Young Sherlock Program

1

Welcome, friends and families, to tonight's Middle School production of Young Sherlock! We are thrilled to have you join us for an evening of mystery, mischief, and a few clever twists you won't see coming. Our talented cast and dedicated crew have poured their hearts into bringing this story to life, spending countless hours memorizing lines, building sets, perfecting cues, and discovering the detective spirit within each of their characters. From understudy to props management, every student involved has shown creativity, teamwork, and determination throughout this journey.

So please silence your phones, settle into your seats, and prepare to step into a world of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Thank you for being here to share this special night with us, and we sincerely hope you enjoy the show!

Ted & Michelle Helvey Oakwood Middle School Faculty Dr. Cameron Helvey Dr. Josh Watson Tere Casey Dana Bruning Melissa Barrow Jaymie English Tannaz Negin Cami Hansen Melissa Goulart Skye Taylor George Gomez Stephanie Salinas Dave Clink Malina Prudencio

2

Kathy & Larry Tom Ayda Saffarian & Family Mike Cavanagh Lisa Titi & Family The Berisha Family The Taylor Family Veronica Ortiz & Young Family Shawna Matz & Family Brian Bruce & Family Steph Neustadter Jennifer Narvaez The Vyas Family The Perez Family Katie Slabaugh Luna DeCurtis Melany Forsgren

3

Scene 1: The Great Room of Butterworth Academy, midnight of a spring day, 1885.

Scene 2: The following morning Scene 3: That evening Scene 4: That following morning

Scene 5: Late that night Scene 6: The following morning

4

Students of Butterworth Academy Monique..........................................................................................Addison Slabaugh Carlotta...........................................................................................................Tara Wilmot Sherlock Holmes..................................................................................................Io Nikas John Watson..................................................................................................Jax Barretta James Moriarty.............................................................................................Carlos Perez Irene Adler.........................................................................................Brynn Fernandez Larry Lestrade.............................................................................................Aarin Vyas Hetty Hudson................................................................................................Gavin Garcia Henry Baskerville.................................................................................Cameron Bruce Horace Stoner ..................................................................................................Kellan Ota Lloyd Windsor.............................................................................................Rian Mistry

Ross Medici...................................................................................William Maghsoudi Hortense.........................................................................................Addison Slabaugh

Adults of London Constable Bing..........................................................................................Sine Fleizach Butterworth.........................................................................................Arianna Saffarian

Lulu ....................................................................................................Charlotte Berisha Miss Klegg..................................................................................................Aurora Matz

Duchess Simpson......................................................................................Emma Taylor Ruda......................................................................................................Gabriella Young Lady Windsor.........................................................................................Saanvika Sinha Mr. Medici............................................................................................Justin Giacalone Mr. Bonaparte..........................................................................................Ethan Nguyen Mr. Goya............................................................................................Vikram Narayanan Cyril.....................................................Hamilton Blanchard (5/14), Clemens Arnold (5/15) 5

Clemens Arnold (8) Cyril (5/15 performance)

Clemens is an 8th grader and is excited for the performance of Young Sherlock. He has previously been part of Newsies Jr., Something Rotten Jr., and The Canterville Ghost (as tech), among others. Clemens is an understudy for Cyril. Outside of school, he enjoys mountain biking and swimming. Clemens would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support, and he hopes you enjoy the show!

Jax Barretta (8) John Watson

Jax is an 8th grader and is excited to be a part of his first middle school play. He has previously performed in Willy Wonka Jr. At school, he enjoys playing hacky sack with his friends during breaks.

In his free time, he plays video games — Aftermath specifically — and loves rollercoasters. He is very excited to perform in front of his friends and family, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Charlotte Berisha (8) Lulu

Charlotte is an 8th grader who loves both the stage and the page.

She recently played the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland Jr. and is excited to be Lulu in Young Sherlock. When she’s not performing, she’s usually reading or training as a competitive swimmer. She’s thrilled to be part of this production!

Brynn Fernandez (8) Irene Adler

Brynn is an 8th grader at Oakwood and has previously appeared in one other middle school production, Alice in Wonderland Jr. Outside of school, Brynn enjoys watching movies, playing sports, and hanging out with friends. She loves theater and the process behind it, and thanks you for supporting her and her cast members.

She hopes you enjoy the show!

Sine Fleizach (8) Constable Bing

Sine is an 8th grader with a love for the arts. He enjoys reading and is thrilled to be part of another theatre production with Oakwood.

He hopes you enjoy the show.

Gavin Garcia (8) Hetty Hudson

Gavin is an 8th grade student and is excited to perform in this production. He has participated in many plays during elementary school, and this is his first middle school play. Gavin enjoys playing sports, editing videos, and gaming with friends (especially Rocket League). He has enjoyed being part of this cast and would like to thank his teacher Mrs. Blanchard and his family for their support.

6

Aurora Matz (8) Miss Klegg

Aurora is thrilled to be part of Young Sherlock! She has previously performed in seven middle school shows, including Something Rotten Jr., Alice in Wonderland Jr., and three Harmonics productions. Outside of acting, Aurora loves to dance, draw, and sew. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Vikram Narayanan (8) Mr. Marino

Vikram is an enthusiastic 8th grader who joined the MS play to further sharpen his acting skills. He has performed in two other plays, including Jungle Book Jr. and The Aristocats Jr. He is an avid volleyball and tennis player, and outside of school he enjoys bowling, gaming, and playing chess. He hopes you enjoy Young Sherlock!

Ethan Nguyen (8) Mr. Bonaparte

Ethan is an 8th grader and is overjoyed to be in the MS play.

In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball, watching movies, and expertly navigating Costco carts while sampling everything available. He also enjoys listening to music, camping, and collecting Formula 1 Hot Wheels. He dedicates his performance to his family and friends, with a special shoutout to his dog, Duesy.

Io Nikas (8) Sherlock Holmes

Io is an 8th grader taking part in the middle school play, Young Sherlock. Outside of school, Io enjoys playing video games, playing soccer, and watching TV. He would like to dedicate his performance to his family.

Carlos Perez (8) James Moriarty

Carlos, better known as Star Perez, is especially thrilled for his second opportunity in the limelight. Outside of his performing career, Star enjoys trying new burger spots, reading, and hanging out with his friends. Star would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support!

Arianna Saffarian (8) Miss Butterworth

Arianna is an 8th grader and is very excited to be part of Young Sherlock. She previously performed in Alice in Wonderland Jr., Something Rotten Jr., and Newsies Jr. In her free time, Arianna enjoys playing tennis, reading, scuba diving, traveling, and spending time with friends. She looks forward to bringing the mystery of Young Sherlock to life and hopes you enjoy the show!

7

Emma Taylor (8) Duchess Simpson / Carlotta (5/14)

Emma is an 8th grader and is excited to perform in the MS play, Young Sherlock. She was most recently seen in the MS musical Alice in Wonderland Jr., playing the young Alice. Outside of school, Emma studies piano and voice, and loves baking and cooking, playing video games, making art, and hanging out with her friends.

She hopes you enjoy the production!

Gabriella Young (8) Ruda

Gabby is an 8th grader and is thrilled to be in Young Sherlock! She has previously performed in Alice in Wonderland Jr. as Cheshire Cat 4, Something Rotten Jr., as the fortune teller, and many more.

At school she plays volleyball, and outside of school she loves listening to music and spending time with friends. She would like to dedicate this performance to close friends Addie, Charlotte, and Klara, and to her teacher Mrs. Blanchard!

Justin Giacalone (7) Mr. Medici

Justin is thrilled to be performing in this year’s middle school play!

He has played tackle football for three years, where he learned teamwork and perseverance. Justin loves building things with his hands, fishing on quiet mornings, traveling to new places, and playing video games. He brings energy, creativity, and an adventurous spirit to the stage!

Rian Mistry (7) Lloyd Windsor

Rian is a 7th grader and is thrilled to be part of the MS play, Young Sherlock. This is Rian’s first time on stage, and he is extremely excited to perform. At school, he plays flag football, soccer, and basketball, and runs track. He is also on the MathCounts team.

Outside of sports, Rian loves going to the movies and hanging out with friends (and getting fro-yo after). He hopes you can relax and enjoy Young Sherlock!

Saanvika Sinha (7) Lady Windsor

Saanvika is a 7th grader and is delighted to be in Young Sherlock, her first production at Oakwood. She has participated in other shows like Moana Jr. At school, she loves spending time with friends and is a part of MS Council. Saanvika has been learning Kathak (a classical Indian dance) and playing the piano, both for six years. She thanks her family for their love and support and hopes you enjoy the show!

Addie Slabaugh (7) Monique / Hortense

Addie is thrilled to be in Young Sherlock! Some of her past favorite roles include the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland Jr. and the Sad Little Egg in Something Rotten Jr. Outside of theater, she loves horseback riding, playing volleyball, and hanging out with her friends. She dedicates this performance to her wonderful friends and family for always being there for her every step of the way. She hopes you enjoy the show!

8

Tara Wilmot (7) Carlotta (5/15)

Tara is a 7th grader and is excited to be part of Young Sherlock.

She previously performed in Alice in Wonderland Jr. At school she enjoys playing soccer and volleyball, as well as running track. Tara is thrilled to play Carlotta and hopes you enjoy the show!

Hamilton Blanchard (6) Cyril (5/14)

Hamilton recently performed in his first middle school production, Alice in Wonderland Jr. He is a member of the Oakwood robotics team and the middle school percussion ensemble. Outside of school, he plays drums and is currently in candidate training with UAMA as he works toward earning his black belt in taekwondo.

Cameron Bruce (6) Henry Baskerville

Cameron is a 6th grader and is excited to be part of his first MS play. He previously performed in Alice in Wonderland Jr. and in the percussion ensemble. Outside of performing, Cameron enjoys singing, playing soccer, playing basketball, and hanging out with friends. He dedicates his performance to his family and friends and hopes you enjoy the show! P.S. Cheer loud!

William Maghsoudi (6) Ross Medici

William is a 6th grader and is excited to be part of his first play. At school, he’s on the basketball, soccer, and flag football teams. He also enjoys solving Rubik’s cubes and playing sports. He dedicates his performance to his family and hopes you enjoy the show!

Kellan Ota (6) Horace Stoner

Kellan is a 6th grader and is happy to perform in his second Oakwood play this year. He has previously been in many Oakwood productions, including Alice in Wonderland Jr. and the high school production of The Wizard of Oz. In his free time, he enjoys doing stunts and watching shows with his family. Kellan thanks his parents for all they’ve done and hopes you enjoy the performance!

Aarin Vyas (6) Larry Lestrade

Aarin is excited to participate in the middle school play and has enjoyed working alongside the other actors. He plays piano, plays tennis, and is an avid aviation enthusiast. He is in 6th grade and hopes to participate in more plays throughout his time at Oakwood!

9

Theater Teacher ...............................................................................Colleen Blanchard Director.................................................................................................Klara Klotzbach Technical Director...........................................................................................Skye Taylor Speech Coach............................................................................................Luna DeCurtis Lighting Design ............................................................Clara Shem-Tov, Clemens Arnold Makeup...............................................................................................Akshara Avinash Props .........................................................Akshara Avinash, Apoorvah Mummoorthy Set Design and Carpenter.............................................................................Larry Tom

Lead Detail Painter ........................................................................Colleen Blanchard Set Construction and Painters..............................Travis Blanchard, Katie Slabaugh, Chris Taylor, Jenn Nikas, Melanie Chipman, Hamilton Blanchard, Kelli Frazer Staircase Construction.............................................................................Chris Taylor Set Construction Helpers............................................Brandt Banks, Ethan Slabaugh Costumes....................................................................................................Kathy Tom Student Costumer..........................................................................................Maria Titi Costume Construction........................................Kathy Tom, Maria Titi, Emma Taylor

Backstage Helpers..................................Travis Blanchard, Lisa Titi, Katie Slabaugh,

Veronica Ortiz, Heather Perez, Carlos Perez, Brian Bruce, Shawna Matz Front of House Helpers..............................................Sabri Berisha, Sandra Berisha, Adhish Vyas, Katie Slabaugh Videographer..........................................................................................Sabri Berisha Photography/Promotional material...........................................................Tere Casey Front of House Producer...........................................................................Kelli Frazer

10

Klara Klotzbach Director

Klara is a senior at Oakwood High School and is thrilled to be part of this production. Following her directorial debut of the high school fall play, she loved working with the middle school cast of Young Sherlock, teaching blocking, running lines, and getting to know this talented group. Klara plans to continue her passion for theater in college by pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater at the University of Hartford and would like to thank Mrs. Blanchard for her continued support. She hopes you enjoy the mystery of Young Sherlock!

Colleen Blanchard Upper School Drama Teacher, Performing Arts Head Colleen has had the pleasure of working alongside an energetic cast, dedicated crew, and talented team of students to bring Young Sherlock to life. She brings over 25 years of directing experience with Bay Area community theaters and schools, and is passionate about fostering creativity and confidence in her classes. She is deeply proud of the collaboration, joy, and hard work her students share on and off the stage.

Skye Taylor Technical Director

Ms. Skye is grateful for the opportunity to work with OPVA. Being involved in the program is a way to share her passion for the theater. She strongly believes in the cast and crew as a team and loves to watch them discover their talents whether it is on stage or behind the scenes. Thanks to the Middle School cast and their aura, Klara and Mrs. Blanchard.

Maria Titi (8) Student Costumer

Maria is an 8th grader and is happy to help with the middle school play. In her free time she enjoys sewing, skiing and crocheting. She hopes you enjoy the show

11

Thank you to all the Oakwood students, families, faculty, and staff who dedicated their talent, time, and support to make this show possible.

And a heartfelt thank you to the families who so generously supported our actors and crew. The meals and snacks kept everyone nourished and energized through long rehearsals set construction. On top of that, you gave your time backstage and out front during performances, helping in every way we needed.

We’re grateful for all you did to make this production possible.

12