Forever Plaid 2015

The Community’s Professional Theatre

Forever

Plaid

Presented in an intimate backstage setting.

August 27 – September 19 At the Center for Arts and Media 1575 South State Street www.the-grand.org • 801-957-3322

456 Trolley Square Salt Lake City, Utah 84102 (801) 359-2020 www.thespectacle.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE................................................................................4 TITLE PAGE.....................................................................................................5 FROM THE GRAND’S DIRECTOR..................................................................6 DIRECTOR’S NOTE.........................................................................................7 CAST OF CHARACTERS & ORCHESTRA......................................................8 MUSICAL NUMBERS.......................................................................................9 WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST...........................................................................10 WHO’S WHO ON THE CREATIVE STAFF.....................................................12 PRODUCTION STAFF....................................................................................14 GRAND THEATRE DONATIONS...................................................................15

Special Thanks to

The Salt Lake County’s Zoo, Arts and Parks Program Fund for their generous financial support

FOREVER PLAID

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

T

hank you for joining us for Forever Plaid!—the first show of our 25th Anniversary Season. You are sitting in a historic site. The Grand Theatre was original to South High School built in 1932, with our box office serving back then as the Principal’s Office. As you look around the theatre, I hope you’ll take note of its original architectural features, including the small cherubs at the tops of the columns! We are proud to be a part of such a beautiful space.

Stuart Ross wrote Forever Plaid as an homage to the close-harmony ‘guy groups’ of the 1950’s, such as The Four Aces and The Four Freshmen, who performed during a time when life seemed easier and the music made us sway. We are so pleased to take you on this walk down memory lane as we turn on our jukebox and let the harmonies flow.

This year’s season at the Grand Theatre is full of excitement! After Forever Plaid, join us for the monstrously funny comedy by Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein, then return Backstage for the new musical The Last Five Years. Next is our American Classic Picnic, and we’ll close with the smash hit, The Full Monty. For dates and show information, please see the enclosed season brochure.

Salt Lake Community College and the Grand Theatre have experienced tremendous expansion during the past several years. Our stunning new Center For Arts and Media brings together the latest technology and resources in digital arts education, combines the best teachers in the valley, and puts them all in one environment - sharing, creating, inspiring, and collaborating throughout its 130,000 square feet. The stage has been set for student success here at SLCC. We truly are the community’s college and our many resources - like this wonderful theatre - are here for everyone to enjoy.

Please encourage your neighbors and colleagues to join us as we present professional community theatre here at The Grand. We are so glad you are with us tonight. Please enjoy the show!

Dr. Deneece G. Huftalin President Salt Lake Community College

Special Thanks to

Alternative Visions Fund 4

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Presents

Forever Plaid Written & Originally Directed & Choreographed by

Stuart Ross Musical Continuity Supervision & Arrangement by

Originally Produced by

James Raitt

Gene Wolsk

Halee Rasmussen

Mรกire Nelligan

Scenic Design

Properties Design

Josh Martin

Adam Day

Sound Design

Lighting Design

Megan Jensen

Costume & Wig Design

Rob Myers

Brandon Felter

Stage Manager

Technical Director

Derek Myler

Music Director

Stage Direction and Choreography by

Jim Christian* FOREVER PLAID

Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

*

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND’S DIRECTOR

A

fter a sold out run last season, The Grand Theatre is very excited to bring back Forever Plaid, one of the most popular and successful musicals of all time, to open to our 25th Anniversary Season. This wonderfully fun revue is chock-full of classic barbershop quartet harmonies. Squabbling over the smallest intonations and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision, the “Plaids” are guaranteed to supply you with a night of memorable entertainment. With a program of beloved songs and delightful banter, they will keep you smiling and laughing, when you’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950’s.

Join us as we take you back to a time when families gathered around the one TV in the house to watch the Ed Sullivan Show on Sunday nights. We hope presenting this beloved musical “Back Stage” will give you a unique and intimate experience that a show like this was meant to have!

We hope you enjoy Forever Plaid, and we look forward to seeing you back in October when we present Mel Brooks’ fantastic musical, Young Frankenstein!

Sincerely,

Seth Miller Interim Director

Special Thanks to George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation for their generous financial support 6

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DIRECTOR’S NOTE

W

henever someone mentions the 1960’s, it typically conjures up images of hippies, war protests, assassinations, racial tensions, and sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll…but that’s not how the 1960’s started.

The decade was born of the 1950’s…an era of normalcy, decorum, and good manners. People were striving to live and preserve the “American dream.” It was a time of suburban castles, meticulously packed school lunches, children in matching outfits, “please” and “thank you.” It is out of this culture that THE PLAIDS were born.

Forever Plaid takes us on a time travel journey back to this sweeter, simpler life. These four guys are true believers: in music, in dreams, and in being a “Plaid.”

Their world is filled with iconic images: Perry Como, after school jobs, Ed Sullivan, Latin rhythms, high school dances, and sing-alongs. They always strive to do their best because they think that’s how the rest of the world functions, too. And they also see the glass as half full…of chocolate milk.

These guys make naiveté look good!

So let them take you on a joyous excursion into lush harmonies, intoxicating melodies, sentimental lyrics, and nostalgic memories. Who knows? One of you might even become an “Honorary Plaid!”

Jim Christian Director

Special Thanks to

Cultural Vision Fund FOREVER PLAID

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CAST OF CHARACTERS & ORCHESTRA Cast

Listed Alphabetically Frankie......................................................................................................................................Mark Daniels Jinx............................................................................................................................................... Nick Morris Smudge.................................................................................................................................... B.J. Whimpey Sparky....................................................................................................................................Jonathan Baker

Orchestra Conductor & Piano.................................................................................................................. Derek Myler Bass............................................................................................................................................ Patrick Clark Percussion.................................................................................................................................Nathan Child

Special Thanks to

Perry Como Craig Farron Terrace Plaza Playhouse

Special Thanks to

Utah Division of Arts & Museums 8

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MUSICAL NUMBERS Deus Ex Plaid Three Coins in the Fountain Gotta Be This or That / Undecided Moments to Remember Crazy ‘Bout Ya Baby No, Not Much Perfidia Cry Sixteen Tons / Chain Gang Private Functions The Bride Cuts the Cake Italian Wedding Anniversary Waltz Itty Bitty Town of Bethlehem Hava Nagila Rock-a My Soul She Loves You The Golden Cardigan / Catch a Falling Star Caribbean Plaid Day-O Kingston Market Jamaica Farwell Matilda Matilda Heart and Soul Mercury / Lady of Spain Scotland the Brave Shangri-La / Rags to Riches (samples “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly”) Love is a Many Splendored Thing ~ There is no intermission during this production ~

FOREVER PLAID

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WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST JONATHAN BAKER (Sparky) is excited to be returning to the Grand for his second production of this fun-filled show.

His previous experience includes productions at Tuacahn and Lagoon, international tours with a collegiate song and dance group, and backup vocals for artists including Christina Sorrentino, David Archuletta, and the Osmond family.

MARK DANIELS (Frankie) couldn’t be more excited to play the role of Frankie again.

Having played the role of Jinx with Utah Musical Theatre, he has been a “Plaid” for almost 20 years. Aside from being a “Plaid” , he has enjoyed playing the roles of Zoser in Aida and Trevor Greydon in Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse, Motel in Fiddler and Nicely, Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls at the Hale Centre Theatre. He has a passion for teaching and directing and recently completed his Master’s Degree in Educational Theatre Production from CWU and was honored to have recently been given the Utah High School Activities Association Theatre Teacher of the Year Award for 2015.

His favorite directing experiences have been with Disney’s Tarzan, West Side Story, and Children of Eden!

NICK MORRIS (Jinx) is proud to be back at the Grand after appearing in last year’s Forever Plaid. Nick has called the Grand home for the last five years appearing in La Cage aux Folles, Urinetown, The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Xanadu, and Into the Woods. Nick has also performed with Pioneer, Centerpoint Legacy, Hale Centre, Farmington Arts, and Weber State University. He is currently working with the Carrie Miles Dance Company preparing for an upcoming performance of Gatherings this October. His favorite roles include: Cosmo Brown, Singin’ in the Rain; Linus, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown; Andy Lee, 42nd Street; Tony, Pirated; Fender, Hairspray; Baby John, Arab, and Snowboy, West Side Story; and Alotta Ducksuace in Drags to Riches..

B.J. WHIMPEY (Smudge) is excited to be in his first show here at the Grand Theatre. He is a recent graduate of Weber State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre and is currently looking into Grad Schools to further his craft. Some of his favorite roles include Will Rogers (The Will Rogers Follies), Brom (Sleepy Hollow the Musical), King Henry II (The Lion In Winter), Thor (The Jingle Jacks), Officer LockStock (Urinetown), and many others.

Special Thanks to

Northern Trust

Special Thanks to

ABC4 Utah and Utah Works! with Gretchen JensenÂ

WHO’S WHO ON THE CREATIVE STAFF JIM CHRISTIAN (Director/Choreographer) is a native of Utah with over 35 years of professional experience as a director, teacher, actor, writer, and producer in the areas of theatre, T.V. and film. Since 1988 he has served as Director of Musical Theatre Studies at Weber State. He also served as Artistic Director for Utah Musical Theatre for ten years. In 1996 he was awarded the Crystal Crest Master Teacher of the Year for Weber. His original adaptation of The Pirated Penzance was selected as a national winner in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 1994 and was presented at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Two years later, The Pirated Penzance made its professional premiere at Pioneer Theatre under Jim’s direction. His other writing credits include the original musicals Sleepy Hollow, Five Carols for Christmas, JingleJacks and The Plain Princess. His work as a director and choreographer has been seen at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, PTC, Utah Opera | Utah Symphony, Hale Centre Theatre, UMT, Park City Egyptian Theatre, CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, the Grand, USU, and theatres in CA, MT, AZ, FL, WY and IL. In 2004 and 2005, Jim served as an Associate Producer for Music and the Spoken Word, the weekly T.V. and radio broadcast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

In 2006, he was named Utah’s Best in State as Outstanding University Professor. Jim also received Weber’s Presidential Distinguished Professor Award for 2009, the institution’s highest honor for a faculty member. Jim is a member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers and The Dramatists Guild.

As always, love and gratitude to his family and friends for making life worthwhile.

ADAM DAY (Sound Design) graduated from the University of Utah’s Performing Arts Design Program in 2013. His recent credits include sound design and live mix for Draper Arts Council’s Little Shop of Horrors and NOW-ID’s Feast. Other credits include sound

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design for POPUP@LEO’s Mind|Matter, Love, and Senses 5, sound design and live mix for Spring Awakening (Babcock Theatre), live mix for Hair (Babcock Theatre) and sound designs for Vernon God Little (Babcock Theatre), The Wild Party (Studio 115), and Bug (Studio 115) at the University of Utah. Adam is also wrapping up his fifth season as the Technical Coordinator at the Draper City Amphitheater.

JOSH MARTIN (Lighting Design) is delighted to be back at the Grand Theatre. Previously the Master Electrician for several years, his most recent designs at the Grand include Forever Plaid 2014, The Backstage at The Grand Concert Series, and The Marvelous Wonderettes. He also designed a production of Grease for the Theatre Arts Conservatory on this stage and several concerts and events around the valley.

ROB MYERS (Stage Manager) is a proud graduate of the University of South Florida, from which he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public and Cultural Communication.

His written works have been published online for the Examiner, Yahoo.com and Move Newz Online, and he currently writes for BroadwayWorld magazine. He has received dance training in Ballet, Modern, Jazz and African and completed courses in Choreography, Broadway Jazz and Dance Improvisation techniques while in college and more recently trained under notable choreographers: Chuck Maldanado, Kevin Maher, Marty Kudelka, and NappyTabs. His theater credits include: Dreamgirls (Wayne), Amen Corner (Brother Boxer) and Life’s Greatest Hits (Dr. Sims). He has offered his time as Stage Manager for West Side Story, Chicago, etc. Rob is a recent transplant to Salt Lake City, by way of Atlanta, GA. This is his inaugural show with the Grand Theatre.

DEREK MYLER (Musical Director) hails from Ogden, Utah. He holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Weber State University, where he graduated summa cum laude and was

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WHO’S WHO ON THE CREATIVE STAFF selected as the Outstanding Graduate in Music by the faculty. Highly active as a composer and arranger throughout Utah and the nation, he holds many awards and distinctions for his original works and commissioned arrangements. His most recent works can be heard performed by such elite ensembles as the BYU Men’s Chorus and the Island Voices Chamber Choir of Vancouver Island, Canada.

He works in many mediums: he has written often for choral forces, for solo piano, for orchestral and chamber ensembles and also for the theatre, having recently co-written a new musical. Recent credits in musical direction include The Lightning Bug (Heritage Theatre) and She Loves Me (WSU). This is Derek’s first production at the Grand and he is delighted to be involved in such a fantastic show as the colorful Forever Plaid.

MÁIRE NELLIGAN (Properties Design) received a B.F.A. in theatre from Marietta College before attending graduate school at AU. She worked as a techie, a designer, an actor, and a director in the Midwest and Southwest before moving to Salt Lake. Máire took over as Properties Master for the Grand several seasons ago, debuting with Man of La Mancha. While her favorite show tends to be whichever she is currently working on,

Miss Evers’ Boys and The Wizard of Oz are particularly memorable, and dressing last season’s La Cage aux Folle may well go down as the most fun ever. Máire also works parttime for SLCC’s Fine Arts Department. Past performances include roles in Fuddy Meers, On the Verge and Dead Man’s Cell Phone.

Directing experiences include The Good Doctor and Kaleidoscope.

HALEE RASMUSSEN (T.D.) received her B.F.A. in the Performing Arts Design Program from the University of Utah with a double emphasis in technical direction and set design in 2009. She is currently in her third year as the Assistant Technical Director and Scenic Charge Artist for the Department of Theatre at the University of Utah. Halee is elated to be in her fifth year as one of the resident set designers at The Grand Theatre. Other design credits include: Salt Lake Shakespeare Company, Utah Lyric Opera, Alligator Press Productions, Lagoon, Utah Cultural Arts Center, and the University of Utah; design assistant credits with Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theatre Company, and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.

Special Thanks to

Salt Lake Community College FOREVER PLAID

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PRODUCTION STAFF Resident Staff Interim Director.......................................................................................................................... Seth Miller Operations Coordinator.............................................................................................................. Joe Killian Patron Services.......................................................................................................................Breezy Bassett Photographer................................................................................................................................Steve Fidel Asst. Technical Director...................................................................................................... Brandon Felter

Front of House Box Office Staff...........................................................................Orlia Parker, Michelle Johnson Santana Chief Usher................................................................................................................................Cheryl Gren Senior Ushers...................................................................... Chad Hansen, Chuck Payne, Peggy Sprouse Ushers.............................................................................. Mike Boesch, Suzy Christensen, Scott Johnson

Running Crew Sound Technician................................................................................................................. Trevor Willson Lightboard Operator.....................................................................................................Cara Ann Pomeroy

Build Crew Master Electrician.........................................................................................................Cara Ann Pomeroy Electricians............................................................................Megan Buelte, Tim Swensen, Megan Willis Carpenter.....................................................................................................................................Josh Martin Scenic Artist......................................................................................................................Halee Rasmussen

Special Thanks to

Salt Lake City Arts Council 14

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GRAND THEATRE DONATIONS Donation list reflects gifts made through August 01, 2015 $50,000 - $74,999

$500 - $999

• William & Mary Ann Payne • Salt Lake County’s • Stephanie Harpst • Jerry & Marcella ZAP Fund • Julie & Devon Glenn Borrowman • Cultural Vision Fund • Kathie Taggart • Anne Cullimore • Alternative Visions • Lynda G Wendel & Decker Fund David Felt • Maria Garciaz • Patti Davies • Grateful Patron • Ms. Elizabeth • Stephanie Harpst $15,000 - $24,999 Solomon • Don and Diana • George S. and Rosenkrantz Dolores Doré Eccles • Debra M. Rufener $250 - $499 Foundation • Magna Hahnel • Gordon Storrs • Nanci Shino • Brent Schneider $10,000 - $14,999 • Morlene Dangerfield $50 - $99 • Gary & Joann • SLCC Fine Arts & Rieben Lectures • Michelle Andersen • Leslie Peterson • Northern Trust • Mary Ellen Johnson • Sharlee Smith • Anonymous • Anonymous • Aden Ross • Heather Sachs • Linda Stone $2,500 - $9,999 • William Vogel $100 - $249 • Anonymous • Robert H. Millard • Bastian Foundation • Anonymous • Joyce Riches • Tolford & Mary • Salt Lake City Arts Young Council $1 - $49 • Charlene Adams • Utah Arts Council • Steven Bernards • Utah Division of • Ms. Gail P. Davis • Mrs. Coni Cutler Arts & Museums • Diane Dangerfield • Ema Doenges • Donna Bachman • Greg Enke • Michael & Inga $1,000 - $2,499 • Julie Ferreira Bilello • Sydney Hamblin • Anonymous • Patricia Derrick • Fen Hsieh • Rocky Mountain • Marlene & Thomas • Kevin Olsen Power Fortie • Linda Palmer • Boyce Yanik • Miss Madison Lynn • Morlene Dangerfield • Julia Short Maxfield • Eric Weber • Kenneth Parrish • Mr. Barry • Celine Slam • Utah Humanities Mortenson • Grand Youth Council • Sharon Odekirk • Bob & Sue Millard • Gary & Joann • Grand Supporter • Amy Stephenson Rieben • James B. Pace • Bob & Sharon • Leroy Peterson Mantyla • Pearl Angelos

FOREVER PLAID

• Anonymous • Jan Abramson • Debra King • Beliwa Maathuis • Brandon H. Rufener • Bryan Griggs • Catherine Walker • Denise Blackett • Jean Brown • Madison Maxfield • Joyce Riches • Kevin Rusch • Lindy Davis • Lorri Castro-Zenoni • Rosemary Emery • Nancy Brown • Nancy Ferrin • Susan Valentine • Bertley Hunt • Anonymous • Cara A. Pomeroy • Chantelle M. Bender • Mozelle PrestridgeOrton • Adrien Swenson • Andra Harbold • Robert & Alice Burch • Lyla Thoomas • April Fossen • Ashley D Carlson • Bradley Bishop • David Hanson • Esther M. Pomeroy • Jacob Tonks • Kirk Bowden • Mark Fossen • Megan McDowell • Natalie A. Easter • Jill Nutting • Rachel Colledge • Pat Thomas • Friend of The Grand • Mike Smith

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GRAND THEATRE DONATIONS

You Can Help In So Many Ways The Grand Theatre is a 501 3(c) non-profit organization dedicated to being the community’s professional theatre. With your help, we can continue that proud traidtion.

Grand Theatre Wish List *Power Tools *Pneumatic Tools *Hand Tools

*Period Props *Specific cash donations to update and maintain equipment

Volunteer Opportunities for Ushers!

~Financial Contribution~

Please fill out the form below, or visit us online at www.the-grand.org

I would like to help the Grand Theatre continue its proud traditional of production professional theatre.

Name(s):

(As you would like it to appear in our playbill)

Mailing Address: Phone:

Contribution Amount:

Check / Credit Card#

Exp:

Your name will appear in the Grand Theatre Donations section of our playbill for one year following your donation. We thank you for your support!

Please send this completed form, along with your donation to: Grand Theatre 1575 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115 801.957.3033

or donate online at www.the-grand.org 16

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Upcoming Events Young Frankenstein October 8-30, 2015 KUER presents: Steve Inskeep October 21, 2015 Art with Heart benefitting Shriners Hospital November 7, 2015 Auditions for Picnic December 5, 2015 Eclipse 6 December 2015 Pickleville Playhouse December 2015 Backstage at The Grand Concert Series January 2016 Sundance Film Festival January 2016 The Last Five Years February 2016 Picnic March & April 2016 The Full Monty May & June 2016 For more information and tickets, visit www.the-grand.org or find our new mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

Special Thanks to the

Bastian Foundation FOREVER PLAID

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GENERAL INFORMATION AUDIO ENHANCEMENT EQUIPMENT is available for theatre patrons who are hearing-impaired. The concession stand has Comtex wireless personal receivers which allow a patron to sit anywhere in the theatre and receive high fidelity audio. Because there is no charge for this service, you will be requested to leave your driver’s license with the cashier until the equipment is returned.

BABIES AND SMALL CHILDREN often make it uncomfortable for other theatre patrons.

Therefore, no children under 5 are allowed.

Small children must have their own seat.

DISABLED PATRONS may use wheelchair seating areas in the theatre. Each area can accommodate four wheelchair patrons and companion chairs. Ticket prices vary for each section. Aisle seats may be requested by patrons who can be assisted in the transfer from wheelchairs to theatre seats.

BOX OFFICE HOURS are 12:00PM to 5:00PM Monday through Friday and 12:00PM to 8:00PM on the night of a performance, including Saturdays.

LATECOMERS will not be seated in their reserved seats until the end of a scene.

Latecomers will be seated in available seating that will not disturb punctual theatre patrons.

LOST AND FOUND will be held by the head usher until the end of the performance. Thereafter, please contact the Box Office at 801. 957.3322.

All items, after a period of 24 hours, will be taken to Administrative Services in Room 1-060. They may be contacted at 801.957.3301.

PHOTOGRAPHY, AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDING of any performance or the possession of any such device inside this theatre without the written permission of management is prohibited.

Offenders may be requested to leave and may be liable for damages and other lawful remedies.

THEATRE PARKING is available at no charge in the parking areas on the East and North side of the building. Ticketing will occur when parked in the disabled parking areas without a proper pass.

Please note that parking meters are still active during performances

MILLS PUBLISHING, INC. Dan Miller, President; Cynthia Bell Snow, Office Administrator; Jackie Medina, Art Director; Leslie Hanna, Ken Magleby, Patrick Witmer, Graphic Design; Paula Bell, Karen Malan, Dan Miller, Paul Nicholas, Advertising Representatives; Jessica Alder, Office Assistant; Kyrsten Holland, Administrative Assistant.

The Grand Theatre playbill is published by Mills Publishing, Inc., 772 East 3300 South, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 Phone: 801.467.8833 Email: advertising@millspub.com Website: millspub.com. Mills Publishing produces playbills for many performing arts groups. Advertisers do not necessarily agree or disagree with content or views expressed on stage. Please contact us for playbill advertising opportunities. Copyright 2015.

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