SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL PROGRAM

PLAYBILL

BRÜKA THEATRE OF THE SIERRA

BRÜKA THEATRE MISSION

TO CREATE & SHARE THE EXPERIENCE OF INNOVATIVE THEATRE

ABOUT BRÜKA THEATRE

Brüka Theatre is celebrating its 31st season of live theatre in downtown Reno. Brüka’s theme for the 2023/2024 season is: “The Show Must Go On” embracing the excitement and magic of live theatre alongside the fun and challenges that go with creating a show. As an artistic leader in the region, Brüka is recognized for innovative productions, exceptionally talented artists and acclaimed Theatre for Children touring series since its founding in 1992. Central to Brüka is the commitment to the re-investigation of contemporary and classic plays and developing new plays within Brüka’s Artistic Collective, a group that includes winners of the Nevada Arts Council and Sierra Arts Foundation artist grants and nine local best actor honors. Brüka was named “Best Theatre Company” by Reno News and Review for twenty-one years. Brüka is a non-equity, small, not-for-profit member theater company and aliate of the national TCG (Theatre Communications Group). Brüka Theatre has produced over 200 shows in our downtown Reno location. Sign up for our newsletter by going to our website at www.bruka.org.

If you are associated with a local charity that you believe in and would fit with our season line-up, please reach out to marybruka@gmail.com and we will do our best to access and serve the needs while we enhance the experiences of the organizations.

PRICES: General admission: $30. Admission for Students/Seniors/Military: $26. All tickets are $35 at the door Artist Night Tickets are $17 Additional Ticket fees will be incurred on all online and phone ticket transactions.

REQUIREMENTS DUE TO COVID - 19: If you are feeling sick or feel that you have been exposed to COVID - 19 please use precautions, communicate and wear a mask to the theatre so as not to expose others to illness. We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to navigate keeping our theatre safe and a vital part of the Reno community. We reserve the right to change these protocols based on CDC guidelines All ticket holders will be notified well in advance if changes arise.

RESERVATIONS are available in person through the Brüka Box Oce (775) 323-3221, online at www.bruka.org or at the Melting Pot World Emporium @ their location: 1049 S. Virginia Street, Reno Our box oce is open Thursday through Saturday from 3-6 PM and on Wednesdays by appointment. We are closed on most holidays. Our 2023/2024 Season Tickets are on sale beginning September 1, 2023. Individual tickets go on sale the Monday after the previous show closes. Check us out at www.bruka.org. All Brüka mainstage evening shows begin at 7:30 PM. Matinees begin at 2:00 PM. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain time There is NO late seating and all ticket sales are final

PARKING: Court Street parking lot across from The Pioneer Theater FREE after 5:00 PM weekdays and NO CHARGE on weekends. We validate parking at the Parking Gallery on First and Sierra Street.

BRÜKA THEATRE INCLUDES: Holly Natwora - Operations Director, Mary Bennett - Producing Artistic Director, David Simpson - Technical Director

Credit: Bill Quinby

BRÜKA THEATRE - 31 YEARS OF LIVE THEATRE

As we reflect back on our 30 years, we champion the incredible dedication of our staff, board of directors, actors, directors, stage managers, crews, writers, costumers, set designers, lighting & sound designers, graphic artists, business partners, supporters, foundations, community leaders, volunteers and our patrons, who have helped to keep us here, through thick and thin, good and challenging times and have kept the dream of producing, creating and presenting live theatre that flourishes in downtown Reno.

Cheers & respect to all who have gone before us and to those who may follow in our footsteps. It is an honor to serve the community by producing and creating for Brüka Theatre.

In great love & appreciations, Mar Bennet Producing Artistic Director Brüka Theatre

Photo

5 February 1908 ~ early January 1969

Daisy and Violet were English-born entertainers who were conjoined twins. They were exhibited in Europe as children, and toured the United States sideshow, vaudeville and American burlesque circuits in the 1920s and 1930s. They were best known for their film appearances in Freaks and the biographic Chained for Life (1951)

They are buried in Forest Lawn West Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitors to the site often leave two pennies, as that was the price of admission to see the twins in the side show when they were children. (Wiki)

Actresses Sophie Moeller (Daisy) & Ali Pauletto (Violet)

BRÜKA THEATRE FOR CHILDREN PERFORMANCES

For More Information Visit: https://www.bruka.org/bruka-theatre-for-children-1 ALSO PLAYING AT THE LAVENDER & HONEY FESTIVAL

JULY 14, 2024 @ 10:14 AM

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL CREATORS

BILL RUSSELL - PLAYWRIGHT

Bill Russell is an American librettist and lyricist. Among his stage musicals are elegies for angels, punks and raging queens, Pageant and Side Show. Russell received a 1998 Tony nomination for Side Show for Best Book and shared a nomination with composer Henry Krieger for Best Score. The show was nominated as Best Musical. Russell was born in Deadwood, South Dakota in 1949 and raised in Spearfish, South Dakota. His grandparents were cattle ranchers He attended Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa for two years with a major in theater before transferring to the University of Kansas Russell's first professional musical to be produced was Fourtune, which ran Off-Broadway at the Actors' Playhouse from April 27, 1980 to November 23, 1980 He wrote the book and lyrics for the musical Pageant with Frank Kelly, which has an all-male cast that plays beauty queens Pageant played off Broadway and on world stages and was also presented at Brüka Theatre under the direction of Mary Bennett in 2009. Website: https://billrussell.net

Bill Russell will visit on July 12th & 13th with a special “Meet & Greet” Pre-Show Wine Reception on Friday, July 12 from 6 PM -7 PM at Brüka Studio 44, and a Salon Conversation on Saturday, July 13th from 11 AM - 1 PM at Brüka Theatre. Tickets are available at www.bruka.org.

COMPOSER HENRY KRIEGER

Henry Krieger was born on February 9, 1945, in New York City and is an American musical theatre composer. Henry Krieger began composing for Off-Off-Broadway in his twenties Most notable work is Dreamgirls, which came to Broadway in 1981 and was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards (including Best Score), winning six. Mr. Krieger also composed the scores to The Tap Dance Kid (1983-85) with Robert Lorick, and the acclaimed Side Show (1997-98), written with Bill Russell and directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom.

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL

Based on the lives of the legendary Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, Side Show follows the sisters' heartwarming search for love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame. This version is the updated book and score from the 2014 revival.

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL

The Very Thing That Makes Them Different ... Makes Them Extraordinary

Book&LyricsbyBillRussell MusicbyHenryKrieger

AdditionalBookMaterialbyBillCondon

Produced by Permission With Concord Theatricals

TIME PERIOD: 1920 - 1932

ACT I

Scene1-Outside/InsideTheTent

Scene2-OnTheMidway

Scene3-BehindTheTent

Scene4-InsideTheTent

Scene5-TheCourtroom

Scene6-SideshowTent

Scene7-Vaudeville

Scene8-Backstage

ACT II

Scene1-Onstage/BackstageAtThePalace

Scene2-ManhattanPenthouse

Scene3-BareStage

Scene4-OnTheRoad

Scene5-TheTexasCentennial

Scene6-TheTexasCentennialFairgrounds

Scene7-StadiumDressingArea

Scene8-TheCottonBowl

Appropriate for ages 10 & Up

Running Time: 2 Hours. 2 Acts.

SIDE SHOW DRAMATURGICAL PACKET

(Designed by Rose Sambrano):

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL CAST

ALEXANDRIA PAULETTO VIOLET HILTON

SOPHIE MOELLER DAISY HILTON

JEFF CHAMBERLIN

ADAM SEMAS

MICHAEL SMITH III

ANDY LUNA

TERRY CONNOR

BUDDY FOSTER

JAKE

SIR

KELL KITTELL GEEK, DOCTOR 3 , REPORTER, GUEST 2

MILLIE BRATSCH FORTUNE TELLER, US DAISY, REPORTER #7, GUEST, CHERUB+TAP

ROBIN SOLI HALF MAN/HALF WOMAN, SUITOR, REPORTER, GUEST, CHERUB

BETH GAMBOA VENUS DE MILO, US VIOLET, SUITOR, GUEST, CHERUBS+TAP, TEXANS #4

CINDY SABATINI BEARDED LADY, AUNTIE, GUEST, TEXAN #9

BAY EATON DOG BOY, DOCTOR 1, SUITOR (DUET), GUEST, CUPID+TAP, TEXAN #5

BELLA MASON LIZARD WOMAN, REPORTER #3, GUEST, CHERUB + TAP, TEXAN #1

AIDEN BILLHARZ HUMAN PIN CUSHION, SUITOR, REPORTER #5, GUEST, CUPID, TEXAN #11

KELSEY MATO TATTOO GIRL, SUITOR, GUEST #3, CHERUB + TAP, TEXAN #6

KAYMIN SAMBRANO 3 LEGGED MAN, HOUDINI, SUITOR (DUET), GUEST, CUPID, TEXANS #3

MICHELA MUÑOZ BROWN …………FEMALE COSSACK, SUITOR, REPORTER #9, GUEST SOLO, CHERUB, TEXAN #8

STEPHEN MOORE …….………….. MALE COSSACK, DOCTOR 2, SUITOR, REPORTER, RAY, TAP

BRIAN HANSON ….….…. ROUSTABOUT #1, DOCTOR 4, SIRS LAWYER, REPORTER #4, GUEST, TOD BROWNING, US SIR

RACHAEL GOTTAS ROUSTABOUT #2, STENOGRAPHER, UNDERSTUDY JUDGE, ANNOUNCER, REPORTER #8, GUEST, CAMERA MAN, TEXAN #7

MARTI CREVELING AUNTIE, REPORTER #6, GUEST, TEXAN #10, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR EVAN W GADDA JUDGE

CHERYL GLICKMAN UNDERSTUDY TATTOO GIRL

BAND

MUSIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR/PIANIST (JUNE)

JOANNE NEISH

CONDUCTOR/PIANIST (JULY) SUE WHITEHOUSE BASS MARK SARGENT DRUMMER KEVIN MURPHY

CREATIVES & CREW

PRODUCER

MARY BENNETT DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER/COSTUMER JOHN PAUL RIVARD

CO-DIRECTOR/MAKE-UP/DRAMATURG/PROP COORDINATION

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

SAMBRANO

SIMPSON

ZAUMEYER

RICHARDS SPOTLIGHT

VOCAL COACH

DANCE COACH

PROP BUILDER

COSTUME ASSIST

LIAM QUINBY

MILLIE BRATSCH

BETH GAMBOA

RILEY MCKINNEY

DEBORAH MORRISON, ANN BLACK

LOBBY AMBASSADOR CASS JADE

THE BRÜKA THEATRE SPACE

Downstairs

Feel free to order from Nicky’s before and after the show

A full bar (no ice) includes liquor selections, wine, beer, and snacks.

Restrooms are located downstairs in Sub-Brüka.

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE

There is elevator access to our basement through the Masonic Building if needed. We must accompany you, so please check in with our box office for assistance. PLEASE TURN CELL PHONES OFF!

PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MARY BENNETT

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR DAVID SIMPSON

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

HOLLY NATWORA COMPANY MANAGER KAITLYNN COOPER BOX OFFICE JULIA BUTLER NICKY’S JESSEY RICHARDS & RILEY MCKINNEY

HEARN

GRIMM

WORTHLEY

BILL QUINBY & DANA NOLLSCH

JEFF JOHNSON

BRÜKA THEATRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DELORES AIAZZI, PEGGY JONES, MICHAEL PETERS, WESTON SPANN, KRISTI STENQUIST, BOB WHITEFIELD, LEWIS ZAUMEYER

BRÜKA SPECIAL THANKS JEFF JOHNSON, G3 COLLABORATION, MOANA NURSERY THE WILD RIVER GRILLE, ALI PAULETTO, WNC - STEPHANIE ARRIGOTTI

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL - Cast @ BRÜKA

ALEXANDRIA PAULETTO (VIOLET HILTON) has been singing and performing in musical theater since she was 10 years old Her most recent roles were Roxy in Chicago, and George in Kinky Boots She is honored to tell the story of the remarkable Hilton Sisters and their perseverance through life “Four years ago Sideshow was canceled due to covid Since then, we have had weddings, children, sicknesses, and separaon The emoon and depth of this show has a profoundly greater meaning as we take the stage today I dedicate this incredible role to my three sisters; Jessica, Shelby, and Gianna They have inspired all of my representaon of sisterhood in its many forms. And, of course, to my stage sister and forever friend Sophie. I could not do this role with anyone else and will cherish the experience forever.”

SOPHIE MOELLER (DAISY HILTON) Sophie's first show aer moving west from Massachuses a lile over 15 years ago, was Metamorphoses with Brüka Theater It is such a joy to be back on the Brüka stage! Favorite roles include Audrey in Lile Shop of Horrors with Falmouth Theatre Guild, Loy in Enchanted April with The Cotuit Center for the Arts, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls with The Sierra School of Performing Arts, and Nina in Stupid F@*&ing Bird with Brüka. She gives her love to Anthony, Tripp, and Halo who adapted their lives so she could be at rehearsals and give five weeks of summer to the theater. To my stage sis - Oh Al, here we are. So much life has happened since we were cast all those years ago, and I truly cannot imagine being joined at the hip with anyone else.

JEFF CHAMBERLIN (TERRY CONNOR) Jeff Chamberlin is happy to be back at Brüka Previously, he played Harold Nicholson in The Full Monty. Jeff has worked with most of the Reno area theaters with some of his favorite musical roles being: Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls with Sierra School of Performing Arts; Frog in A Year with Frog & Toad with Truckee Community Theater; Thenardier in Les Miserables with Tahoe Players; Billy Flynn in Chicago with Western Nevada Musical Theater Company; Miles Gloriousus in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum with Reno Lile Theater; and Anatoly Sergievsky in Chess with his own producon company: Rising Tide Producons Jeff loves the supporve arsc community in Reno and all of his very talented castmates and crew He is also extremely proud of his two daughters who are now entering their 3rd year of college Thank you for coming to see our show!

ADAM SEMAS (BUDDY FOSTER) Adam Semas (Buddy Foster) has a deep passion for performing and is the proud recipient of the Jerry Whitehead Elementary School award “Most Likely to be a Movie Star '' Adam’s most memorable roles include Gabe (Next to Normal), Moritz (Spring Awakening), Baker(Into The Woods), Robbie Hart (The Wedding Singer), and Mr Mayor/Wickersham (Seussical The Musical) Adam would like to thank his parents for their unending love and support.

MICHAEL SMITH III (JAKE) Who said second chances aren’t real? Michael Smith, III is excited about the second chance to play Jake in Side Show. He was inially tapped to play the role in 2020 before the world turned upside down. When the call came again, he immediately said yes This is Michael’s first show with Brüka His previous roles are Collins (RENT), Amon (Once On This Island), Thomas (Jesus Christ Superstar), Twimble (How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying), Pantalone (A Servant of Two Masters), and a few Artown showcases in the early 2010’s with TNT/PDC Cheer and Dance.

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL - Cast @ BRÜKA

ANDY LUNA (SIR) It's been awhile since the Brüka stage and I have been working together and it hasn't disappointed The cast I have been allowed to join is stunning! So much talent and sincerity for the cra is an absolute blessing . Since my beginning in "Dorms" to the rolls in "Reefer Madness The Musical" and so much in between , this theatre has never le me wanng . With the bar held so high in my heart, I'm absolutely terrified of leng it down. I know I shouldn't humanize a theatre , I feel I need to though because it is a living , breathing and growing enty held in highest regard by so many other hearts that I admire J P has an amazing vision and I can only do the best I can to help it come to fruion Here's to another glorious run with the theatre I love. "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the lile-death that brings total obliteraon. I will face my fear."

KELL KITTELL (GEEK, DOCTOR 3 , REPORTER, GUEST 2) Kell Kiell is a Reno nave and Navy veteran. As an actor, he has appeared in Camille (Ludlam), The Karen Black Aack, The Linda Blair Affair, The Poseidon Adventure Live, The Reflecons of Tarantula Jones and Christmas with the Crawfords As a playwright, his staged works include Out of the Inkwell, The Fastest Queen on The Planet, and, most recently, Que Sera, Sera, for Brüka’s Bohemia - Wordmithl. His produced rock musicals are Hillbillies on the Moon, Cybertoca!, and a retelling of Dante’s journey through Hell, Club Inferno, which received the best Book and Lyrics award from the Bay Area Crics Circle Thank you to the Company for inspiring me to be a beer actor

MILLIE BRATSCH (FORTUNE TELLER, US DAISY, REPORTER #7, GUEST, CHERUB+TAP/ VOCAL COACH) Millie Bratsch has been performing since she was 7 and singing for longer She just closed the producon of Cinderella with WNMTC as the Fairy Godmother This last year, she has been slowly becoming a part of the Brüka family helping out with The Reflecons of Tarantula Jones and Christmas with the Crawfords. In 2013, Millie won first place in the amateur talent show at the Minnesota State Fair, singing The Girl in 14G. That same year, she started aending college at Anoka-Ramsey, where she studied under arsts at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, then pursued an entertainment producon internship at Disney’s Animal Kingdom She now enjoys being a part of local theatre and training the next generaon as a private vocal teacher.

ROBIN SOLI (HALF MAN/HALF WOMAN, SUITOR, REPORTER, GUEST, CHERUB) Robin has had an extremely successful dance career that enabled her to pursue her passion of performing on stage, television and traveling the world. One of her many accomplishments was winning the tle as the Dance Grand Champions in the television producon of Star Search!!! Aer a me away from performing to raise her two children she realized how much she missed performing so then began her journey of acng!! She started classes and soon began audioning and she has been working ever since!! She has performed in leading roles in such stage producons as: Emilie La Marquise, 2 Across, Admissions, Arfice, While The Lights Were Out and The Book of Will...plus numerous musicals....Legally Blonde, Nunsense, Victor Victoria, Chicago and Kinky Boots just to name a few!! She can also be seen in many feature/short films and various commercials Robin is very excited to be returning to the Brüka Stage in this wonderful producon as the very intriguing character of Half Man/Half Woman ~ Cheers

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL - Cast @ BRÜKA

BETH GAMBOA (VENUS DE MILO, US VIOLET, SUITOR, GUEST, CHERUBS+TAP, TEXANS #4) With a background in dance and theater, Beth Gamboa has brought her love of performance to Truckee/Reno audiences acting as dance captain and ensemble in “White Christmas” and portraying Val in “A Chorus Line” and Janet in “The Rocky Horror Show” When she is not performing on stage, she is spending time with her family as well as directing the after school theater program at Tahoe Expedition Academy in Truckee, CA She’d like to thank her TEA kids and her Reno theater family for reigniting her joy of performance and theater She is excited to share this important story of acceptance for all who feel different in this world and hopes that one day we can all provide a safe and accepting environment for all “freaks”.

CINDY SABATINI (BEARDED LADY, AUNTIE, GUEST, TEXAN #9) Cindy has a passion for music and has performed in or musically directed theater productions in the Reno/Sparks/Carson City/Lake Tahoe area for Sierra School of the Performing Arts, NV Civic Light Opera, Western NV Musical Theater Company, Truckee Community Theater, Sparks UMC, and Spanish Springs HS since moving here from WA State in 1998 Some favorite roles include Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL, Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID, Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Rizzo in GREASE, Sally Bowles in CABARET, and Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA Her diverse musical background includes productions in 6 states, vocalist in classical, jazz, Christian, and oldies rock groups She is vocalist for Reno’s Biggest Little Big Band, Route 66 Rock ‘n Roll Band, and a member of the Reno Philharmonic Chorus where she had the thrill of performing at Carnegie Hall! Cindy teaches voice and piano at “It’s All About Music” in Reno.

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL - Cast @

BRÜKA

KELSEY MATO (TATTOO GIRL, SUITOR, GUEST #3, CHERUB + TAP, TEXAN #6) Kelsey Mato (she/her) is excited to be a freak in the Sideshow and live out her lifelong dream of being covered in tattoos She most recently played the legendary Judy Garland in Christmas with the Crawfords and spunky Lauren in Kinky Boots with Brüka Theatre Kelsey also previously played Kristine in Chorus Line (Wild Horse Stage Co ) and Rhoda in White Christmas (Truckee Community Theatre) When she isn’t working on a show, she likes to do ballet, read, travel, and take hiking and backpacking trips with her husband, Joe

KAYMIN SAMBRANO (3 LEGGED MAN, HOUDINI, SUITOR (DUET), GUEST, CUPID, TEXANS #3) Having hopped on stage for the first time with WNC as Zebullun in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, He has played several supporting roles within Holiday Inn and Newsies in Carson City. Most recently, serving lots of sass as Baby Jane Hudson and Patty Andrews in Christmas with the Crawfords right here at Brüka He has been loving his time entertaining others, and hopes to be in many more shows in the future He would like to thank his lovely wife Rose for all the support she provides him, and his wonderful family for always coming to see him look silly on stage

BAY EATON (DOG BOY, DOCTOR 1, SUITOR (DUET), GUEST, CUPID+TAP, TEXAN #5) Rising Junior at Damonte Ranch HS, Bay wows audiences as Dog Boy in Side Show He brings experience from captivating roles like Davey (Newsies-Western Nevada CC) and Gaston (Beauty and the Beast-YTCC) Bay actively hones his craft through training at YTCC, vocal coaching with Judy Munson, and ongoing competition Accepted into the prestigious "Lunch Choir" (Junior year) A proud recipient of both Honor Choir and State Choir recognition (Sophomore year) Aspiring for a musical theatre career, Bay rehearses year-round, dedicating himself to mastering his singing and dancing skills

BELLA MASON (LIZARD WOMAN, REPORTER #3, GUEST, CHERUB + TAP, TEXAN #1) Bella is overjoyed to be back on the Brüka stage for her third show! A San Francisco native, Bella has performed with various Bay Area and Reno-Tahoe local community theater groups. Bella is a 3rd year student at the University of Nevada-Reno pursuing her bachelor’s in Applied Mathematics.

AIDEN BILLHARZ (HUMAN PIN CUSHION, SUITOR, REPORTER #5, GUEST, CUPID, TEXAN 11) Aiden is thrilled to appear as pin-cushion in Brüka's production of SideShow Aiden has been performing from a very young age and studied theater at the Academy of Art University Aiden is freshly back in the Reno area after training and competing as a professional ballroom dancer in New York City He is excited to return to Brüka’s wonderful stage with this incredible cast and company

MICHELA MUÑOZ BROWN (FEMALE COSSACK, SUITOR, REPORTER #9, GUEST SOLO, CHERUB, TEXAN #8) Michela Muñoz-Brown is thrilled to return to Brüka Theatre in "Side Show"! Her favorite past roles include Bakers Wife in "Into the Woods", Judy Turner in "A Chorus Line", and Elsa Schraeder in "The Sound of Music". Michela studied acting at Whitworth University, where she received a B.A. in Theatre. Off the stage, she enjoys spending time walking her dog, creating cosplays, and playing tabletop games. She would like to thank her wonderful husband for his support and love throughout pursuing her creative endeavors.

STEPHEN MOORE (MALE COSSACK, DOCTOR 2, SUITOR, REPORTER, RAY, TAP) Stephen is a local performer and choreographer He's performed in A Chorus Line with Wild Horse Stage Co (2022), Carmen with The Reno Philharmonic (2023), Kinky Boots with Bruka Theater (2023), and Christmas with the Crawfords with Brüka Theater (2023) He also choreographed Spring Awakening for Wild Horse Stage Co (2023), and Mean Girls Jr with Truckee Community Theater (2024) This is Stephen’s third opportunity to work with Brüka performing in Sideshow as a handful of ensemble roles including a circus attraction and dancer

BRIAN HANSON (ROUSTABOUT #1, DOCTOR 4, SIRS LAWYER, REPORTER #4, GUEST, TOD BROWNING, US SIR) This is Brian‘s first season with Brüka Theatre He played the King of Hearts in Brüka's production of Mary Bennett's "Reflections of Tarantula Jones", Katherine Hepburn in "Christmas with the Crawfords", and most recently, lonesome lothario Richard Maynard in "Moon Over Buffalo". He directed Kell Kittell's heartwarming "Que Sera Sera" presented at Bruka's Bohemia Night this year. He also appeared this year in Gage Bailie's short film, "Toxic". Brian is a proud Wisconewmexicalivadan and brings more than 50 years of performing arts experience with him to Brüka He has performed with legends Ella Fitzgerald, Red Skelton, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Rita Moreno, and Ray Price, among others He would like to dedicate this performance with love to Red Kittell

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL - Cast @ BRÜKA

RACHAEL GOTTAS (ROUSTABOUT #2, STENOGRAPHER, UNDERSTUDY JUDGE, ANNOUNCER, REPORTER #8, GUEST, CAMERA MAN, TEXAN #7) Rachael Goas (Ensemble) Co-Founded Brüka Theatre with Sco Beers and Victoria Hackenberg in 1992. She is in awe of how the theatre has grown and forever grateful to Mary Benne, the company and the community at large for its ongoing success Rachael has performed at UNR, TMCC, Gothic North, RLT and Brüka Theatre This will be her third performance with Brüka Theatre aer an 18 year absence You may have seen her in some recent Bohemia nights, as the Queen of Hearts in "Tarantula Jones" by Rosebud Matches Creaons and Tiffany Twisted in Brüka’s "BuCracker, Rockstar" 2022 She is over the moon to be working with the wonderfully talented and gorgeous John Paul Rivard as director. xoxoxo

MARTI CREVELING (AUNTIE, REPORTER #6, GUEST, TEXAN #10, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR)

Mar has been a part of the local theatre community since moving here in 2008 If you haven't seen her onstage, she is behind the scenes or in the audience Favorite roles include Roz - 9 to 5, Storyteller - Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, Mrs Baker - Buerflies Are Free and Sr Mary Regina - Nunsense I and II In real life, she is a mammography technologist with Northern Nevada Medical Center.

EVAN GADDA (JUDGE) Evan Gadda returns to the Brüka stage aer a four year absence. He is grateful to the creave team for bringing him home Previous roles include Jacob Marley in Christmas Carol, ensemble member in Under Milkwood, Harry in Pyre Town, and numerous musicals and plays Mr Gadda wishes to dedicate this performance to his grandmother Frances and his aunt Doctor Francine Mannix

CHERYL GLICKMAN (UNDERSTUDY TATTOO GIRL) Cheryl is so excited to be joining Brüka Theater for her musical theater premiere in Reno! She is also currently rehearsing for Bye Bye Birdie with Sierra School of the Performing Arts. Her favorite past roles include “Annie” in Annie and “Connie” in A Chorus Line. She is dedicang this performance and all future performances to Nan, who will always be her biggest cheerleader!

BAND

JOANNE NEISH (MUSIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR/PIANIST) JoAnne (Jo) Neish has collaborated with John-Paul Rivard as a Musical Director (MD) and Keyboardist/Conductor (K/C) for producons such as "White Christmas" (MD) and "Nunsense" (K/C) She brings extensive experience to Brüka, having worked as a music producer, teacher, arranger, composer, and recording arst Outside of musical producons, Jo teaches music at Nevada Sage Waldorf School, directs music and worship at Sparks UMC, and produces music and videos for online worship She finds great joy in helping theater performers excel both individually and as an ensemble She is amazed by the talent of this show's ensemble and is grateful to be a part of it

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL - Cast @ BRÜKA

SUE WHITEHOUSE (CONDUCTOR/PIANIST) Sue Kinney Whitehouse is thrilled to be working her first show at Brüka Theater It reminds her of the theater back home where she music directed many shows The folks at Bruka have quickly become like family Sue has MD’ed or played keys for over 150 shows and this is her second show about carnival “freaks” The first was the debut of a show called “Lobster Boy” in Chicago Favorite shows include “Spiire Grilll” and “The Drowsy Chaperone” Sue is the principal pianist for Western Nevada Musical Theater Co. in Carson City, and church organist at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Glenbrook. You can also find her at choir concerts all around Northern Nevada. Thanks to John Paul for the opportunity to join this community, and to Jo Neish for being so welcoming!

MARK SARGENT (BASS) Mark has been playing bass and/or guitar for musical producons in the Reno/Sparks and Truckee area for about 10 years now. He teaches guitar and bass at It's All About Music in Reno and plays with the praise band at Sparks United Methodist Church. "First me playing at the Bruka, and I love it!"

KEVIN MURPHY (DRUMMER) Kevin is a very busy musician in the Reno area. In addion to drumming with various bands and groups, including the Biggest Lile Big Band, he is also the orchestra conductor/director for the Western Nevada Musical Theater company in Carson City. By day, Kevin is a digital accessibility engineer for Stanford University.

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL - CREATIVES @ BRÜKA

JOHN PAUL RIVARD (Director/Choreographer/Costumer)

Has been performing in the art form of Musical Theater for 26 years in California, Hawaii and Nevada. He Graduated at Solano College Theater - Actors Training Program under the mentorship of Carla Spindt, George Maguire, Vivian Bayubay McLaughlin, Sheri Stockdale, Staci Arriaga, Lisa Clark, and Julian Lopez-Morillas. When John isn’t performing you may find him Direcng, Choreographing, Costume and Wig designing. Recent producons as Director/Choreographer A Chorus Line - Wild Horse Stage Co., Nunsense, Nunsense 2- Sparks United Methodist Church, White Christmas, Frog & Toad, 9 to 5 - Truckee Community Theater, Chicago, Once On This Island, Into The Woods - Inner Rhythms. Recent Wig Design Kinky Boots & George McBrideBrϋka Theater, Baskerville - RLT, Newsies & Holiday Inn - WNMTC, Addams Family, Annie, & Legally Blonde - SSPA. Honored with the Sacramento Regional ELLY Award- Best Supporng Male in a Musical - Frog & Toad. Best Lead Performer- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Fright Fest. Fairfield Daily Republic ARTY Award- Best Supporng Male in a Musical - Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Best Supporng Male in a Musical - Batboy the Musical.

ROSE SAMBRANO (Co-director/Make-up/Dramaturg/Prop Coordinaon)

Rose is excited to be Assistant Direcng this producon of "Side Show: The Musical" She is extremely grateful for this opportunity and thankful to Mary for the trust. SEE BRÜKA CREATIVES BIO

MARY BENNETT (Producer)

Mary’s first show with Bruka was in Charles Ludlam’s Jack & The Beanstalk. She began partnering her company Renaissance Projects with Brüka in 1999 and became Bruka’s Producing Arsc Director, producing over 100 shows at Bruka Theatre Mary’s direcng has included: Rocky Horror Picture Show, Angry Housewives, BUTTCRACKERS, Three Penny Opera, Under Milkwood, Clue - On Stage, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, Bell, Book & Candle, Wild Party, Creature, Trailer Park The Musical. Metamorphosis, Pageant, Mr. Burns, Abducng Diana, Amadeus and Brüka’s Theatre For Children Producons. Mary has been producing theatre and events since 1994. SEE BRÜKA CREATIVES BIO.

KAITLYNN COOPER (Stage Manager)

Since coming to Brüka Theatre, Kaitlynn has stage managed many shows and realizes actors and zoo animals have so much in common. Kaitlynn became the Bruka Company Manager several years ago and acts as our human resource person, trains potenal stage managers and assists the Producing Arsc Director with producon dues (SEE ADDITIONAL BRÜKA CREATIVES BIO)

LEWIS ZAUMEYER (Set Design) & DAVID SIMPSON (Lighng Design & Sound Operaon) SEE BRÜKA CREATIVES BIO

SIDE SHOW THE MUSICAL - CREATIVES @ BRÜKA

MICHAEL GRIMM (Arsc Associate/Graphic Design/Librarian) Actor, Writer, Director and Graphic Designer for Bruka for over 27 years. I’ve designed over 100 posters for Bruka, and most of Bruka’s branding. When I’m not in the theatre, I waste me creang comics and illustraons for the Reno News & Review and raising a family. Some of the Bruka’s producons I’ve appeared in: Bent, Mother Courage, Noises Off, Three Penny Opera, Cabaret, Waing For Godot, Wizard of Oz, True West, Frozen. Shows I directed or wrote: A Christmas Carol, Lile Murders, I’m Not Afraid of You!, Titus Andronicus, A Streetcar Named Desire.

DAVE RICHARDS (Light Operator) David has 40 plus yrs experience as a performer in stage and film. His training includes numerous places with numerous wonderful people. Space Theatre, Reed Theatre Group, UNR, TMCC, American Musical and Dramac Academy, The Second City, amongst many other wonderful theaters around the country have been my training ground. Happy to be a part of the sideshow tech crew

DEBORAH MORRISON (Bruka Costumer)

Since I was lile I’d dress up anyone who came near me. As a Wardrobe/ Stylist credits include; Mac Davis, Bobby Vinton, Suzanne Sommers on tour, Liberace, Rockees, Manhaan show at New York, New York hotel Casino Las Vegas, Nevada , Spellbound-Magic show- World Tour, Costa cruise lines , Celebrity Cruise Lines, Silja Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, and The IllusionistBroadway & US Tour. As a Costume Designer; “Lord of the Dance” at Epcot Center Disney World, General Jackson Riverboat, Nashville,TN. 20 years designing for Alabama Theatre, North Myrtle Beach, S.C., Cirque Shanghai on Ice, Harbin, China, plus Numerous shows at Brüka. I LOVE What I Do!!!!!!

PRODUCERS NOTE - THIRTY WONDERFUL SEASON

This has been an incredible season for us at Brüka Theatre. Thirty wonderful years of live theatre with so many different arsts, ideas, collaboraons coming together with all the theatre magic. This year’s theme: “The show must go on '' lived up to its name and gave us our first strong season back from COVID

Thank you, our dear patrons for showing up, trusng us with your entertainment needs and supporng us.

We, like many people, have lost some incredible players and patrons over the last couple of years and their impact will be felt forever. We have also had arsts return to their Brüka home and reignite themselves and the art.

For the opportunity to create, share and experience innovave live theatre at Brüka - I am always grateful. Our 32nd season is on the horizon with “Transcendence”. Stay tuned for the season and for season ckets.

Always,

Mary Benne Producing Arsc Director BrükaTheatre

BRÜKA THEATRE CREATIVES

MARY BENNETT - BRÜKA THEATRE PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Mary Benne’s training and performances include American Conservatory Theater (San Francisco), Bay Area TheaterSports, Upright Cizens Brigade (UCB) Dell’Arte Internaonal Theatre Company, New York Stage & Film, B Street Theater, Reno Philharmonic, Reno Jazz Orchestra, Sierra Nevada Ballet, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Fesval, and Kennedy Center training as a teaching arst, Arts Integraon Specialist and mentor. Currently, Producing Arsc Director of Brüka Theatre & Theater Arst-in-Residence with Nevada Arts Council and Sierra Arts Foundaon. Her Dorothy Parker…Shivering and Sighing won Best of The San Francisco Fringe Fesval, and was performed in NYC, June, 2017. Named “Best Actor” in Reno News & Review ten mes. She organizes and arscally directs the Carson City Ghost Walk and has appeared on screen, most recently in Nowhere Nevada and Dear George, and commissioned for solo shows with NAMI and The Nevada Museum Of Art. Mary is currently the drama instructor at Doral Academy.

DAVID SIMPSON, BRÜKA

THEATRE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

David Simpson, born in Reno, Hug High School graduate, learned the art of photography during five years in the Navy as a Photographer's Mate aboard the U.S.S. Constellaon. In the early 90's he was introduced to theatre in Modesto, CA and has been involved since “somemes immersed in it, somemes not [with] various dues, a few roles, numerous venues, a lot of shows.” At Brüka, Dave brings stage producons to life through his lighng and sound experse. Arsts and audiences throughout the region have benefited from his reless work ethic and aenon to detail when building a world on stage with sight and sound.

HOLLY NATWORA – BRÜKA OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Holly Natwora received her MFA from Columbia University in NYC and has acted in over 75 plays including two summers at Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival, touring The Caucasian Chalk Circle in Berlin, Germany and performing as Lady Macbeth in the first ever New York Fringe. Holly has also appeared in television and film, most notably in Law & Order and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Since moving to Reno in 2005, she has performed or directed at the Brüka Theatre, Reno Little Theatre, Good Luck Macbeth, and TheatreWorks of Northern Nevada. Holly currently teaches Theatre at Truckee Meadows Community College and Shakespeare for Social Justice at High Desert State Prison. She is the Operations Director at Brüka Theatre-her theatrical home.

KAITLYNN COOPER - BRÜKA COMPANY MANAGER/STAGE MANAGER

Kaitlynn is our company manager at Brüka, overseeing human resource details and working behind the scenes and as stage manager for many of Brüka's producons including Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, The Crucible, Stupid Fucking Bird, Anne Frank, Clue, Mr. Burns, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Dollshouse 2, mulple Bucrackers, Kinky Boots, and The Reflecons of Tarantula Jones. She is an English teacher at McQueen High School.

BRÜKA THEATRE CREATIVES

LEWIS ZAUMEYER - SET DESIGNER/ BRÜKA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A praccing Architect and Arst, I have been enthusiascally involved at Brüka Theater since 1997, Acng, doing Set Design and Construcon, Direcng and serving on the Non-Profit Board of Directors. I’ve worked on almost every project since I showed up and a quite a few memorable acng projects include Hair, King Lear, Waing for Godot, Cabaret, Buried Child, The Underpants, Metamorphosis, Irma Vep,The Goat, Richard III, MacBeth, then most recently Tooth of Crime, Stupid Fucking Bird & Acknaton.

MELINDA (MYNDI) HEARN - Newly welcomed Bruka Bookkeeper with nearly 30 years of QuickBooks accounng/bookkeeping experience serving customers in the Reno, Tahoe and Truckee communies. Myndi also volunteers her me serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for local non-profit, Music with Confidence. With a longme love of theater and musical performance and immediate kinship with the Bruka team, I’m so excited to be a part of this.

KRISTINA WORTHLEY - BRÜKA PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Krisna is the assistant to the producer. Brüka is a place she calls home. Krisna has performed at many theaters around Reno. She aended UNLV to earn a bachelors in English with a minor in Theater Arts. Krisna is a high school teacher at Spanish Springs High School. She teaches a program that provides life skills, job training, career and trade skills, and problem solving skills.

ROSE SAMBRANO - PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE

Rose has worked on several projects with Bruka in a variety of roles. Both on and off the stage, Rose frequently supports producons with things like props, organizaon, and quick changes. Shows she has worked on through Bruka include Kinky Boots, The Reflecons of Tarantula Jones, and Every Brilliant Thing.

RILEY MCKINNEY -NICKY’S/CREW OF LOVE

Riley has been working with Brüka since she graduated high school in 2015. You've seen her in many Bucrackers, The Crucible, Green Show, and serving drinks at Nickey's! Riley is a 2020 graduate of UNR with a degree in theater where you may have seen her as the tular Eurydice or Assistant Direcng Twelh Night.

JESSEY RICHARDS - NICKY’S/CREW OF LOVE

Jessey has been working with Brüka both on and off stage since 2013. You most recently saw him as Jov Bon Johnnie in Bucracker: Rockstar! You may have also seen him in Naon Of Two, The Diary of Anne Frank, and a plethora of other shows! He is currently in Brüka touring Theatre For Children shows, The Paramount and Somemes Wildly Ridiculous History of Nevada and Momma Nurture & the Brightsides

“NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. INDEED, IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS.”

~ MARGARET MEADE

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PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING OR RENEWING YOUR FRIENDS OF Brüka TODAY O Neighbor $100 & under O Ally $101 - $500 O Confidant $501 - $1000 O Tutelary Saint $1001 NAME: _______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:

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PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO RENEW OR BECOME A FRIEND OF BRÜKA

Brüka Celebrates 30 Years of Live Theatre. Becoming a donor and a friend supports our programming from our main stage productions, our summer workshops for kids, Master Workshops, our Artist In The House Series, our original works series and our Theatre For Children. Without your support we wouldn’t be here. We appreciate your care and patronage so very much. ~ Brüka Theatre.

FRIENDS OF BRÜKA 2023 ~ 2024

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Bartz, Jerry Beers, Logan Blanford, Victoria Boothe, Ina Bow, Ann Marie Butler, Julia Cooper, Kaitlynn Davis, Merryanne Douglas, Rachel Etheridge, La Ronda Flynn, Jennifer Gianos, Amy Gottas, Rachael Hearn, Rod Hurst, Rodney Kephart, Sue Kezios, Evonne Kohlenberg, Barbara Koshinski, MK Langsdale, Lyndsey McKinney, Riley Miller, Kris Monahan, Pat Nesbitt, Elizabeth Podewils-Baba, Nancy Richards, Dave Richards, Jessey Rizzardo, Giovana Schwarz, Kass Seymour, Larry Spain, Stacey Teen, Amber Vucovich, Tracy Walmsley, John Young, Mona Zackery, Sabrina

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Forms may be dropped off at the box office desk or can be mailed back to Brüka (99 N Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501 or faxed to 775 323 8209) If you include your information you will be entered into a drawing to win a gift certificate to a Brüka Show. Drawings held at the end of the run of each show.

Thank you for taking the time. We are listening.

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