CHILDREN OF EDEN
Children of Eden Book by John Caird | Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Based on a concept by Charles Lisanby Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine
March 9 - 25
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm
4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, OH www.MetroParks.cc
Coming Soon! LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ FRENCH CREEK THEATRE PRESENTS:
THE ELEPHANT MAN BY BERNARD POMERANCE
DIRECTED BY ISMAEL LARA
MAY 4 - 20
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 7:30 PM AND SUNDAYS AT 3 PM TICKETS: $10 - $16 | (440) 949-5200 OR WWW.METROPARKS.CC
French Creek
Theatre
French Creek Nature and Arts Center
Cultural Arts Manager / Site Manager....................................Rick Fortney Ranger Supervisor / Park Manager....................................... Brian Holmes Senior Naturalist................................................................................. Aimee Potonic Naturalist II.............................................................................................Rachel Mazzola Cultural Arts Programmer..............................................................Brian McNally Front Desk Staff.............Camille Olsen, Chris Bizub, Robert Scott Taylor FCNAC Building and Grounds Crew............................................Tim Barrett, Thomas Bourque, David Davis
Lorain County Metro Parks
Director.....................................................................................................................James Ziemnik Assistant Director..........................................................................................Jennifer Bracken Operations Supervisor............................................................................................Paul Hruby Chief Naturalist...............................................................................................Grant Thompson Public Information Officer...........................................................................Vanessa Klesta Web Developer and Graphic Artist.....................................................Nicholas Baker
Lorain County Metro Parks Board of Park Commissioners
Chairman ................................................................................................... Ms. Cookie McLoda Board Member..............................................................................................Mr. Joseph Hribar Board Member.............................................................................................Mr. Kenneth Lieux
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French Creek
Theatre
2017-2018 season E w i n g T h e at r e
E w i n g T h e at r e
Bonnie & Clyde
Annie
The Great Depression. As the country’s corporations, banks and institutions crumble, suffering Americans crave a reckoning. Two upstart criminals emerge from the dust of poverty to become folk heroes for their brazen, lawless and deadly deeds.
Billionaire Oliver Warbucks is a man who thinks he has everything. Elevenyear-old Annie is an orphan with nothing. When the unlikely pair meet, together they find the thing that was missing in each other.
Oct 13 - 29, 2017
Book by Ivan Menchell Lyrics by Don Black | Music by Frank Wildhorn
P i j o r T h e at r e
Dec 1 - 17, 2017
Book by Thomas Meehan Music by Charles Strouse | Lyrics by Martin Charnin Based on Little Orphan Annie by permission of The Media Tribune Services, Inc.
E w i n g T h e at r e
I’m Not Rappaport
Children of Eden
From a bench in Central Park, Nat & Midge, two feisty octogenarians, refuse to disappear into the diminishing twilight of their lives. While Nat’s daughter imperils his independence with the threat of nursing homes, Midge fights the yuppie forces trying to push him out of his job. Using the wiles and wisdom that only come with age, they make their final stand in this sidesplitting and thoughtful Tony-award winner.
In the beginning, Adam and Eve live in a state of perfection with their Father. But when they eat from the Tree of Knowledge, their disobedience sets off a powerful chain of events spanning generations, and leaves the far reaches of their bloodline searching for the way back to Eden.
Feb 2 - 18, 2018
By Herb Gardner
Mar 9 - 25, 2018
Book by John Caird Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Based on a concept by Charles Lisanby Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine
P i j o r T h e at r e
E w i n g T h e at r e
The Elephant Man
Oliver!
In 1886, a horrifically deformed sideshow attraction named John Merrick is taken in by a young English surgeon named Frederick Treves. As Treves endeavors to civilize him by introducing him to London’s elite, Merrick dreams of being like other men. But when manners and propriety leave Merrick dissatisfied, Treves begins to question his own altruistic pursuits.
Sold from the only life he’s ever known in a toilsome workhouse to be an apprentice coffin-follower for a jocund undertaker, the orphaned and hapless Oliver escapes to find someplace he truly belongs. Taken in by a band of young pickpockets, Oliver thinks he’s finally found a family until a robbery gone sour incurs the wrath of their menacing leader.
May 4 - 20, 2018
July 13 - 29, 2018
Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart
By Bernard Pomerance
L a k e v i e w Pa r k , Lo r a i n
Romeo & Juliet
Aug 17 - 19 (Shows at 7pm) One of the greatest tragedies of all time, Shakespeare’s tale of passion and calamity is performed outdoors as Lorain County Metro Parks is transformed into “fair Verona, where we lay our scene…” By William Shakespeare
Shakespeare in the Park! Pg. 5
Visit Us! 38790 Chester Road Avon Ohio 44011 440.934.WINE (9463) www.thewoodnwine.com
Proud supporter of French Creek Theatre! Pg. 6
French Creek
Theatre
Children of Eden Book By John Caird
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Based on a concept by Charles Lisanby Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine Director // Nate Sayatovich Music Director // Anthony Trifiletti Choreographer // Melanie Leibold Stage Manager // Julie Billinghurst Sound Designer // Stan Kozak Tech Director/Set Designer // Derek Green Lighting Designer // Rob Zab Charge Scenic Artist // Kelsey Garrett Costume Designer // Jensen Glick Props Master // Sarah Rounds Sound Board Operator // Jordan Demich-Bogner Children of Eden Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
–– PLEASE NOTE ––
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
Welcome to French Creek Theatre Welcome to the French Creek Theatre! Throughout the past two months we have been busily preparing for what you are about to see tonight. Our Staff and Production Team with vision and implementation, our 26-member cast with storyline, acting, music and dance. There is no other process like it … bringing a community together, uniting in creativity and purpose … welcome to the theatre! Rick Fortney Children of Eden, with music and lyrics Cultural Arts Manager, by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John Lorain County Metro Parks Caird, is a musical based on the Book of Genesis. Act I tells the story of Adam and Eve, Cain, and Abel. Act II tells the story of Noah and the Flood. Contemporary composer Stephen Schwartz is best known for his hit musicals Godspell (1970), Pippin (1972) and Wicked (2003).
The heart of the season for this time of the year is reflection, renewal, and finally celebration. Children of Eden’s universal themes of family, love, greed, anger … tie into each of our personal journeys as individuals and as a community. Our 26-member cast covers 5 counties and unites diversity from the novice to the professional, young and old(er!). We welcome equity actress Nicole Sumlin (Eve/Mama Noah) to the French Creek Theatre. Not only do we welcome Nicole, but we welcome her entire family!!!! Playing opposite of Eve/Mama Noah is her husband, Eugene Sumlin (Adam/Noah). Eugene has graced our stage most recently in Parade and before that in Raisin in the Sun; I am thrilled to have him back. Accompanying Nicole and Eugene are their children August Sumlin (Storyteller), and Easton Sumlin (Young Abel and
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Storyteller). This is the first Theatrical performance where they have been able to perform together as a family! In addition to the Sumlin Family, topping out our spirit of family and community we also welcome the Chung Family! Storyteller’s Maximus, Samurai and Washington! Enjoy the show! We hope to see you in May for The Elephant Man, in July for Oliver! and in August for Romeo and Julliet. Thank you for your continued patronage and support of the arts here at French Creek and throughout Northeast Ohio.
Rick Fortney Cultural Arts Manager
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Setting/Scenes Act I Let There Be ................................................... Father, Storytellers The Naming ............................. Father, Adam, Eve, Storytellers Grateful Children .............................................................. Adam, Eve Father’s Day ................................................... Father, Storytellers The Spark Of Creation ..................................................................... Eve In Pursuit Of Excellence .............................................. Snake, Eve A World Without You ..................................... Adam, Father, Eve The Expulsion .............................................. Father, Storytellers The Wasteland .............................................................. Storytellers Lost in the Wilderness ................................................................ Cain Close to Home.............................................................Adam, Eve, Abel, Young Cain, Young Abel A Ring Of Stones ........................................... Cain, Eve, Abel, Adam The Mark Of Cain ........................................ Father, Storytellers Children Of Eden ............................................... Eve, Storytellers
Act II Generations .................................................................... Storytellers A Piece Of Eight .............................................. Storytellers, Noah, Yonah, Japheth, Family The Return Of The Animals ........................................ Orchestra Stranger To The Rain ................................................................ Yonah In Whatever Time We Have ................................ Japheth, Yonah The Flood ......................................................... Father, Storytellers What Is He Waiting For? ............................................ Noah, Family Sailor Of The Skies ...................................................................... Yonah The Hardest Part Of Love ....................................... Noah, Father Ain’t It Good? ...................... Mama Noah, Family, Storytellers In The Beginning ...................................................................... Company
–– Notice ––
Strobe lighting, Water-based fog, and thunder sound effects will be used during this production
Cast Alexcia Ambroz.............................Aphra/Snake/Storyteller Megan Campana...............................................................Storyteller Anna Carone.....................................................................Storyteller Maximus Chung...............................................................Storyteller Samurai Chung................................................................Storyteller Washington Chung......................................................Storyteller Olivya DeLuca..................................................Snake/Storyteller Domenic Farinelli........................................................................Father Marianne Ference..........Snake/Seth’s Wife/Storyteller Kayla Haskins...................................................................Storyteller Grant Guyton......................................................................Abel/Shem Emily Kretschmer.........................................Aysha/Storyteller Grace Mackin....................................................................Storyteller Brian Murphy......................................................Seth/Storyteller Sheila O’Connor............................................................................Yonah Zachary Palumbo.........................................Snake/Storyteller Mitch Randjelovic...........................................................Young Cain Spencer Riley...................................................Snake/Storyteller Katelyn Shockley........................................Snake/Storyteller August Sumlin.................................................................Storyteller Easton Sumlin....................................................................Young Abel Eugene Sumlin...................................................................Adam/Noah Nicole Sumlin...........................................................Eve/Mama Noah Logan Sword..................................................................Cain/Japheth Macon Taylor...................................................................Storyteller Steven Walker....................................................Ham/Storyteller
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Production Team Nate Sayatovich........................................................................Director Anthony Trifiletti..................................................Music Director Melanie Leibold .....................................................Choreographer Julie Billinghurst .................................................Stage Manager Derek Green .................................Tech Director/Set Designer Stan Kozak ..................................................................Sound Designer Jordan Demich-Bogner ..................Sound Board Operator Kelsey Garrett ............................................................................Painter Jensen Glick ............................................................................Costumer Sarah Rounds ...................................................................................Props Rick Fortney ..........................................................Artistic Director Rob Zab .....................................................................Lighting Designer
Orchestra Anthony Trifiletti.............................................Conductor/Keys Jayne Kacik .............................................................................................Keys Alison Ortenzi..................................................................................Reeds Rebecca Gardner............................................................................Reeds Melinda Kellerstrass..................................................................Horn Rebecca Bruck................................................................................Guitar Kevin Aylward......................................................................................Bass Ahleah Roberts..................................................................Percussion Eric Hanson.......................................................................................Drums
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Actor/Actress Bios
CAST Alexcia Ambroz (Aphra/Snake/ Storyteller) is a freshman acting and directing major at Baldwin Wallace University, and is excited to be a part of Children of Eden! Some of her previous credits include The Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), Carousel (Carrie Pipperidge), Eurydice (Eurydice), Shrek The Musical (Fiona/ Mama Ogre), and Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette). She has worked on productions with Baldwin Wallace University, Cleveland Opera Theatre, Playhouse Square, and Medina’s Youth Theatre. At Baldwin Wallace, she is involved in the BW Singers, symphonic band, marching band, and is also a student photographer. She would like to thank her family, friends, Nate, and Mel for always supporting her and for pushing her towards her dreams. MeganCampana (Storyteller) is making her sixth appearance at French Creek Theatre, and is thrilled to be a part of this fun and extremely talented cast. Most recently Megan played Bonnie Boylan in Annie, Stella/Ensemble in Bonnie &
Clyde, Mrs. Snoring Man/Ensemble in White Christmas, Lady Beaconsfield/ Barmaid/Ensemble in Jekyll & Hyde, Ensemble (solo: Bless the Lord) in Godspell. Megan loves being backstage as much as she loves being onstage, and has been actively involved with Lorain Community Music Theatre as hair/makeup artist since 2008. Megan cantors at her church, St. Peter in Lorain, and is a member of Project Praise contemporary choir under the direction of Mr. Anthony Trifiletti. She is also a member of Choral Spectrum, a local chamber choir under the direction of Dr. Ted Williams. Anna Carone (Storyteller) is very excited to be a part of her first production at French Creek. She is a seventh grader at Learwood Middle School, and has loved singing and acting since she was five. Anna’s previous shows include Peter Pan and Charlotte’s Web at Olmsted Performing Arts, as well as Schoolhouse Rock Live at the Beck Center. Anna also plays guitar and violin. She would like to thank her friends, Ava, Rebecca, Sophia and Hope for helping her become a better
Anna, So proud of the woman you have become! ♥ - Mom & Dad
Actor/Actress Bios performer. She would also like to thank her family. Anna loved being a cast member in Children of Eden, and can’t wait to be a part of more productions at French Creek!
Samurai would like to thank God, his parents, grandparents, brothers, sister and the entire cast and crew of Children of Eden for their support and inspiration.
Maximus Chung (Storyteller) is excited for his third theater performance, and first with French Creek Theatre. Prior to this, he performed in Peter Pan and Snoopy!!! The Musical. Maximus is in first grade, and lives in Columbia Station. He loves making art projects, playing the piano, and playing with his brothers and sister. He would like to thank God, his parents, grandparents and the entire cast and crew of Children of Eden for their encouragement!
Wa s h i n g t o n Chung (Storyteller) is excited to be in his first performance with French Creek Theatre. Previously, Washington performed in Peter Pan, Snoopy!!! The Musical and Little Red Riding Hood. Washington is in the fifth grade, and lives in Columbia Station. He plays the violin and piano. He spends his free time playing basketball and soccer with his brothers, and doting on his baby sister. He would like to thank his God, his parents, grandparents and the entire cast and crew of Children of Eden for believing in him.
Samurai Chung (Storyteller) is excited to be in his first production with French Creek Theatre. Samurai discovered a passion for the stage two years ago and has since performed in as John in Peter Pan, as Linus in Snoopy!!! The Musical, as well as appearing in White Christmas and Ever After. Samurai is in the sixth grade, and lives in Columbia Station. He plays the piano, and spends any free time on the basketball court and soccer fields.
Olivya DeLuca (Snake/Storyteller) is excited to make her French Creek debut in Children of Eden! Her past credits include: Beauty and the Beast Jr., Little Shop of Horrors, Shrek Jr., Titanic the Musical, Parade, Carousel, Pirates of Penzance, and Around the World in 80 Days. She will graduate from Parma Senior High School, and attend Ithaca College in the fall for Theatrical Production and Design. Lastly, she would like to Pg. 17
Actor/Actress Bios thank the cast and crew for making one of her final shows a special one! @ olivyabmd D o m e n i c Farinelli (Father) is ecstatic to be performing in his first show at French Creek Theatre! Domenic teaches English and Theatre at Lakewood High School, where he runs the Drama program. He is also working on his Master’s in Workforce Education and Development at Bowling Green State University. Favorite past shows include West Side Story (Tony), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Peter Pan (Captain Hook), and High School Musical (Troy). He would like to thank Nate and the entire production staff for giving him this amazing opportunity. He’d also like to thank his parents, sisters, and Nana for always supporting him, Christine for being so much more than a best friend, Steven for keeping him humble, and his boyfriend, Snow, for making him smile every day. Marianne Ference (Snake/ Seth’s Wife/ Storyteller) is excited to be making her debut with French Creek Theatre. Recent past theatre
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credits include The Little Mermaid (LCMT), Legally Blonde the Musical (Sandstone Summer Theatre), Cheaper by the Dozen, The Wizard of Oz and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (MLS Theatre Company). Marianne wants to thank Nate, her fellow cast mates, and everyone in the production staff for making this experience so enjoyable. Grant Guyton (Abel/Shem) is happy to be appearing in his first show at French Creek Theatre. Grant is a sophomore at Notre Dame College in South Euclid where he studies voice and theatre. Some of Grant’s roles that he is most proud of are Tom Collins in Rent: School Edition at HBTI and Sebastian in The Little Mermaid at MTC. He wishes everybody a great show, and to break a leg! Kayla Haskins (Storyteller) is delighted to make her second appearance on the French Creek stage. She previously performed here last December as the title role in Annie. Other credits include The Jungle Book (MAD Factory), and Beauty and the Beast and Shrek Jr.
Actor/Actress Bios (Lorain Palace Youth Theater). Kayla would like to thank her mom for her encouragement and time, and her two wonderful singing instructors, Amber Michelak and Nina Fisher, for their help. Kayla would also like to thank her teachers and principal for their support. Last but certainly not least she would like to thank the cast and crew for making the show possible. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show! E m i l y K r e tsc h m e r (Aysha/Storyteller) is excited to perform in her first show with French Creek Theatre! She is 17-years-old, and is a junior at Buckeye High School. Emily is no stranger to the stage! Some roles she has had the honor to play are Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Tiger Lily (Peter Pan Jr.), Ms. Scarlet (Clue the Musical), Miss Dorothy (Thoroughly Modern Millie), and her last show was Aida at the Mad Factory. She has also performed at the White House, in NYC, and Europe with the Singing Angels. She trains in dance with Jim Becker, and voice with Amber Michalak and Nina Fisher, and Michelle Cha. Emily would like to thank her family friends, and her boyfriend for all their continuous support. Grace Mackin (Storyteller) is excited to be in her first ever French Creek production. Grace is thirteen-years-old, and has been doing plays since she was six. Some of her favorite shows
include Shrek (Ugly Duckling/ Skeleton), Peter Pan (Indian), The Little Mermaid (Angelfish/Maid/ Seagull) and Seussical (Thing 1). Grace loves to dance, sing, do gymnastics and spend time with her sisters and their two horses: Koko Kisses and Jax. Grace also loves to travel. Her most exciting trip was adopting her little sister in China last year. Thank you to her family for coming to all her shows. A special shout out to all the cast members and directors for sharing their talents and making this show spectacular! Brian Murphy (Seth/Storyteller) is 14-years-old, and is in the 8th grade at Avon Middle School. This is his third show at French Creek Theatre. You may have seen him in Bye Bye Birdie (Ensemble), All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten and Shrek the Musical Jr. (White Rabbit, Grumpy Dwarf) at the Lorain Palace Theatre. He would like to thank French Creek Theatre for letting him be a part of the show and he hopes you enjoy it.
Actor/Actress Bios S h e i l a O’Connor (Yonah) is excited to perform at French Creek Theatre for her first time. She has performed most recently as Susan Lawrence in Big (Cassidy Theater), and as Schwartzy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Medina Show Biz Company). Sheila is a middle school music teacher at Old Trail School in Bath, and lives in Tremont. Zach Palumbo (Snake/Storyteller) is excited to be working at French Creek Theatre for the first time with a phenomenal cast and crew! He is a recent graduate of Case Western Reserve University, where some of his favorite roles included Leaf in Spelling Bee, Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Dick in High Fidelity (on the Eldred mainstage); Moritz in Spring Awakening and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors (with the CWRU Footlighters); Trigorin in SFB and Banquo/Porter in Macbeth (with the Players’ Theatre Group). Since graduating, he has appeared at Cleveland Public Theatre’s Entry Point festival as the musician for Bipolar Mixtape, and later this season he is playing Bernstein in the Western Reserve Playhouse Pg. 20 production of Dogfight.
Thanks to everyone who has made this process such a delight, and thank you for supporting local theatre! M i tc h Randjelovic (Young Cain) is thrilled and honored to make his French Creek debut in Children of Eden! Some of his past credits include SNOOPY!!! The Musical (Charlie Brown), Peter Pan (Lost Boy/John u/s) and the Olmsted Performing Arts Christmas Performance Team. He can be seen in films such as My Friend Dahmer and The Autumn Prince which will premiere at the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) in April. He enjoys reading, playing soccer, swimming and video games and holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. He would like to thank the entire cast and crew of Children of Eden, his OPA family who has fostered his love for the stage and screen, his teacher Mrs. Ruiz, and his family for their love and support, especially his younger brother Max! Spencer Riley (Snake/Storyteller) is excited to be a part of a great show in a great cast! Spencer last appeared on the French Creek stage in Annie and Bonnie and Clyde, and will be playing the role of Noah Claypole in French Creek’s production of Oliver! in July. Past credits include The Little Mermaid (Lorain Community Music Theater), Beauty and the Beast (Mighty Goliath Productions), to name a couple. He is a 2014 graduate
Actor/Actress Bios of Marietta College with a BFA in Theater. He is currentlyworking for Elyria City Schools as a substitute paraprofessional. He would like to thank his family and friends for their undying love and support. Enjoy the show! Kate Shockley (Snake/Storyteller) is ecstatic to be performing in Children of Eden. The senior at Vermilion High School has performed with multiple theatres, and has appeared in Anything Goes, The Little Mermaid, Legally Blonde, A Christmas Carol, and most recently as Jo in Little Women. Outside of theatre, Kate avidly enjoys reading, writing, dancing, and spending time with her family. Upon graduation, Kate hopes to attend a university to major in musical theatre. Kate would like to thank her parents for always allowing her to pursue her dreams and interests. She is also extremely grateful for her directors, and gives her best wishes to her fellow performers, and thanks them for their amazing support. August Sumlin (Storyteller) is so happy be making her French Creek debut in Children of Eden. Some
of favorite roles includes: Reporter in James and the Giant Peach (Heights Youth Theatre), Towns Kid in The Music Man (Heights Youth Theatre), Child in I Spy (Dobama Theatre), Lead Spy Carrot in Veggie Mayhem (Dobama Theatre) and Mally in Trouble for Four (Dobama Theatre). August has been taking ballet for six years, and she loves to make up her own songs on the piano, play dress up, and everything pink. August would like to be an obstetrician when she grows up. Easton Sumlin (Young Abel) is excited to make his French Creek Theatre debut! Easton is twelveyears-old, and in the seventh grade. He can most often be found singing, dancing, reading, building with Legos, or crafting comics. He was most recently seen as Chen in Sherlock Holmes: The Baker Street Irregulars at Dobama Theatre, Jackie Thibodeaux in Caroline, or Change at Tantrum Theater, Boris Tumbleweed in The Battle of the Cockroach and the Rhinoceros Beetle at Dobama Theatre; Schwartz in A Christmas Story at Cleveland Playhouse; The Dauphin in Marie Antoinette at Dobama Theatre;
Actor/Actress Bios Rerun Van Pelt in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and The Three Princes in Aladdin, Jr. at Heights Youth Theatre. Eugene Sumlin (Adam/Noah) is thrilled to be returning to French Creek after appearing as Jim Conley in Parade last season. Favorite credits include: Ken in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Porthouse Theatre), King Triton in The Little Mermaid (Mercury Theatre Company), Capt. Scott in Peter and the Starcatcher (Dobama Theatre), Ken in Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Cain Park), Papa Ge in Once on this Island (Orchard Arts Project), Donkey in Shrek the Musical (Fine Arts Association and Beachwood Community Theatre), Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird (Barter Theatre) and Asagi in A Raisin in the Sun (French Creek Theatre). Eugene is currently employed at Cleveland Playhouse as a full time educator for the CARE program. He is so excited to be sharing the stage with his whole family, Nicole, Easton and August, in this production. Thanks to his HEAVENLY Father for His faithfulness and for always being there. Nicole Sumlin (Eve/Mama Noah) is an actor, singer, director, and arts educator based in Cleveland. NYC credits include: Medusa (Medusa), Judge Jill Joyce (How Pg. 22 to be a Winner), and
Columbiner (ReB+VoDkA+Me). She was most recently seen in Cleveland as Marion Paroo in The Music Man at Cain Park. Other acting credits include: The Washing Machine in Caroline, or Change at Tantrum Theater; Ensemble in The Nolan Williams Project at Cleveland Play House; Denitra Morgan in Cleveland Public Theatre’s Lines in the Dust; May in Bourbon on the Border at The Maltz Museum; Featured Vocalist in Songs for the Asking at Playhouse Square; Jenny/Bart in Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play at Cleveland Public Theatre; Lula in Violet at Lakeland Civic Theatre; Elizabeth Keckley in A Civil War Christmas at Dobama Theatre. She has also been seen at Cain Park, Orchard Arts Project, The Fine Arts Association, Near West Theater and Mercury Theatre Company, with other vocal performances at Museum of Contemporary Art, Bop Stop, Nighttown, and Severance Hall. Nicole received her vocal training at Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. She is a proud Member of Actor’s Equity Association. Praise to God for His faithfulness. Eugene, Easton and August have her heart. Logan Sword (Cain/Japheth) is thrilled to be in his first production here at French Creek! Some past credits include Billy Bigelow (Carousel), Leo
Actor/Actress Bios Frank (Parade), Seymour Krelborn (Little Shop of Horrors), Frederick Barrett (Titanic the Musical), Bobby Strong (Urinetown), Father (Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice). Logan studies at the Conservatory of Music at Baldwin Wallace University in the studio of Tracy Grady. He would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support. Macon Taylor (Storyteller) is nineyears-old, and a third grader at Hayes Elementary in Lakewood. He has performed previously with French Creek Theatre in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Macon has also performed with Great Lakes Theater, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Near West Theater and the Beck Center. When
not performing, Macon enjoys reading and playing MineCraft with his friends. He would like to thank Director Nate Sayatovich and the very talented cast and crew for this amazing opportunity. Love to all of his family, friends and Lakewood United Methodist Church. Steven Walker (Ham/Storyteller) is excited to be back onstage after spending the last year backstage as the assistant stage manager for Carrie the Musical and Xanadu at Near West Theatre. The last time he was seen onstage was as Neleus/ Chimney Sweep in Mary Poppins at Near West Theatre last April. This is his first show at French Creek Theatre. He would like to thank his best friends Topher, Eric, and Christine. He’d also like to thank Domenic (Father) for dragging him to the audition.
Macon, you sing like an angel! We are so proud of you always! - Love, Mom & Dad
Actor/Actress Bios
Production Team: N a t e S aya t o v i c h (Director) is a Director, Producer and Theatre Educator in Northeast Ohio. He currently serves as Artistic Director of Ohio Youth Ensemble Stage, as well as Director of the Musical Theatre Ensemble at the Cleveland Play House Theatre Academy. Favorite directing credits include Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice, George Brant’s Elephant’s Graveyard, David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre, Richard Greenberg’s The Author’s Voice, and Parade. Previously he served as Director of Theatre at Parma Senior High School where credits include Urinetown the Musical, Titanic the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, and David Ives and Mark Twain’s Is He Dead? Prior to that, he served as Associate Artistic Director of Medina Youth Theatre where directing credits include Annie, The Little Mermaid, Willy Wonka and Schoolhouse Rock Live. While Artistic Director of Ohio Youth Ensemble Stage he has directed Shrek the Musical, Alice in Wonderland and Pirates of Penzance. He has also worked with the Cleveland Play House / Case Western Reserve University MFA Acting Program and Dobama Theatre. Upcoming projects include Junie B. Jones the Musical with the Cleveland Play House Theatre Academy. He holds a B.S. in Theatre Education Pg. 24 from Ashland University.
Nate would like to dedicate this performance to his mom who always took him to Sunday School and to his first Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Hart, who perpetually smelled like old church lady, but also always had candy and the patience to teach him about Adam and Eve. Anthony Trifiletti (Music Director) is an active solo pianist, collaborative artist, and music director throughout much of Ohio. As a pianist and music director, Anthony has held positions at TrueNorth Cultural Arts Center, The Lorain Palace Theatre, Lorain Palace Youth Theatre, Sandstone Summer Theatre, Amherst Workshop Players, Lorain Community Music Theatre, The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton Opera, Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings, and numerous other venues. Anthony is currently serving on the Board of Directors for TrueNorth Cultural Arts Center. He is a recent graduate of the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. While at UD, Anthony was the recipient of the Award for Outstanding Collaborative Pianist and performed at the American Choral Director’s Association National Convention in 2013. Besides working in theatrical and other performance related settings, Anthony is an active church musician having served at numerous parishes throughout the state. He is currently the music director at St. Peter in Lorain. Congratulations cast, crew, and orchestra on a wonderful performance! Julie Billinghurst (Stage Manager) is happy to be continuing the season with this beautiful production of
Actor/Actress Bios Children of Eden. She has previously stage managed for TrueNorth Theatre and Lorain Community Music Theatre as well as French Creek Theatre. Thanks to the fantastic crew and cast for working together to make this such a rewarding experience. Teamwork makes the dream work! Melanie Leibold (Choreographer) is thrilled to be a part of her first production at French Creek Theatre. With over 20 years of experience, Melanie’s work has been seen on stages all across Northeast Ohio. Favorite choreography credits include: Anything Goes, Chicago, Aida, Oklahoma, and Sweet Charity. Many thanks to the cast, Nate, Anthony, Julie, and Len. Kelsey Garrett (Charge Scenic Artist) is a Cleveland-based scenic artist and designer. She currently works as a scenic painter for the Cleveland Play House, and freelances as a designer in the area. Originally from Oregon, Kelsey graduated with a B.A. in studio art from Linfield College. Upon graduating she spent a year working as an English Teaching Assistant in St. Etienne, France—an experience that allowed her to travel all over Europe. She has since worked with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ohio Light Opera, and various community theatres in both Oregon and Ohio.
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Derek Green (Scenic Designer/ Tech Director) is pleased to return to French Creek for this production. Most recently, Derek served as the Scenic Designer for the FCT production of I’m Not Rappaport and Bonnie & Clyde. Other design credits include Willy Wonka, Our Town, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (French Creek Theatre); The Tempest, Richard II (Cleveland Shakespeare Festival); South Pacific, The Curious Savage, Joseph . . . Dreamcoat, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Here Come the Brides (NDCL). Derek currently works on the Education staff at Cleveland Play House. Stan Kozak (Sound Designer) Stan Kozak, currently in his twenty-seventh season at Great Lakes Theater, has more than 50 design credits including Bat Boy: The Musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Comedy of Errors, Amadeus, You Can’t Take It With You, Private Lives, Into the Woods and the Tom Hanks’ benefit performances. His work in 1979 and 1981 with Geraldine Fitzgerald on Streetsongs at GLTF led to the original cast album. Mr. Kozak was the resident sound designer for four seasons at the Porthouse Theatre Company, including productions ofDriving Miss Daisy, Niteclub Confidential and a Nightingale Sang. His collaborations with Victoria Bussert at Baldwin-Wallace College include productions of Chess, Hair, Company, Cabaret, West Side Story, Tommy in Concert, Parade, the Ohio premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion, and one of the first nonprofessional productions of Phantom of the Opera. For Cain Park, his design credits include Secret Garden,
Actor/Actress Bios Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Bat Boy, Tick, tick…Boom, Nine, The Wiz, Harold and Maude and Pippin. Mr. Kozak has also designed sound for Wit and Last Five Years for the Dobama Theater, Iolanthe and Sweeney Todd for the Cleveland Opera, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Forbidden Broadway SVU for the Hanna Theatre and A Shayna Maidel, Brooklyn Boy and Pangs of the Messiah for the JCC. He has served as sound designer for the All-City Musical for the Cleveland school system for eight seasons. He also had the good fortune to have worked with Bebe Neuwirth in her concert performance for the Ideastream Gala in 2005. He was honored to be among the first group of LORT sound designers to achieve recognition in USA 829. Lynn Maslinski (Child Wrangler) enjoys being around theater as often as possible. She serves on the Board of Directors for Lorain Community Music Theater as well as serving on the LCMT production staff each summer in various capacities. When Lynn is not working on a theater production or in the audience for a show she can be found in her classroom, walking her Goldendoodle
Maggie, watching a sunset, or being passionate about her love for CLE sports! Kudos to the entire cast and production staff on a stellar production! Sarah Rounds (Props Master/Crew) is so excited to be back working on her third production here at French Creek! She is a recent graduate of Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Recording Arts. She is an Avon High School alumni where she was hugely involved in the drama club, and was inducted into the Thespian Society. She enjoyed being onstage as much as working offstage in running crew, and as head of the makeup/hair crew. In her free time, Sarah likes to sing, teach herself new instruments, hang out with friends and family, play with her dog, and work on her sound design skills.
Special Thakns to...
Sheila O’Connor | Old Trail School The Sumlin Family | Bob Blodgett
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