Moonlight Youth Theatre Spelling Bee Program

PRESENTS

MARCH 23 | 7 PM MARCH 24 | 2 & 7 PM MARCH 25 | 2 PM

AVO PLAYHOUSE Directed by JAKE BRADFORD Musical Direction by LYNDON PUGEDA Choreography by RHIEGAN MCCARTHY MYT’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee generously sponsored by

VISTAEDUCATIONFOUNDATION

STU DE NT-LE D PRODU CT I ON OF

Music & Lyrics by Book by WILLIAM FINN RACHEL SHEINKIN Conceived by REBECCA FELDMAN Additional materials by JAY REISS

Originally directed on Broadway by JAMES LAPINE

Originally produced on Broadway by DAVID STONE, JAMES L. NEDERLANDER, BARBARA WHITMAN, PATRICK CATULLO, BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY, SECOND STAGE THEATRE ‘Based upon C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, an original play by The Farm.’

“The Barrington Stage Company Workshop of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE was originally co-directed by Michael Barakiva and Rebecca Feldman.”

IN ASSOCIATION WITH VISTAEDUCATIONFOUNDATION

*designates Student Interns Director *JAKE BRADFORD

Music Director LYNDON PUGEDA

Choreographer *RHIEGAN MCCARTHY

Producer MIKE BRADFORD

Starring MADELINE EDWARDS SCOTTY HERRERA AUDREY DEUBIG JOSH BRADFORD AQUILA EWALD SEAN BARNETT LYDIA SCHMIDT AMARA YOUNG GRACE GUY

PRODUCTION TEAM & INTERNSHIPS Stage Manager *CAELAN ROBERTSON Sound Designer VIOLET CEJA Lighting Designer *SOOWAN AN Properties Designer RORI CASILLAS Assistant Stage Manager *NAOMI SCHNORENBERG Costume & Make-up Designer/ Intern Coordinator DENICE PAXTON Stage Manager’s Assistant *LUCY POWELL

2

Production Management Intern *LUKE CASILLAS Casting Director Intern *BEN LITTLE Director’s Interns *CAELINN MORRIS *ALLYSON COLLIS *KAIOLENA TACAZON Musical Director Interns *SARAH XU *PAULINA NGUYEN Choreography Interns *KATE ROCHA *ISABELLE PIZZURRO Stage Management/Crew Interns *ANGELICA DULEN *JOSEPH DIPIETRO *ALEC SALAZAR

Sound Design Intern *DANIELLE LEVY Lighting Design Interns *ZAIRE OROS *JACK GEMMELL *ALICE SCHULZ Costume/Make-up Design Interns *AMELIA DEAN *EMMA ROBERTSON *AUGUST RUTERBUSCH *CONOR SIMON Properties Design Interns *MARY MADDISON Photography Intern *MADELINE NGUYEN

Musical recording provided by The MT Pit L.L.C. www.themtpit The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance material are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY | Phone 212-541-4684 | Fax 212-397-4684 | www.MTIshows.com

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

I think it’s entirely appropriate that The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was originally conceived as a show for a small improv group, which explored the quirky characters of a middle school spelling bee. This musical, which turned around after composer William Finn experienced the simple sketch and saw the real potential of a heartfelt, successful musical, has touched many people across the nation with its hilarious focus on the growth of young outsiders. I believe the improv-based birth of this musical is incredibly fitting for what this production of Spelling Bee has achieved. Our group of student interns have taken the lead in producing this musical in positions that they have little previous experience. I think that’s the true beauty in the intern program that Moonlight Youth Theatre has implemented. Our production team, with the exception of our wonderful musical director Lyndon Pugeda, is made up entirely of students. These students simply had an inkling of interest in a certain area of designing a musical and we let them run with it. Much like the improv group that created this story in the first place, our interns dove head first into unfamiliar aspects of the theatre arts and developed a new passion for what can be achieved behind the scenes of a musical. So to all the interns who joined me in this feat of putting on a show, thank you.

I’d like to thank the Vista Education Foundation for seeing the potential in this intern program and for providing the funds needed to make it a reality. Thank you to Lyndon Pugeda, my teacher and friend, for your guidance and work on this show. Thank you to Rhiegan McCarthy for your choreography and patience with me as we slowly tried to figure out how to put on an actual musical. Thank you to my best friend and casting director, Ben Little, for joining me on this journey and always being ready to jump in and help.

Thank you to Caelan Robertson, our stage manager, for keeping me on track and always pushing our show in the right direction. Thank you to my unbelievable cast, who made my job as easy as possible. The nine of you are among the most talented and most hard working group of young actors I’ve had the chance to work with. Thank you to my brothers for making me feel funny enough to direct this show. Finally, thank you to my parents for helping me through this incredibly difficult, but even more rewarding experience. I would be absolutely nothing without you two.

This is a story about growing up. It’s a story about finding the success in your failures. It’s a story about different types of people coming together to be a part of something they love, much like the theatre community. Whether you learn that self-worth comes from inside you like Leaf, that failure is not the end of the world like Marcy, or that the thing you love most can represent a glimmer of hope in the hardest times like Olive, there is a place for you at the Bee. And also at the theater. Don’t worry, it’s funny too.

Enjoy the show!

Jake Bradford

Audrey, we thoroughly enjoy watching you perform and now that includes watching you sthpell! Break a leg Bitty!

Love, Your Drivers

Amara, you are our favorite part of the Bee. We always enjoy all of your performances. You never disappoint and you bring so much to the stage. So proud of you!! We love you to pieces!!!

- Mom, Dad, Arianna & Ace

Josh - just like your character Chip you are smart, outgoing, funny and growing up much too quickly!

You make us laugh every day and we love to see you doing what you love. Now go spell those words!

- Mom, Dad, Drew & Jake

Jake - watching you take your love for performing and stretch yourself by going behind the scenes and Directing this project has been amazing. We are continually blown away by your talent, hard work and love of life. You inspire us to do more.

Congratulations on bringing your first show to life...fingers crossed you didn’t screw it up! - Dad & Mom

3

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT I “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”………………………….………….Company “The Rules……………………………………………………………………………Company “My Favorite Moment of the Bee”………………………………………………………....Rona “My Friend the Dictionary”………………………………………………….Olive & Company “The First Goodbye”…………………………………………………………………Company “Pandemonium”………………………………………….…….Panch, Chip, Mitch & Spellers “I’m Not That Smart”……………………………………………………………….……..Leaf “The Second Goodbye”……………………………………...……………………….Company “Magic Foot”………………………………………………….…………..…Barfee & Company “Pandemonium (Reprise)”…………………………………………….Mitch, Chip & Company “Rona Moment #2”………………………………………………………………………..Rona “Prayer of the Comfort Counselor”…………………………………………..Mitch & Company

— Snack Break — ACT II “Chip’s Lament”………….……………………………………………………………….Chip “Woe Is Me”…………………………….……………………..Schwartzy, Dan , Carl & Company “Spelling Montage”………………………………………………………..…..Panch & Spellers “I’m Not That Smart (Reprise)”…………………………………………………………….Leaf “I Speak Six Languages”……………………………………………………...Marcy & Company “Jesus”…………………………………………………………..…..Marcy, Jesus & Company “The I Love You Song”………………………………………….…………Olive & Olive’s Parents “Woe Is Me (Reprise)”……………………………………………Schwartzy, Mitch & Company “Rona Moment #3”……………………………………………………………………...Rona “Second”………………...……………………………….…..Barfee, Olive, Rona & Company “The Champion”……………………………………………………………...Rona & Company “Epilogues”……………………………………………………………………….Company “The Finale”……………………………………………………………………….…Company “Bows”………………………………………………………………………….…….Company

THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE SNACK BREAK.

The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, with or without a flash, is strictly prohibited.

4

CREATIVE TEAM

JAKE BRADFORD (Director) Jake is an 18 year old freshman at UC San Diego studying theatre and education. His regional performance credits include: James and the Giant Peach (Earthworm), Peter and the Starcatcher (Teddy - The Barn Stage Company), The Little Mermaid (Ensemble - Moonlight Stage Productions), The 1940’s Radio Hour (Wally - New Village Arts), West Side Story (Baby John - Lamb’s Players Theatre). Earlier this year, Jake toured Los Angeles with ArtsUnited performing Maria’s Broadway Treasures, sharing the importance of the arts with elementary, middle, and high school students. Jake ended 2017 performing at SeaWorld San Diego for SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas Celebration.

In the next few months, Jake can be seen as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at UC San Diego and as a Newsie in Newsies! with Moonlight Stage Productions. We Will Soar On Wings Like Eagles.

LYNDON PUGEDA (Musical Director) Lyndon is excited to be back with Moonlight Youth Theatre! His work on both the professional and educational level has received much recognition including a Craig Noel award nomination and two National Youth Arts awards for Outstanding Musical Direction. Credits include: Aida, Sister Act, All Shook Up, Spamalot (Moonlight Stage Productions); Picasso at the Lapin Agile (The Old Globe); Honky-Tonk Laundry, Tell Me On A Sunday (Vista’s Broadway Theater); Gutenberg! The Musical!

(Backyard Renaissance); Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings (New Village Arts); Thoroughly Modern Millie, Tarzan (Moonlight Youth Theatre); Bring It On, The Wedding Singer (Rancho Buena Vista Drama); Ghost (Carlsbad High Drama). Associate Conductor: Benny & Joon, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

(The Old Globe). He earned a BA Degree in Music: Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts from the University of California, San Diego. He will return to the Moonlight Amphitheatre this summer for the San Diego regional premiere of Mamma Mia! RHIEGAN McCARTHY (Choreographer) Rhiegan is 15 years old, has been dancing for 9 years and is on her Varsity High School dance team.

Her theatre background consists of 8 shows she was casted in and participation in tech weeks. This is her first Moonlight Youth Theatre production but not her first choreography job. She has been dance captain for 3 shows, an assistant choreographer for 2 shows, assists her middle school dance team, and also teaches beginning dance to all ages. “Enjoy”; to take delight or pleasure in (an activity or occasion.) E-N-J-O-Y, enjoy!

5

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST (in alphabetical order)

SEAN BARNETT (Leaf Coneybear) is so excited to be performing again with Moonlight Youth Theatre. Sean’s favorite recent credits include Jack Thayer (Titanic the Musical), Jojo (Seussical the Musical), Centipede (James & the Giant Peach), and Archie (13 The Musical). He would like to thank the production team for giving him the chance to play out one of his bucket list roles and to be a part of such an awesome show. He would also like to thank his family for their constant love and support.

JOSH BRADFORD (Chip Tolentino) is 14 and attends Vista High School. Regional credits: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ensemble), The Music Man (Ensemble) The Who’s Tommy (Young Tommy), The Wizard of Oz (Mayor of Munchkin City) - Moonlight, Gypsy (Newsboy) - Cygnet, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Ladybug Who) - Old Globe, Lord of the Flies (Perceval) - NVA. Josh has performed in numerous MYT productions. You can see Josh later this Summer on the Moonlight stage in Newsies!. He hopes you enjoy the show.

AUDREY DEUBIG (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre) is 15 years old from Escondido, CA. MYT credits include: Legally Blonde (Kate), James and the Giant Peach (Ladybug), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ethel Peas/Mathilde). She is starring as Elle Woods in Escondido High School’s Legally Blonde Jr. in April. Audrey is a National Youth Arts Award winner for her roles in Annie (Annie) and 13 (Kendra). NYA nominations include roles in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie) and Seussical (Gertrude). Thanks to our director Jake Bradford and musical director Lyndon Pugeda for their leadership and guidance. Thank you to all the creative interns, volunteers and board members who helped bring this show to life. Special thanks to Debbie Nicastro & Artifex In Motion for their vocal & dance development. As always, thank you to my family and friends who continue to support me in this art I love so much. Enjoy the show!

MADELINE EDWARDS (Olive Ostrovsky) is excited to be back performing with MYT. She recently played Elle Woods in Legally Blonde with MYT. Some of her favorite roles include: Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Cinderella (Cinderella), Scallop (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Old Globe), July (Annie, Moonlight Amphitheatre), and Stephanie (Lazy Town Live). She is a 2-time National Youth Arts award winner and holds national and regional titles in Contemporary and Musical Theater dance styles. She also loves the beach, laser tag, playing ukulele, and snuggling her 3 dogs.

AQUILA EWALD (Marcy Park) is a 15 year old freshman at Carlsbad High School. This will be her 23rd production and her 4th with MYT. Her favorite roles include Morticia Addams, Addams Family (CYT); Hope Harcourt, Anything Goes (Ovation); Mrs. Meers, Thoroughly Modern Millie & Serena, Legally Blonde (MYT); Fiona, Shrek & Kira, Xanadu (VMS). When not performing, she studies voice and dance throughout San Diego. She would like to thank everyone who has helped her get to where she is today.

GRACE GUY (Mitchy Mahoney) is a junior at Temecula Valley High School and is thrilled to be working with Moonlight Youth Theatre for the first time! She would like to thank her loved ones for always being there for her no matter what. Past credits include Patruchio in Taming of the Shrew, Judas in Godspell, and Myrtle in The Great Gatsby. She also wants to thank her amazing cast and directors for giving her the experience of a life time! Enjoy the Show!!

6

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST (in alphabetical order)

SCOTTY HERRERA (William Barfee) is a sophomore at Temecula Valley High School and is so stoked to be performing with Moonlight Youth Theatre in this production. Past credits include Bryan (aka Bianca) Taming of the Shrew, Alfred in Holy Musical B@tman, and Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka. He would like to thank Jake Bradford for this opportunity and for everyone for being so welcoming!! He also wants to thank Grace Guy for being an angel and his loved ones for always supporting him.

LYDIA SCHMIDT (Rona Lisa Peretti) is a Junior at Carlsbad High School where she is a member of the school’s Speech and Debate team and varsity show choir, Sound Express. Favorite roles include Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray (CCT) , Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof (CCT) , and Doralee in 9 to 5 (Carlsbad High School.) She would like to thank the incredible production team and her talented cast mates for this wonderful experience. Also, to her family and friends, for their constant moral support and love. She hopes you enjoy the Bee! AMARA YOUNG (Vice Principal Panch) is excited to return to Moonlight Youth Theatre. Credits include Lady Macbeth in Macbeth and Steele in A Piece Of My Heart at North Coast Rep Theatre School, Chorus in Carmen at the San Diego Opera, a Royal Child in The King and I at The Welk Resort, Amneris in Aida at Center Stage Productions, and most recently Diane in HBO’s Westworld at South By Southwest. She would like to thank everyone who made this show possible.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS LINA DIEP Committee Chairperson ROB PIZZURRO Committee Vice-Chairperson BECKY KWOCK Treasurer BONNIE NOBLE Secretary

MEMBERS AT LARGE ANTHONY CARRASCO RORI CASILLAS

KATHLEEN FRANSWAY JOY DEUBIG

ALEX GEMMELL MATT GHERNA

ANNA HAYMAN MARY NOBLE

DENICE PAXTON LISA SIMON

VISTAEDUCATIONFOUNDATION

The Bonsall Women’s Club

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Matt Gherna Simon Family Bill Nguyen & Lina Diep Joy and Jim Deubig Debbie NiCastro Voice Studios Kiwanis Club of Sunrise Vista Upper Crust Pizza First Lutheran Church Guajome Park Academy Hixson Real Estate Hoai Hue Restaurant

7

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Moonlight Youth Theatre is a program of the Moonlight Cultural Foundation.

The Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization raising funds in support of Moonlight Stage Productions and arts education through MYT. Thanks to the continued generosity of donors and sponsors MCF is able to support yearround programming at the Moonlight Amphitheatre as well as important educational programs for the youth in our community. You can help make magic at the Moonlight with a gift to the Foundation today. Contact 760-630-7650 or Justin@moonlightfoundation.com for more information.

JEFF PASHBY President DAVE COWLES Vice President KATHY NAYLOR Secretary LEE COVELL Treasurer BILL BIRNIE RYAN COLEMAN ANGIE FRAZIER ROBBIE CALDERON HASS JP HUNTEN GARY KAWANO BETH LEVIN MARY LOU MONTULLI WESLEY MCDONOUGH CHRISTINE WHITTEN

WH AT I W ANT FRO M Y O U IS

Congrats

to all my students, cast and crew!

627 Civic Center Drive, Vista - 1279 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas - 329 East Valley Parkway, Escondido E: Luvs_2Sing@cox.net - T: (760) 519-3370

8

WHAT’S HAPPENING...

We invite you to get in on the act!

For over 25 years, MOONLIGHT YOUTH THEATRE has been providing award-winning theatrical training to the San Diego County Community. MYT offers programs designed for youth from ages 7 to 18 of various skill levels who are interested in all areas of theatrical performance, as well as those who want to remain “behind the scenes”. Our educational opportunities are staffed by professional actors, directors, choreographers, musical directors and other theatre professionals.

Throughout the year, we provide opportunities to learn about, participate in and to experience the magic of live theatre and performance including: • • • •

Spring Classes and Workshops Spring/Summer Musical Production Spring/Summer Theatre Internship Program Summer Theatre Camp - July 2018

• Fall Musical Production - Disney’s Beauty and the Beast • Holiday Show Choir

“My daughter was in a recent production with MYT. She learned so much and the experience really affirmed for us what we love about youth theatre - when it is done the right way, with the right people, it is truly a wonderful thing and there is nothing else that compares.” - Heidi Maretz Visit www.moonlightyouththeatre.com, email mike@moonlightfoundation.com or call (760) 500-3620 for more information!

Mike Bradford Moonlight Cultural Foundation Director of Arts Education

1776 IN CONCERT JULY 7 | 8 PM Tickets: $10 - $45

This one-night-only concert version of Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards’ iconic musical chronicles the birth of our nation and will feature some of the region’s top musical theatre talent with orchestra on stage. 1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation.

TICKETS ON SALE BEGINNING MARCH 31ST ! vistixonline.com | 760.724.2110

9

2018 SEASON

MADAGASCAR A MUSICAL ADVENTURE JR. AVO PLAYHOUSE

(Ages 7 - 18) | Auditions - April 27th & 28th Production - June 22, 23 & 24

DISNEY’S BEAUTY & THE BEAST MOONLIGHT AMPHITHEATRE

Directed and Choreographed by Moonlight Stage Productions’ STEVE GLAUDINI & COLLEEN KOLLAR SMITH (Ages 7 - 18) | Auditions - August 6th & 11th Production - October 12, 13, 14, 18, 19 & 20

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

To make an audition appointment, visit moonlightyouththeatre.com.

For information about MYT classes, Internship opportunities or production details, contact: Mike Bradford, Director of Arts Education, Moonlight Cultural Foundation. mike@moonlightfoundation.com | 760.500.3620 10

11

PRODUCER’S NOTES

In 2016, Moonlight Youth Theatre began a new partnership with The Vista Education Foundation. Through a generous annual donation, VEF has helped make it possible for dozens of students each year to be exposed to the “behind- the-scenes” magic of live theatre through our Theatre Internship Program. Students have the opportunity to work in a hands-on environment collaborating, designing and learning from theatre professionals.

This method of learning has been so effective that it is being introduced in local schools as a means of integrating art with education. Our production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is MYT’s first-ever Student-led production. Adults provided support and students from all over San Diego County came together to direct, choreograph and design the creative elements of the show. We are so pleased with their professionalism and dedication and we couldn’t be more proud of the results.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in learning more about the Internship Program, or if you or your business would consider a donation to help us continue to provide this important educational opportunity to students, please contact me or visit moonlightfoundation.com. E-N-J-O-Y T-H-E B-E-E! Mike Bradford, Director of Arts Education | Moonlight Cultural Foundation mike@moonlightfoundation.com | 760.500.3620

JOIN US BEHIND THE SCENES!

Applications and list of internships available at moonlightyouththeatre.com For more information - mike@moonlightfoundation.com | 760.500.3620

VISTAEDUCATIONFOUNDATION