OPASBILL RENT - 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour

RENT

25th Anniversary Farewell Tour February 16 & 17, 2022

PERFORMANCES WE CAN ALWAYS BANK ON Thank you, OPAS and the diligent artists whose outstanding performances never fail to deliver joy, passion, and an infusion of culture and wonder to our community.

Y

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Visit americanmomentum.bank or call (979) 774-1111. © 2021 American Momentum Bank |

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TABLE OF CONTENTS OPAS presents Rent — 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour........................................6 OPAS Permanent Endowment..................................................................................8 OPAS Executive Committee.................................................................................... 12 Corporate Circle....................................................................................................... 17 Cast of Rent............................................................................................................. 20 OPAS Student Executives........................................................................................22 OPAS Board of Directors..........................................................................................25 Ovations for OPAS Donors.......................................................................................26 Musical Numbers......................................................................................................33 Understanding the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in New York City.................................... 34 Who’s Who in the Cast............................................................................................. 37 OPAS Encore! Board of Directors............................................................................47 The Plot of Rent....................................................................................................... 60 OPAS Information.....................................................................................................63 2021-22 Media Partners..........................................................................................65 Connect with OPAS..................................................................................................65 Advertiser Index.......................................................................................................67

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MSC OPAS at Texas A&M University and

WORK LIGHT PRODUCTIONS presents

Book, Music and Lyrics by

Jonathan Larson

Set Design

Costume Design

Paul Clay

Angela Wendt

Musical Arrangements

Lighting Design

Jonathan Spencer

Original Concept & Additional Lyrics

Steve Skinner

Musical Direction

Matthew DeMaria

Dramaturg

Billy Aronson

Lynn M. Thompson

Set Design Adaptation

Production Stage Manager

Matthew E. Maraffi

Casting

Tour Marketing & Press

Wojcik|Seay Casting

Allied Global Marketing

Production Management

Port City Technical

Sound Design

Keith Caggiano

Gabrielle Norris

Music Supervisor

Dave Pepin

General Management

Work Light Productions

Owen Johnston

Company Manager

Kerrick Dougherty

Additional Arrangements

Tim Weil Choreography

Marlies Yearby Directed by

Evan Ensign Based on Original Direction by

Michael Greif

Originally produced on Broadway by

Jeffrey Seller Kevin McCollum Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop EXCLUSIVE TOUR DIRECTION by THE BOOKING GROUP www.thebookinggroup.com

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Associate Choreographer

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OPAS PERMANENT ENDOWMENT The investment income from the OPAS Permanent Endowment is devoted to student access and performance enhancement. The individuals, businesses and organizations listed have contributed through gifts, pledges or planned gifts to the Endowment ensuring a legacy of performing arts for TAMU students and the community.

IMPRESARIO $250,000 Mary and Bert Loudon `57 MAESTRO $100,000 Linda and Bill Perry In Loving Memory of Charles Zipp STANDING OVATION $50,000 In Memory of Fred and Evelyn Anderholm Sally and John Godfrey Susan and Gaines West ENCORE $25,000-$35,000 Donna and Don Adam Aggieland Credit Union Peggy and Charles Brittan Jeremy Byrd `00 Zou Kerr Cherry Ruth and Abraham Clearfield Mario `84 and Sarah Coll Bonnie and Otway Denny `71 Dr. and Mrs. Robert Gates Mary and Tom Kirk Glynna ‘80 and Bob D. Leiper Cully Lipsey Lynn and Gary Martin In Memory of Dr. Bardin H. Nelson and Barbara Campbell Nelson Florence and Bookman Peters In Memory of Margaret M. Plum Charitable Trust Bequest by Donald Plum Diane and Jerome Rektorik Pam and Jim Reynolds Bonnie Robinson Valerie and Guy Sheppard Dr. J. Malon Southerland Carole and Van Taylor `71 Ellen and Penrod S. Thornton Parten Wakefield Valerie and David Woodcock Margaret Ann Zipp

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VIRTUOSO $15,000-$20,000 Michal Barszap, ITS Tours & Travel In Memory of Sara June Goode and Phillip B. Goode In Memory of Janet and John Otts `34, Given by John Otts, Jr. `70 Waltman & Grisham BRAVO $10,000-$14,999 Lelia and Charley Bankston Anne and Ginn Black Marvel Church ‘01 Nita and Mike Hoelscher Willard and Anne Levin Foundation Holly and Mark Monroe MSC OPAS Student Committee Linda and Paul Parrish In Honor of My Parents, E.B. “Chic” Sale and Gloria Stephan Sale, Given by Stephanie Wyndam Sale Stephanie Sale and Jim Singleton In Loving Memory of Becky Smith Dr. and Mrs. Robert “Jay” Woodward APPLAUSE $1,000-$9,999 John and Ann Anderson Iris S. Baker Terri Becker Craig Boleman `95 and Kass Prince Elizabeth Stubbs Bowlin `03 Briaud Financial Advisors President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush Mr. and Mrs. Marc Carroll `91 Luke Childress `01 Susan and Partrick Clegg Dallas and Alice Coate Dr. Amalia Cochran ‘89 Keith Cox ‘06 In Memory of Stepheni and Jack Crawford Jenny Vorpahl Cronlund `07 Tammy D. Erratt Jan and Christine Faber Sue Futrell

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OPAS PERMANENT ENDOWMENT Friends of Sarah June Goode Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hamilton Mary Mike Hatcher Chuck and Lorraine Hermann Harrison Hierth In Memory of Frances Hudson In Memory Jane B Hughey Helen M. Jenswold Monta Kennady Melissa Matula Kolenda `05 Mallory ‘06 and John ‘07 Lineberger Raymond W. Loan and Judith W. Childs Ramiro S. Martinez Leigh Sinclair Maupin `09 Dr. and Mrs. Michael McLeod Janet Mohundro Matt Murphy `98 / Treanor HL, P.A. In Memory of Jimmy Nash

by OPAS Former Students Sarah and Jimmy Nash Anne and Kevin O’Neil OPAS Board - Season 33 Nancy Parker OPAS Past Presidents

Della Pearson Julie and Steve Porter Katy and Buzz Pruitt The Beryl L. Rice and John W. Rice Foundation Traci and Doug Rosencrans `96 Sarah Parker `01 and Charlie Rosse `02 Mary and Robert E. Shutes Netta and John Simek Dr. Denise T. Smart Mary K. `00 and Stephen `97 Stout Dr. Bryan D. Struck `91 Debz De Freitas ‘88 and Steve Sweet ‘88 In Memory of Carole Taylor Chuck and Margie Taylor Dr. Krista L. Turner ‘95 Becky and Keith Wade Carol and John Wagner Mary Walsh Elizabeth and Bill Ward Kevin Ward `99 and Chad Copeland Ann Wiatt Family and Friends of Chuck and Mary Jane Wiggins Larry Zuber

SPECIAL ENDOWMENTS OPAS enjoys the support of special endowments for specific purposes. The individuals, businesses and organizations responsible for these endowments have enhanced the OPAS student experience.

ASTIN CHARITABLE TRUSTS WELLS FARGO BANK TEXAS TRUSTEE Established to provide OPAS students with fine arts leadership, development and academic training opportunities

PEGGY L. AND CHARLES L. BRITTAN ‘65 Established to support OPAS students with education and leadership development opportunities

OPAS JR PERMANENT ENDOWMENT Established by The OPAS Guild to support OPAS JR and other programming for children

IN MEMORY OF PATRICIA STEHR PETERS Established for OPAS student leadership development

JOHN L. THORNTON PREMIER AWARD Presented annually to the outstanding new member of the OPAS Student Committee

IN MEMORY OF SCOT E. WIATT AND IN HONOR OF ANN COBB WIATT Established by Dr. David Blackwell ‘80 for Student Leadership and Development

WILLIAM & LINDA PERRY PRESTIGE AWARD Presented annually to a full-time OPAS student who is pursuing an undergraduate degree 10 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

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OPAS EXECUTIVE COMITTEE

Photo by Butch Ireland

(Seated, Left to Right) Edith Gonzalez Brizuela, Vice-President & Student Committee Chair Anne Black, Executive Director Clara Stadler, Director At-Large (Back Row, Left to Right) Jay Granberry, President Loretta Foster, Immediate Past President Michelle Gorzycki, OPAS Encore President Tracy Corrier, President-Elect

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Banks & Banks Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Drama should remain on stage... but when it doesn’t, you can call us.

Amy Banks

Phil Banks

Banks & Banks Attorneys at Law, P.C. | 500 East 29th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803 Telephone: (979) 822-8533 | Toll-Free: (800) 221-7021 | Email: info@bankslawyers.com

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DIAGNOSTIC

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CORPORATE CIRCLE PRODUCERS $10,000 - $50,000

DIRECTORS $5,000 - $9,999

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CAST

(in order of appearence)

Roger Davis....................................................................................... COLEMAN CUMMINGS Mark Cohen...............................................................................................................J.T. WOOD Tom Collins.......................................................................................................SHAFIQ HICKS Benjamin Coffin III....................................................................................JARRED BEDGOOD Joanne Jefferson............................................................................................ RAYLA GARSKE Angel Schunard..................................................................................................... JAVON KING Mimi Marquez................................................................................................AIYANA SMASH Maureen Johnson................................................................................................. LYNDIE MOE Mark’s Mom and others........................................................................... MAKENZIE RIVERA Christmas Caroler, Mr. Jefferson, Pastor and others.........................................JAHIR L. HIPPS Mrs. Jefferson, Woman with Bags and others.................................... ELIZABETH ADABALE Gordon, The Man, Mr. Grey and others...................................... .STEPHEN ROCHET LOPEZ Steve, Man with Squeegee, a Waiter and others............................................ JAMES SCHOPPE Paul and others....................................................................................... MATHEW BAUTISTA Alexi Darling, Roger’s Mom and others....................................................................... YZ JASA UNDERSTUDIES Swings and understudies never substitute for listed performers unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the appearance. for Roger—JAHIR L. HIPPS, TOMMY KAISER, STEPHEN ROCHET LOPEZ for Mark—TOMMY KAISER, STEPHEN ROCHET LOPEZ, CHRISTOPHER MONTALVO for Tom Collins—JARRED BEDGOOD, JAYLON CRUMP, JAHIR L. HIPPS for Benny—JAYLON CRUMP, THOMAS PURVIS for Joanne—ELIZABETH ADABALE, YZ JASA, CARLINA PARKER for Angel—MATHEW BAUTISTA, JAMES SCHOPPE for Mimi—CARLINA PARKER, ANALISE RIOS for Maureen—ANALISE RIOS, MAKENZIE RIVERA SWINGS JAYLON CRUMP, TOMMY KAISER, CHRISTOPHER MONTALVO, CARLINA PARKER, THOMAS PURVIS, ANALISE RIOS DANCE CAPTAIN JAMES SCHOPPE ASSISTANT DANCE CAPTAIN CARLINA PARKER ORCHESTRA Conductor/Keyboards—MATTHEW DeMARIA Associate Music Director/Keys 2/Guitar 2—BEN COVELLO Guitar—DAVID MALACHOWSKI Bass—MARC ENSIGN Drums—JEFF SNIDER Stand By Musician—PAUL O’KEEFE The photographing or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device or such photographing or sound recording inside this theater, without the written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Violators may be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for money damages. continued on pg. 28 20 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

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OPAS STUDENT EXECUTIVES

Photo by Butch Ireland

(Front Row, Left to Right) Rachel Burris, Theater Operations/Education Outreach Belinda Lloyd, Recruitment & Retention Edith Gonzalez Brizuela, Chair Clara Stadler, Fundraising Emily Hudson, Information Services (Top Row, Left to Right) Rebecca Hill, Publicity & Advertising Casey Black, Student Development Rahul Chauhan, Auditorium Operations

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Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you've got to do is call, And I'll be there, yes, I will

The earth shouldn’t move under your feet when you need help dealing with the realities of life.

We aren’t so far away.

Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1021 University Drive E • College Station • 979.846.4726 • www.hle.com

24 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

OPAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Jay Granberry, President Edith Gonzalez Brizuela, Vice President & Student Committee Chair Tracy Corrier, President Elect Loretta Foster, Immediate Past President Anne Black, Executive Director Michelle Gorzycki, Encore! President Clara Stadler, Director At Large

Staff Anne Black, OPAS Executive Director Terri Becker, Business Manager Kayla Shepherd, Event & Operations Coordinator Kendall Walker, Marketing & Development Coordinator

Directors Casey Black Rachel Burris Rahul Chauhan Paul Dyson Troy Elms Janét Falcone Mike Gentry Teddi Hamilton Mary Mike Hatcher Andi Heath Rebecca Hill Emily Hudson Sue James Valerie Jochen

Jamie Lander Belinda Lloyd April Mamigonian Shannon Morton Sandie Murphy Bryan Reece Alan Riley Kevin Roach Karen Slater Steven Steele Clara Stadler Janet Steines Cindy Still Woody Thompson

Special thanks to Hoelscher, Lipsey, Elmore, Poole, and Turnbill and St. Thomas Episcopal Church for their continued support of the OPAS Board of Directors

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OVATIONS FOR OPAS DONORS These individuals have made significant annual contributions to OPAS. Their generosity helps ensure the future of the performing arts in the Brazos Valley.

DIAMOND ($5,000+) Don & Donna Adam Philip Goodwin Bardin & Janis Nelson

GOLD ($2,500-$4,999) John & June Brien

David & Susan Lancaster

Charles & Peggy Brittan

Carolyn Lohman

Zou & Boyd Cherry

Gordon & Holly Mitchell

Katie & David Coughlen

Jo Monroe

Bonnie & Otway Denny

Office of the President

Teri & Paul Dyson

Bookman & Florence Peters

Troy & Caren Elms

Robert Reinhardt ‘69

Janet & Gregg Falcone

Yulia Svetlana & Alan Riley

Bill & Gina Flores

Becky & B. Don Russell

Robin & Hays Glover

Steve Smith

Bill & Celia Goode-Haddock

Charles & Cindy Still

Haley Hoekstra

Julie & John B. Syptak

Ricky & Glenda Griffin

Marilyn & Terry Wade

Andrea & David Heath

Phoebe Watts

John & Valerie Jochen

26 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

Enlighten. Entertain. Inspire.

We proudly support OPAS in their 49th season at Texas A&M University!

prosperitybankusa.com BRYAN LOCATIONS: | 2807 S Texas Ave | 1500 N Texas Ave | 3333 University Dr E | 3710 E 29th St COLLEGE STATION LOCATIONS: | 2202 Longmire Dr | 12995 FM 2154 Rd | 1298 Arrington Rd

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CAST

ELIZABETH ADABALE

MATHEW BAUTISTA

JARRED BEDGOOD

JAYLON CRUMP

COLEMAN CUMMINGS

RAYLA GARSKE

SHAFIQ HICKS

JAHIR L. HIPPS

YZ JASA

TOMMY KAISER

JAVON KING

STEPHEN ROCHET LOPEZ

LYNDIE MOE

CHRISTOPHER MONTALVO

CARLINA PARKER

THOMAS PURVIS

ANALISE RIOS

MAKENZIE RIVERA

AIYANA SMASH

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JAMES SCHOPPE

J.T. WOOD

Julia and David Gardner ’78, couldn’t imagine a better place than their hometown of College Station to open their jewelry store in 1983. Their vision for David Gardner’s Jewelers was to be the “community jewelry store”.

Being connected to the community through personal relationships and community philanthropy has blessed their lives beyond their expectations.

David’s passion for designing and creating jewelry has grown throughout the years to an intense focus, as evidenced by the design studio in the middle of the store.

His favorite design challenge is the opportunity to design a piece for someone because it allows him to get to know them and be able to individualize the jewelry to their lifestyle, personality and preferences. He believes that true design is the ability to explore and play – to move past the initial idea, take risks and explore new outcomes.

911 University Drive E. College Station, Tx | 979.268.0800 | www.DavidGardnersJewelers.com MSCOPAS.org 29

30 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

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32 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT ONE “Tune Up/Voice Mail #1”..........................................Mark, Roger, Mrs. Cohen, Collins, Benny “Rent”.................................................................................................................... The Company “You Okay Honey?”..............................................................................................Angel, Collins “One Song Glory”............................................................................................................... Roger “Light My Candle”...................................................................................................Roger, Mimi “Voice Mail #2”....................................................................................... Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson “Today 4 U”........................................................................................................................ Angel “You’ll See”........................................................................ Benny, Mark, Collins, Roger, Angel “Tango: Maureen”.................................................................................................. Mark, Joanne “Life Support”................................................................................. Paul, Gordon, The Company “Out Tonight”...................................................................................................................... Mimi “Another Day”.................................................................................Roger, Mimi, The Company “Will I?”................................................................................................................. The Company “On the Street”....................................................................................................... The Company “Santa Fe”........................................................................................... Collins and The Company “I’ll Cover You”....................................................................................................Angel, Collins “We’re Okay”.................................................................................................................... Joanne “Christmas Bells”................................................................................................... The Company “Over the Moon”............................................................................................................. Maureen “La Vie Bohème/I Should Tell You”..................................................................... The Company ACT TWO “Seasons of Love”.................................................................................................. The Company “Happy New Year/Voice Mail #3”..................................Mimi, Roger, Mark, Maureen, Joanne, Collins, Angel, Mrs. Cohen, Alexi Darling, Benny “Take Me or Leave Me”....................................................................................Maureen, Joanne “Without You”..........................................................................................................Roger, Mimi “Voice Mail #4”...................................................................................................... Alexi Darling “Contact”................................................................................................................ The Company “I’ll Cover You” (Reprise)........................................................................Collins, The Company “Halloween”..........................................................................................................................Mark “Goodbye, Love”....................................Mark, Mimi, Roger, Maureen, Joanne, Collins, Benny “What You Own”................................................................Pastor, Mark, Collins, Benny, Roger “Voice Mail #5”...................................Roger’s mom, Mimi’s mom, Mr. Jefferson, Mrs. Cohen “Your Eyes/Finale”.....................................................................................Roger, The Company Film by Daniel Brodie “White Christmas” used by arrangement with the Irving Berlin Music Company; “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, used by permission of Casa David and New Hidden Valley Music. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells, used by permission of Edwin H. Morris & Company, a division of MPL Communications Inc. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” written by Johnny Marks, used by permission of St. Nicholas Music Inc.

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Understanding the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in New York City Tonight’s musical, RENT, is set in late 20th century New York City – ground zero for the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s.

In fact, The Empire City was affected by the AIDS epidemic more than any other city in the United States.

HIV/AIDS remained a mystery for many years as most people were not sufficiently informed about the

disease: how one could get it, who could get infected, and the consequences of it. Some even thought it was a rare form of cancer called Kaposi's Sarcoma.

The first officially reported case was in 1981, although symptoms, patterns, and deaths started to emerge even four years prior.

The national recognition of HIV/AIDS as an epidemic

"It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance."

Elizabeth Taylor, Actress, philanthropist, and co-founder of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation

34 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

wouldn’t come from the United States government until four years later in 1985, and was paired with additional federal resources. By that point, over 13,000 in the U.S. had died from AIDS-related illnesses, with over 4,100 active reported cases of infection in New York City alone.

The first treatment for HIV, an antiretroviral drug, wouldn’t come until 1987 and quickly became the most expensive drug at the time, costing about $10,000 a year per person for treatment. Towards the end of the decade, AIDS became the leading cause of death in New York City for men between the ages of 25 to 44 and black

women between the ages of 15 to 44 years. Infections and deaths continued to rise rapidly in the U.S. until 1995, 14 years after the first case, when the FDA approved the first highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART).

Right now, there are approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. living with HIV and it continues to disproportionately affect certain communities.

Although fewer people die from AIDS today, the epidemic is far from over and the impact of the grief one experiences in suddenly losing a loved one from a virus/disease remains universal.

HIV/AIDS Resources TAMU LGBTQ+ Pride Center 979-862-8920 • studentlife.tamu.edu/lgbtq/ Student Health Services 979-458-8310 • https://shs.tamu.edu/ Health Promotion 979.845.0280 • https://studentlife.tamu.edu/hp/ Ready, Set, PrEP https://readysetprep.hiv.gov/#how-to-enroll Brazos County Health District 979-361-4440 https://gettested.cdc.gov/organizations/brazos-county-health-district

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36 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST ELIZABETH ADABALE (Ensemble, Mrs. Jefferson, “Seasons of Love” Soloist, u/s Joanne) is thrilled to get back on the road with Rent! She’s a Nigerian-American Los Angeles native now based in NYC. National tours: The Color Purple. Off-Broadway: Revelation. Regional favorites: Sister Act, Smokey Joe’s Café, Little Shop of Horrors. Thanks to God, family, Todd and Gayle. elizabethadabale.com and @lizadabale.

Bachelors of Music from Baldwin Wallace University.

He is excited to debut in his first national tour!! He would like to thank his mother, grandmother and all his teachers along the way for their guidance and support, especially Weiss, Mr. Wheatley and Dr. Uniatowski.

COLEMAN CUMMINGS (Roger Davis) is elated to be back on the road with the 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour of Rent! Regional credits include Next to Normal (Gabe), Heathers: The Musical (Goth) and Mamma Mia! (Ensemble). He would love to thank his amazing family and friends for all their endless love and support. @colemanscummings.

STEPHEN ROCHET LOPEZ (Ensemble, Gordon, u/s Mark, u/s Roger). National tour: Rent 20th Anniversary Tour (Year 4), Rock of Ages 10th Anniversary Tour. Regional favorites: Nine, Into the Woods, Sister Act, Joseph…Technicolor Dreamcoat.

B.F.A., UCF. All the love to Caira, Wojcik Seay and the Rent team! Instagram: @stephenrochet.

YZ JASA (Ensemble, Alexi Darling, u/s Joanne) (they/them) is a Filipinx New York-based actor. Select MATHEW BAUTISTA (Ensemble, Paul, u/s Angel) credits: A Chorus Line (China premiere), Wig Out! is so excited to be joining the Rent Fam! Recent shows (Helen Hayes nom.), Henry VI (Drama Desk nom.). include Mamma Mia!, On Your Feet! and Holiday Inn. Isn’t it incredible that we all made it here? Love to Mom, Pop, Paolo, Angelo and Sterling. B.F.A. NSB, Instagram: matbautista.

NYU/Tisch. GBM Talent. @yzjasa.

JARRED BEDGOOD (Benjamin Coffin III, u/s Tom Collins) is thrilled to be rejoining this amazing cast TOMMY KAISER (Swing, u/s Mark, u/s Roger) and show. He was born and raised in Milwaukee, National tour debut! Recent credits: Winner of Wis. Some credits include: Memphis (Gator), The BroadwayWorld’s “Next on Stage” S2, featured artBook of Mormon (On-Stage Swing, Australia), Sister ist on In Pieces: A New Musical (Highlights) album, Act (TJ, Asia tour), HTGSC (Palm Springs Who) and Footloose (Ren), Newsies (Finch). Thank you to Work “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” on Hulu (Luther Light Productions for the opportunity. Love and gratitude to Meg for pushing me through this process!

Simmons). @Jar95red.

Instagram: @tommykaiser_.

JAYLON CRUMP (Swing, u/s Tom Collins, u/s Benny) is so thrilled to be making his national tour JAVON KING (Angel Schunard) is so ecstatic to be debut and joining the Rent family! Favorite credits back on stage and returning to Rent as Angel! He was include Ain’t Misbehavin’ (André), Rent (Tom Collins), born and raised in N.J. but now resides in the East Hairspray (Seaweed), Dreamgirls (Jimmy Early). Village, NYC. Previous credits include Rent (20th Jaylon would like to thank everyone who has supported Anniversary Tour), Newsies and Once on This Island.

Stay safe and enjoy the show! IG: javond_king. him for their endless love. @crumpjaylon.

RAYLA GARSKE (Joanne Jefferson) is thrilled to be back with Rent but this time as Joanne. Now that intermission is over she is excited to get back to what she loves. B.F.A. AMDA College. Credits include Rent (Mrs. Jefferson), PVPA’s Hairspray (Dynamite). Film: Playing with Beethoven (Diana). Sending love to KMR, family and friends. @raylagarske.

LYNDIE MOE (Maureen Johnson) is so thankful for another opportunity to share this story of love with her Rent family. She played the role for two years (2017– 2019) in the 20th Anniversary Tour and is delighted to step into Maureen’s (incredible) shoes again. Rest in peace Maboppa, these shows are for you.

CHRISTOPHER MONTALVO (Swing, u/s Mark) graduated from Sharyland High School in 2012 and UT Austin (B.A.) in 2017. Previous credits include Luke in The Lightning Thief nat’l tour (Theatreworks) and Playlist Singer for CCL. His short film debut (Hard, dir. Christian Jacob Ramon) has been accepted into numerous film festivals around the world.

SHAFIQ HICKS (Tom Collins) is grateful to return to Rent. Hicks has sung with many artists, including Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli and Estelle. Theater credits include Songs for A New World (MAN 2), The Wiz (Lion) and Pippin (Charles). Gratitude to the cast, crew, teachers, coaches, family and friends for all the CARLINA PARKER (Swing, u/s Mimi, u/s Joanne, support. @thereal_shafiq.

Assistant Dance Captain). A graduate of Belmont JAHIR L. HIPPS (Ensemble, Mr. Jefferson, u/s University, Carlina is delighted to join Rent for the Roger, u/s Tom Collins) recently graduated with a second year. Past credits include the Mamma Mia!

continued on pg. 39

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ANOTHER SEASON OF

OPAS SMILES

STEPHEN R. WRIGHT D.D.S. & ANDREW F. NAEGER D.D.S.

VISIT OUR CONVENIENT LOCATION 4528 Mills Park Circle, College Station

(979) 776.4843

wrightdentistry.com

COSMETIC DENTISTRY | GENERAL & PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY | SMILE DENTISTRY 38 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST Farewell Tour (Ensemble), Mamma Mia! at Broadway Sacramento (Lisa), Rock of Ages 10th Anniversary Tour (Young Groupie), Joseph...Dreamcoat (Narrator) and a “Seize the Show” cast member. Instagram: @ carlina_parker.

THOMAS PURVIS (Swing, u/s Benny). Tour: Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You Tour.

Regional: Choir Boy (Speakeasy Stage Company).

2021 graduate of The Boston Conservatory at Berklee (B.F.A. in musical theater). “To Mom, Family, and Friends: Thanks for rocking with me ‘til the wheels fall off.”

ANALISE RIOS (Swing, u/s Mimi, u/s Maureen) was most recently a production cast vocalist on Celebrity Cruises. Additional credits: Party Worth Crashing (Off-Broadway). NY Theater Festival: Suicidal Life Coach, The Green. Regional: In the Heights (Nina), Addams Family (Wednesday).

Analise is a proud New Yorker from the Bronx.

Thank YOU for being here and staying safe! @_animalise.

MAKENZIE RIVERA (Ensemble, Mrs. Cohen, u/s Maureen) is so excited to be making her official national tour debut! Some of her recent regional credits include The Glass Menagerie (Laura), Grease (Frenchy) and Footloose (Ariel). “Love and thanks to my family, Dolly, Truch, and to those who always believed in me!” @mak.rivera.

JAMES SCHOPPE (Ensemble, Steve, u/s Angel, Assistant Choreographer, Dance Captain) is beyond grateful to be back with Rent for his third year sharing the love. Regional: Diner (Signature Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Virginia Musical Theatre), A Chorus Line (Palace Theatre). B.F.A. musical theater, Shenandoah Conservatory, “Thanks to family, Gregg Baker Management, Work Light Productions, and the Creative Team for their support and encouragement.”

ScorpioPower ;-) @JASchoppe.

AIYANA SMASH (Mimi Marquez) is a 22-year old singer/songwriter and certified health coach. She graduated from the Institute for American Musical Theater in 2019 and made her debut playing Mimi in the 20th Anniversary Tour of Rent. Aiyana is excited to return for the 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour. @aiyanasmash.

Rent received four 1996 Tony Awards (including Best Musical and two to Mr. Larson— Best Book of a Musical and Best Score of a Musical); six Drama Desk Awards (including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Music and Best Lyrics); Best Musical Awards from the New York Drama Critics Circle and the Outer Critics Circle (Off-Broadway); and three Obie Awards (including Outstanding Book, Music and Lyrics). Previously, he received the Richard Rodgers Award, the Richard Rodgers Development Grant, the Stephen Sondheim Award and The Gilman & Gonzales-Falla Theatre Foundation’s Commendation Award. Earlier work includes Superbia; tick, tick...

BOOM!; the score of J.P. Morgan Saves the Nation; and selections of Sitting on the Edge of the Future. He also wrote music for “Sesame Street,” and the children’s book-cassettes An American Tail and Land Before Time, as well as for Rolling Stone magazine publisher Jann Wenner. He conceived, directed and wrote four original songs for Away We Go!, a children’s video. Rent had its world premiere on February 13, 1996, at New York Theatre Workshop and opened at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre on April 29, 1996.

Mr. Larson died unexpectedly of an undiagnosed aortic aneurysm, believed to be caused by Marfan Syndrome, on January 25, 1996. It was 10 days before his 36th birthday. His semi-autobiographical musical tick, tick... BOOM! (which he wrote previous to Rent) had a successful run Off-Broadway at the Jane Street Theatre.

MICHAEL GREIF (Original Broadway Director) received his fourth Tony nomination and a Helen Hayes Award for his work on Dear Evan Hansen.

Other Broadway credits: Rent, Grey Gardens, Next to Normal, Never Gonna Dance, If/Then, War Paint. Recent work includes Make Believe (2nd Stage, New York Times Best of 2019); Man in the Ring (Huntington Stage, Norton Award for Best Production); Our Lady of Kibeho and Angels in America (Lortel Award for Best Revival, NY’s Signature Theatre); The Low Road, The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide… (The Public Theater). He has received Obie Awards for Rent (New York Theatre Workshop), Machinal and Dogeaters (Public Theater); directed Shakespeare at the Delacorte Theater, and premieres, musicals, and revivals at many Off-Broadway and regional theaters, including ten seasons at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and La Jolla Playhouse, where he was artistic director in the late ’90s.

J.T. WOOD (Mark Cohen) grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. He pursued theater at Otterbein University.

After college, J.T. joined the Asia/national tour of Rent as a Swing covering Angel and Collins. Recently EVAN ENSIGN (Director). As director: Going Ape! he performed for Disney Cruise Line aboard the (London), Wrong Songs for Christmas (National Theatre, London), Avenue Q (U.K. tours and Bogota, Disney Dream. Love to his family and friends!

Colombia), Wrong Songs for Summer (London), JONATHAN LARSON (Book, Music, Lyrics) You Won’t Succeed on Broadway... (London), Rent received the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Rent.

continued on pg. 42

MSCOPAS.org 39

40 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

MSCOPAS.org 41

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST (Montreal, nine U.S. tours and Far East tour), Just a Housewife (U.K. tour), Jonathan Larson at the Library of Congress (Washington, D.C. Other New York theater: Dead On Revival, Womyn in Three, Out of the Reach of Children and Simone at Town Hall.

As associate director: 9 to 5: The Musical (London and U.K. tour), Avenue Q (Broadway, Las Vegas, London and U.S. tours), Rent (Broadway and U.S. tours), Les Misérables (U.S. tour), Elf The Musical (London and U.K. tour) and Shrek The Musical (Broadway and U.S. tour). As resident director: The Phantom of the Opera (London, U.K. and U.S. tours), White Christmas (London) and Strangers on a Train (London). Other work on Broadway includes Chicago, Exit the King, Annie Get Your Gun, Barbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim, and workshops of The Book of Mormon as well as Julie Andrew’s Gift of Music at the O2 (London). Film and television includes “The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers” (Fox Television) and Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, among others.

MARLIES YEARBY (Choreography) is the Tonynominated and Drama League Award-winning choreographer of Rent. Her work was licensed for the film adaptation. She is a recipient of the New York Dance Performance Bessie Award and nominations for the Helen Hayes Award and Joe A. Callaway Award and two Aurelio nominations. Theater commissions include the American Music Theatre Festival Auburn Repertory, the Washington Shakespeare Theatre, Next Festival and Penumbra Theatre. Ms. Yearby was the founder/artistic director of her Movin’ Spirits Dance Theater and has toured with her company both nationally and internationally. Company commissions include Lincoln Center, American Dance Festival, Harlem Stages, Kansas Lied Center for the Performing Arts, Jacob’s Pillow and American Festival of Theatre and Dance in France. Ms. Yearby directed and choreographed with Aku Kadoga for Jessica Care Moore’s techno choreopoem Salt City. Ms. Yearby also dramaturged the script. Currently, Ms. Yearby is writing her newest project Seed Awakening on the Eve of Blue and is working with her longtime collaborators, Cooper Moore, composer, and Talvin Wilks as dramaturg; together they dig into the crisis of Real Food.

TIM WEIL (Additional Arrangements). As musical director, Broadway: Jonathan Larson’s Rent, Tom Stoppard’s Jumpers, Jeanine Tesori’s Shrek The Musical; Off-Broadway: Patti Griffin’s Ten Million Miles, Stephen Schwartz’s The Baker’s Wife; Regional: South Pacific (Guthrie Theater, dir. Joe Haj). As composer, Broadway: Sally Marr and Her Escorts, starring Joan Rivers; Off-Broadway: Susan Lori Parks’ F***ing A. As arranger/orchestrator, Broadway: Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill, starring Audra MacDonald (also for HBO), Rent,

Shrek The Musical. Film: Todd Graff’s Camp, Chris Columbus’ Rent, The Mark Pease Experience starring Ben Stiller and Anna Kendrick. Also, Tim has served on the board of the Jonathan Larson Foundation, which provides grants for upcoming composers and lyricists.

DAVE PEPIN (Music Supervisor) is a NYC based music director, conductor and keyboardist. Currently, he is the keyboard 1/assistant conductor at Wicked on Broadway. As Music Director: Bring It On. Other Broadway credits: The Addams Family, Kinky Boots and Shrek. Deepest thanks to Tim and Evan for inviting me back to the Rent family. This, and everything, for Erin, Grace and Annabelle.

PAUL CLAY (Set Design) is an award-winning artist and designer. Projects include scenic design for Rent (Broadway, NYTW, tour). Recent proj- ects include In Water I’m Weightless (National Theatre Wales, the Southbank Centre, London), Commedia (Dutch National Opera, Amsterdam), Forgetful Snow (The Kitchen, NYC). Clay has also worked with Mabou Mines, La MaMa, David Dorfman (at BAM) and many more in the N.Y. theater and dance community. He has received the MAN Theatre Awards “Best Design,” Municipal Arts Society Times Square Spectacular Award, Drama-Logue Award, NEA/TCG Fellowship and the Bessie Award, among others.

MATTHEW MARAFFI (Touring Set Adaptation) is proud to return to Rent for the 25th anniversary.

As a member of IATSE Local 829 and Local 74, he has worked on projects large and small around the world. Some projects include Ring of Fire, La Bohème, Buried Child, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Side Man. In the film industry he is noted for his production design for π (Pi), (1998 Sundance Directors Award). He has been the director of operations at Global Scenic Services since fall 2007, while continuing his passion for live entertainment as the production manager for the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra. Outside work, he enjoys fishing with his three sons, Luke, Will and Mark, and serves as a board member for the South West District of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association.

ANGELA WENDT (Costume Design) is an international costume designer based in New York and Munich. She designs for theater, musicals, dance, music videos, TV and film. Angela is the original costume designer of the groundbreaking musical Rent, for which she received numerous awards. FLEXN, revolutionary dance piece at the Park Avenue Armory, directed by Peter Sellers. The North American premiere of The Count of Monte Christo, directed by Marcia Milgrim Dodge, Pioneer Theater in SLC. Up in the Air, continued on pg. 45

42 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

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WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST directed by Amon Myamoto at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The Underpants, by Steve Martin at Classic Stage Company in N.Y. Julius Cesar, directed

by Barry Edelstein, at Shakespeare in the Park, Public Theater. World premiere of The Recluse by Tennessee Williams at Soho Rep, N.Y. World premiere of the opera, The Flowering Tree by John Adams, directed

by Peter Sellars in Vienna. Film: Most recent feature Return to Montauk, directed by Volker Schlöndorff, starring Stellan Skaarsgard. Me and Kaminski, directed

by Wolfgang Becker. Hannah Arendt, by Margaretta von Trotta. Music videos: excerpt: C&C Music Factory, LL Cool J, Aretha Franklin, Inner City, Right Said Fred, Nina Hagen. Angela has been an adjunct professor at Parson school of Design and Pace University.

lyric writing includes the libretto for an opera being developed by American Opera Projects, and first draft lyrics for “Santa Fe” and “I Should Tell You.” His new play, The Art Room, will premiere at Washington, D.C.’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre this spring. His true love is Lisa Vogel.

LYNN M. THOMSON (Dramaturg) is a dramaturg, director and teacher. She brought nearly 20 years of new play dramaturgical experience to her months of work with Jonathan Larson on the script of Rent. She was associate artistic director for the Philadelphia Theatre Company, where she created and administered a new play festival. She was dramaturg at Circle Repertory Company. She has directed more than 100 productions of both new plays and revivals at regional JONATHAN SPENCER (Lighting Design) is a New and New York theaters, and many more workshops York City and Colorado-based lighting and scenic and readings of new plays. She is currently head of the designer working principally for Broadway, touring, M.F.A. program in dramaturgy at Brooklyn College. regional and Off-Broadway productions. Having OWEN JOHNSTON (Associate Choreographer) collaborated on over 125 productions and counting, Other credits include Allegiance: A New Musical, designs include the current Rent—25th Anniversary Rent, The King and I, Miss Saigon, Shōgun: The National Tour; Priscilla, Queen of the Desert first Musical, 42nd Street, Tap with Gregory Hines and national tour; Who’s Holiday!—Off-Broadway at Sammy Davis Jr. Thank you Marlies for your trust the Westside Theatre; Carrie Mae Weems’ Grace and love.

Notes: Reflections for Now at the John F. Kennedy Center, Yale Repertory and Spoleto Festival USA; GABRIELLE NORRIS (Production Stage Manager) and You Are Mine Own directed by Atom Egoyan for is honored to return to the Rent family. Favorite Spoleto USA. Jonathan teaches lighting design at the credits: Rent 20th Anniversary Tour (Work Light University of Colorado Boulder and for the Southern Productions), Burn the Floor, Million Dollar Quartet, Oregon University’s Masters of Theater Studies pro- Blue Man Group and Cirque Dreams (NCL). Oodles of love to her supportive family, indescribable book grams. Member USA 829. JSpencerDesign.com. club, her brilliant fiancé, Jeremy, and their fur-daughKEITH CAGGIANO (Sound Design). Select credter, Zuri. its: Holiday Inn—The New Irving Berlin Musical, The Radio City Spring Spectacular, Himself and Nora, PEDRO HERNÁNDEZ (Assistant Stage Manager/ Disenchanted, Bare. Tours: Jesus Christ Superstar, Assoc. COVID Safety Manager) is thrilled to be joining Cabaret, Rent, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Nice the company of Rent! Past credits include Rocktopia Work If You Can Get It, Anything Goes. Regional: The (Broadway PA), Emojiland (Off-Broadway PA, Sub Most Beautiful Room in New York, Austen’s Pride, Run Crew), David Dobrik’s Views Tour (PA), Encanto Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Little Shop of Horrors, El Musical (Workshop PSM) and more. Endless thanks Guys and Dolls. Keith also designs and engineers live to Mami, Papi, Jose, Nani, Tati, Krystal and Gian! events and consults on professional sound system GABBY GALVAN (2nd Assistant Stage Manager/ installations. He is a graduate of Duquesne University.

Co-COVID Safety Manager) is thrilled to join Rent STEVE SKINNER (Arrangements) worked with for their first tour! They graduated with a B.F.A. in Jonathan Larson as arranger and recording pro- ducer stage management from The Conservatory of Theatre for 12 years. He received the 1996 Drama Desk Arts at Webster University. Some of their past credits Award for Best Arrangements for Rent. Broadway: include Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, (The Mystery Doonesbury (keyboards and assistant conductor). of Irma Vep), Union Avenue Opera (Candide) and (La Recording/arranging for Bette Midler, Taylor Dayne, Bohème).

Billy Mann, Chaka Khan, Bebe & Cece Winans and KERRICK DOUGHERTY (Company Manager) Michael Crawford. is once again excited to be sharing the story of Rent.

BILLY ARONSON (Original Concept and Additional He is a graduate of The University of Oklahoma.

Lyrics). His plays have been honored with publication Kerrick’s management experience includes Rent in Best American Short Plays ’92–’93 and are fre- 20th Anniversary Tour (CM), Motown The Musical quently performed at Ensemble Studio Theatre. His (ACM), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (CSM) continued on pg. 51

MSCOPAS.org 45

Planning in advance is an essential part of any production

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46 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

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OPAS ENCORE! BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Photo by Butch Ireland

(Left to Right) Rachel Burris, Student Delegate Pam Schultz, Gala Entertainment Trudy Bennett, Secretary Kara Holmgreen, Marketing & Communication Michelle Gorzycki, President & Gala Co-Chair Cindy May, Gala Sales Team Teri Dyson, President-Elect & Gala Co-Chair Wendie Warren, Gala Live Auction Monica Latham, Volunteers Andress Koenning, Gala Raffle Clara Stadler, Student Delegate

(Not Pictured) Jacque Knoop, Treasurer Caroline Arnosky, Assistant Treasurer Kyndra Shackelford, Development & Fundraising Merrilee Prochaska, Gala Event Design Robin Rackley, Gala Raffle Linda Morgan, Gala Food & Beverage Stephanie Leatherwood, Gala Live Auction MSCOPAS.org 47

48 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

MSCOPAS.org 49

The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra 40th Anniversary Season is packed with great classical music by Mendelssohn, Mozart, Chopin and many more. The celebration keeps going with the popular Holiday Pops Concert and two outstanding tribute bands The Music of Queen and ABBA The Concert.

An incredible season awaits!

Find out more at BVSO.ORG or by calling 979-696-6100

50 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST and Paddington Saves Christmas (UPM). This is for Supreme, Hairspray, Rent: The 25th Anniversary Tour, my love at 5A. The Play That Goes Wrong and Waitress. Future productions include 1776, MJ, Six, Tina and West Side RYAN DUNCAN-AYALA (Assistant Company Story.

Manager/Co-Covid Safety Manager) is a Latine Producer and Manager that is honored to be in the Rent WORK LIGHT PRODUCTIONS (Producer) is family. Credits: Associate Producer of ¡Americano! A dedicated to creating and producing live entertainnew musical premiering Off-Broadway this spring, ment. Formed in 2005 for purposes of developing new Lead Producer of El Centro Productions, Broadway work for young audiences, WLP has since grown into Covid Safety, NAMT, Theatre Producers of Color, 24 a producing, investing, general management and techHour Plays, Syracuse Stage, O’Neill Theater Center nical supervision company with offices in Summit, @ryanduncanayala N.J. and Charleston, S.C. WLP regularly employs over 200 actors, musicians, managers and technical MATTHEW DeMARIA (Conductor/Keyboards) crews on productions throughout the world. Broadway (he/him) is thrilled to be back with Rent. Most investments: Ain’t Too Proud, Jagged Little Pill, Mrs. recently, Matt premiered his original musical, Vincent, Doubtfire, Waitress and Hamilton. Current and upcombased on Vincent Van Gogh (concept album available ing touring productions: Ain’t Too Proud, An Officer on all streaming services). Last year he released his and A Gentleman, and the Olivier Award-winning profirst EP, Hype is a New Drug, and premiered Glass duction of Jesus Christ Superstar in North America, Town, written by Miriam Pultro. Other credits: Come Australia and the U.K. Producing Clue, a new comFrom Away. @mysterywhiteboy41. mattdemariamuedy based on the Paramount movie, throughout the sic.com.

U.K. Produced Julie Andrews: The Gift of Music at ALLIED GLOBAL MARKETING (Tour Marketing The Hollywood Bowl and London’s O2 Arena. Other & Press) is an integrated marketing agency working recent touring productions include Motown, Mamma with the world’s largest entertainment, sports, con- Mia!, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Bandstand, sumer, and lifestyle brands, including 75+ Broadway Something Rotten!, R&H’s Cinderella, the Tony shows over two decades. Current tours: Ain’t Too Award-winners American Idiot, In the Heights and Proud, Charlie/Chocolate Factory, Hadestown, Mean Avenue Q. WLP is led by founding partners Stephen Girls, The Play That Goes Wrong, Pretty Woman, Gabriel and Nancy Gabriel. worklightproductions.com.

Tootsie. Upcoming tours: Beetlejuice, The Book of PORT CITY TECHNICAL (Production Mormon, Elf The Musical.

Management) is a production management company WOJCIK | SEAY CASTING (Casting Director). based in Charleston, S.C. Also referred to as “Work Owners Scott Wojcik and Gayle Seay cast in all medi- Light South,” PCT was initially started in 1993 as ums with Holly Buczek and Courtney Hammond. Technical Theater Solutions by Rhys Williams.

Tours: Jesus Christ Superstar, An Officer and TTS worked with WLP on many shows, including A Gentleman, Something Rotten!, Kinky Boots, American Idiot, Nice Work If You Can Get It, In Dreamgirls (Korea), Rock of Ages, Motown: The the Heights and Avenue Q. Since the conception of Musical, Jekyll & Hyde (Korea), West Side Story PCT, tours with WLP have included Mamma Mia!, (Tokyo), Nice Work…, Flashdance, Joseph… Vocalosity, Motown: The Musical, R&H’s Cinderella, Dreamcoat and A Chorus Line. Off-Broadway: Something Rotten!, Bandstand, Irving Berlin’s White Othello: The Remix, Church & State, The Portal, Christmas and the pre-Broadway Ain’t Too Proud: Tennessee Williams’ The Two Character Play, The Temptations Musical. Current and upcoming tours Handle With Care, Triassic Parq and more. In include Ain’t Too Proud, An Officer and A Gentleman, development: SuperYou, Austen’s Pride. Regional: Rent and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Riverside Theatre, Fla.; Arvada Center, Colo.; Engeman Theater, N.Y.; Theatre Raleigh, N.C.; STAFF FOR RENT Stages St. Louis, Mo.; Theatre Aspen, Colo.; Tuacahn PAC, Utah. wscasting.com. @WScasting.

ORIGINAL LIGHTING DESIGN BY BLAKE BURBA THE BOOKING GROUP (Tour Direction). Since its inception in 1996, The Booking Group has represented 26 Tony Award-winning Best Musicals and Plays.

Current touring productions include Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Come From Away, The Book of Mormon, To Kill a Mockingbird, Mean Girls, My Fair Lady, Pretty Woman, Tootsie, Anastasia, Chicago, Escape to Margaritaville, Fiddler on the Roof, Freestyle Love

WORK LIGHT PRODUCTIONS PRODUCER Stephen Gabriel Nancy Gabriel GENERAL MANAGEMENT Anièle Fortin, General Manager continued on pg.64

MSCOPAS.org 51

52 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

OPAS DONORS

SILVER

($1,750-$2,499) Harold & Janice Adams Steven & Lisa Aldrich Fred & Cheryl Anderholm Dawn Marie Baletka Leonard & Nancy Berry Diana & Michael Bonin Larry Brown Benton Cocanougher Linnann Collins Evette Correa & Jimmie McCullough Becky & Monty Davis Jan & Christine Faber Sue Futrell Kenn & Melissa Hall Nita & Mike Hoelscher Jeanie & Randolph House William & Barbara Huffman Jim & Sue James Dean & Betty Lewis Jim Lewis Scott Makins Kyle & Karen McNeely Shannon & Matt Morton Philip & Sandra Nobles Paragon Financial Advisors Linda & Steve Pringle Bryan & Jennifer Reese Diane & Jerome Rektorik Richard & Doris Ruffino Stephanie Sale & Jim Singleton Van & Brenda Taylor Woody & Melody Thompson Ellen & Penrod S. Thornton Linda & Stephen H. Vincent Susan & Gaines West Mary Williams Bonnie & Mike Winner MSCOPAS.org 53

PROUDLY SUPPORTING

THE ARTS OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY

Digital 3.1 SuDDENLINk 5 DISH NETWORK 50 DIRECTV 3

54 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

OPAS DONORS

BRONZE

($1,250-$1,749) Anonymous

Tim & Marion Jones

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SEE A SHOW BEFORE

THE SHOW

COME TO CAMPUS EARLY TO SEE BEAUTIFUL WORKS OF ART BEFORE THE SHOW (and get a good parking spot, too...)

J. WAYNE STARK GALLERIES FORSYTH GALLERIES 1st & 2nd Floors Memorial Student Center 56 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

University Art Galleries DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

OPAS DONORS

RUBY

PATRON

($750-$1,249)

($500-$749)

Mike Ashfield & Carol Barrett

Jennifer & Chandler Arden

Betty Aycock & Paul Boatright

Joe Armon

Felicia Brien

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Charmen & Larry Catlin

Sara Feldman Beaves ‘80

Hilda & R. Dale Cuthbertson

Anthony Best

Luke W. Childress ‘01

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Keith Cox

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Harry Cummins

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Chancellor John Sharp

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Rick & Meribeth Wilkinson Phyllis & Jim Wilson

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J & L BOUTIQUE YOUR PERFECT OUTFIT IS WAITING

COME SEE OUR NEW MEN'S SECTION OPEN 10-6 MONDAY-WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY OPEN 10-7 THURSDAY & FRIDAY

58 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

979-704-6956 750 WILLIAM D FITCH, STE 110 COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77845

MSCOPAS.org 59

THE PLOT OF RENT

A Note About the Plot

BB

enny is Mark and Roger’s former roommate. With the help of his wealthy father-in-law, Benny has bought the building in which Mark and Roger live and the lot next door that is inhabited by a group of homeless people. Benny wants to build a high-tech cyber-arts studio on the property. Toward this end, he plans to clear the homeless from the lot and evict all the tenants from the building, including Mark and Roger.

Mark’s former lover, Maureen, schedules a performance protest of Benny’s scheme for midnight on Christmas Eve. Benny offers a deal to Mark and Roger: if they convince Maureen to stop her protest, Mark and Roger can stay in the building rent-free.

At the end of Act I, Maureen stages her performance. A riot erupts in the lot, which Mark videotapes. Then Benny padlocks the building, locking out all the tenants.

Act II begins on New Year’s Eve as Mark, Roger and friends attempt to break back into the building. The rest of the act follows the events of the year.

Benny is married to Alison Grey of Westport (whom we never see)

BENNY

Benny used to live with Mark and Roger

MARK Mark used to date Maureen

MAUREEN JOANNE

Benny used to date Mimi

MIMI

ROGER

Mark and Roger are best friends and roommates

Mark and Roger are friends with ex-roommate Collins

COLLINS

ANGEL

60 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

doES it

.

Visit our website at integdoes.com

PROUD SUPPORTER OF

MSC OPAS

123 East Wm. J. Bryan Parkway Bryan, TX 77803 | 979.823.5567

MSCOPAS.org 61

MO RE T H A N A G R O C ERY STOR E 455 G E O R G E BU S H D R W, COLLEGE STATION, TX 7 78 4 0 • 6AM-1 2AM AL L W EEK

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Stage 12 venue and catering Convenient lounge and balcony seating Plenty of grab-and-go food options Full-service pharmacy

62 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

- Brookshire Brothers Brews, serving coffee, beer and wine - Curbside grocery pick-up and delivery - Fuel station with electric vehicle chargers

OPAS INFORMATION The 2021-22 season of OPAS brings you an exciting lineup of world-class performances. This information is provided to answer many questions you may have throughout the season. If you have additional questions, please call the OPAS office at 979-845-1661.

CAN’T MAKE A PERFORMANCE? DONATE YOUR TICKETS. If you have tickets to a performance, yet are unable to attend, please consider donating them for student use. Just phone the box office at 979845-1234.

LOSE YOUR TICKETS? OPAS season ticket holders may replace any lost tickets at no cost. If you lose a ticket, please call the box office at 979-845-1234.

EARLY IS BETTER THAN LATE. Late arrivals will be seated in accordance with artists’ contracts.

If you are late to a performance, please follow the directions of the ushers as some contracts prohibit late seating prior to intermission. To avoid any inconvenience, please make every effort to arrive early.

WANT TO PURCHASE MORE TICKETS? Subject to availability, extra tickets may be purchased 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at MSCOPAS.org. You may also purchase tickets through the box office during regular business hours (Mon-Fri, 9AM – 4:30PM) or by phone at 979-845-1234 with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. A service charge will be added to all phone orders. Reservations are not accepted without payment.

SHHHH! Please bear in mind that coughing, rustling paper, beeping watches, cellular telephones, texting and pagers are distracting to performers and audience members. Please silence these devices or leave them with the house staff.

SNAPSHOTS AND RECORDINGS. In accordance with artists’ contracts, the use of recording and/or photographic equipment will not be permitted. This includes camera cell phones. Such equipment will be confiscated and held for you at the Special Services table in the Rudder lobby during the performance.

HAVE FUN WITH GROUPS! OPAS offers a variety of benefits to those wanting to attend performances in groups. To learn more, please contact the OPAS office at 979-845-1661.

ACCESSIBILITY. Wheelchair spaces and companion seats are available in Rudder Theatre and Rudder Auditorium. Patrons may purchase these seats online, in person, or over the phone.

In Rudder Auditorium, the wheelchair landing is located along the aisle on Row H. Wheelchair seating and companion seating are also available in the Director’s Boxes on the second floor.

In Rudder Theatre, wheelchair spaces and companion seats are located on Row A in the front and on Row P in the back.

WHAT COVID PROTOCOLS ARE IN PLACE AT PERFORMANCES? OPAS and Rudder Facilities will adhere to COVID policies and protocols set forth by Texas A&M University, the City of College Station, and the State of Texas. These protocols will be communicated to ticket holders prior to performances.

PARK YOUR WHEELS! Parking at OPAS performances is easy! Just park your vehicle in the University Center Garage (UCG). No payment will be required before or after the performance if you park in the UCG. HOW DO I FIND OUT IF A SHOW IS APPROPRIATE FOR MY CHILDREN? This can be a difficult question to answer because children and families are unique. We make every effort to inform ticket buyers about the suitability of a program for a young person. This season, a “family friendly” seal has been added to the performances that are suitable for family audiences. We encourage parents to use their personal judgment when deciding on the appropriateness of a performance for themselves, their children, and other patrons. If you have questions regarding the content and audience suitability of a particular program on the season, please call the OPAS office at 979-845-1661.

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WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST Courtney King, Associate General Manager Kevin Greene David Moore Carolyn Smith Andrew Tebo Noelle Hedgcock TECHNICAL SUPERVISION PORT CITY TECHNICAL Rhys Williams, Vice President of Production Mackenzie Foster, Director of Production Operations Hunter Storie, Assistant Production Manager Tom Klonowski Ryan George Tiffany West PRODUCTION TEAM Assistant Choreographer......................James Schoppe Film Designer..........................................Daniel Brodie Projection Consultant.............................. Bruno Ingram Assistant Costume Designers...............Miriam Kelleher, Caity Mulkearns Costume Assistant....................................Eve Guttman Assistant Lighting Designer..................... Bentley Heydt Lighting Programmer.............................. Dustin Adams Hair and Makeup Design Associate.........Yulitzin Alvarez Production Wardrobe................................ Tiffany West Assistant Production Wardrobe.....................Tyler Guse Production Carp............................ William Shane Lowry Production Electrician..........................Matthew Peddie Production Audio.............................Timothy K. Schmidt Production Hair..................................Haley Richardson Production Assistant...............................Adonia Hosier Creative Services..................... Allied Global Marketing/ Mark DeSalvo WOJCIK|SEAY CASTING Scott Wojcik and Gayle Seay Holly Buczek (CSA), Courtney Hammond Nick Ferrao TOUR MARKETING & PRESS ALLIED GLOBAL MARKETING Andrew Damer Jennifer Gallagher Scott Praefke Hayden Anderson Jessica Cary Amenkha Sembenu Company Manager............................Kerrick Dougherty Assistant Company Manager/ Co-Covid Safety Manager..............Ryan Duncan-Ayala Production Stage Manager....................Gabrielle Norris Assistant Stage Manager/Associate Covid Safety Manager.....................Pedro Hernández 2nd Assistant Stage Manager/ Co-Covid Safety Manager..................... Gabby Galvan Dance Captain.....................................James Schoppe Head Carpenter..............................................Will Klein

64 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

Assistant Carpenter.................................. Sam Vettrus Head Electrician...................................... Kathleen Cole Assistant Electrician.............................Randall Baptiste Swing Technician.................................. Chad Fenimore Head Audio..............................................Em Gustason Assistant Audio................................Brian Wilson Rudell Head Props...................................... Amy Laemmerhirt Head Wardrobe...........................................Tyler Guse Head Hair and Makeup...........................Yulitzin Alvarez Production Photography.......................... Carol Rosegg General Management Consultant................ John Corker Legal Counsel........................ Levine Plotkin Menin, LLP Loren Plotkin, Hailey Ferber Accounting......WithumSmith+Brown/Robert Fried, CPA; Karen Kowigos, CPA; Anthony Moore, CPA Controller..............................................Galbraith & Co Kenny Noth & Jill Johnson Merchandising......................................Creative Goods Merchandise Supervisor.....................Cynteria Osborne Covid Testing.............................. Capstone Healthcare Insurance........ Maury, Donnelly and Parr Bob Middleton Banking.............................................. Signature Bank/ Tomas Kasulka, Margaret Monigan Payroll.................................... PEOPLE/Frances Meeks Travel Agent...............................................Road Rebel Trucking & Hauling..................................Janco Limited TOUR BOOKING AGENCY THE BOOKING GROUP Meredith Blair Rich Rundle Brian Brooks tbgtours.broadway CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sound Equipment by Masque Sound® Lighting Equipment by Christie Lites Matter Gen – DanceRX Backstage and Front of the House Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.).

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66 OPAS Season 49 | Let’s Get Together!

ADVERTISER INDEX Aggieland Credit Union........................ 2 Jennifer Fredericks, Inhabit Real Estate Group.............. 32 Allen Honda.......................................... 3 American Momentum Bank................ 1 Justin Rust–Rust Insurance Group..... 5 Arts Council of Brazos Valley............59 KBTX....................................................54 Audio Video........................................ 11 Law Offices of Jeff Paradowski......... 15 Ballet Brazos......................................... 9 Old Bryan Marketplace...................... 14 Prosperity Bank.................................. 27 Banks & Banks Attorneys at Law, P.C. ................... 13 Reece & Jouett Radiant Exceptional Dentistry.....Inside Front Blue Bell Ice Cream.............................66 Rodgers, Miller & Rodriguez P.C.......49 Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra......................50 Sabi Boutique......................................65 Britt Rice Electric, L.P......................... 11 Shannon Morton Photography.....................Inside Back Brookshire Brothers...........................62 Singleton Zimmer Haliburton C.C. Creations....................................... 7 (SZH) Architecture.......................... 18 Callaway-Jones Funeral SoloShoe Communications, LLC....... 61 & Cremation Centers......................46 Texas A&M Foundation.......Back Cover Cancer Clinic.......................................41 Texas A&M CHI Saint Joseph Health.................... 16 Hotel & Conference Center............68 Community Foundation Texas A&M University of the Brazos Valley........................ 19 Art Galleries.....................................56 David Gardner’s Jewelers Texas A&M University and Gemologists.............................29 Corps of Cadets.............................. 52 Dee Dee and Jon Acklam...................48 Texas Regional Diagnostic Foot Specialists................ 15 Eye Center, PLLC.............................36 Edward Jones..................................... 40 The Arkitex Studio, Inc.......................30 Ernst Dental Centre............................58 The Republic Steakhouse.................. 31 Galleria Day Spa.................................. 13 The Stella Hotel.................................. 44 George Bush Presidential Traditions Wealth Advisors................30 Library & Museum.......................... 21 West, Webb, Global Event Group............................ 23 Allbritton & Gentry P.C................... 19 Hoelscher, Lipsey, Elmore, Poole, Wright Dentistry Family & & Turnbill P.C....................................24 Cosmetic Care.................................38 Integ..................................................... 61 Zweiacker & Associates.....................43 J&L Boutique......................................58 MSCOPAS.org 67

Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center DOUG PITCOCK ’49

NOW YOU HAVE A PLACE TO STAY WHILE CATCHING A PLAY

Mere steps from Rudder Auditorium, the Texas A&M Hotel provides the perfect opportunity for a night out at the theater.

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KEEP THE ARTS ALIVE IN

Year after year, MSC OPAS brings spellbinding dancers, heart-rending thespians and foot-stomping musicians to Aggieland. These captivating performances entertain and inspire the campus and local community, enthralling audiences and expanding imaginations. You can play a starring role in sustaining and strengthening this unique artistic tradition.

By supporting the OPAS permanent endowment through the Texas A&M Foundation, you can help Texas A&M University host world-class productions in theatre, music and dance for generations. Lend your support to ensure the performing arts have a proud home on campus.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: REAGAN CHESSHER ‘96 Senior Director of Development rchessher@txamfoundation.com 979.862.6415 WELCOME TO

AGGIELAND

Give online: give.am/SupportMSCOPAS