Mellor Fund, allowing us to continue to bring the joy of theatre to students via our student matinees.
YOUTH THEATRE & EDUCATION ACTING INTENSIVES WINTER SESSION: JANUARY 16 - MARCH 19 SPRING SESSION: MARCH 26 - JUNE 4 Laguna Playhouse is proud to offer youth acting and theatre classes in conjunction with our fall and spring Youth Theatre productions. Conservatory classes at the Laguna Playhouse nurture students ages 9 - 18 in learning professional skills that will guide them to success in theatre and life. In Conservatory, students learn important acting techniques and methods that are later utilized in full-scale youth productions. With five levels, these programs are for passionate individuals who have a desire to learn professional skills, have fun, and explore their creative voices with other committed students. We are thrilled to also be offering Junior Conservatory Classes for students ages 6 to 9 on Saturday mornings starting Feb 3 with a student showcase on March 19. Each Junior Conservatory session is based on a fun and exciting theme! VISIT LAGUNAPLAYHOUSE.COM/EDUCATION-COMMUNITY-ENGAGEMENT
for more information on Conservatory Classes, Young Adult Workshops and more!
Auditions for our upcoming Youth Theatre production, The Addams Family, will take place in late January.
PERFORMANCES MAY 10-12, 2024 THE JESSICA HERRON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Laguna Playhouse gratefully acknowledges the generosity of Dana Klein and Jay Herron who have established the Jessica Herron Memorial Scholarship Fund in loving memory of their daughter, a former student of Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre. This designated gift to the theatre’s permanent Endowment will help provide scholarship assistance to talented young people seeking to expand their knowledge and skills through our Youth Conservatory. For more information call 949.497.2787 x202.
Believing in the Power
of Community
Haskell & White LLP is pleased to support the
Laguna Playhouse
in celebrating 100 years of performing excellence in the community. THE VALUE OF EXPERIENCE
949.450.6200 | www.hwcpa.com
ORANGE COUNTY | SAN DIEGO
START PLANNING FOR SUMMER EARLY!
Kids will have a blast and get the chance to explore acting and many other aspects of theatre in Laguna Playhouse’s unique Summer Theatre Camp.
Sessions available for kids grades 1-12!
SESSIONS BEGIN IN JULY
REGISTRATION OPENS IN JANUARY
After your holiday busyness subsides, treat yourself to a special event at the Playhouse with an Academy Award winner. Sunday, January 7 4:30 pm Reception 5:30 pm Conversation begins The actor and author will join Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director David Ellenstein to discuss his life, career, and his passion for civics education, the topic of his new book. Following their discussion, Mr. Dreyfuss will take questions from the audience and autograph copies of his book, which are included with each ticket. More info and tickets at lagunaplayhouse.com
Proceeds from this event benefit Laguna Playhouse and the Dreyfuss Civics Initiative.
Lanvin ©2023 South Coast Plaza
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S ULTIMATE SHOPPING DESTINATION Alexander McQueen · Alexander Wang · A.P.C. · Audemars Piguet · Balenciaga · Berluti Bottega Veneta · Breitling · Burberry · Cartier · Celine · David Yurman · Dior · Fendi Ferragamo · Gentle Monster · Giorgio Armani · Givenchy · Graff · Gucci · Hermès · IWC Lanvin · Loro Piana · Louis Vuitton · Max Mara · Missoni · Moncler · Patek Philippe Porsche Design · Prada · Ralph Lauren · Rimowa · Roger Dubuis · Rolex · Saint Laurent Tag Heuer · The Webster · Thom Browne · Tudor · Valentino · Versace · Zegna partial listing
Valet Parking · Personal Shopper Program · Gift Cards · Concierge Services
SOUTHCOASTPLAZA.COM
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA