DAVID ELLENSTEIN
Welcome to Laguna Playhouse!
What better way to spend some glorious time in Laguna than sharing in joyful live theatre filled with high spirits, great songs performed by top notch actors and musicians, and an upbeat story of hope and following your dreams.
This is my third time directing Honky Tonk Angels. I have returned to it again because I wanted our Laguna Playhouse audience to experience the fun and elation that it evokes in the audience, and all involved in the production. It’s really just so much fun!
A special thank you to our subscribers and supporters. You are our extended family and the lifeblood of our organization. Honky Tonk Angels finishes our current season, but we have six great productions just ahead in what promises to be one our best line ups yet.
If you are not already a subscriber, please join us! Assure yourself of great seats at the lowest price to all our shows next season.
With that, sit back and enjoy this wonderful night in the theatre. Thank you for joining us.
Please enjoy Honky Tonk Angels!
David Ellenstein
Artistic Director
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAIR
Lisa Hale
VICE CHAIR
Justin Myers
SECRETARY
Jeff Winston
Heather Anne Chalmers
Torin J. Cunningham, MD
James Hale
Artistic Director
David Ellenstein
Darcy
Stephen
properties
Kevin
TREASURER
GOVERNANCE & NOMINATIONS
Jared K. Mathis
Dr. Gary Jenkins
Barbara MacGillivray
Heidi Miller
Emeritus Trustees
Glenn E. Gray
Joe Hanauer
Otis Healy
Ilona Martin
Melinda Masson
Harley Bassman NOTE
Xiaohong Rose
Ryan Smith
Richard Thomas
duction
Managing Director
Adele Adkins
David Ellenstein
Artistic Director
Adele Adkins
Managing Director
Ted Swindley’s
HONKY TONK ANGELS
written by
Ted Swindley
directed by
David Ellenstein
presents starring
Darcy Rose Byrnes*, Alexandra Melrose*, Shelley Regner*, and Angelica Roque
scenic designer Stephen Gifford
costume designer Dianne Graebner
lighting designer Jared A. Sayeg
sound designer Jesse Worley
hair/wig design Peter Herman
properties designer Kevin Williams production stage manager Natalie Figaredo*
choreographer
Jill Gorrie
casting Michael Donovan Casting
Michael Donovan, CSA Richie Ferris, CSA
music direction
John Massey*
*Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
“Honky Tonk Angels” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing Global. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)
NOTE TO AUDIENCE: The videotaping or audio and/or visual recording of this production is a violation of United States Copyright Law and an actionable federal offense.
OPENING NIGHT
AUGUST 3, 2025 • MOULTON THEATRE, LAGUNA BEACH
THE COMPANY
Darlene ..............................................................................
Darcy Rose Byrnes*
Angela ............................................................................... Alexandra Melrose*
Sue Ellen............................................................................ Shelley Regner*
Understudy - (Darlene/Angela/ Sue Ellen) ............... Angelica Roque
DARCY ROSE BYRNES
SHELLEY REGNER
ALEXANDRA MELROSE
*Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
INTERMISSION
There will be a 15 minute intermission.
Pleasebeconsideratetotheperformersandyourfellowaudiencemembersbyturningoffanydevicethat couldemitlightand/orsound.ANYAUDIOORVIDEORECORDINGOFTHISPRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
ANGELICA ROQUE
MUSICIANS
Musical Director, Piano ..............................................................
John Massey*
Acoustic and Electric Bass ....................................................................................................... Chris Dierl*
Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Banjo Thomas Dohner*
Fiddle, Mandolin .................................................................................................................... David Finch*
Drums ................................................................................................................................ Robert Marino*
Lap Steel, Acoustic Guitar Robert Scarano*
* Denotes a member of the American Federation of Musicians.
THE MUSIC OF HONKY TONK ANGELS
ACT
ONE
Soldier’s Joy
I’ll Fly Away
Stand By Your Man
By Billy Sherrill, Tammy Wynette. Courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Coal Miner’s Daughter
By Loretta Lynn. Courtesy of Sure Fire Music Company, Inc (ASCAP/BMI)
9 to 5
By Dolly Parton. Courtesy of Sony/ATV Countryside o/b/o Velvet Apple Music (BMI)
Ode to Billy Joe
By Bobbie Gentry. Courtesy of Sprit Two Music, Inc. o/b/o Northridge Music Company (ASCAP)
Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ With Lovin’ on Your Mind
By Loretta Lynn, Peggy Sue Wells. Courtesy of Sure Fire Music Company, Inc. (ASCAP/BMI)
These Boots are Made for Walkin’ By Lee Hazlewood. Courtesy of Universal Music Corporation (ASCAP)
I Will Always Love You
By Dolly Parton. Courtesy of Sony/ATV Countryside o/b/o Velvet Apple Music (BMI)
Paradise Road
By Dolly Parton. Courtesy of Sony/ATV Countryside o/b/o Velvet Apple Music (BMI)
Delta Dawn
By Larry Collins, Alex Harvey. Courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing (BMI)
Amazing Grace/Calling All Angels
By Jane Siberry. Courtesy of Universal Music Corporation o/b/o Wing-It Music (ASCAP)
Time for Me to Fly/I’ll Fly Away
By Kevin Patrick Cronin, Jr. Courtesy of Songs of Mojo, LLC (SESAC)
Massey*
Dierl*
Dohner*
Finch*
Marino*
Scarano*
ACT TWO
Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad
By Billy Sherrill, Glenn Sutton. Courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing (BMI)
Night Life
By Walter M. Breeland, Paul F. Buskirk, Willie Nelson. Courtesy of Pappy Daily Music LLP (BMI); Glad Music Pub and Recording LLP (BMI); Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI)
It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
By Joseph D. Miller. Courtesy of Peer Music/ Southern International (BMI)
Cleopatra, Queen of Denial
By Jan Buckingham, Bob DiPiero, Pam Tillis. Courtesy of Hipgnosis Songs Group o/b/o Duck House Music, Sony/ATV Tree Publishing, and Round Hill Works (BMI)
Harper Vallery
By Tom T. Hall. Courtesy of Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. (BMI)
Help Me Make It Through The Night
By Kristoffer Kristofferson. Courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing (BMI)
Rocky Top
By Boudleaux Bryant and Felice Bryant. Courtesy of House of Bryant Publications LLC (BMI)
Barroom Habits
By Wayne Kemp. Courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing (BMI)
Cornell Crawford
By Kay Toinette Oslin, Joseph P. Miller. Courtesy of House of Risky Tunes/Mazdu Music (SESAC) and JPM International/Arthur Aaron & Associates (ASCAP)
Almost Persuaded
By Billy Sherrill, Glenn Sutton. Courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing (BMI) o/b/o Sherrill Music (BMI); Songs of Glenn Sutton (BMI)
Sittin’ on the Front Porch Swing
By Buddy Sheffield. Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing (ASCAP)
Angels Among Us
By Don Goodman, Becky Hobbs. Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing (BMI)
Amazing Grace
Will the Circle Be Unbroken? - Reprise
Time for Me to Fly/I’ll Fly Away - Reprise
Honky Tonk Angels (Playoff)
WHO’S WHO
DARCY ROSE BYRNES (Darlene) is thrilled to return to Laguna Playhouse in Honky Tonk Angels after her most recent appearance here as Phyllis in The Remarkable Mr. Holmes. Darcy Rose Byrnes played Abby on “Y&R”, Penny on “Desperate Housewives”, Princess Amber on “Sofia the First”, Ikki on “Legend of Korra”, Maricela, on “Spirit Riding Free”, Harper on “Big Shot” (and wrote 5 songs for it), starring John Stamos. In November she played Pamela Dare in To Sir, With Love starring Wayne Brady. D’Rose played Mary Lane in the revival of Reefer Madness directed by Spencer Liff, produced by Kristen Bell and others (cast album released!). This December Darcy Rose was thrilled to make her Laguna Playhouse debut playing Rapunzel in Rapunzel and Her Holiday Wish alongside Sally Struthers as Mother Gothel. D’Rose is reprising her role of Amber in “Sofia the First: Royal Magic”.
ALEXANDRA MELROSE (Angela), is excited to make her Laguna Playhouse debut! Laguna Playhouse debut! National Tour: Les Misérables: 25th Anniversary (Factory Girl / Mme. Thénardier cover) Regional: Sunday in the Park With George (Mrs./Harriet) Pasadena Playhouse, Beauty & the Beast (Mrs. Potts) Tuacahn & La Mirada, School of Rock (Rosalie Mullins), Wonderland (Mad Hatter) Tuacahn, Passion (Fosca’s Mother) Boston Court, Mamma Mia! (Rosie) Totem Pole, Master Class (Sharon Graham) Northern Stage, Caraboo (Jenny) Goodspeed, Sinatra (Singer) Radio City. Workshops: Prelude to a Kiss (South Coast Rep), Woodstock (Pre- Broadway). Training: NYU/Tisch (BFA), Groundlings. Thanks to David, John, Richie, and Ashley! Love to Ron and my family. Twitter/Instagram: @lexmelrose. Website: AlexandraMelrose.com.
SHELLY REGNER (Sue Ellen) is delighted to make her Laguna Playhouse debut! She is most recognized as Bella member, Ashley, in the “Pitch Perfect” franchise and was the Mezzo of Disney DCappella’s debut album and first national tour. Shelley is a mental health advocate and co-host with Deborah Lee Smith on the podcast, “More Than You See”, sharing mental health struggles and victories with industry creatives to remind listeners that we are all connected. Shelley also serves as a Show Choir Judge at various competitions around the country. Theatre credits: A Christmas Story the Musical (Center Theatre Group), Beauty and the Beast in Concert (Hollywood Bowl), Company (5 Star Theatricals), Cruel Intentions Musical (Sucker Love Productions), Tick, Tick…Boom! (After Hours Theatre Co.), Bare: A Rock Musical (Glory|Struck Prod.). TV/Film: “Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan” (Nickelodeon), “Underdeveloped” (Tubi), “Adverse” (Prime). @shelleyregner
ANGELICA ROQUE (Understudy- Darlene/Angela/Sue Ellen) is elated to spend the summer here in Laguna Beach for her first Laguna Playhouse production! A California native, Angelica has toured the US and UK teaching and performing with The Young Americans. Favorite past roles include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Paulette in Legally Blonde, and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Angelica is also a Music Director for children’s theatre and sings with multiple a cappella vocal groups throughout LA and OC. Enormous thanks to David, John, Michael, and Richie for the opportunity to learn this whole show! Much love to her family, friends, and James for all their support. IG: @angel_jelly_ca
CHRIS DIERL (Electric, Acoustic Bass) began his musical theater journey in 1975 with “How to Succeed…” at Miraleste High School. Since then, he has performed in over 350 productions as a woodwind doubler, bassist, and orchestral contractor. He leads two bands—the Crazy Rhythm Hot Society Orchestra and the Swing Era Orchestra—and owns Yestertunes.com, a vast music library of 12,000+ arrangements from the 1890s to today. Chris earned his BMus in commercial orchestration and arranging from CSULB under John Prince. Career highlights include conducting the UCSB Basketball Band, performing at the 1982 World’s Fair, the 1984 Olympics, and with acts like the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, The Irish Tenors, and Lorna Luft. He served 15 years as orchestra manager for Long Beach Ballet. Chris met his wife Cheri, a viola/violin doubler and private teacher, in a pit orchestra for Guys and Dolls.
THOMAS DOHNER (Electric, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo) is a seasoned guitarist, worship leader, and educator from Indiana, known for his musical versatility and heartfelt approach. He studied classical and jazz guitar at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, training with Segovia disciple Ernesto Bitetti and jazz trombonist Wayne Wallace. With decades of experience, Thomas has led worship across a range of churches, blending musical excellence with spiritual depth. His guitar work also extends to musical theater, studio sessions, and performances with the Palm Springs International Film Festival Orchestra. Whether leading a congregation or performing on stage, Thomas brings passion, professionalism, and a deep love for music to every setting.
DAVID FINCH (Fiddle, Mandolin) has played beside artists as diverse as Alan Cumming, Serj Tankian, Tony Bennett, Amanda Palmer, Kylie Minogue and Dee Snider. As an actor/musician Mr. Finch performed in the Broadway production of Cabaret at Studio 54 and in Woody Sez on the West End. He played chromatic harmonica as the Mock Turtle in the opera Alice In Wonderland with the L.A. Phil at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and London’s Barbican Centre with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. PBS special: “Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs”, HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver in a skit starring Will Ferrell. National/Int.Tours: Cabaret, Fame the Musical. Off-Broadway: Allegro, Fame on 42nd Street, Spring Storm, Woody Sez. When not touring, he’s home in the OC writing/recording production music. He’s excited to be back at Laguna Playhouse after performing in last summer’s Woody Sings. Please visit fiddlerfinch.com.
BOB Philharmonic just completed Springs Sunset Joanne Blackstone Circus, accompanying Peter Peggy others. Bob produced
BOB on guitar, career Broadway and stage musician, featured instructor TED Cline. Magazine’s Dramalogue Swindley plays throughout
DAVID in professional Playhouse, Director directing The directorial Playhouse; Hipness Coast Down credits Festival; and JILL Romance/Romance, Rain, the Arts; SDSU; College, Italiano Singin’ Choreographer). tours, School JOHN arranger;
most Penny Riding Dare in Spencer make her Mother debut! Park School of Mia! (Singer) (BFA), @lexmelrose. Bella first Than are all credits: A Company (5 Co.), “Underdeveloped” Laguna teaching Paulette in with Richie for Miraleste orchestral owns BMus in conducting the Dorsey Chris met from Indiana Wallace. with Palm brings Broadway Mock Barbican Week
Off-Broadway: writing/recording Please
BOB MARINO (Drums) recently returned from London conducting the London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a series of Broadway recording sessions at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. Bob just completed a year as Englebert Humperdinck’s Musical Director and Drummer. Bob is the conductor for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Broadway credits include Kiss of The Spider Woman, starring Vanessa Williams, Sunset Blvd., starring Glenn Close, Into The Woods, starring Bernadette Peters, Hello Dolly, starring Nell Carter and Joanne Worley. Tours include Jerry Lewis – “Unlimited”, Ben Vereen and Leslie Uggams – “On Broadway”, Harry Blackstone (5 years), Don Rickles and Joan Rivers – “In Concert”, Rich Little, Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, The Three Tenors (Rome), Andrea Boccelli, The New York Tenors, Peter Cetera. Bob has had the pleasure of accompanying some of the greatest entertainers in the industry including Mel Torme, Andy Williams, Henry Mancini, Peter Cetera, Steve Allen, Lionel Ritchie, Savion Glover, Quincy Jones, Jackie Evancho, John Raitt, Burt Bacharach, Peggy Lee, John Denver, George Burns, Jerry Herman, Carol Channing, Shirley Jones, Toni Tennille, and many others. Bob was the associate producer and drummer for Legends of Swing which received 3 Grammy nominations. Bob has conducted, musical directed, played drums and percussion, technically designed, lighting designed, and produced over 400 full-scale musical productions.
BOB SCARANO (Lap Steel Guitar, Acoustic Guitar) has been a professional musician for over 45 years, performing on guitar, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele across genres including jazz, classical, rock/pop, blues, and country. His touring career spans 32 U.S. states, Mexico, and Italy. A veteran pit musician, he has supported over 100 musicals, including Broadway productions. He has accompanied stars such as Robert Goulet, Carol Channing, Joel Grey, Loretta Devine, and Bebe Neuwirth, as well as vocal legends like Rosemary Clooney, Vic Damone, Loretta Lynn, and Clay Aiken. His stage work also includes performances with entertainers like George Burns, Don Rickles, and Tommy Tune. As a jazz musician, he has recorded or performed with Ross Tompkins, Patrice Rushen, Jay Migliori, and others. He is also a featured composer on several jazz and classical recordings. Mr. Scarano currently teaches jazz guitar as an adjunct instructor at the University of California, Riverside.
TED SWINDLEY (Playright) is internationally known as writer and director of the popular musical, Always…Patsy Cline. He is the founding artistic director of Stages Theatre in Houston, Texas. He was also named to the Esquire Magazine’s register of Outstanding Americans in Arts and Letters. Mr. Swindley was the recipient of the Los Angeles Dramalogue Award for outstanding direction of Carnal Knowledge by Jules Feiffer. Currently, he is president of Ted Swindley Productions, Inc., a theatrical licensing and consulting company, and continues his 40 year career writing plays and musicals, consulting and mentoring playwrights, as well as directing plays & musicals for various theatres throughout the U.S. and abroad. For more info, go to www.tedswindleyproductions.com.
DAVID ELLENSTEIN (Director/Artistic Director) Born into a theatrical family, David Ellenstein has been working in professional theatre for the better part of five decades. In May 2023, he was named Artistic Director of Laguna Playhouse, after filling the role in an interim capacity since September 2022. In addition, he has been the Artistic Director of North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, CA since 2003. At Laguna Playhouse, credits include directing The Remarkable Mister Holmes, Eleanor, A View from the Bridge, Holmes & Watson, A Shayna Maidel, The Angel Next Door, Chapatti, Alexandros and playing Einstein in Picasso and Einstein 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 Birthday Candles, Way Down River, The Tempest, A Moon for the Misbegotten, The Outsider and The Homecoming. His 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.
JILL GORRIE (Choreographer) Laguna Playhouse; The Remarkable Mister Holmes, Camelot, North Coast Rep; Romance/Romance, Desperate Measures, The Remarkable Mister Holmes, SDMT; Fiddler on the Roof, Singin’ in the Rain, 42nd Street, Damn Yankees, Crazy for You, A Christmas Story, Hairspray (Craig Noel Award), California Center for the Arts; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Big Band Christmas, Moonlight Amphitheatre; Cinderella, SDSU; Pal Joey, A Little Night Music, I Love a Piano, San Diego’s School for Creative and Performing Arts, Mesa College, City College, Grossmont College, Southwestern College. Other credits: Oklahoma!, Hello Dolly, Mambo Italiano (Westchester Broadway Theatre, NY), The People Vs. Mona (Abington Theatre, NYC), Aida, Hairspray, Singin’ in the Rain (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Grease (International and European Tours-Resident Director/ Choreographer). Jill has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The St. James Theatre, on Broadway national tours, international and European tours, numerous regional theatres and in film and television. Education: NYU Tisch School of the Arts (BFA - Dance), SDSU (MFA - Musical Theatre).
JOHN MASSEY (Music Director/Piano) is an accomplished director, music director, pianist, conductor and vocal arranger; as well as a dueling piano player and piano bar entertainer. John has tickled the ivories everywhere from the
Disneyland Resort to Knott’s Berry Farm to Margaritaville. John’s online, BYOB piano bar show, John Massey Noodlin’, can be seen on Twitch, and is (slowly) gaining an audience in its quest for world domination. On stage, Laguna Playhouse audiences will remember John from Twelve Angry Men (Juror #7), The Odd Couple (Roy), Barefoot in the Park (The Telephone Repairman), and The Graduate (Ensemble). John’s 40 years of regional credits also include: Max Bialystock in The Producers, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray (Broadway World San Diego Award - Best Actor in a Musical), The Piano Player in Gunmetal Blues, and Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. John received LA Ovation Award nominations for his work as Dave in The Full Monty and as Nicely-Nicely in Guys and Dolls.
STEPHEN GIFFORD (Scenic Design) Recent designs for Laguna Playhouse include: The Remarkable Mister Holmes, Eleanor, Holmes & Watson, and A Shayna Maidel. His designs have been featured nationally and internationally at The Grand Ole Opry, The Chicago Theatre, Madison Square Garden, The El Sett & Abdel Halim Theaters (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), The Walnut Street Theatre, 5th Avenue Theatre, Juneau Lyric Opera, La Mirada Performing Arts Center/McCoy Rigby, 3D Theatricals, Ensemble Theatre Company Santa Barbara, and many more. He has garnered many awards and nominations for his work including The Bob Z Award for career achievement in set design by the LADCC. www.stephengifforddesign.com
DIANNE GRAEBNER (Costume Design) has originated the costumes for many new works and world premieres and has designed costumes for well over 100 productions (and films) regionally and internationally including: Church & State Off-Broadway at New World Stages, Fallen Angels (Indy award- Ensemble Theatre Co. of Santa Barbara), Breath & Imagination at The Colony (NAACP nomination) and again at Virginia Stage Co. Some other favorites include: The Judas Kiss and The Brothers Karamazov (Ovation nominations) and Battle Hymn (L.A. Weekly nomination)- for CircleX Theatre Co. and Poor Clare, Gloria, Undivided Heart, The Thin Place, and Dido of Idaho for Echo Theatre Co. She has long been a company member of Circle X Theatre Co. and spent many years wearing many hats (both figuratively and literally) at Center Theatre Group, where she designed the opening and closing weeks of Suzan-Lori Parks’ 365 days 365 Plays (on the Music Center Plaza and California Plaza, DTLA), and Dogeaters and Clay at the Kirk DouglasTheatre and also created hundreds of hats as their Milliner. Dianne teaches and mentors Costume Design at CSU Fullerton. She is a member of United Scenic Artists, IATSE Local: USA 829. www.diannegraebner.com
JARED SAYEG (Lighting Designer) is a recipient of the Ovation, Garland & LADCC Kinetic Lighting Awards; his designs for theatre, opera, musicals, ballet, themed attractions, exhibits and architectural installations have been seen internationally. Jared designed The Illusionists on Broadway and National Tours. Regionally he’s designed for Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory, McCoy Rigby Entertainment, Indiana Rep, Pasadena Playhouse, Alabama Shakespeare, 5-Star Theatricals, Phoenix Theatre Company, Reprise, Ensemble Theatre Company, Laguna Playhouse, Virginia Stage Company, 5th Avenue Theatre. Notable projects include four seasons with LA Opera, lighting Pope Benedict XVI in NYC and the USA International Ballet Competitions. Jared became the youngest member of the United Scenic Artist-Local 829 and currently serves as Vice Chair to the executive board. www.jaslighting.com
JESSE WORLEY (Engineer and Sound Design) is delighted to serve as the Resident Sound Designer at Laguna Playhouse. His work has been heard across the nation at Arizona Broadway Theatre (Phoenix, AZ), The Wick Theatre, (Boca Raton, FL), The San Pedro Playhouse (San Antonio, TX), Fort Peck Summer Theatre (Fort Peck, MT), The Modern Theater (Spokane, WA), and Lake City Playhouse (Coeur d’ Alene, ID). Some of his favorite sound designs include: The Wild Party, Next to Normal, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Newsies, Once, The Bridges of Madison County, Daddy Long Legs, Baskerville!, The Spitfire Grill, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and Hello Dolly.
MICHAEL DONOVAN, CSA (Casting) is the recipient of 9 Artios awards, presented by the Casting Society of America for Outstanding Achievement in casting. Richie Ferris has 3 Artios awards. The company’s credits include shows produced at the Ahmanson Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum, the Hollywood Bowl, the Wallis Annenberg, Pasadena Playhouse, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Geffen Playhouse, the Getty Villa, the Soraya, La Jolla Playhouse, the Garry Marshall Theatre, Ebony Repertory Theatre, San Francisco Symphony, Arizona Theatre Company, Arkansas Rep, Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Rep, the Totem Pole Playhouse, and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Other credits include numerous films, TV shows and commercials. Michael is President of the Board for the Foundation for New American Musicals, and serves on the Board for Camp Bravo.
KEVIN WILLIAMS (Properties Designer) a recovering actor and L.A. native, Kevin has spent over two decades working as a designer, art director, fabricator and consultant for clients such as Walt Disney Imagineering, HUB Network, Red 5 Studios, Buena Vista Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox among many others. Notably, he was the Resident Production Designer for interactive theatre company, Delusion, for seven years: Lies Within (2014), His Crimson Queen (2016), Lies Within VR (2017), The Blue Blade (2018) and Reaper’s Remorse (2021). Kevin is the Prop Department Supervisor for UCLA’s School of Theater, Film & Television and lives in Orange County with his incredible family. Proud member of S.P.M.
PETER HERMAN (Wigs Designer) is honored to be part of the creative team for Honky Tonk Angels. He has designed wigs for past productions of Peril in the Alps, The Remarkable Mister Holmes, Eleanor, A View from the Bridge, Peter parks, NATALIE previously Dolphins. Ark. Man Rednecks, Play, Coast Court an assistant Trick BROADWAY Playscripts authors, Lauren Martyna Shanley, Productions, ADELE years Director key initiatives spectrum music the Clark Her Juilliard-trained a sought-after innovative
Noodlin’, Laguna in the Max Musical), nominations Mister internationally Theaters Performing has design premieres Church & Breath include: nomination)- for Theatre (both Suzan-Lori Kirk Design at Awards; his seen Center Alabama Playhouse, Pope the Laguna Theatre, The designs Madison Dolly. Society of include Annenberg, Playhouse, Company, Performing Board for decades HUB was (2014), is the with his has from the
Bridge, Camelot, Tartuffe, Holmes & Watson, A Shayna Maidel, The Angel Next Door, and Murder On The Links. Peter has designed wigs for many theatres across southern California as well as some design works for theme parks, television and film. Peter currently teaches wig and makeup design at San Diego State.
NATALIE FIGAREDO (Production Stage Manager) is very excited to be back at Laguna Playhouse having previously stage managed Fences, A Shayna Maidel, Ain’t Misbehavin, The Rainmaker, Staged, and Island of the Blue Dolphins. Her other stage management credits include the first national tour of My Fair Lady, The Nutcracker, Noah’s Ark. (Pacific Festival Ballet) Regional Theatre: The Incredible Book Eating Boy, Joan, Little Shop of Horrors, The Old Man and the Old Moon, La Havana Madrid, Avaaz, Snow White, A Shot Rang Out, American Mariachi, Poor Yella Rednecks, Amos and Boris, Little Black Shadows, Junie B Jones Is Not A Crook, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Yoga Play, Mr. Poppers Penguins, Orange, Going To A Place Where You Already Are, A Year With Frog and Toad (South Coast Repertory), The Cake (Geffen Playhouse and Echo Theater Company), With Love and a Major Organ (Boston Court Pasadena) and What You Are and Twelfth Night (The Old Globe). At the Disneyland Resort she was previously an assistant stage manager on Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!, Disney Junior Dance Party, and Mickey’s Trick and Treat. She trained at CSULB and The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
BROADWAY LICENSING GLOBAL, comprising the imprints Broadway Licensing, Dramatists Play Service, Playscripts and Stage Rights, is a global leader in theatrical licensing and distribution. BLG’s iconic collection of authors, composers and lyricists includes David Auburn, Jocelyn Bioh, Jackie Sibblies Drury, Richard Greenberg, Lauren Gunderson, Katori Hall, David Henry Hwang, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, John Leguizamo, Matthew López, Martyna Majok, Martin McDonagh, Conor McPherson, Alan Menken, Arthur Miller, Lynn Nottage, John Patrick Shanley, Sam Shepard, Tom Stoppard, Paula Vogel, Wendy Wasserstein, Tennessee Williams, Harry Potter Theatrical Productions, Hasbro, and Mischief Worldwide. BLG is a Concord Theatricals company.
ADELE ADKINS (Managing Director) is thrilled to join Laguna Playhouse. Adele is an arts leader with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit theater management and programming. She most recently served as Managing Director of Bucks County Playhouse, where she expanded revenue, increased subscriber growth, and spearheaded key initiatives in equity, accessibility, and community engagement. She has booked performances across the full spectrum of venues—from intimate 100-seat theaters to 7,000-seat arenas—presenting everything from classical music and Broadway tours to major country music stars and a wide range of genres in between. Adele has also led the Clark State Performing Arts Center in Ohio and the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine. Her early career includes leadership roles at the Collins Center for the Arts and the Maine Center for the Arts. A Juilliard-trained cellist, she brings a lifelong dedication to performance, education, and cultural leadership. Adele is a sought-after consultant for performing arts centers and theaters, known for her expertise in strategic planning and innovative revenue growth strategies.
August 12
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE STAFF
David Ellenstein
Artistic Director
Adele Adkins Managing Director
MANAGEMENT
General Manager Denys Baker
Asst. General Manager/Company Manager Rachel Garlington
DEVELOPMENT
Interim Director of Development Erin Simon
Grants Writer Annamarie Maricle
FINANCE
Controller Rae Metcalfe
Bookkeeper Karsyn VonAchen
EDUCATION
Director of Youth Theatre, Education Joe Alanes
Education and Outreach Coordinator Nakisa Aschtiani
Teaching Artists Jack Clark, Sabrina Harper, Ella Wyatt, Corrine Mohr, Luzma Ortiz, Hillary Pearson, Toni Redman, Kelsey Redmond, Evan Troutt
FRONT OF HOUSE
Artistic & Audience Services Manager
House Manager
Assistant House Manager
Wally Ziegler
Clara Bush
Jane Sabarre
Parking Supervisor Curtis Pebley
MARKETING & TICKETING SERVICES
Director of Marketing, Communications, and PR Tom Horvath
Marketing Manager Gracie Fleischman
Patron Services Manager Morgan Leal
Ticketing Services Lead Nikki Johnson
Outreach and Sales Coordinator Nicole Armour
Marketing Assistant Alexus J. Lombera
Ticketing Services Representatives Marlon Gomez-Smith, Olivia Mancillas
PRODUCTION
Production Manager
Jordan Muller
Technical Director Paul Rossi
Resident Sound Designer/Audio Engineer Jesse Worley
Lighting Supervisor
Jeremy Plant
Wardrobe Supervisor Stacey Nezda
Production Management Assistant Devon Rieckhof
FACILITIES OPERATIONS
Facilities and IT Operations Manager
David Bryant
Facilities Maintenance Technician Brandon Sandoval
CONSULTANTS
Legal Services
Press Consultant
IT Services
Graphic Designer
Website Consultant
Broadcast Consultant
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.
The Director and Choreographer are members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
Stephen Berry
David Elzer, Demand PR
Method Technologies
Teresa Meza
Andrew Lombardi
Nancy Pank, Nancy’s Media Buys
Financial Services Fohrman and Fohrman Inc.
Medical Provider Caduceus Medical Group, Dr. Gregg deNicola
The scenic, costume and lighting designers are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA 829, IATSE
Laguna Playhouse is a member of the League of Resident Theatres.
PRODUCTION CREW
Production Assistant ........................................................................................................... Devon Rieckhof A2 Ethan Shanklin
Backstage Crew ..................................................................................... Andie Niederecker, Jordyn Tagle
Wig Maintenance ........................................................................................................................... Kat Scott
Spot Op Josh Collins, Liz Zaragoza
SPECIAL THANKS
Abdul Hamid Royal
We recognize
Laguna Playhouse is a member of the American Federation of Musicians.
Theatres. United Horvath Fleischman Leal Johnson Armour Lombera Gomez-Smith, Mancillas Muller Rossi Worley Plant Nezda Rieckhof Bryant Sandoval Berry Demand PR Technologies Meza Lombardi Buys Fohrman Inc. deNicola
STAY IN THE KNOW
JOIN 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
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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
The box office is open Tues-Sun 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 HAVE MORE FUN
Groups of 10 or more enjoy discounts on tickets. Group tickets can be purchased by calling 949-497-2787x1 or by sending us an email at groups@LagunaPlayhouse.com
Or just add 10 or more tickets online and your order will automatically be updated!
WARNING
Flashing and/or strobing lights and non-toxic synthetic fog, smoke and haze may be used during this production.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We at Laguna Playhouse acknowledge 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.
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
Jon Cobain^ & Judy Flynn
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, April 15, 2024 – July 15, 2025 included here at Advocates and above.
CENTER STAGE CIRCLE
$25,000+
Heather Anne Chalmers
Harley & Lori Bassman
Jon Cobain^ & Judy Flynn
Jim & Karen Frank
Judi Gorski
Lisa Hale
Otis & Joann Healy
Haskell & White, LLP
Laguna Beach Business
Improvement District
The Miki F. Young Charitable Trust
Louis & Laura Rohl
The Capital Group Companies
Charitable Foundation
The Shubert Foundation
Walker Family Charitable
Remainder Trust
Jeffrey & Caron Winston
PRODUCER’S CIRCLE
$15,000 - $24,000
Torin & Carol Cunningham
Cody & Deborah Engle
Jay Herron & Dana Klein
Gary & Betsy Jenkins
Greg & Barbara MacGillivray
Marisla Fund of Orange County Community Foundation
Sheila Sale
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
$10,000 - $14,999
Barbara Steele Williams
Endowment - OCCF
Bobbi Cox
Milli Fredricks
Patty Georges
Karen M. Mauro
South Coast Plaza
Ueberroth Family Foundation
U.S. Bank
The Daniel & Francine Scinto Foundation
John & Gail Ueberroth
Ilona W. Martin
Peter & Diane Lannon
Ray & Sandra Wirta
PATRON’S CIRCLE
$5,000 - $9,999
Jill Adams
Chimo & Diane Arnold
Assistance League of Laguna Beach
Trudi Bonnet
Carolyn Brown
Gerald & Jackie Kehle
Crevier Family Foundation
Margaret Gates
Steve Tollefsrud
Richard & Adrienne Thomas
Pramila Gupta
Joe & Jane Hanauer
Timothy Kippen & Ileana Frometa Grillo
Rick & Kitty Malcolm
Mrs. Claudia Silverman
Justin Myers
Penny Pralle
Sharon & Jonathan Rose
Schlinger Family Foundation
Richard & Maureen Schweickert
Donald & Connie Sperling
Richard & Adrienne Thomas
Jill Yaoz
CIRCLE OF STARS
$3,000 - $4,999
Mary Ann Brown & Rick Reiff
Nancy Bushnell
Caplin Foundation, ^Ruth & Mortimer Caplin
Maura Doyle
Bradford Freer
Robert & Pat Mclaughlin
Kathryn Burton Gray & Glenn Gray
Daniel E. Haspert, MD & Gerard V. Curtin, Jr.
Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Foundation
William Kasper & Leslie Anne
Mogul
Richard & Laurie Sandfer
Diane Silber
Ronald & June Stein
Ryan & Allison Smith
Toni Tartamella & John Castelli
Susan Wunderlich
Jennifer Yelland
ARTIST’S CIRCLE
$1,000 - $2,999
Allen Stewart Foundation
Carol Saltzman
Peter Balsells
John Benecke & Lee Marino
Jim & Judy Bergman
Brien Amspoker & Ellen Breitman
Ron & Nancy Cambron
Valerie Cantwell
Anita Chaitin
Crestavilla Community
GM (Jim) & Nora Cunningham
Therese DeGroot
Carol Eastman
Linda Eide
David Ellenstein & Denise Young
Vice Chair Katrina Foley, OC
Board of Supervisors - Fifth District
Arthur & Shirley Forcier
Alison & Bill Gregg
John Gregg
Mark Hilbert
Morris & Mae Ho
Krissie & Tom Hylton
Dr. Pauliana Hall
Lois Jacobs
Susie Jaqua
James & Shirley Johnson
Jorgensen Family
Charitable Gift Fund
Lucetta J. Kallis
Diane Kang
Ken & Janis Kaplan
Carole & Edward Kim
Robert Krause
Lee Kucera
Mikey Lares
Brent & Diane Liljestrom
John & Bonnie Livingston
John & Lisa Mansour Family Fund
Alexander & Pamela Munro
Terry McDonald & Terri Bebert
Olga Megdal/Fairview
Warner LLC
George Nakai
Frank & Arlene O’Donnell
Richard & Lauren Packard
Playhouse Women
Paul & Lucinda Prewitt
Duncan & Ellen Prince
Brian Rayburn
Helene Reiner
Michelle Reinglass
Patricia Romero
Kevin & Irene Rowe
John Scher
Ronald* & Sindi Schwartz
Michael Silverberg
Stephanie A. Stephens
Virginia Templeton
The Covington
Richard & Monica Thompson
Harvey & Lisa Triebwasser
Jean Vivrette
Oakley Van Slyke
Robert and Mary Ward
Elie Weaver
Doug & Karen Wilson
Ray Zadjmool
ADVOCATE’S CIRCLE
$500 - $999
Karen Mcculley
Andrew Barnicle
Terry & Diana Beeman
Gary & Nancy Beverage
Bayard E. Bosserman
Ms. Carole Britton
Eileen & Henry Cohen
Dr. Dvora Cyrlak and Neil
Springarn
Cynthia DeBaun
Paul Driskell
Jed Engel
Lynn April Hartline
J. Stanley & Mary W. Johnson
Family Foundation
Toni Kellenberg
Kathleen G. Koch
Jarrett & Tommye Kuske
Bill & Julie Long
Ramon Martinez
Jenifer Massey
Lilia Mead
Diane Mondini
Rey O’Day
Eleanor Palk
Amy Peninger & Jim Pisa
Cherri Penne-Myers
Russell & Jane Robinett
Mary Winskill Roosevelt
Liz Rubel
Ryan Smith
James Thomas
Linda Thomas
Dennis G. Tyler
Jerald & Patricia Waldman
Belle Tuckerman
Charles Hunter
Holly & Jeffrey Hahn
Trina Cole
Jonna Hoppes
Glenn Sels
Greg Herder
Jamie Marr
Kate Roth
Ms. Joan Moe
Mohsen Fahmi
Hans & Valerie Imhof
Jeffrey S. Davidson
Mike Gray
Susan D. Morrison
Barbara Biniasz-Gladden
Krista Clark
Gene & Johanna Felder
Boyd & Carol Plowman
Wendi Chen
Sharon R. Domenico
Wendy & David Jones
Breffny Madden
Nelson G. Mamey
Tiare & Patrick Meegan
Daniel & Francine Scinto Foundation
Jason Van Der Steen
Danny Skura
Marlene Bridges
John & Marcie Blumberg
Eva Evans
James L. Smith
Inmaculada Strombom
Telitha Holewski
Michael O’Neil
Michelle Polini
Joe Davis
Eric & Eleanor Lemke
Jeffrey Hess & Sheila Williams
Nina Lozano
Eugene L. O’Rourke
Irene Schapiro
Robert & Linda Knoth
Janet Curci
Robert & Julie Davey
Charles M. Finch
Jan Pollara
Loren Seidl
Mark & Gloria Bird
Ellen Bryant
Clark Leonard
Dianna Nichols
Harold Olson
Diana E. Parr
Cliff & Darlene Kiener
Fay & David Kristjanson
Kathy Lee
Drs. Jack & Barbara Price
James & Barbara Rotondo
Mary Steele
Robert & Janne Stollar
David & Mary Sonksen
Merv & Sharon Simchowitz
Madeleine Peterson
Julie Perlin Lee
Youth Theatre
Bruce Pittenger
^ gift in memory of
Y packages COMING SOON IN OUR 2025-2026 SEASON
It’s not too late to subscribe to our mainstage season!
Subscribe to the full season and save up to 25% on all six incredible mainstage shows & special engagements! You’ll also access exclusive and valuable benefits like no-fee exchanges.
You can even design your own packages with 3 or more shows. Bundles can include the Mainstage productions, or any of these special engagements!
YOUTH THEATRE & EDUCATION
UPCOMING OFFERINGS
Youth Theatre Conservatory – Fall session begins September 16, 2025
• Registrations for Jr Level, Level 1, and returning students open now!
• New Student Auditions: Sept 15, 2025 from 5 pm - 8 pm 2025-2026 Youth Theatre Productions
• She Kills Monsters:Young Adventures Edition (Auditions Sept 20, 2025; Performances Nov 20-22, 2025)
• Matilda the Musical (Auditions Feb 23, 2026; Performances May 8-10, 2026)
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL EDUCATION@LAGUNAPLAYHOUSE.COM
Visit our website for more information on youth acting classes and conservatory!
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 the 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.
Student scholarships available for our year-long conservatory! Check our website for how to apply.
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