Irving Berlin’s
White Christmas The Musical
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin | Book by David Ives and Paul Blake Based upon the paramount pictures film written for the screen by norman krasna, norman panama and melvin frank
December 2 - 18
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm
4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, OH www.MetroParks.cc/Theatre
Coming Soon! LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ FRENCH CREEK THEATRE PRESENTS:
DEATH OF A
SALESMAN
BY ARTHUR MILLER
JANUARY 13 - 29
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 7:30 PM AND SUNDAYS AT 3 PM TICKETS: $10 - $18 | (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 Cultural Arts Programmer..............................................................Brian McNally Front Desk Box Office Staff............................Camille Olsen, Chris Bizub, Patrick Hanlon, Jack Horn 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. Fred Alspach
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French Creek
Theatre
2016-2017 season Pijor Hall
All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten Nov 11 - 20
A school play. The skies over Los Angeles. The rubble of World War II. Life lessons arise from the most unpredictable places. Based on the books by Robert Fulghum Conceived and Adapted by Ernest Zulia Music by David Caldwell
Ew i n g T h e a tr e
White Christmas Dec 2 - 18
Back by popular demand! Two exarmy men, one pair of sultry singers and an unseasonably warm Vermont winter add up to the perfect holiday musical. Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin Based upon the Paramount Pictures Film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank Book by David Ives and Paul Blake
Ew i n g T h e a tr e
Pijor Hall
Death of a Salesman
The Velveteen Rabbit
A man struggles to earn a living wage after decades on the job. His grown children struggle to make careers for themselves. When hard work reaps little success, their family begins to doubt each other.
The tale of a child’s beloved toy yearning to be real graces the stage with all the magic and heart of Margery Williams’ original classic.
Jan 13 - 29
By Arthur Miller
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Feb 10 - 19
Adapted by Scott Davidson
Ew i n g T h e a tr e
Joseph and the amazingtechnicolor dreamcoat
Pijor Hall
Bloom
Mar 31 - Apr 9
Scorned by his brothers, sold into slavery and jailed for a crime he didn’t commit – how on earth is Joseph going to become the second most powerful man in Egypt?
Following a violent incident at school, a 15-year-old boy is assigned to work with his social worker’s father, an urban gardener coping with the loss of his wife. Over the course of one summer, a budding friendship empowers them to grow beyond their troubled pasts.
Lyrics by Tim Rice // Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
By Andrew Morton
Mar 3 - 19
Ew i n g T h e a tr e
Parade May 5 - 21
1913. Marietta, Georgia. A teenage girl is found murdered in the factory where she works. The town wants justice at any cost, and all eyes turn to her supervisor, a Brooklyn Jew who has never fit in with their southern way of life. Book by Alfred Uhry Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown Co-Conceived and Directed on Broadway by Harold Prince Based on the true story of the trial and lynching of Leo Frank
Ew i n g T h e a tr e
Ew i n g T h e a tr e
Pure Imagination Presented by The Musical Theater Project
June 25
Here’s a show that will appeal to the entire family, from the very young to the very young-at-heart. timeless tunes from Disney and Sesame Street will be sure to have kids, their parents and even their grandparents up on their feet for this interactive performance. Featuring Ursula Cataan, Jodi Maile Kirk, Nancy Maier and Shane Patrick O’Neill
Ew i n g T h e a tr e
Our Town
Willy Wonka
Ushering in a new era of modern theatre, Thornton Wilder wrote of a people frozen in the earliest years of the 20th century. Decades later audiences continue to be moved by their simple yet universal struggles, dreams, loves and triumphs.
The world’s most famous chocolatier reemerges after years in hiding, and five lucky children win a once-in-alifetime trip through his factory.
July 14 - 23
By Thornton Wilder
Aug 11 - 13
Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley Adapted for the Stage by Leslie Bricusse & Timothy Allen McDonald Based on the book Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
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Proud supporter of French Creek Theatre! Pg. 6
French Creek
Theatre
Irving Berlin’s
White Christmas Based Upon the Paramount Pictures Film Written for the Screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin Book by David Ives and Paul Blake Original stage production directed by Walter Bobbie Orchestrations by Larry Blank Vocal and Dance Arrangements by Bruce Pomahac
Director // Rick Fortney Music Director // Anthony Trifiletti Lighting Designer // Maureen Patterson Sound Designer // Stan Kozak Costume Designer // D. Justin Bilewicz, III Scenic Designer // Douglas Puskas Technical Director // Daniel Temelkoff Stage Manager // Julie Billinghurst Board Operator // Jordan Demich-Bogner Run Crew // Michael Strama Co-Choreographer // Katy Russell Co-Choreographer // Jen Justice IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals: www.rnh.com.
Welcome to French Creek Theatre Welcome! We have discovered the perfect gift for everyone on your list this season! IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS! By popular demand White Christmas graces our stage for another year complete with a timeless tale of joy and goodwill, filled with classic Irving Berlin songs, topped off with glorious dancing and lots of snow! Thank you for joining us for this Holiday classic! Rick Fortney Artistic Director, Lorain County Metro Parks
The inspiration for the set of our production was a box of vintage cards. They provide a sense of nostalgia and connection of people during the holiday season. Several of the cards selected for the stage have specific scenic locations or items that are reflected in the story of White Christmas. The remainder of the surround helps shape the storytelling of the musical with providing elements of a Swiss chalet in the middle of Pinetree, Vermont.
It has been an honor directing White Christmas. I would like to personally thank the staff, production team, crew, and above all … our cast! White Christmas visits nostalgia, God and Country, all with a Norman Rockwell feel. May your hearts be filled and full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written! Join us in January for Death of a Salesman opening the 13th and running through the 29th also in the Ewing Hall Theatre. As relevant now as it was when it opened 68 years ago, witness Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning treatise on the price of the American Dream.
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Welcome to French Creek Theatre The Pijor Stage brings a timeless message, magic and heart captivating the imaginations of young and old alike. The Velveteen Rabbit runs February 10-19. Please pick-up a brochure at the Box Office for our complete season. Enjoy the show and above all ‌ Happy Holidays!!!!!
Rick Fortney Artistic Director
Musical Synopsis Act I Scene 1 - Somewhere on the Western Front of WWII Christmas Eve, 1944 • HAPPY HOLIDAY...........................................Bob, Phil, and Sheldrake • WHITE CHRISTMAS........................Bob, Phil, Sheldrake, and GIs Scene 2 - The Ed Sullivan Show-1954 • HAPPY HOLIDAY/LET YOURSELF GO...............................Bob, Phil, and the Ensemble Scene 3: Backstage at the Ed Sullivan Show- after the broadcast; Backstage at Jimmy’s, a None - Too-Classy Nightclub • LOVE AND THE WEATHER.............................................Bob and Betty Scene 4: Jimmy’s Back Room- later that evening • SisTERS..........................................................................................Betty and Judy • THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN WHILE YOU’RE DANCING............. Phil, Judy and Quintet Scene 5: A Train Car- later that night • SNOW..........................................Phil, Judy, Bob, Betty, Snoring Man, Mrs. Snoring Man, Passengers Scene 6: The Front Desk of the Columbia Inn in Vermont-later • WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A GENERAL?...............Martha, Bob, and Phil Scene 7: The Barn Rehearsal Hall- the next day • LET ME SING AND I’M HAPPY.........................................................Martha Scene 8: The Front Porch of the Inn- that night • COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS INSTEAD OF SHEEP........Bob and Betty Scene 9: Ralph Sheldrake’s Office, New York; Martha’s Front Desk- morning Scene 10: The Barn Rehearsal Hall- later that day • BLUE SKIES.............................................................Bob and the Ensemble
// End of Act I // Pg. 10
Musical Synopsis Act II Scene 1 - Onstage in the Barn Theater- the next day • I LOVE A PIANO...................................Phil, Judy, and the Ensemble Scene 2 - The Lobby of the Inn- soon after • FALLING OUT OF LOVE CAN BE FUN...................Martha, Betty, and Judy Scene 3: The Barn Rehearsal Hall- shortly thereafter • SISTERS (Reprise)......................................................................Bob and Phil Scene 4: The Regency Room, New York- the next evening • LOVE YOU DIDN’T DO RIGHT BY ME/ HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN........................................................Betty, Bob Scene 5: The Ed Sullivan Show- the evening after • THE OLD MAN.........................................................................................Bob, Men Scene 6: The Front Desk at the Columbia Inn- the next day • LET ME SING AND I’M HAPPY (Reprise).................................Susan Scene 7: Backstage at the Barn Theater- that evening, Christmas Eve • HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN (Reprise)..................Betty and Bob • THE OLD MAN (Reprise)...................Bob, Phil, Sheldrake, Men • WHITE CHRISTMAS................................................................The Company Scene 8: Curtain Call • I’VE GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM..............The Company
// End of Act II // // Bows //
–– PLEASE NOTE ––
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
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Cast Brett Hall.........................................................................Bob Wallace Patrick Hanlon......................................................................Phil Davis Caitlin Hyland...............................................................Betty Haynes Braelin Andrzejewski...............................................Judy Haynes Bob Kenderes........................................................General Waverly Jayne Kacik.....................................................................................Martha Kayli Vance...................................................................Susan Waverly Rob Catalano........................................................................Sheldrake Katie Rotuno..........................................................................................Rita Jillian Mesaros..............................................................................Rhoda John Bassett................................................................Ezekiel Foster Jack Horn...........................................................................Mike/Dancer Emma Dibattiste.........................................................Tessie/Dancer Cora Pawloski..................................Cigarette Girl/Ensemble Chris Foisy.................................................................Mr. Snoring Man Megan Campana.......................Mrs. Snoring Man/Ensemble Colin Lehman................................................................................Zeke Jr. Genny Dangerfield.............................Seamstress/Ensemble Alexis Nelan.....................Asst. Seamstress/Dance Captain Meghan Foisy......................................................Dancer/Ensemble Megan Lilly...........................................................Dancer/Ensemble Cindy Griess Salmon..........................................................Ensemble
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Production Team Director..............................................................................Rick Fortney Music Director.................................................Anthony Trifiletti Lighting Designer.......................................Maureen Patterson Sound Designer.................................................................Stan Kozak Costume Designer.......................................D. Justin Bilewicz, III Scenic Designer.....................................................Douglas Puskas Technical Director.........................................Daniel Temelkoff Stage Manager..................................................Julie Billinghurst Board Operator...................................Jordan Demich-Bogner Run Crew.....................................................................Michael Strama Co-Choreographer....................................................Katy Russell Co-Choreographer.........................................................Jen Justice
Orchestra Piano/conductor.........................................Anthony Trifiletti Piano......................................................................................Marge Adler Reeds.................................................................................Mike Komperda (sub.................................................................Rebecca Gardner) Bass....................................................................................Emily Fabanich Drums.....................................................................................Eric Hanson
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Cast and Crew Bios
CAST Br a e l i n Andrzejewski (Judy Haynes) is a recent graduate of Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh PA, where she graduated with a BA in Communication/Theatre. Resume highlights include: Jo March (Little Women: A New Musical), Darleen (Balm in Gilead) and Betty Jean (Marvelous Wonderettes). Last year, Braelin starred in Pittsburgh’s Regional premier of Love’s Labour’s Lost (The Princess) where she was selected as one of seven individuals nationwide to receive a distinguished achievement award from The Kennedy Center. Since moving to Cleveland this past year, she has been seen as Cinderella in Aurora Community Theatre’s Into the Woods. She thanks Jules for believing in her always, and Patrick for being the best Phil Davis she could hope for, on and off stage. John Bassett (Ezekiel) has recently moved back to Ohio and re-entered local theater with his third show here at French Creek Theatre and Mary Poppins
with LCMT after a 20 year hiatus. He started with a number of shows at the Black River Playhouse in Elyria; and a theater minor while at BGSU in the 60’s. Then some featured roles with the Blackhawk Players in Chicago in the 70’s; followed by the Bay Players in Duxbury, MA in the 80’s; and with T.A.O.S. in Boston in the 90’s. M e g a n Campana (Mrs. Snoring Man/ Ensemble) works as a mortgage closer, and is also actively involved as a cantor in her church, St. Peter, as well as a member of its choir, Project Praise (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. Megan has been actively involved with the Lorain Community Music Theater as hair and makeup artist since 2008. This is Megan’s third show with the French Creek Theatre. Other shows include Godspell (Ensemble) and Jekyll & Hyde (Lady Beaconsfield/ Barmaid). Theater has gotten into her bloodstream and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Rob Catalano (Ralph Sheldrake) has done a lot of shows in a lot of places. He thanks his wife and family for their support as he acts, shows
Cast and Crew Bios wild animals, and performs RMS Titanic programs. Having played a Colonel three times, he’s happy being demoted to Corporal. Rob dedicates this performance to his Father, a Company Clerk for the 120th Medical Battalion, 45th Infantry Division (M.A.S.H.). Corporal Catalano was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service in Korea in March, 1953. He fondly remembers a USO Christmas show with Debbie Reynolds, although Corporal Catalano ended up with a more talented and beautiful showgirl: my Mom! G e n n y Da n g e r f i e l d (Seamstress/ Ensemble) is happy to say after serving as Stage Mom for many years, she has finally graduated to Mom on Stage. After having costumed a number of shows between her high school years and retirement from teaching, she is now being costumed. After being serious and responsible all her life, she is finally allowed to let her imagination run. Bring on the band! Play it again, Sam! It’s her turn!
E m m a D i B a tt i s t e (Tessie/Dancer) is excited to make her musical debut in White Christmas. She has participated in many of her school’s talent shows, and played the role of Jaque the Mouse in her school’s production of Cinderella. Chris Foisy (Mr. Snoring Man) is making his debut with French Creek Theatre. While typically exclusively a barbershop singer with the Men of Independence, he has come out of his musical theater hiatus to join his wife in this performance. Chris wishes to say thanks to Christopher, Nathan and Adeline (his kids) and his Mom for helping with the children while he helps bring cheer for the holidays!
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Cast and Crew Bios M e g h a n Foisy (Dancer/ Ensemble) is making her first appearance with French Creek Theatre. She has previously worked with Olde Towne Hall Theatre, Workshop Players, Elyria Summer Theatre, and met her wonderful husband in Lorain Community Music Theatre while playing Polly in Crazy For You. She hopes you enjoy this performance of White Christmas and wishes your family a very Merry Christmas! Brett Hall (Bob Wallace) is appearing onstage at French Creek for the ninth time, the first being Working in 2008, and most recently playing Bob Wallace in White Christmas just last year! He has had an incredible time bringing this wonderful show back to the stage. Some favorite credits for Brett have been as Gaston in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Emile de Becque in South Pacific; younger brother in Ragtime the Musical; Sid Soroken in The Pajama Game; Capt Corcoran in Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore; Franklin Hart in 9 to 5, The Musical, and
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Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Merry Christmas, everyone! P a tr i ck Hanlon (Phil Davis) is thrilled to be portraying Phil Davis in White Christmas. This is the second show he has done in the Cleveland area. He recently moved here from the Pittsburgh area and is loving Cleveland to pieces. You may have seen him in Near West’s production of Assassins where he played Leon Czolgosz. He thanks Rick Fortney for opening the door to the opportunities at French Creek Nature and Arts Center. He also thanks his family, friends, and his amazing girlfriend for their endless love and support for him. He wishes everyone Happy Holidays! Jack Horn (Mike/Dancer) This has been Jackson’s second community t h e a t r e experience. Before White Christmas, he played Abner in South Pacific, Jackson has portrayed a culmination of all guards in Romeo and Juliet, Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, Count Dracula in Dracula, and Jeffrey in Godspell all at Elyria
Cast and Crew Bios Catholic under Nan Mahony. He then moved on to play Neleus in Mary Poppins at Midview High. He thanks everyone for coming out and supporting French Creek Theatre, and hopes you enjoy the show.
recently seen on the stage as Jack’s Mother in LCMT’s 2016 production of Into the Woods. Some of her favorite performances Big Mama in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Joanne in Company, Jellylorum in Cats and many more. Enjoy!
C a i t l i n Hyland (Betty Haynes) is thrilled to ring in the Christmas season at French Creek Theatre playing her dream role in White Christmas. She is a professional actress who graduated with her B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Kent State University. She has appeared in numerous theater and vocal productions. When Caitlin is not onstage, she is a Teaching Artist for The Musical Theater Project. She would like to thank her family and friends for their overwhelming love and support. Merry Christmas!
Bob Kenderes (General Waverly) is thrilled to be able to reprise one of his favorite roles. He was last seen as the Host in Olde Towne Hall’s Murder in Black and White, and as Tom Gordon in The Senator Wore Pantyhose for Western Reserve Playhouse. Bob is a cast member of the award-winning Take-a-Hike program in Cleveland, a tour guide for University Circle’s CircleTrek and a volunteer Concierge Ambassador for Destination Cleveland’s Visitor Center.
Jayne Kacik (Martha Watson) is excited to be performing in White Christmas. This is her first production at French Creek Theater. She has performed on- and off-stage as music director and accompanist at area theaters for many years. Jayne was most
Colin J. Lehman (Young Zeke) has been in various shows. His most recent work was being in Fast and Furious 8, filmed in downtown Cleveland. Colin’s very first show was The Sound of Music and from then on, he has loved acting. Colin hopes to
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Cast and Crew Bios be a movie actor in the future. Colin would like to thank his entire family for their support of his career choice. Megan Lilly (Ensemble/ Dancer) is very excited to be a part of White Christmas! She is a third grade teacher at St. Peter School Lorain. She was a part of White Christmas last year as well as South Pacific and Jesus Christ Superstar. She would like to thank everyone at French Creek Theatre for being so supportive and the whole production team! J i l l i a n M e s a r o s (Rhoda) is back again for White Christmas. She recently graduated from Cleveland State University, and is pursuing a life in the arts. Huge thank you to Rick, Julie, the French Creek staff, and the wonderful cast and crew. Merry Christmas everyone! Alexis Nelan (Dance Captain/ Assistant Seamstress/Dancer) is performing in her first production at French Creek Theater. Alexis does Ballet, Tap, Jazz,
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and Hip-Hop dancing, and is En Pointe. Alexis enjoys acting and singing also and has appeared in many local productions. She has done extra work in local films, and is pursuing a career as a “Triple-Threat” performer. In her spare time Alexis trains for her Second Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and loves to read and listen to music. Alexis would like to thank her family and the talented cast and crew of White Christmas. C o r a Paw los k i (Cigarette Girl/ Ensemble) is excited to be in this musical – her first ever! Ever since she was little, she’s wanted to be onstage. She is proud of everyone for working so hard on this musical, and is grateful for the people who were in it. Katie Rotuno (Rita/Ensemble) returns to FCT following her debut this fall in Jekyll & Hyde. She is excited to be a part of this iconic musical that has her putting on tap shoes for the first time! She’d like to thank the choreographers, crew,
Cast and Crew Bios and supportive cast for their hard work. To her family, friends, and coworkers: thank you for your patience! She would like to dedicate her performance to her former cast mate Kris: number one bishop, and the original snoring man always!
she was four-years-old. She has performed in the Nutcracker for three consecutive years, and has played the lead of Marie for two. Kayli first discovered that acting was her calling at a call back in 2014, and has since been patiently waiting for another opportunity to get on stage! She looks forward to performing in this wonderful musical!
Cindy Griess S a l m o n (Ensemble) is performing at French Creek for the first time. She has performed in Promises, P r o m i s e s at Lincoln Community Playhouse in Lincoln, Nebraska, and in Carousel at the University of Nebraska, as well as directing many of her own musical productions for Lorain City Schools during her teaching tenure.
Rick Fortney (Director) is the Founder and Executive Director of TrueNorth Cultural Arts, established in 1999. At TrueNorth, Mr. Fortney conducts the TrueNorth Chorale, serves as TrueNorth’s Artistic Director in theatre, music, visual arts and dance. He founded the TrueNorth Orchestra, serving as its conductor for 5 years. He is also the Cultural Arts Manager for Lorain County Metro Parks. Rick’s professional singing resume includes performances with New York Choral Artists, Musica Sacra, Trevor Pinnock’s Classical Band Chorus, The New York Concert Singers, The Juilliard Singers, The National Chorale, The David Dussing Singers, and featured Soloist within the Calvary Baptist Chamber Concert Series. Theatrically he was Spirit McCoy in the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s in Beckley, West Virginia outdoor theatre; worked with American Entertainment, singing at Convention Shows, State Fairs and Cruise Ships for a number of years; and was in the opera
Kayli Vance (Susan Waverly) is ecstatic about her very first role at French Creek Theatre. Kayli has been attending theatre camp with her grandma since
Production team
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Cast and Crew Bios chorus for three seasons with Director Peter Sellers while living in New York City. Since returning to Ohio he has been with Mighty Goliath Productions, Huntington Playhouse, ACT of Brunswick, and of-course TrueNorth; as an active chorister, he has been a member of CleveWest Music Consorte, and The Canterbury Singers, USA with which he has sung several choral residencies at Cathedrals throughout England. Mr. Fortney received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts Degrees from Bowling Green State University. ENJOY THE SHOW! 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
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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) was the stage manager for last year’s production of White Christmas and is pleased to be able to share this heart-warming show with you once again this Christmas season. Other recent SM credits include Jekyll and Hyde at French Creek Theatre, Into the Woods with Lorain Community Music Theatre, and Next to Normal, Godspell, White Christmas, and Big Fish with TrueNorth. A big thanks to my husband for supporting me and to the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication to this production. Teamwork make the dream work! Merry Christmas! Douglas Puskas (Scenic Designer) TrueNorth Theater in Sheffield Lake, OH: The Odd Couple, White Christmas (Scenic Designer). Cleveland Public Theater: Mr. Burns (Properties Designer), The Loush Sisters Love Dickens (Assistant Scenic Designer), White Rabbit, Red Rabbit (Assistant Stage Manager). Virginia Musical Theater in Virginia Beach, VA: The Little Mermaid (Scenic Designer). Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA: The Wiz, Shrek the Musical (Scenic
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Proud Supporter of Lorain County Metro Parks and French Creek Theatre!
Cast and Crew Bios Designer). Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, OH: Billy Elliot, American Idiot (Co-Projection Design). The Public Theater in New York, NY: Shakespeare in the Park 2014 Season, Much Ado About Nothing, King Lear, The Winter’s Tale (Properties Intern). Graduate of University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music www.douglaspuskas.com Katy E. Russell (Co-Choreographer) a native of NE Ohio has an immense background in dance and theatre. Having grown up in the arts, it was no surprise she pursued it further as she graduated from Cedarville University having studied communications and theatre. At Cedarville, Katy was the choreographer and talent coordinator for “Elliv,” a large scale award show, she performed in and choreographed multiple theatre shows, and received a Day-Tony for her choreography in Cedarville’s production of “Hello, Dolly!” The arts have taken her everywhere from Australia and Europe, and Chicago to LA where she has trained under Laura Edwards, Kevin Maher, Luther Brown, Donyelle Jones, Rhapsody, Jabbawockeez, and more. Now she is back in NE Ohio teaching and creating choreography for a variety of projects including work at the Lorain Palace Theatre, Sandstone Summer Theatre, Canton Palace Theatre, Playhouse Square and more. Her work was last seen on the French Creek stage last winter as she choreographed White Christmas. Katy also teaches with
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Dancing Classrooms, a non-profit social development program that uses ballroom dance to teach respect, elegance, and self-confidence to 5th and 8th grade students. She also is the head coach of the speech and debate team at her alma mater, Louisville High School. When she is not dancing and coaching, Katy also enjoys working in the talent and casting world having worked on a myriad of shows, including The Voice, MasterChef, and Dance Moms. Jen Justice (Co-Choreographer) very happily returns to the French Creek stage after last appearing as Rita in their 2015 production of White Christmas. Jennifer has been working in the Cleveland area as both a performer and choreographer for 20 years. Favorite performance credits: Chicago (Roxie Hart), A Chorus Line (Cassie), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Steel Magnolias (Truvy), Early One Evening at The Rainbow Bar and Grille (Virginia), Children of Eden (Aysha/Snake), You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Sally), Nunsense (Sister Mary Leo) and Something’s Afoot (Lettie), as well as performances for CPT’s Big Box and Pandemonium series. As a choreographer, Jennifer has had the pleasure of working at a variety of regional venues such as Lakeland Civic Theatre, Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, TrueNorth, Willoughby Fine Arts, Brecksville Theatre on The Square, The Cassidy Theatre, Pickwick and Frolic, and several local high school and youth
Cast and Crew Bios theatres. Choreography credits include Chicago, Pippin, Hairspray, Shrek, Seussical, Grease, Beauty and The Beast, Legally Blonde, Anyone Can Whistle, Gypsy, and 4 installments of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Many thanks to Rick, Anthony and all of the dedicated cast and crew of White Christmas! You all are such wonderful folks! Daniel Temelkoff (Technical Director) Daniel is returning to French Creek Nature Center after previously working as technical director on their productions of Curious George, Bye Bye Birdie, South Pacific and Next to Normal as Assistant Projection Director. While relatively new to the technical side of theater, Daniel prefers acting and had been seen in The Wooden Nickelodeon’s The Gyntish Self (Loki, The Mutant Princess, John, Shadow), Negative Space Gallery’s FAIDS (Bill), and Youngstown State University’s productions of Medea (Jason), Reasons to be Pretty (Kent), The Crucible (Reverend Paris), Leading Ladies (Doctor Myers), The Cripple of Inishmaan (Doctor McMurrey), and As You Like It (Sir Oliver Martext). Daniel has also appears on film in Made in Cleveland and Investigation Discovery’s Homicide Hunter. Maureen E. Patterson (Lighting Designer) returns to French Creek Theatre having previously designed Happy Days and several productions for the 2011 season. Her theatrical Pg. 24 designs and production expertise have been
showcased in the Cleveland area and beyond for the last eighteen years at the Cleveland Playhouse, Case Western Reserve University, John Carroll University, Cleveland Opera, Cleveland San Jose Ballet, Dallas Theatre Center, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, and many others. For more than a decade, Miss Patterson has focused her talents and creativity on special event lighting and is the Owner and Lead Designer at Solus Lighting LTD. Solus Lighting LTD is the only international award winning company in the city of Cleveland exclusively dedicated to lighting and production management for high end corporate, social and non-profit events of all sizes. Contact Solus Lighting to bring your events to the next level: 216-912-2199 www.SolusLightingLTD.com 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 of Driving Miss Daisy, Niteclub Confidential and a Nightingale Sang. His collaborations with Victoria Bussert at Baldwin-Wallace College include productions of Chess, Hair, Company,
Cast and Crew Bios 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, 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. D. Justin Bilewicz, III (Costume Designer) is graduate of Ashland University and works as a freelance Costume Designer for the local area. In addition to designing costumes, Justin is the production manager for Sandstone Summer Theatre in Amherst, Ohio, the Drama Director for Clearview High School and the Palace Youth Theatre’s Director in Lorain, Ohio. Some of Justin’s favorite costume credits include Carrie, The Musical (Sandstone Summer Theatre), A Streetcar Named Desire
(Mamaí Theatre Company), Jesus Christ Superstar (TrueNorth Cultural Arts Center), Antigone (Clearview High School), Mothers and Sons (Beck Center for the Arts), and Waiting for Lefty (Case Western Reserve University). Justin is the French Creek resident costume designer and the Ashland University Costume Shop Supervisor. Most recently, Justin designed Legally Blonde (Sandstone Summer Theatre), Directed Beauty and the Beast Jr. (The Lorain Palace Youth Theatre), costumed the TrueNorth summer theatre camp production of Bye Bye Birdie, and costume designed Jekyll and Hyde (French Creek). Pg. 25
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