OCGMC: Merry & Bright: Tinseltown

Saturday, December 3, 2022 La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

Artistic Director Steve Milloy

FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Hello, everybody!

My name’s Steve. What’s yours?

Welcome to the twenty-second season for MenAlive – OC Gay Men’s Chorus and my first as Artistic Director. Thanks to Rich Cook, I’ve had the pleasure of crafting choral arrangements for OCGMC long before I was blessed with the privilege of continuing the legacy of Rich Cook and Bob Gunn.

Like much of the country (and the world), we are in a transformational phase. Since 2020 we’ve been doing our best to pivot, finding new ways to keep our music and our mission alive. Slowly but surely, we’ve been getting back to sharing in the collaborative act of performing, which we cannot do without you.

I hope you’re ready to join us on this musical journey through our Tinseltown Telethon! Originally the idea was to program this concert with songs from holidaythemed movies and shows, and we did some of that. Some of them you’ll know, some may be brand new to you. But I couldn’t stop there…

The holiday season is so much more than Christmas. There’s Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice — so many ways to contemplate and celebrate the season. Some of our musical selections will reflect on these, as well.

Does that sound dry to you? Well, don’t worry. OCGMC will continue to bring quality, side-splitting, heart-stopping, and thought-provoking musical performances.

Please feel free to come over and say hi after the performance and tell me what you think. Looking forward to meeting you!

Steve Milloy (he/him/his) Artistic Director

Photographer: Paul Nixdorf

FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

Allow me to extend my warmest welcome to the twenty-second season for MenAlive - OC Gay Men’s Chorus. I’m so grateful you have taken the time to support our organization. We are privileged to share these hours with you.

As President, my version of holiday cheer may not sound very festive but, well, we have so much to celebrate!

2022 has been a whirlwind of change with the expansion of our board to 11 voting members, welcoming our new Artistic Director Steve Milloy, the growth of our HeartsAlive volunteer corps, and the post-COVID growth of the chorus itself. Yet with everything going on, the tenets on which Rich Cook founded MenAlive remain at our core.

My determination to more fully execute our mission has driven this expansion. We are organizing to provide a safe space for male voices to entertain, inform, bring healing, joy, friendship and build bridges in all corners of Orange County. These changes are supported by the largest budget in OCGMC’s history and we are partnering with individuals and organizations to achieve it. For example, we are partnering with the Orange County Community Foundation to access new avenues of philanthropy.

I invite you to join us by volunteering or by supporting us monetarily. (We are a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax-deductible.) Please feel free to reach out to me or any member of our leadership team to learn more, or just to share some holiday cheer!

Lastly, my husband Alan and I wish you a safe and joyful holiday season.

Mike Auchter (he/him/his) President and CEO

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

When I was asked to take on the role of Executive Director, I thought about what this organization has meant to me for the past 18 years, and what I thought I could do in taking this position.

I learned about MenAlive when a member invited my mother to see him perform. After the concert she couldn’t wait to tell me how wonderful the concert was so I could tell my gay best friend. Knowing my friend had different rights than I did as a straight woman, I was elated to learn MenAlive was more than just a chorus. They had a mission and were using their voices. That is when I knew I wanted to do all I could to join with them in the mission.

I learned very quickly that MenAlive was the family I was so desperately needing. My passion for MenAlive started soaring and the more I got involved and helped, the more my heart was full. I still feel MenAlive has given me more that I could ever give them and as I watch my own son sing for his first time with MenAlive today, I couldn’t be prouder of him or the organization that I love.

As we move forward, I’m going to be working hard to build even more relationships within the community, focus on our five-year plan, grow the MenAlive family, and most importantly continue to spread our mission as we the fight for equality.

We are so thankful for all the support we receive from the community, whether it be buying tickets, supporting our silent auction, making individual donations, joining the Encore Circle of dedicated patrons, or simply spreading the word and bringing your friends to see us perform! Of course, we couldn’t do all the things we do without the generosity of our fabulous corporate sponsors.

I look forward to meeting and talking with you today and in the days and months to come. But for now, please join me in wishing a hearty “Break a Leg” to Artistic Director Steve Milloy, my best friend Vince, my son Brandon, and the fabulous Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus as they present Merry and Bright: Tinseltown!

Valerie Ousley (she/her/hers) Executive Director

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Mike Auchter

VICE PRESIDENT + OUTREACH

Shahrzad Bakhtiari

TREASURER + CFO

Dan Martin

SECRETARY

Tony D’Amico

DIRECTORS

Bill Eadie, Arnold Holland, Michael Kreuzer, Scott Sackin

GOVERNANCE DIRECTOR

Ron Leon

CHORUS-NOMINATED DIRECTOR

Robb Neale

MARKETING + TECH DIRECTOR

Patrick Reynolds BOARD ADVISOR

Bey-Ling Sha

PRODUCER

Paul E. Doyle

Steve Milloy

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Valerie Ousley, Richard Piatt

Robb Neale

BAND

Patrick Gutman, Joe Hogue, Sean Petersen, Adrian Sanchez, Garrett Wolfe

SOUND TECHNICIAN

David Alverson

VIDEOGRAPHER

Curtis Stage CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHER

Doug Gifford

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Joey Baital

BRAND MANAGER + PROGRAM DESIGN

Michael Beener

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Manuel Contreras

VOLUNTEER STAFF

STAGE MANAGER

Nicki Pensinger

LIGHTING + SET DESIGNER

Paul E. Doyle

WARDROBE MANAGER

Roberto Mason

BACKSTAGE MANAGER

Valerie Ousley

STAGE CREW

Debby Taylor

SET CONSTRUCTION

Tony D’Amico, Nicki Pensinger, Philip Talbert

CHOREOGRAPHERS

Miguel Chicas, Robb Neale, Jason Pascual

DANCERS

Brian Burnett, Ferdinand Capitulo, Miguel Chicas, Douglas Graham, Philip Lee, Jason Pascual, Christian Perez, Lester Ricks, Edgardo Soberanis, Christopher Vournas

BEL CANTO

James Atkins, Brian Bogucki, Ferdinand Capitulo, Miguel Chicas, Patrick Clarke, Tony D’Amico, Cedric Davis, John Kilpatrick, Talon Le Cocq, Bill Morrow, Josh Paz, Jordon Sampson, Darren Snapper

CHORUS MANAGER

Valerie Ousley

MEMBERS ADVISORS

Brian Bogucki, Lester Ricks

MEMBERS

James Sousa

SOCIAL MANAGER

CHORUS CARE MANAGER

Bill Eadie

CREATIVE COMMITTEE

Steve Milloy, Robb Neale, Brian Burnett, Jay Cambare, Miguel Chicas, Khoi Diep, Paul Doyle, Bill Eadie, Phillip Fabian, Mark Le, Scott Lohse, Valerie Ousley, Jason Pascual, Michael Lawrence Quintos, Patrick Reynolds, Lester Ricks William San Antonio, Jim Taulli

ARTISTIC DIRECTORS EMERITUS

Rich Cook, Bob Gunn

SILENT AUCTION COORDINATOR

Joe Hodulik

PROJECT PHOTO + VIDEOGRAPHER

Jay Cambare

CONCERT PROGRAM EDITORS

Brian Bogucki, Gary Helton, Jay Cambare, Karen Zfaty, Phil Poggi, Mike Auchter, Richard Wood

HEARTSALIVE MANAGER

Scott Lohse

REHEARSAL VOLUNTEERS

Chris Merritt, Long Nguyen, Victor Ortiz, Robert Sweeney, Tristan Nguyen, Frank Mancebo

FRONT OF HOUSE VOLUNTEERS

Shahrzad Bakhtiari, Monroe Bishop, Andrei Brauzman, Rita Burns, Jamie Catania, Linda and Lee Choong, Rachel Cramer, Michael Godfrey, Stewart Hall, Gary Helton, Rowan Hepps Keeney, Joe Hodulik, Deborah Ann Hom, Nat Ieamwongnukul, Laura Iwasaki, Ron Leon, Scott Lohse, Dan Martin, Chris Merritt, Trudi Meyers, Long Nguyen, Tristan Nguyen, Jeffrey Oleson, David Omer, Joel Orozco, Victor Ortiz, Judith Rees, Patrick Reynolds, Alberto Sagardia, William San Antonio, Ronn Sarno, Peter Schenkelberg, Dora Schuster, Jim Smith, Keith Strohler, Robert Sweeney, Jack Waldo, Jim Wick, Paul Wick, Steven Wong, Gregg Ziak, along with additional volunteers from Disney and TurnOut.

MUSICAL SELECTIONS

- ACT I -

CHRISTMAS MEANS NOTHING WITHOUT YOU

(from Anna and the Apocalypse)

Written by Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly Arranged by Steve Milloy

YOU’RE A MEAN ONE, MR. GRINCH

(from How the Grinch Stole Christmas)

Written by Theodore Geisel and Albert Hague Arranged by Eric Knechtges Performed by Bel Canto

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE (from A Charlie Brown Christmas)

Written by Vince Guaraldi and Bill Mendelson Arranged by Eric Knechtges

THIS CHRISTMAS (from This Christmas)

Written by Donny Hathaway and Nadine Theresa McKinnor Arranged by David Maddux

Soloist: August Lobato, Jr.

OCHO KANDELIKAS

Written by Flory Jagoda Arranged by Charlie Beale

Performed by Bel Canto Soloist: Jordon Samson

SAINT NICK AT NITE

Written by Eric Lane Barnes

Soloists: Patrick Clarke, Talon Le Cocq, David Mendoza, Bill Morrow

MERRY AND BRIGHT: TINSELTOWN TEAM

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR – Steve Milloy

PRINCIPAL ACCOMPANIST – Patrick Gutman

CHOREOGRAPHERS – Miguel Chicas, Robb Neale, Jason Pascual PRODUCER + PRODUCTION MANAGER – Paul E. Doyle

MUSICAL SELECTIONS

- ACT II -

VUELIE (from Frozen)

Written by Christophe Beck and Frode Fjellheim Arranged by Eric Knechtges

SEVEN PRINCIPLES

Written by Bernice Johnson Reagon

Adapted by Steve Milloy

UKRAINIAN ALLELUIA

Written by Craig Courtney

THE WORLD FOR CHRISTMAS

Written by Anders Edenroth Performed by Bel Canto

PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART

(from Scrooged)

Written by Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday and Randy Myers Arranged by Steve Milloy

Soloists: Cedric Davis, Michael L. Quintos

THIS DAY (from Jingle Jangle)

Written by Philip Lawrence, David Nathan, and David Talbert Arranged by Steve Milloy

TINSELTOWN SING-ALONG

Arranged by Eric Knechtges

SPARKLE AND SHINE (from Nativity!)

Written by Debbie Isitt and Nicky Ager Arranged by Eric Knechtges

TE DESEO FELIZ NAVIDAD

Traditional, Arranged by Steve Milloy based on Hilario Duran

Soloists: Martin Moreno, Josh Paz

VOLUNTEERS + FOUNDERS

The HeartsAlive group is made up of volunteers who donate their time for a variety of important jobs that make the concerts function more smoothly. Without them, it would be a much tougher job to put on the concerts. Volunteers support both in the Front of House and Backstage. They assist with the very visible silent auction, as greeters, general assistance, and in the not-so-visible stage setup and teardown, makeup, stage hands, wardrobe, rehearsal snack coordination and in all of the other critical aspects of show preparation. We appreciate all of their efforts – many have devoted countless hours of their time over many years. We can’t thank them enough. For more information, visit ocgmc.org/volunteer.

- OUR FOUNDERS -

In 2001, they caught the vision, believed in the dream, and through faith and generosity, gave birth to MenAlive, OC Gay Men’s Chorus. Al Roberts & Ken Jillson, Bart Charles, Beverly Jackson, Bill LaPointe, The Blade, Bob Metcalf & Dave Skousen, Bobby Arrington, Cary Heaton & Todd Kellogg, Casa Laguna Inn & Spa, Cornerstone Catering, Dante Rementilla, David Hanson, David Lee Abrams & Charles J. Eckhart, David Neal Pennington Foundation, David Sanford & Steve Dotoratos, Dominic Bosco & Jack Reising, Dr. Edward Jang & Andrew Phillips, Eric Schindler, François Leclair, Fred Wood, G.C. “Brad” Brafford, Gary & Loretta Graham, Gordon Jones, Hal Binder DDS & Orson Dee MD, HRC Federal Club Board, Jack Middleton, James Smith, Jewelry by Ponce, Joe Hodulik, Joe Walker, Joel Herzer & Alford Harrison, John Damron, John Holcombe, Julian Lai & Warren Wolfe, Kathy Blank, Ken Selig, Larry Gil & Bill Milham, Mark Jacobi, Mark Serrurier, Mark Vonderhaar, Dr. Max Schneider & Ronald Smelt, Michael Piering, Paul Blank, Paul Findlay & Doug Ward, Perry LaMont, Priscilla Kraetzer, Esq. & David Casey, Esq., Ray Landicho, Rich Cook & Chris Macaluso, Rich Johnson, Richard Fiock, Dr. Roger Townsend, Scott Sackin & Philip Talbert, Sheldon Harte, Steve Earley, Steve Heckman, Stewart Hall & Gary Helton, Tad Acker & Richard Sneed, The Rev. Canon Albert Ogle, Ty Rose, Will Bootsma, William E. Callahan, Jr., MD

CHORUS MEMBERS

BARITONE

Steve Acosta

Rob Barker (LOA)

Patrick Clarke

Manuel Contreras

Elvin Dioquino (LOA)

Phillip Fabian

Douglas Graham

Damon Hedman John Holcombe

David Keller

Will Li

Joseph McCabe Martin Moreno Bill Morrow Ehab Oro Brandon Reed William San Antonio (LOA)

Edgardo Soberanis

Christopher Vournas James Wick Rick Zarski

BASS

Michael Auchter (LOA)

Gerard Bergeron

Brian Bogucki

David Cervantes

Tony D’Amico

Cedric Davis

John Paul Findlay

Lonnie James

Mike Kiddoo (Section Leader)

Daniel Martin (LOA)

Roberto Mason

Dean McCleskey

Daniel Medina

David Mendoza

Bob Oesterreich (LOA)

David Omer

Michael Schendel

Philip Talbert

TENOR 1

Brian Burnett

Ferdinand Capitulo (Section Leader) Khoi Diep

Bill Eadie (LOA)

John Kilpatrick Michael Kreuzer Talon Le Cocq Philip Lee Russell Long (LOA) Korey Mitchell

Vince Montero Jason Pascual Michael L. Quintos

Lester Ricks Bryan Rogers Jordon Samson James Sousa

TENOR 2

Spencer Alman James Atkins Jay Cambare

Miguel Chicas (Section Leader)

Jeff Cornett

Mike Fuhr

Steven Hyde Lon Johnson Mark Le

August Lobato

Justin Solomon Massey Robb Neale

Jeffrey Olinarez

Joshua Paz Christian Perez Phil Poggi

Jason Queen (LOA) Reid Rova

Darren Snapper Jim Taulli

Jeff Whittiker (LOA - Leave of Absence)

CAST INTRODUCTIONS

Gerard Bergeron (Announcer) – Gerard has been singing in the bass section of the Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus since December of 2006. Additional roles thru the years have included being one of our featured storytellers in our “We Are Family” concert in 2014, providing occasional opening talks for the shows, hosting the 2020 Merry and Bright; @ Home Edition virtual concert and serving on the Board of Directors on two separate occasions. “I am so honored and proud to be associated with this amazing organization which has become my extended family”. Gerard is also a professionally trained voice-over actor and has worked as a commercial print model.

Phoebe Jeanne (Terry Tinsel) – Phoebe is very excited to be a part of this show and working with MenAlive! She has been a part of several productions at the Maverick Theatre in Fullerton and most recently assistant directed a show at Troy High School. She wishes you all a Happy Holiday!

Charlie Reeves (Timmy Tinsel) – Charlie was a singing/ dancing member of MenAlive from 2007-2012 where he cochoreographed several concerts. Theatrical credits: Conrad in Bye, Bye Birdie; El Gallo in The Fantasticks; Rusty Charlie in Guys and Dolls; The Scarecrow in The Wiz; Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying; Jesus in Godspell and Lewis in Pippin. Charlie has also worked as a weather and traffic anchor for NBC in Burbank and freelances as an entertainment reporter on the red carpet and in the backstage interview rooms of the Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globes.

Jim Taulli (Cheerful Elf) – Jim is a retired theatre professor from CSU, Fullerton and is twice the recipient of the Kennedy Center Gold Medallion for Excellence in Theatre Education. Jim has been a member of MenAlive since 2010 and sings in the first tenor section. He has only just recently stepped off of the Board of Directors where he served for the past 3 years helping MenAlive to navigate through the pandemic lock down.

Brian Burnett (Dancer) – Originally a member of MenAlive from 2004 to 2006, Brian shared his talents in solos, acting, emceeing and dancing during that time. Brian returned in 2022, and is excited to be back! It was a true sweet return for him. He is excited to be in new shows singing and dancing with MenAlive.

CAST INTRODUCTIONS

Ferdinand Capitulo (Dancer) – Ferdinand is a first-time member, joining MenAlive in Fall 2022. This is also his debut dancing on stage. Ferdinand would like to thank the dancers of MenAlive for the inspiration and video games for getting him there. When not dancing, he’s a piano teacher, composer, and video creator. Ferdinand is happy to have the support of his family and friends, and he is thrilled to be part of his new MenAlive family this year and beyond.

Miguel Chicas (Choreographer/Dancer) – Miguel joined MenAlive in January 2022. He currently teaches choral music in Orange County and performs as a guest conductor and tenor soloist throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties where he has worked with the Donald Bren Elementary Honor Choir, Grammy Award-nominee Josh Groban on his Stages tour and for An Intimate Evening with Josh Groban. Recently, Miguel performed in The Who’s Peter Townsend’s rock opera, Quadrophenia, starring Alfie Boe, Billy Idol, and Peter Townsend. He would like to thank MenAlive for the opportunity to perform in this safe choral environment and for all of their support!

Patrick Clarke (Soloist) – In his 11 years as a member of MenAlive, Patrick has had the opportunity to play the Mayor of Munchkinland in Wicked to Oz along with a few other solos. Patrick is an Orange County native, and has been singing since he was a child, mostly repeating commercial jingles while doing chores around the house. In high school and college he had the opportunity to perform in Fiddler on The Roof, How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar. Patrick says he owes it all to his older sister who always made him sing back-up for her.

Cedric Davis (Soloist) – Cedric has been with MenAlive since January 2007. He is an accomplished singer and soloist, having performed with various organizations including the Charlie Daniels Band and most recently the Grammy Award-winning Llew Matthews Jazz Trio. Being in MenAlive has been a huge influence in Cedric’s life, giving him the opportunity to travel, the feeling of a safe haven community and, of course, irreplaceable friends.

Douglas Graham (Dancer) – A member of MenAlive since 2011, Doug has danced and sung in many MenAlive

CAST INTRODUCTIONS

productions, including such audience favorites as ABBA/ Queen, Greasy Hairspray, Wonderful Worlds of Christmas, Pop Goes the Opera, Von Trapped, Strike a Pose and Winter Spectacular with Liza Minnelli. He started at age 7 and will continue to dance into his 60s with a song and a smile.

Talon Le Cocq (Soloist) – Talon joined MenAlive recently in 2022 and is eager to showcase his talents and skills! Prior to joining MenAlive, Talon’s experience with choir was only during high school, where he made fond memories singing in a vocal ensemble at the Orange County School of the Arts. He is ecstatic to be reliving those memories and creating more with each season.

Philip Lee (Dancer) – As a long-time member of MenAlive, Philip feels blessed to be living out his childhood dreams. He has performed in numerous feature groups with the chorus: as a nun and goat herder in Von Trapped, a matador in Pop Goes the Opera, and a dancer in Winter Spectacular with Liza Minnelli. Philip would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support, and especially the choreographers for their incredible patience.

August Lobato, Jr (Soloist) – August joined MenAlive in 2012 and has been a dancer and soloist in several shows. As a member of MenAlive, he is very proud of the outreach that we do and the support that we receive from the community. He thanks you so much for making us feel so welcomed and loved.

David Mendoza (Soloist) – David is in his fourth season with MenAlive, and his first as a soloist. He joined in 2018 to make new friends, and now has more friends than he knows (if you saw our Spring 2019 show, you’ll get the reference!).

Martin Moreno (Soloist) – Martin joined MenAlive in August 2020. Martin is a native Angelino and wanted to contribute to community outreach in Orange County with MenAlive. Martin credits his love of singing to his elementary school principal Sister Celly Ann Amparo and dedicates his debut solo performance to her heavenly memory. Martin is thankful to MenAilve for allowing him to experience the gift of music with his fellow chorus brothers in a nurturing and welcoming environment.

CAST INTRODUCTIONS

Bill Morrow (Soloist) – Bill has been performing with MenAlive and Bel Canto since 2004. By far, the most memorable MenAlive performances for him were those featuring Michael Feinstein, Bernadette Peters, and the holiday concert in the new Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Bill is super excited to have Steve Milloy on board with OCGMC and looks forward to many more concerts with him. Bill lives with his partner, Don Morgan and their dog Buddy, in Laguna Niguel. The two met while singing with the San Diego Men’s Chorus in 2000 and were married in 2008.

Robb Neale (Choreographer) – Robb has served MenAlive as Social Director, Chorus Life Director and now Creative Director, leading the Creative Committee to develop, plan and mount each production. As a performer, Robb has been seen in featured roles such as: Blanche Devereaux, Wagnerian Elmer Fudd, George Frideric Händel, Sister Giulietta, Santa Claus, and Henry VIII. He has been a member of the Marvelettes, the Seven Dwarfs, and the Lullaby League. He would like to thank Rich Cook, Bob Gunn and Michael Misita for the encouragement and inspiration they have always given him.

Jason Pascual (Choreographer/Dancer) – Jason began singing and dancing with MenAlive in 2018. He could not be more excited and grateful to have found such an amazing group of talented individuals with whom to share in the joy of music and performance. He would like to thank everyone in the chorus for welcoming him into the fold with open arms and thank his family and friends for all their love and support.

Josh Paz (Soloist) – This is Josh’s first concert with MenAlive, but it’s not his performance debut. Josh has been involved in choir and acapella throughout high school and college, performing as a tenor and being an integral member of each group he’s been in. When he’s not counting numbers as an accountant, Josh spends his free time playing video games and hanging out with his boyfriend, Adrian. Josh is very happy to be part of this amazing group and can’t wait to create lasting memories.

Christian Perez (Dancer) – Prior to joining MenAlive in January 2022, Christian performed nightly in his shower

CAST INTRODUCTIONS

for his cat, family and all neighbors within earshot. He expected MenAlive to be a satisfying musical outlet but also found a brotherhood that emboldens and encourages him. Today, the once-shy and (still) introverted Christian will dance across the stage (in front of a non-captive audience). He’s excited to share his love for music and dancing with OC concert lovers tonight and for many years to come.

Michael L. Quintos (Soloist) – Michael joined MenAlive in March 2002 for the finalé of the chorus’ first season. He is grateful for his continued featured work as a soloist and for his 20 years as an original Bel Canto member. Additional contributions to the chorus have included marketing and set design, 11 years as MenAlive’s Social Media Director, and designing most of MenAlive’s show title logos during its lifespan. In 2019, Michael made his soloist debut at the Hollywood Bowl. By day, Michael works as an Art Director and is also a Theater Critic for entertainment news site BroadwayWorld. Twitter/Instagram: @cre8iveMLQ.

Lester Ricks (Dancer) – Lester has been a member of MenAlive for 18 seasons. He has been a part of the chorus leadership and enjoys performing as a singer, dancer and actor for MenAlive shows. He joyfully continues to share his talents as part of the MenAlive family.

Jordon Samson (Soloist) – Jordon has been an avid performer and singer since a young age. He joined MenAlive in September of 2020 after feeling isolated by the pandemic. Although the chorus was virtual at the time, he was able to find the connections and community he had been longing for. His favorite performance to date was being the featured soloist in I’m Still Standing. Jordon is so appreciative to the entire chorus for being so welcoming, kind and willing to share their talents with the world. He wants to thank his family and friends who offer him an outpouring of love and support. Special thanks to his mom who passed on her love of singing to him.

Edgardo Soberanis (Dancer) – Ed Soberanis joined MenAlive just this year for the spring Unbreakable show and is excited to be performing for the second time as a chorus member and for the first time as a dancer for the holiday show. Born and raised in Orange County, he is utterly confused why it took him an eternity to join MenAlive yet elated and grateful that at long last he did. He wants to thank the MenAlive Family for being so welcoming and supportive.

CAST + BAND INTRODUCTIONS

Christopher Vournas (Dancer) – Christopher is making his MenAlive debut as both a singer and dancer with Merry and Bright: Tinseltown. Currently in college, he has danced for the past 10 years while being part of different choirs and would travel to perform for several events. Christopher is heavily involved in musical theater and attended Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, graduating in 2019 with a major in Musical Theater. Christopher has been part of dozens of musicals around the OC area such as The Phantom of the Opera, The Music Man, Little Shop of Horrors, Mary Poppins, and many more. He is so excited to start this next journey with MenAlive and wishes you all happy holidays.

Patrick Gutman (Principal Accompanist) – Patrick is a pianist and composer who loves writing film, concert, ambient, and electronic music. He received his PhD in Music Composition from UCLA and is also an active music teacher. This is his first season with MenAlive, and he is looking forward to a fun and wonderful year ahead.

Joe Hogue (Keyboard) – Joe has been providing piano and all the “bells and whistles” as a regular band member for MenAlive since 2009. As a long-time friend and colleague of Rich Cook and Bob Gunn, Joe has felt right at home with the MenAlive family. Joe has been working full-time as a professional musician his whole life. He is a multi-Grammy and Emmy-award-winning producer and composer as well as a top-10 Billboard hit songwriter, producer and artist. Joe has recorded over 300 albums with artists from nearly every genre (over 15 million albums sold). Joe has had the honor to work with an array of artists, including Michael McDonald, Roy Orbison, Bebe and Cece Winans, Whitney Houston, Faith Evans & Take 6. He continues to produce, write and perform with his colleague Sean Petersen as the award winning duo HiTPLAY. Congratulations to Joe for recently being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of the CCM group Truth.

Sean Petersen (Drums) – Sean is a graduate of Belmont University, with a degree in Music and Music Business. Since 2001 Sean has been working as a record producer, songwriter, vocalist and drummer. A few of Sean’s credits include a Top-10 Billboard hit, winning grand prize in the USA Songwriting Competition, a 10x Platinum hit song in South Korea and “Best R&B Song” from the Independent Music Awards. As a writer and producer he has had songs in shows such as MTV’s

BAND + CREW INTRODUCTIONS

The Real World, Taking the Stage, Bravo’s A-List Awards and NBC’s Scrubs. In addition, Sean wrote and produced SE7EN’s “All Night Long” performed at the 2006 World Cup in Seoul. Notable artists Sean has worked with include Dave Koz, Ray Boltz (RIAA Gold), Carman (RIAA MultiPlatinum), Nikki Leonti (America’s Got Talent), Melinda Doolittle (American Idol), Blake McGrath (SYTYCD) and Esera Tuaolo (NFL,The Voice). Sean has also had the chance to work in the studio with legendary award-winning producers and arrangers Joe Hogue, Keith Thomas and Charlie Calello. Presently, Sean is recording his debut album as a member of HiTPLAY.

Adrian Sanchez (Guitar) – Adrian has been playing music since the age of six. Trained in classical piano then turning to guitar and bass, Adrian participated in the Academy for the Performing Arts at Huntington Beach High School for three years studying commercial recording arts and pop music. After high school, Adrian attended Orange Coast College and is currently pursuing his B.A. in Music Education at California State University, Long Beach. He currently teaches bass, guitar, and piano in a variety of styles and plays with a wide array of bands in Orange County.

Garrett Wolfe (Bass) – Garrett has been the bassist for, and a member of MenAlive since it began. He’s the guy with the long white beard playing the low notes. He has also performed with such varied talents as Art Blakey, Barbra Streisand, Billy Preston, Cal Tjader, Dave Grusin, Diane “Deedles” Schuur, Laurindo Almeida, Lee Ritenour, Michael Hedges, Ravi Shankar, as well as the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Gregory Millar. Garrett is currently the bassist for the Richard Niles Trio.

Paul E. Doyle (Producer, Production Manager & Lighting/Set Designer) – Paul’s first encounter with MenAlive was the 2006 holiday concert at the Segerstrom Concert Hall, “I was hooked!” The summer of 2007 he joined the family as lighting designer. After Vegas Gold, Rich Cook asked him to become production manager. In 2014, the Board asked Paul to become Producer where he manages the production design, schedule and load-in, managing the crew at rehearsals, guiding the camera crew, post editing the archive videos and calling the cues for the show. In addition to all this, Paul is responsible for the initial development of the production budget and managing the expenses of the productions. Production week is a hectic week but a very fulfilling one. He owns a home in Cathedral City and enjoys theater, traveling, cooking, and fine wines.

CREW INTRODUCTIONS

Nicki Pensinger (Stage Manager) - Nicki has always been interested in carpentry and handy work. Having seen MenAlive at the Yost Theater and then at the Barclay Theatre several times, when a volunteer sign up happened at the 2021 holiday show, it was an easy decision for her. Nicki took the lead on building the major set pieces for Merry and Bright: Tinseltown. Her first-time backstage was for the I Am America show, she was hooked and is grateful to have the opportunity to help again.

Valerie Ousley (Backstage Manager) – A member of MenAlive since 2005, Valerie has been involved with design and creation and construction of costumes and props. She is an advocate for equal rights and feels MenAlive has given her more than she has given them. She would like to thank her son and husband for their love and support, especially during her crazy chorus schedule. Recently, Valerie has accepted the position of Executive Director for MenAlive.

Roberto Mason (Costume Manager) – Robby worked for ten years for the Walt Disney Company in Costuming. He was the Assistant Costumer on the Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fun Musical Spectacular television special helping to win the 1997 Emmy Award for Best Costuming. He joined the chorus in January 2019 and recently took on the role of Costume Manager. As a member of the chorus, Robby is excited to be able to use his creativity in this new role.

Debby Taylor (Wardrobe) – Since she was a teenager, Debby has been sewing for herself and others by reworking existing garments. In addition to sewing wedding gowns and most of her children’s clothes, her experience also extends to costuming for community plays. MenAlive first came onto her radar at an OC Pride festival. She thought that their performance was lively and exciting, and she couldn’t wait to see them again. After attending several shows at the Barclay Theater, she jumped at the chance to get involved with the wardrobe team.

We invite you to join our season membership program, the Encore Circle.

As a member, you have access to season subscriptions, annual gala tickets, and invitations to special events. For our most generous donors, we have added the opportunity to be a Season Sponsor!

Help us present our concert season and earn recognition for you or your company, receive multiple season subscriptions, and your own VIP table at our annual gala.

You will also receive our exclusive Encore Concert Seat recognition, with a surprise waiting for you at each concert.

We invite you to join the Encore Circle and help make our concert season another musical success!

For more information on how you can support MenAlive or to join the Encore Circle, please visit us at ocgmc.org/give.

SEASON SPONSORS

Nolet’s Spirits, US Bank

BENEFACTOR

Al Roberts and Ken Jillson John Holcombe and Jeff Whittiker Bob Gunn and Kent Rhodes, Dan Martin

IMPRESARIO

Karen Zfaty

VIRTUOSO

Bill Eadie, Patrick Reynolds and Jay Cambare, Rich Cook and Chris Macaluso, Robaire Warren, Ron Leon and Paul Wick, Ronald Mullens and David Clements, Susanne Shaw

MAESTRO

Cesar F. Sangalang, Jr., Claus Dickell, Mark Guillod and Alan Miller, Mike Auchter and Alan Schneider Paul Findlay and Doug Ward, Pamela Schneider, Philip Talbert and Scott Sackin

MASTERPIECE

Bey-Ling Sha and Guy Aeschelmann Brad Brafford, Cheryle Rout, Jeff Benedick and Duane Vajgrt, MD Jim Taulli, Laurence Spang and Richard Alegre, Michael Beener, Michael Kreuzer, Michael Quintos, Phil Poggi, Reid Rova and Victor Ortiz, Robb Neale, Robert and Chris Smith, PARS, Shahrzad Bakhtiari, Tony D’Amico

We thank our Encore Circle members and appreciate their generous financial support of MenAlive!

Wayward's Winter Wonderland Gala

J o i n u s a n d o u r m e r r y b a n d o f a r t i s t s f o r a n e l e g a n t e v e n i n g o f f o o d , d r i n k , s i l e n t a u c t i o n , e n t e r t a i n m e n t , a n d h o l i d a y c h e e r

The Disney VoluntEARS program began at the Disneyland Resort in 1983. Today, there are Disney VoluntEARS around the world making a difference in more than 40 countries. Over the past 30 years, they have contributed more than 7.5 million hours of community service.