MET's Shrek March 2020

MESA

encor e

THEATRE

SHREK THE MUSICAL

February 28th - March 15th, 2020

Mesa Arts Center

encor e THEATRE

MESA

Board of Directors President: Secretary: Treasurer: Members-at-large:

Kerry Jordan Kathleen Richards Mary Ronning Dan Burman, Jay Danek, Denise Desoto, Rita Liegl, Dan Marburger, Dawn Rendell

STAFF Artistic Director: Managing Director: Director of PR & Marketing: Director of Education: Company Technical Directors: Company Music Director: BlackBox Manager: Production Managers: Shop Supervisor: Volunteer Coordinator: Bookkeeper:

David Chorley Suze St. John Justin McBride Jamie Bauer-Spano Lorelee Godden & James Veach Michael Snyder Van J. Rockwell Stephanie Cartwright & Jason White Cheryl Briley Jim Lewin Kelsey Pokatello

The Mission of Mesa Encore Theatre is to produce live theatre with integrity and dedication to excellence. We strive to contribute to the cultural experience of our community as well as provide fun and educational opportunities that nurture the talents of local theatre artists of all ages.

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City of Mesa &

in memory of Debra Jo Davey

Arizona Commission on the Arts

The Boeing Company

Mesa Arts Center

$1001 - $ 5000 David Chorley

The Holt Family

in loving memory of Lorri & David Babinski

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Bob & Rita Liegl

$501 - $1000 BNY Mellon

John Lezo

Suze St. John

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Up to $100

Jack & Karen Eamigh

Dan Burman Todd Filek James & Debra Gawne Kathi Osborne Dawn Rendell Ann Zumwalt

Eleanor Nellemann Pam Pershing Jo Walker

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encor e THEATRE

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SHREK THE MUSICAL BASED ON THE DREAMWORKS ANIMATION MOTION PICTURE & THE BOOK BY WILLIAM STEIG

Book and Lyrics By

Music By

David Lindsay-Abaire

Jeanine Tesori

Originally Produced on Broadway By

DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions "I'm A Believer" By Neil Diamond Presented at Mesa Arts Center By

Mesa Encore Theatre and All Puppet Players Director

Shaun Michael McNamara Music Director

Choreographer

Jay Melberg

Sarah Wiechman

Original Broadway Production Directed by

Jason Moore "Shrek The Musical" is presented through special arrangement with MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com “I’m A Believer” (Neil Diamond) (c) 1966 Stonebridge Music, Foray Music.

All rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (SESAC), on behalf of Stonebridge Music, and by Foray Music (SESAC). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

This project is supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.

SHREK THE MUSICAL Cast of Characters Robert Brown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dragon Puppeteer, Bluebird, Baby Shrek Chelsea Chisa Chorley . . Ugly Duckling, Duloc & Rat Dancers, Dragon Puppeteer David Chorley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thelonious Nathanarl Coe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Captain of the Guard Jonathan Debs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinocchio Jesus “JD” Diaz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pig 1, Guard, Knight 2, Duloc Dancer Lacey Dixon. . . . . . . . Fairy Godmother, Duloc & Rat Dancers, Blind Mouse Natalie Edwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . White Rabbit, Duloc & Rat Dancers Zach Funk . . . . . King Harold, Baby Bear, Deer, Lead Dragon Puppeteer, Horse Juli Gore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fiona One Griffin . . . . . . . . . . Mad Hatter, Duloc & Rat Dancers, Dance Captain Lachlan Henderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teen Fiona Jackie Horn . . . . . Humpty Dumpty, Duloc Dancer, Blind Mice, Rat Dancer Baylee Horvath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pig 2, Duloc & Rat Dancers Taylor Hudson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrek Frenki Hykollari . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donkey Alice Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mama Ogre, Mama Bear Aubrey Kretz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elf, Duloc & Rat Dancers Haley McHardy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gingy, Sugar Plum Fairy, Bluebird Shaun Michael McNamara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farquaad Joshua Michel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Papa Bear, Guard, Knight 3 Ben Mosedale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pig 3, Greeter, Guard, Knight 4 Ashley North . . . . . . . . . Wicked Witch, Duloc & Rat Dancers, Blind Mouse Shannon Phelps . . . . . . . . . . . . Queen Lillian, Dragon Puppeteer, Pied Piper Parker Pitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Young Fiona, Dwarf Mary Plante . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Pan, Duloc & Rat Dancers Darryl Poenisch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Papa Ogre, Guard, Knight 1, Bishop Roger Prenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big Bad Wolf Jessica Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dragon

Upcoming MET Education Programs 6 Week Musical Theatre Session

Ages 8 - 15 Only $50 for all 6 weeks!

(Mondays: April 6th - May 11th)

Summer Shakespeare Workshop (Details TBA)

Email sstjohn@mesaencoretheatre.com for more info.

presented by:

Mesa Encore Theatre & All Puppet Players Production Team Producers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Chorley & Shaun Michael McNamara Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shaun Michael McNamara Music Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jay Melberg Choreographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Wiechman Production Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason White Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JennAfer Spruell Assistant Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kendra Lytle Technical Director & Master Carpenter . . . . . . . . . . . Lorelee Godden Assistant Carpenters . . Taylor Hudson, Bryan Johnson, Keith Johnson & Jim Lewin Set Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Chorley Scenic Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Buzbee Assistant Scenic Painters . . . . . . . . . . . Chelsea Chorley & Becca Johnson Costume Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aurelie Flores Property Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Chorley Puppet Construction & Costumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristen McNamara Lighting Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stacey Walston Sound Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derek Stevenson Hair & Makeup Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aurelie Flores Makeup Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colleen Campbell Makeup Consultant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melody Stuart Spot Board Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aeryn Moridae Sound Board Operators . . . . . . . . . Michael Casolary & Kyla Manzutto Flyrail Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Harris Quick Change Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Wilcox-Call Stage Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dennie Gearhart Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . David Chorley, Justin McBride & CnĂŠ Serrano Program Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin McBride

Special Thanks To: Mary, Lucy, & Marcela Carlin, David Chorley & his weed whacker, Tracey Horvath, The Johnson Family, Kerry Jordan & his truck, Avessa Knutson, Alison & Jon Pitt, Neela, Avery & Sonora Sanchez, Kairi Struve, All the cast and their family who helped paint, Theater Works, All Puppet Players Patreon Members, and as always, Walter Stoffle.

2020 - 2021 Season Announcement

COMING SOON!

Director's Notes I typically loathe director's notes. You're not going to glean any further insight from my interpretation of this show that your eyes and ears wouldn't allow you to figure out on your own. Shrek is not a deep show. Be kind.

Different is good. Don't judge a book by it's ogre, etc. etc.

What I do want to talk about, is the fact that rarely can theaters do co-productions. When each show is picked and curated for your audience, taking chances with a theater that is as "off-the-wall" as All Puppet Players, you might just alienate your base. I want to commend Mesa Encore for allowing our brand of lunacy into their space. It has been a worthwhile endeavor. They took a chance giving us the keys to the castle and I think it has paid off. It has been a unique experience and one that has helped both of us grow.

Taking chances is how theater survives. We hope you also are willing to take chances and support the local theater community. Maybe if we can get that ecosystem in place... maybe more theaters will have the ability to partner, to thrive, and show you something even more spectacular. Hopefully one day, it won't be such a risk.

Enjoy the show. We hope to see you all in BOTH our audiences again soon.

-

Shaun

DID YOU

KNOW?

Mesa Encore Theatre is Arizona's

longest running community theatre!

Founded in 1937 as Mesa Little Theatre, we have provided countless theatrical opportunities in a number of venues throughout Mesa. We were also known as the Pepper Street Players & the Mesa Community Players, before becoming Mesa Encore Theatre in 2001.

Meet Our Directorial Team Shaun Michael McNamara (Director, Farquaad, Co-Producer) has been on stage for over 25 years. He is the founder of All Puppet Players, a theater group that specialize in R-Rated puppet extravaganzas. They are now celebrating their 10th season. Past shows include Die Hard: A Christmas Story, Jurassic Puppets, Fifty Shades of Felt, and Hamlet Has No Legs. He writes, directs and acts in all of their performances. Next up, an adaptation of Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, performed by all dog puppets! Check them out at allpuppetplayers.com. Thanks also goes to this most amazing and talented cast and crew. I am humbled by your awesomeness! Love goes to his wife, daughter and family for their support. I hope you like the show Charlie!

Jay Melberg (Music Director) is so excited to be working with Mesa Encore Theatre and All Puppet Players again! This cast and crew is just amazing! The singing, dancing, and heart warming humor will defintely win you over. Some of Jay's previous productions include Annie, Avenue Q, Footloose, Spamalot and Friday the 13th. He has also been part of many productions at FHT and recieved a 2016 NYA for Outstanding Music Director. Thank you David, Shaun, Suze, Sarah, Juli, Frenki, Taylor, Jessica, Jenn, Kendra and the whole cast and crew! Let your Freak Flag Fly! Sarah Wiechman (Choreographer) is thrilled to be back choreographing, for a second time (first being Urinetown), with Mesa Encore Theatre! Having spent a good portion of her career onstage in shows like West Side Story (PTC), La Traviata (AZ Opera), and Will Rogers Follies (Gateway), she is excited to be on the creative side and exploring her passion for choreography. A huge thanks to David for thinking of her and to the cast/creative for going with her on this zany journey! To Lauren – thanks for the support and for turning the living room into a dance floor!

THEATRE

FACT #1645

Puppetry is thought to have originated around 4,000 years ago. Many historians actually claim that puppets pre-dated actors in theatre.

Meet The Cast Robert Brown (Dragon , Bluebird, Baby Shrek) has been with All Puppet Players for a year now and is excited to be working with Mesa Encore Theatre for the first time.

Some of his recent credits include Luke in Friday The 13Th: The Parody Musical and Death in Die Hard: A Christmas Story (both at All Profit Players).

Chelsea Chisa Chorley (Ugly Duckling, Duloc & Rat Dancers, Dragon) is excited to be in another show with her friends. She has been in both All Puppet Players' and Mesa Encore Theatre’s past productions. Some of her favorite roles include Holly McClane in Die Hard: A Christmas Story, Atreyu in The NeverEnding Story: Live & Legless, Tina in Friday the 13th: The Parody Musical, Christmas Eve in Avenue Q (ariZoni Nomination), and Soupy Sue in Urinetown. Chelsea is also a scenic artist with a BA in Technical Theatre (design emphasis) from Cal State Fullerton. Be sure to catch her in MET's upcoming Reefer Madness this April. Much love to David, Shaun, & the internet. Remember…Shrek is love, Shrek is life.

Nathanael Coe (Captain of the Guard) is making his MET debut, but is no stranger to the stage. He has performed as Phil (Almost Maine), Stanford (Bright Star), Clifford Anderson (Death Trap), and more. In addition to acting, he loves photography and paintball. He wants to thank the Lloyds, Guys, and Millers.- “Thanks for loving me as I live my truth.” To Justin, Alicia, Beth, Steve, Andrew, Deanna, Fraser, and the rest of the amazing LGBTQ+ Community- “This one is for all of us.

Here’s to to letting our freak flag flytoday, and always!” Nathanael is a Theatre Sophomore at GCU. Enjoy the show and be fabulous!

Jonathan Debs (Pinocchio) is happy to be making his Mesa Encore Theatre debut with Shrek The Musical. Some of his previous shows include Spamalot (Patsy), The Wedding Singer (Sammy), The Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion), The Addams Family (Gomez), Young Frankenstein (Igor), Little Shop of Horrors (The Dentist), and Reefer Madness (Ralph). He'd like to thank Irma Gloria for all the wonderful things she does.

Jesus "JD" Diaz (Pig 1, Knight 2, Duloc Dancer, Guard) is excited to be a part of this production of Shrek. He was previously seen as Rooster in Annie at Desert Stages Theatre.

Some of his past favorite shows include In the Heights, Disaster!, Mary Poppins, Scrooge in Rouge, and Little Shop Of Horrors. He'd like to thank Shaun for giving him this opportunity.

Lacey Dixon (Fairy Godmother, Duloc & Rat Dancers, Blind Mouse) is excited to let her Freak Flag Fly at Mesa Encore Theatre with this All Star cast! She was last seen as Lucinda in MET's production of Into the Woods. Other notable roles include Catherine (Pippin), Vivienne Kensington (Legally Blonde) and Truly Scrumptious (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). She would like to thank Nic Cage for initially turning down the role of Shrek (can you imagine?), this incredible cast/crew/creative team for all their hard work and laughter and you, the audience member actually reading this, for bringing your bibbidi bobbidi beautiful face to the theatre.

Natalie Edwards (White Rabbit, Duloc & Rat Dancers) has been involved in the arts from a young age and is thrilled to be apart of her first MET show! She is a senior at Seton Catholic High School and plans to study vocal performance

SHREK THE MUSICAL next year in college. Past shows include Mary Poppins, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Kiss Me Kate. "Thank you all for coming & enjoy the show!"

Juli Gore (Princess Fiona) is feeling like a cow, over the moon that is, to be performing one of her dream roles with such an incredible cast and creative team! Some of her most recent roles include Victoria/Chorus (Christmas Carol), Lily (John Loves Mary) and The Little Mermaid (Disenchanted). She will next be seen playing Lois Lane in MCC's upcoming production of Kiss Me Kate (she is aware that this is a shameless plug for her next project and can't wait to see you in the audience again). Many thanks to Shaun, Taylor and Frenki for laughter and memories she will hold dear for years to come.

A huge shout out to her mom and sister for their love and support!

One Griffin (Dance Captain) has been performing since he was in the fourth grade. One of his favorite roles was Horton the Elephant in Theatre Rocks production of Seussical Jr. He is joyed to be a part of this cast, and is excited for you to see the final production!

Lachlan Henderson (Teen Fiona) is 14 years old and in the 8th grade at Mountainside Middle School. Lachlan is a three-time National Youth Arts Award winner and an ariZoni Principal Actress award winner. This is Lachlan’s 28th production, and her first at Mesa Encore Theatre. Lachlan is extremely grateful for the opportunity to play Teen Fionand, although the ship has sailed on playing Parker’s role, she aspires to one day have the opportunity to follow in Juli’s hilarious footsteps.

Thank you to this big, bright, beautiful cast and crew for a fabulously fun Fiona experience!

Jackie Horn (Humpty Dumpty, Blind Mouse, Duloc & Rat Dancers) is returning for her second second show with Mesa Encore Theatre. She is thrilled to be a part of this stellar cast and thanks everyone for their hard work and dedication during this production.

Baylee Horvath (Pig 2, Duloc & Rat Dancers) is 11 years old and excited to make her Mesa Encore debut. She has been in over 20 musicals valley wide starting at age 6. Most recently, she performed as Annie in Annie at Desert Stages MainStage Theater. Other favorite shows include The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Muzzy Van Hossmere - NYA nomination), Annie (Duffy at Hale Centre Theatre) and Alice in Wonderland (Alice).

Baylee also recently won 1st place in musical theater at NATS. She wants to thank the directors for this opportunity & her family for their support.

Taylor Hudson (Shrek) is tickled green to have the honor of bringing this dream role to the stage.

Favorite roles include Mayor Dobbs in Bright Star, Amos in Big Fish, and Orin Scrivello DDS in Little Shop of Horrors. A HUGE thank you to Shaun and David for trusting him with this beautiful role, his family for their unending support and love, Giraffes for being the most majestic of ungulates, and his friends for always lifting him up and believing in him. Special thanks to Frenki and Juli for making this experience all the more special; "love you ladies!"

Frenki Hykollari (Donkey) is thrilled to be back at MET and in one of her bucket list shows. Some of her favorite previous credits include Nina Rosario in In the Heights (MET), Sophie Sheridan in Mam-

Meet The Cast Continued... ma Mia (FHT) and Daphne in Fly by family and friends for all of the support Night (ASU). She recently made her throughout the years and he hopes NYC debut in the All Things Broad- you enjoy the show! way 54 Below Cabaret. She would Haley McHardy (Gingy, Sugar Plum like to thank the amazingly talented Fairy, Bluebird) is so excited cast and crew as well as everyone to make a return to musical who has supported her on her thetheatre after singing priatre journey. And of course, you, for marily opera for the last 6 supporting local live theatre! years! She graduated from Alice Johnson (Mama Ogre, Mama ASU with the bachelor of Bear) is so thrilled to be music degree in vocal performance working at MET again with in May of 2018. Her most recent credits such an amazing produc- include Mabel in Pirates of Penzance” tion team and talented (MET), Sun in the US reading premiere cast! Alice studied music of Stefania Turkewich’s chamber opTheatre at The University of era The Heart of Oksana (ASU RecitArizona and now teaches in Gilbert. al Series), Papagena in Mozart’s The Favorite roles include Polly (Crazy for Magic Flute (ASU Music Theatre & you), Winnifred (Once upon a Mat- Opera), La Fée in Viardot’s Cendrillon tress), Witch (Into the Woods), Glinda (ASU Student Lab). "Big thanks to MET (Wizard of Oz), and most recent- for making this show a reality!" ly, the MET production of Pirates of Benjamin Mosedale (Pig3, Greeter, Penzance. Thank you to David ChorGuard, Knight 4) was most ley, Jay Melberg, and Shaun Michael recently in a production of McNamara for this opportunity and 26 Pebbles at PVCC. He is so much love to her family! excited to be performing Aubrey Kretz (Elf, Duloc & Rat Dancers) in his first production at is a returning performer at MET. Benjamin would like MET. She was most recent- to thank his friends, family, and fellow ly seen playing Nina in cast and crew for always driving him Vanya and Sonia and Ma- to perform. sha and Spike and Cha- Ashley North (Wicked Witch, Duloc & va in Fiddler on the Roof.

Rat Dancers, Blind Mouse) Aubrey would like to thank her family has always loved to perand friends for coming out to support form. Her love affair with the show and everyone behind the musical theatre began as scenes for bringing it to life. Special a high schooler. Since her thanks to Sarah for her enchanting first production, she’s had choreography! many amazing opportunities to particJoshua Michel (Papa Bear, ipate in awesome shows. Some of her Knight 3, Guard) is a Senior favorite roles include The Narrator in at Grand Canyon Univer- Joseph...Dreamcoat, Hope Cladwell sity. Some shows he has in Urinetown, Pilar in Legally Blonde: been in include Into the The Musical, and Frenchy in Grease.

Woods (The Baker), Legally Blonde She’s also particularly proud of being (Emmett), In the Heights (Ensemble), part of this amazing cast for Shrek! and Pirates of Penzance (Pirate US/ Ashley would like to thank her parents, Constable). He is very excited to be her brother and sisters, and her fabuperforming with Mesa Encore Theatre lous husband who puts up with her anfor the second time with this amazing tics and always supports her when she cast and crew. He'd like to thank his wants to let her freak flag fly!

SHREK THE MUSICAL Shannon Phelps (Queen Lillian, Drag- Darryl Poenisch (Papa Ogre, Guard, on, Pied Piper) is excited Knight 1, Bishop) is back, to make her MET debut much to the chagrin of in Shrek and return for her Mesa Encore Theatre. fourth show with APP. ReKnown around town for his cent credits include #11 special brand of mediocin The Wolves (Stray Cat), rity, Darryl has earned the Theo in Die Hard: A Christmas Story, nickname "the LA Chargers of comand Ginny in Friday the 13th: The Par- munity theatre." Some past credits inody Musical (APP). Other past cred- clude the angry old guy in Hello, Dolly! its include Sally in the National Tour of (MET) and the angry old guy in The The Cat in the Hat (Childsplay), Lau- Man Who Came to Dinner (Hale). But ra Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie perhaps his finest performance came (Fountain Hills Theatre - ariZoni Nom- as the angry and scared old guy in ination: Lead Actres). Shannon holds Beauty and the Beast (MCC). Darryl a BA in Theatre with a Concentration would like to thank the team at MET in Acting for the Stage and Screen and All Puppet Players for this opporfrom Arizona State University. tunity to disappoint once again.

Parker Pitt (Young Fiona, Dwarf) is 9 Roger Prenger (Big Bad Wolf) has been years old, lives in Phoenix a part of the performing and is in the 4th grade. This arts for longer than he cares is her first production with to say. Ages ago, when livMET. Discovering a passion ing in Chicago, he danced for musical theatre at her professionally with modern/ young age has lead to jazz companies around the many fun and exciting opportunities city. These days, community theatre for growth. Her favorite of those have helps satisfy his performing arts habit been classes at Dearing Acting Stu- while working a day job as an engidio and summer camp productions neer at a satellite communications at Valley Youth Theatre, most recent- company. Mathematics and dance, ly featuring her in Frozen Jr. as Young who knew that was a magical combiAnna. She is beyond excited to be a nation?! Well, he did! part of this amazing cast, not just for Jessica Wells (Dragon) the opportunity, but to soak in everymakes her return to the thing she can from Mr. McNamara, theater after a six year hiaMr. Melberg and this ENTIRE group of tus. She has been obsessed incredibly talented actors. with Shrek the Musical since Mary Plante (Peter Pan, Duloc & Rat 2008 and is thrilled to be working with Dancers) is an English MET and the All Puppet Players, and teacher at Washington to be performing alongside such an High School. She has been amazingly talented cast. Jessica has performing all over the her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Perwest valley for the past formance from ACU and teaches at three years. Favorite re- Desert Ridge Music Academy and cent roles include Celia in As You Carefree Christian Academy. When Like It (Brelby), Mrs. Mayor in Seussi- she's not working or at rehearsal she cal (Theatre Works) and Gretchen in can be found jamming out to music Boeing Boeing (Stage Left). Mary is on her long commutes or hanging out thrilled to be in her first role at Mesa with her dog.

Encore Theatre. "Love you, Ryan!"

Meet The Production Team Lauren Buzbee (Scenic Artist) is thrilled to her love of textiles to her grandfather be working with a wonderful crew for who was a weaver. Aurelie would like to her second show with MET. She’d like to thank the tireless members of her A-Team thank Lorelee Godden and David Chorincluding Linda Pauley, Megan Laponen, ley for the opportunity! Lauren is also Jenny Bangarter, Fran O’Conner, Debra excited to continue working with Mesa Runkle-Sieling and Alison Ortega for their Encore Theater in their next two producwork on these costumes. Aurelie would tions, as Props Designer for Reefer Madalso like to thank her make-up and hair ness and Costume Designer for The Legcrew including Melody Stuart, Aurelie Wisend of Robin Hood. dom, and Alison Harding. Aurelie has enMichael Casolary (Sound Operator) is exjoyed working with the lively and spirited cited to work with MET for the first time. cast and crew of this show. Aurelie hopes He has spent the past year and a half you enjoy the show. After Shrek Aurelie rebeing a sound operator and jack of all turns to Mesa Community College to costrades for All Puppet Players and loves tume Kiss Me Kate. being surrounded by all the talent that Lorelee Godden (Master Carpenter) has both theatre companies have brought found her home away from home with together. Shrek is the largest show he has Mesa Encore Theatre. She comes to us as worked on. Previous shows that he has a snowbird from Calgary, Alberta, Canworked on include Friday the 13th: The ada, where she works professionally as Parody Musical, Die Hard: A Christmas a Scenic Carpenter in theatre and film.

Story, and A Fistful of Puppets. He'd like to Back home, her most recent credit was thank all of his friends & family for their enon the construction crew for the Ghostthusiastic encouragement and support. busters: Afterlife, which will be on the big David Chorley (Producer, Props, Set Descreen this July! Here with MET, her talents sign, Thelonious) is incredibly grateful to a have been seen as the Set Designer/Maspart of a joint production with two of his ter Carpenter for In the Heights and She very favorite theaters. David has been Kills Monsters. a part of many All Puppet Players pro- Kendra Lytle (Assistant Stage Manager) is ductions dating back to their early days thrilled to be working with Mesa Encore in Southern California. Credits include Theatre & All Puppet Players on Shrek Frankenstein Has No Legs (The Brain), FifThe Musical! Kendra graduated with her ty Shades of Felt (Anna's Subconscious) Bachelor's Degree in Stage Management and Waiting for Henson (Jones). David with a Minor in Design/Technical Producis also the Artistic Director for Mesa Ention from the University of Wisconsin - La core Theatre where he has directed The Crosse. She sends much love and thanks Pirates of Penzance, Mary Poppins and to her cast and crew for being so funny, Urinetown. David wants to thank Shaun awesome, amazing and sweet since day and APP for this smooth and amazing ex1! Kendra hopes you enjoy the show & alperience. Additional thanks to the cast, ways remember "It is not so much do what the droves of volunteers who helped in you like as it is that you like what you do". this massive show with additional thanks Aeryn Moridae (Spot Operator) has worked to Sarah, Jay, Jenn, Kendra, Lorelee, ten years backstage, offstage, under the Lauren, Aurelie, Kerry, Suze, Justin, Jason, stage, above the stage, and in the booth Derek, Stacey and so, so many others. throughout the valley, and is happy to be This show is dedicated to you all and also back working with the All Puppet Players to his beautiful swan, Chelsea. once again. He has had the opportunity Aurelie Flores (Costume Designer) has reto be part of some amazing shows includceived numerous awards for her cosing Devil Boys from Beyond (Nearly Naked tume designs including 5 ariZoni Awards Theatre), the musical production of Spring and National Youth Theatre Awards.

Awakening, in (Phoenix Theatre), The Wild Aurelie attributes her love of color to her PArty (A/C Theatre Company). Aeryn French mother who was an artist and would like to thank the Mesa Encore The-

SHREK THE MUSICAL atre and All Puppet Players for allowing studied digital culture at ASU. Currenthim this opportunity. Another big ‘thank ly Derek has been designing all over the you’ to everyone else; cast, crew, and phoenix area. Outside of theatre, Derek is patrons. "Enjoy the show!" deeply interested and involved in sound JennAfer L Spruell (Stage Manager) is an as an art, and the progress of the conamazing human being and an even nection between humanity and techbetter button pusher. She does magic nology, centered around all facets of this with a roll of tape, a hot glue gun and a medium, from art for the sake of art to acchai. Jen is happy to be back at Mesa cessibility. For more information check out Encore Theatre gettin' her play on. Jen is his website: www.sonofstevensound.com. the Resident Stage Manager of All Pup- Rachel Willcox-Call (Quick Change Asst.) pet Players. She can be found in Phoenix was the assistant stage manager for Bye with Hamlet and the puppet gang most Bye Birdie and costume designer for A days. Bangarang.

Midsummer Night’s Dream (MVHS). She Derek Stevenson (Sound Designer) is an has also been part of the stage crew for audio engineer and sound designer from Into The Woods (MET), Mama Mia (MCC), Rochester, Minnesota. He obtained a and Frozen Junior (VOSJCC). She hopes music technology degree at RCTC and to do more shows soon!

About The Creators David Lindsay-Abaire (Book & Lyrics) was most recently nominated for two Tony Awards for his work on Shrek The Musical: Best Book of a Musical and Best Score (with composer Jeanine Tesori). Prior to that he was awarded the 2008 Ed Kleban Award as America’s most promising musical theatre lyricist and the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play Rabbit Hole, which premiered on Broadway at MTC’s Biltmore Theatre. Rabbit Hole also received five Tony Award nominations, including Best Play, and the Spirit of America Award. His other shows include Fuddy Meers, Kimberly Akimbo, Wonder of the World, High Fidelity and A Devil Inside, among others. In addition to his work in theatre, David’s screen adaptation of Rabbit Hole just finished shooting. It stars Nicole Kidman and is directed by John Cameron Mitchell. David is a proud New Dramatists alum, a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and the Juilliard School, as well as a member of the WGA and the Dramatists Guild Council.

Jeanine Tesori (Music) has written three Tony-nominated scores for Broadway: Twelfth Night (Lincoln Center); Thoroughly Modern Millie (lyrics, Dick Scanlan); and Caroline, or Change (lyrics, Tony Kushner; director, George C. Wolfe). The National Theatre production of Caroline, or Change in London received the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Her first musical, Violet, written with Brian Crawley, received the NY Drama Critics Circle Award. She has received Drama Desk and Obie Awards, and was cited by ASCAP as the first woman composer to have “two new musicals running concurrently on Broadway.” She composed the music for the New York Shakespeare Festival’s Mother Courage, directed by George C. Wolfe and translated by Tony Kushner. Film scores include Nights in Rodanthe, Winds of Change, Show Business and Wrestling With Angels. She composed songs for the movie Shrek the Third and for the Disney DVD releases Mulan II, Lilo and Stitch II and The Little Mermaid III. Ms. Tesori is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is a graduate of Barnard College and lives in Manhattan with her husband, Michael Rafter, and daughter, Siena.

Jason Moore (Broadway Director) Broadway: Avenue Q, Steel Magnolias. Carnegie Hall: Jerry Springer: The Opera. Off-Broadway: Speech and Debate (Roundabout), Avenue Q (the Vineyard), Guardians (the Culture Project), The Crumple Zone. Associate directing: Les Misérables (Broadway, national tour), Ragtime (Vancouver). Writer: The Floatplane Notebooks (Charlotte Repertory Theatre). TV directing: episodes of Dawson’s Creek, Everwood, One Tree Hill and Brothers and Sisters. Jason has a BS in performance studies from Northwestern University.

Mesa Encore Theatre Presents

REEFER

MADNESS The Musical!

April 3 -19, 2020

Mesa Arts Center

www.MesaEncoreTheatre.com