RiverCenter Applause Program #100

Why should you make a gift to RiverCenter?

PULL BACK THE CURTAIN to see how RiverCenter benefits Columbus behind the scenes...

• Student Enrichment

• Supports Small Businesses

• Attracts Tourism

• Community Performances

• World-Class Artists that Inspire

• Provides Office Space for CSO and YOGC

SCAN TO SEE ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT RIVERCENTER!

• Enhances Columbus' Cultural Life

A MESSAGE from our Director

Our highly anticipated 2023-24 season continues with the variety and quality of programming for which RiverCenter is known. Our season includes everything from a graphic novel on film to classical ballet, Renée Fleming, Amy Grant, Foreigner, and more! Broadway titles include the heartwarming, and what some call transformational Come From Away, and the exuberant, no holds barred On Your Feet! An old favorite— Mannheim Steamroller Christmas—returns, followed by a newly discovered, talented Irish Tenor—Emmet Cahill. We have added two silent pictures to our series featuring THE WAVE, making three in all—Phantom of the Opera (1925), Metropolis (1927), and Wings (1927). And what would the holidays in Columbus be like without the RiverCenter Gingerbread Village?

RiverCenter has been serving the Columbus region for more than twenty years and we are rapidly approaching our 25th anniversary. RiverCenter has been steadfast in supporting the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, in presenting varied programs with many free opportunities for the community to experience the finest concerts and touring entertainment, and in providing affordable topquality services to the performing arts. As a key factor in the economic development of our region, RiverCenter contributes millions of dollars to the local economy supporting jobs, household incomes, and other ancillary enterprises and services—all procured from local businesses.

As we approach our twenty-fifth year, we hope that you will look forward to more great seasons of entertainment. We also hope you will explore ways to help us upgrade and maintain aging mechanical systems to refresh this magnificent facility for generations to come. We appreciate you taking the time to visit us. Thank you for your continuing support of RiverCenter and thank you for helping Columbus be the best that it can be through your support of the arts community!

Here’s to warming hearts and lifting spirits!

Norman S. Easterbrook, Executive Director

Season 2023 2024 The

Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse in Concert

August 26

Forbidden Broadway

September 22

The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare—The Next Generation

October 1 & 2

STOMP

October 22 & 23

The Phantom of the Opera Silent Film with THE WAVE

October 28

The Four Phantoms in Concert

November 4

Foreigner: The Historic Farewell Tour

November 8

American Ballet Theatre Studio Company

November 12

Mannheim

Steamroller

Christmas

November 25

2023 Gingerbread Village

November 29-

December 19

Christmas with THE WAVE

December 2

Giraffes Can't Dance

February 13

Metropolis Silent Film with THE WAVE

February 17

Celebrate THE WAVE with Ken Double

February 18

Drum Tao

February 22

Come From Away

February 29

Emmet Cahill: Songs of Ireland

March 1

Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience

March 2

360 AllStars: Urban Circus

March 22

On Your Feet

March 29

Renée Fleming

April 5 & 6

Disney Princess: The Concert

April 11

Amy Grant

April 16

Voctave: The Corner of Broadway & Main Street

April 25

Wings Silent Film with THE WAVE

May 4

Pretty Woman

May 15

Curtain Raisers

Thank you to our Curtain Raisers! As a 501(c)3 organization, RiverCenter depends on the generosity of corporations to help present world-class artists and offer varied educational opportunities. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts offers one-of-a-kind, tailor-made opportunities for businesses and organizations to invest in the arts and arts education, while increasing visibility as a philanthropic leader in the Columbus region. Performances at RiverCenter would not be possible without the goodwill of our sponsors. A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available, including theatre productions, events, special projects, education and outreach initiatives and can be customized to meet sponsors’ specific interests and needs, beginning at $1,500.

We would love to hear from you and discuss becoming a partner with RiverCenter. Please contact our Director of Development, Denise Dowdy at development@rivercenter.org or call 706-256-3653.

Our sponsors help us impact and transform thousands of lives through the arts and education. Based on donations as of August 24, 2023:

SEASON SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

BENEFACTOR SPONSOR

Columbus

DIAMOND SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

GENERAL PROGRAM SUPPORT

Thank You to Our Supporters!

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts would not be possible without the help and generosity of our wonderful community. We are so thankful for all of the donors and members who have helped us grow and bring amazing talent to our region for over 20 years!

We greatly appreciate each gift given in support of RiverCenter and have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing, which was based on donations made as of August 24, 2023. Please notify the Development Office of any inaccuracies or omissions by contacting us at 706.256.3653 or development@rivercenter.org. We regret any errors.

Marquee Society

The Marquee Society is comprised of donors who invest a minimum of $1,000, each season, to the mission of RiverCenter. Members receive distinct benefits to include an annual dinner, members-only events, and advance notification before the general public to purchase single tickets to shows added to the season.

Marquee Society members, and their guests, have exclusive admission into the Marquee lounge, pre-show and at intermission, for a private bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres created by Valley Hospitality.

Every aspect of the Marquee Society emblem has a special meaning. The gears represent our mill history and the collaboration of the Columbus Challenge. The bee in its hive is a powerful symbol of the workers who built the city and RiverCenter. The blue represents our connection to the mighty river and the creative flow of the arts. The gold represents your annual investment and commitment to quality. Each Marquee Society member embodies the spirit and sentiment of this design.

To join the Marquee Society, visit rivercenter.org, email development@rivercenter.org, or call 706.256.3653.

MARQUEE SOCIETY MEMBERS

PRODUCER

Ray M. and Jane R. Wright Foundation

DIRECTOR

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen T. Butler Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens

CURTAIN CALL

Mrs. Clifford J. Swift, III

BENEFACTOR

Bernard and Sylvia Witt Foundation

James G. and Kathryn A. Hillenbrand

Dr. and Mrs. David Levine

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Martin, II

Al and Betsy Ramsay

Katherine and Wright Waddell

Wade and Adrianne Wallace

Mrs. Janice M. Watson

DIAMOND

Mr. and Mrs. Roderick C. Hunter

Akitoshi and Etsuko Kan

Mr. and Mrs. Jack J. Pease, III

David and Linell Pringle

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Robbins

Stephen M. Sawyer

Fred and Catalina Aranas

Family Foundation

Maria Luisa Aranas

Ms. Betty L. Auten

Susan Berry

Mr. and Mrs. William P. Scarbrough

Judy W. Thomas

Rick and Jan Ussery

Mr. and Mrs. M. Troy Woods

James D. and Ruth B. Yancey

PLATINUM

Cindy and Spencer Garrard

GB & Charlotte A. Saunders Foundation Inc

Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Goldsmith

Mrs. Richard Hallock

Bernice and Mansfield Bias

Mr. and Mrs. Walker R. Bickerstaff

Mrs. Doris Black

Mr. and Mrs. James H. Blanchard

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Y. Bradley

Kay Broda

Mrs. Charles W. Burgin

Mrs. Forrest L. Champion, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cheves Creek Stand Partners, LP

Danny and Sandra Dawson

Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. Easterbrook

Mr. and Mrs. Thad Estes

Suzanne and Joel Fine

Loretta and Tom Flowers

Gardiner and Nora Garrard

The Hecht Family Fund, Community

Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. Henson, Jr.

Helen J. Hobbs

The June and Bruce Howard

Family Charitable Gift Fund

Dr. William P. Kendall

Charlyn Kerr

Ashok and Mary Kumar

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Laney, III

Kayron and John Laska

Elaine and John Laughbaum

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Lawhorne, Jr.

Hank and Mary Lewis

Florence Lipham

Dr. Robert and Jane Marcus

Ben and Annelle McCosh

Chris and Wendy Miller

Jimmy and Barbara Motos

Marjorie and Jerry Newman

John and Sam Newton

Mrs. Sam Rawls

Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson C. Reed

The Honorable and Mrs. William C. Rumer

Dr. Carole Rutland and Col. (Ret) Robert D. Offer

Marnie Salter

The Honorable Julia Willcox-Lumpkin

Sando and Colonel Donald Mark

Sando, U.S. Army, Retired

Len and Glenda Sexton

Alex and Willette Shalishali

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Shinkle

Mollie Smith

Jay and Cindy Sparks

Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Staples

Susan Stephenson

Patty Kimbrough Taylor

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Taylor

Chip and Audrey Tillman

Tom and Jackie Titus

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Tomlinson

Martha S. Tubb

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Turner

Mr. and Mrs. Brad Turner

Dr. Joan and Lt. Col. (R) Darryl Verrett

Dr. Linda L. Walker and Dr. Steven E. Reissman

Chris Weaver

Mr. and Mrs. Joel O. Wooten

RIVERCENTER MEMBERS

GOLD LEVEL

Peggy and Robin Batastini

Regina Satlof and Neil Block

Bob and Linda Carter

Mr. and Mrs. James E. Gates

Ed and Lana Helton

Mrs. Stephen C. Hunter

Anonymous

Pam and Charlie Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Krieg

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony D. Link

Gene and Meg Perkins

Dr. Angela Sims and John Sims

Murray and Celia Solomon

BRONZE LEVEL

Rem and Leila Houser

Jacob and Claire Beil

Revs. Taylor and Grace Burton-Edwards

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Daknis

Mr. and Mrs. Austin Gibson

Mr. and Mrs. David Hay

Mr. and Mrs. William R. Peek

Joyce and Henry Schwob

CH (COL) and Mrs.

Thomas Waynick, USA, Ret.

Jim and Ann White

FRIENDS OF RIVERCENTER

Anonymous

Renee Beam

Elizabeth A. Bloodgood

Peggie and Dan Bloodworth

Jim and Iveta Boyanchek

Sherida Brannan

Dr. and Mrs. Philip L. Brewer

Frank and Jo Ann Brown

Bill and Janie Lee Bullock

Mike and Kathy Burns

Ann Burr

Butch and Eva Chappelle

Kelly and Martha Dimon

Henry Farmer

Ms. Geraldine W. Goodman

Steve and Mary Hall

Ken Hamill

Dr. and Mrs. Steven Henslee

Mike and Patty Kelley

Kevin and Donna Kelly

LTC Patricia A. Krause USA Ret.

Anne Messner

Dr. Barbara and Leon Minsky

Wayne and Harriet Moultrie

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Olson

Frank Postle

Stacy Poydasheff

Sally Rotunno

Mr. and Mrs.

James Kimbrough Sheek, IV

Guy Ashton and Marianne Smith

Lois M. Tryon

Dr. Thomas A. and Sherry F. Wade

Pat and Jack Wilensky

Dave and Jane Wilson

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wilson

HONORARY AND MEMORIAL GIFTS

In memory of

Dr. Davis Ronald Watson, Sr.

Mrs. Janice M. Watson

In memory of Bob Poydasheff

Stacey Poydasheff

VIRGINIA NORMAN CLASSICAL MUSIC FUND

Ms. Lucy H. Bowers

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Y. Bradley

Ann Burr

Dr. Bonnie Ellis and William Ellis

Gardiner and Nora Garrard

Cindy and Spencer Garrard

Robert and Susan Hiers

Mr. Michael and Dr. Betty Hipps

Helen J. Hobbs

Mrs. Stephen C. Hunter

Jean and Gerald Kent

Mary Dana Knight

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Olson

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Robbins

Dr. and Mrs. Hugh I. Rodgers

Christina Stavitski

Mrs. Clifford J. Swift, III

Mrs. Janice M. Watson

BRICKS ON BROADWAY

(Purchases and donations since January 2023)

Renee Beam

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Benson

Sherida Brannan

Bill and Janie Lee Bullock

Mrs. Jodi Capan

Mr. Paul Cluverius

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Daniels

Mr. Phil Evers

Ms. Adelita Greeson

Aric Jackson

Anne Messner

Ms. Brigitta Meyer-Green

Chris and Wendy Miller

Mr. Joel Moore

Ms. Marcia Morris

Wayne and Harriet Moultrie

Ms. Irene Pate

Ms. Regina Ridgley

RiverCenter Ushers

Christian Sanchez

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Shinkle

Ms. Kyera Thompson

Dr. Linda L. Walker and Dr. Steven E. Reissman

Mr. Mark Weitzel

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list; however, it is possible that errors have been made. If so, please accept our sincere apologies and bring them to the attention of our Development Office, development@rivercenter.org or 706.256.3653.

BECOME a RIVERCENTER MEMBER

Ticket sales meet only a fraction of RiverCenter’s operating expenses. The balance is covered by members, donations, and sponsorships. The generosity of many individuals and corporations enables RiverCenter to bring nationally touring Broadway shows and world class artists to the Columbus region. For a full list of benefits, visit rivercenter.org.

MEMBERS' VALUE TO RIVERCENTER:

» Increases the exceptional programming offered

» Maintains modern facilities that are home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Ballet, Schwob School of Music and community events like the annual Miss Georgia Competition, the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band’s holiday concert, the Georgia Thespian Conference and many more

» Impacts and inspires diverse communities by providing access to the arts

HIGHLIGHTS OF MEMBER BENEFITS:

» Complimentary donors-only events

» Complimentary beverage coupons

» Recognition on RiverCenter website

» Distinguished in Applause Program

» Exclusive access to box office liaison

» Courtesy backstage tour of theatre with the Executive Director (by appointment only)

» Ticket insurance for lost or stolen tickets

» Early notice of new season announcement

» Access to presales for single tickets or season subscriptions

» Ticket exchange privileges (within the same Broadway show)

*benefits vary based on level of membership *benefits subject to availability or deadline, restrictions may apply

RiverCenter’s Capstone Society, founded by the late Wendell Lewis, is our planned giving program. For over 20 years, families have enjoyed programs and productions at RiverCenter. Through a planned gift, members of the Capstone Society are creating a lasting legacy for future generations so they can enjoy the same magical experience of the theatre.

When you include RiverCenter in your estate plans, you will be included into our Capstone Society of donors, and we are pleased to recognize your generosity. If you would like to let us know about your planned gift, or to learn how your planned gift can help RiverCenter in its artistic and educational mission, please contact our Director of Development, Denise D. Dowdy, at 706.256.3653 or development@rivercenter.org.

Sponsored by

Sponsors

JOHN FREEDSON AND HARRIET YELLIN PRESENT

STARRING

CHRIS COLLINS-PISANO

KEVIN B. MCGLYNN

GINA KREIEZMAR

KATHERYNE PENNY

MUSICAL DIRECTOR / PIANIST

CATHERINE STORNETTA

CHOREOGRAPHER

GERRY McINTYRE

COSTUME DESIGN

ALVIN COLT and DUSTIN CROSS

STAGE MANAGER

CATHERINE BLOCH

WIG DESIGN

KEVIN B. MCGLYNN

CREATED, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY GERARD ALESSANDRINI

Cast Albums available on DRG records

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

CHRIS COLLINS-PISANO is delighted to be back in action with his favorite (forbidden) ne’er-do-wells! Nat'l Tour: Elf (NETworks ’18), Forbidden Broadway. Off-Broadway: Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation (York Theatre Co., The Triad), Friends! The Musical Parody (St. Luke's Theater). Regional: Jersey Boys (Cape Playhouse), Grease (Cape Playhouse, Engeman Theater), Fountain of You (The Z), Forbidden Broadway, Flashdance (Gateway Playhouse), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! (St. Michael’s Playhouse), Saturday Night Fever (Westchester Broadway Theatre). Proud Bearcat. So much love and thanks to the cast and crew, The F.B. Family, and the Collins-Pisano Clan!

GINA KREIEZMAR has been a part of the FB phenomenon since 1992, performing Forbidden Broadway and Forbidden Hollywood in Manhattan, throughout the 50 states, Singapore, Japan, South Africa, and parts of South America! She has also had the honor of performing several versions of FB with orchestras and symphonies across the country. Gina can be heard in the DGR cast recording of "Forbidden Broadway Goes to Rehab" and was delighted to play the part of the DIVA in the NYC Company of the recent Off-Broadway sensation Spamilton! Other credits include Evita (Eva Peron), club dates at New York’s famed Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center, and numerous commercials and voiceovers. A Florida native, she graduated from the University of Miami School of Music and The Burt Reynolds Institute for Theater Training in Jupiter Florida, where she worked with and was directed by such notables as Charles Nelson Reilly, Carol Burnett, Liza Minnelli, and Burt Reynolds. Her most treasured and gratifying production is her 25-year-old son, Max Tyler Goodman! Thank You Forbidden Broadway for all the laughs and memories!

Mom and Dad: Besitos

KEVIN B. MCGLYNN TOUR: Kiss Me

Kate, All Shook Up, Forbidden Broadway

FILM: Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket, JACK TV: TYCOON, Pandora’s Box, Dark Places and The Murder Castle

REGIONAL: Les Miserables, Jesus Christ

Superstar, The Miracle Worker, Something Rotten, Cinderella and Kinky Boots. Kevin was last seen at Papermill Playhouse as George Jessel in Chasing Rainbows a new musical chronicling a young Judy Garland’s journey to her iconic role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Thanks to family and friends for their love and support… and my Guardian Angels Mom and Dad

KATHERYNE PENNY is so excited to be rejoining the cast of Forbidden Broadway! Off Broadway: Forbidden Broadway—Next Generation. Regional: Diana: A New Musical (La Jolla Playhouse); Spamalot (Hollywood Bowl); Frozen (Disney's Hyperion Theater); How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The Old Globe); Closer Than Ever (International City Theater); Gloria in Damn Yankees (Cabrillo Music Theater). Penny guest starred as “Ahoop” alongside Josh Groban on IFC's Comedy Bang Bang. UCLA ‘15 @kpennylane

CATHERINE STORNETTA (Musical Director/ Pianist) has performed Forbidden Broadway, Forbidden Hollywood, and/or Forbidden Christmas in all but three states, in five different countries, on cruise ships circumnavigating the globe, and once, after being bitten by a dog outside the Air Force Academy, with only her right hand and left thumb. She has orchestrated both Forbidden Broadway and Forbidden Christmas, and as a result, has conducted the Detroit, Hartford, Winnipeg, North Carolina, Rochester, Syracuse, Ft. Wayne, UNLV, and Adelaide (Australia) Symphonies. She lives in Boston, has worked at almost all theaters there, and was a recipient of the Elliot Norton Award for her work on Parade with Moonbox Productions. She was most recently the arranger for David Hyde Pierce’s performance as the Child twins on HBO’s Julia. In her salad days, she was an occasional soloist with the Boston Pops.

CATHERINE BLOCH (Stage Manager) is delighted to be with Forbidden Broadway again. Her stage management credits include: Spamilton, Mint Theater Company’s A Day by the Sea, The Civilians’ Gone Missing and Nobody’s Lunch, Signature Theatre Company’s The Late Henry Moss, Sundance Institute Theatre Lab, O’Neill Playwrights

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

Conference and various events including: Stuttering Association for the Young Annual Gala, Aubrey Lynch’s Jazzland with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Dodge Poetry Festival, Newark Peace Conference with the Dalai Lama, and Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook.

GERARD ALESSANDRINI (Creator, Writer & Director) is best known for writing and directing all the editions of Forbidden Broadway and Forbidden Hollywood in New York, Los Angeles, London and around the world. He was also a member of the original cast of Forbidden Broadway. Gerard is from Needham, Massachusetts and the Boston area, where he graduated from the Boston Conservatory of Music. In 1982, he created Forbidden Broadway, which has spawned 15 editions, 8 cast albums and a 38 year run in New York. Television credits include writing comedy specials for Bob Hope and Angela Lansbury on NBC, Carol Burnett on CBS and “Masterpiece Tonight,” a satirical revue saluting “Masterpiece Theatre” on PBS. He can be heard on four of the eight FB cast albums and on the soundtracks of Disney’s Aladdin and Pocahontas. Directing credits include many corporate industrials and regional musicals, including a production of Maury Yeston’s musical In the Beginning. Gerard also co-directed a revival of Irving Berlin’s last musical Mr. President, which he updated and “politically corrected.” Gerard is the recipient of an Obie Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, two Lucille Lortel Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Drama League and three Drama Desk Awards for Best Lyrics for Forbidden Broadway. Most recently, Gerard received a 2006 Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre.

JOHN FREEDSON (Producer) has been associated with Forbidden Broadway for most of its 40-year history and has produced the Special-Tony®-awarded New York company and around the world since 1994. John is also producer of the acclaimed Hamilton spoof Spamilton; produced the national tour of I Love You,

You’re Perfect, Now Change, and with his partner Harriet Yellin, produced Forbidden Broadway throughout the US, at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory, in Japan and in Singapore. He has directed the show and its sequel Forbidden Hollywood around the world, winning the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Direction for the Chicago production. Mr. Freedson co-produced 10 Forbidden Broadway Cast Albums for DRG records and long-ago, appeared in the OffBroadway and Boston productions. As a composer/ lyricist, he wrote three children's musicals: A Swan is Born, Aesop's Follies and Country Mouse/City Mouse, which toured with the New England Theatre Guild. His voice can be heard on numerous radio and television spots and jingles, two Forbidden Broadway CD's and in Disney's Aladdin. Originally from Reading, PA, Mr. Freedson attended the Boston Conservatory, and is a Brandeis University graduate.

HARRIET YELLIN (Producer) has been involved with Forbidden Broadway since 1984, when she produced and managed Forbidden Broadway in Boston, which ran for over six years, as well as the Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington, D.C., Detroit, and Denver productions of the show. With John Freedson, she is co-producer of the most recent run of Forbidden Broadway in New York, as well as previous New York editions since 1995. She was also co-producer of Forbidden Hollywood in Los Angeles, Chicago, Japan and New York. She was co-producer and General Manager of Forever Plaid’s fouryear run in Boston, and spent over 20 years with Blue Man Group, first as General Manager of Blue Man's smash engagement in Boston, later as CFO of what grew to become an international organization with 7 shows and over 700 employees during her tenure. In another long-ago life, she was a high-powered political consultant; she has worked for numerous senatorial and gubernatorial candidates and was National Media Director for the Dukakis and Tsongas Presidential campaigns.

THE ACTORS AND STAGE MANAGERS EMPLOYED IN THIS PRODUCTION ARE MEMBERS OF ACTORS EQUITY ASSOCIATION, THE UNION OF PROFESSIONAL ACTORS AND STAGE MANAGERS IN THE UNITED STATES.

About Forbidden Broadway, Forbidden Hollywood, and Spamilton

Forbidden Broadway was first seen at Palsson's Supper Club on New York's Upper West Side in January, 1982. What began as a simple cabaret act to give creator/lyricist Gerard Alessandrini a showcase for his talents and the opportunity to "find an agent" became New York's longest running musical comedy revue. Hailed by critics and audiences alike, Forbidden Broadway won Drama Desk, Obie and Outer Critics Circle awards and captured the heart of the theatre industry itself. Many of its legendary "victims," including Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, Bernadette Peters, Tommy Tune, Angela Lansbury, Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, were among the celebrities who stopped by to applaud first-hand. Updated regularly for each new theatre season, Forbidden Broadway ran to packed houses at the 75-seat Palsson's through August, 1987. In September, 1988, the show re-opened at the 125-seat Theatre East, where it ran an additional 5-1/2 years.

The show also became known for talented but as yet unknown actors, many of whom have gone on to stardom in various venues: Jason Alexander (Seinfeld’s George Costanza), Chloe Webb (Twins and the PBS series Tales of the City), Davis Gaines (Phantom), as well as Roxie Lucas (Damn Yankees), Gregg Edelman (City of Angels), Dee Hoty (Will Rogers Follies), Michael McGrath (Spamalot, The Martin Short Show), and Brad Oscar (The Producers).

Forbidden Broadway's success was repeated in Boston, where it enjoyed a 6-1/2-year stay at the 250seat Terrace Room; Chicago and Boca Raton (over two years each), Toronto and Philadelphia (one year each), Kansas City (nine months and two return engagements), Denver (six months), San Diego (two engagements including Forbidden Christmas), a record-breaking run in 1994 at the Tiffany Theatre in Los Angeles, Sydney, Tokyo, and Singapore among many others. In 1999, after a sell-out engagement at London’s Jermyn Street Theatre, it transferred for the summer to the famed Albery Theatre in the West End. Forbidden Broadway's return to the Tiffany Theatre in Los Angeles in the spring of 2000 garnered two more Ovation Awards.

Mr. Alessandrini's next spoof, Forbidden Hollywood, first appeared as a section of Forbidden Broadway in Boston in 1989. After several years of work on the project, the full length version previewed in San Diego, then opened in Los Angeles in March, 1995. The run at the Coronet Theatre delighted audiences for nearly a year and was nominated for seven Ovation Awards. Whoopi Goldberg, Carol Channing, and many other luminaries of the “industry” showed up to see themselves and their friends lovingly parodied. The show was subsequently produced in Chicago (which garnered three Jefferson Award nominations), Kansas City (a record-breaking run), and Toronto. It was updated for New York and ran off-Broadway in 1996, and has had numerous successful runs across America since that time.

In the fall of 1996, the Forbidden crew, including John Freedson and Harriet Yellin (producers), and of course, writer-director Gerard Alessandrini, turned their attention back to their first love: Broadway. A new edition of the show, Forbidden Broadway Strikes Back! returned to New York and its original home on West 72nd (now called the Triad and expanded to 135 seats), where it once again delighted audiences with its fast-paced spoofs of current Broadway shows and stars. The return of FB was again greeted with raves from critics (The New York Times called it “triumphant”) and the show won the Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Drama League Awards. Bob Hope, Bea Arthur, Stephen Sondheim, Angela Lansbury, Savion Glover, George C. Wolfe, Elaine Paige, Rosie O’Donnell, Dame Maggie Smith and the casts of Lion King, Aida, and Rent are among the recent attendees. The show moved to the Douglas Fairbanks Theatre on 42nd Street with a brand new edition, Forbidden Broadway 2001: A Spoof Odyssey, which won the 2001 Drama Desk Award for Best Revue. Forbidden Broadway’s 20th Anniversary Edition was followed by Forbidden Broadway: SVU, which won yet another Drama Desk Award for Best Musical Revue in 2005. In 2006, the show was recognized with a Tony Honors Award, for being an integral part of the theatre community for over twenty-five years. Most recently, after a 3-year hiatus, a new edition, Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking and 2020’s Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation have opened in New York to rave reviews once again from almost every media outlet (this time, The New York Times called it “a godsend”). And Gerard Alessandrini’s Spamilton – a full evening spoof dedicated to Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton has enjoyed equal acclaim in New York, with Lin-Manuel himself tweeting “I laughed my brains out!” The show continues to tour around the US. As long as there's a Broadway, Forbidden Broadway will be there, poking, prodding, teasing, pleasing, jeering and cheering, but always, with love.

Sponsored by Media Sponsors

PRESENTS

Adventures of Tortoise and Hare

THE NEXT GENERATION

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Ian Carney

ROAD MANAGERS

Kevin Chick

MANAGING DIRECTOR & CO-CREATOR

Eleanor Carney & Corbin Popp

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Jay Weigel

CAST

Kevin Chick

Symone Johnson

Karah Haug

Jesse Forcha

Tristan Rodney

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Barry Mendelson

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

IAN CARNEY (Artistic Director, Ensemble) is best known for his long run in Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s musical, Movin’ Out on Broadway. Born in New Hampshire and raised in New Orleans, he started dancing as a child, studying Ballet in New Orleans and in New York City. He danced lead roles in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and many other Ballets. He has been a guest dancer, teacher and choreographer in companies across the United States. While still performing, Ian earned a degree in English Literature from Tulane University. He is the co-creator of the family shows that continue to delight audiences around the world— Dino-Light, The Ugly Duckling, Lightwire the Show, A Very Electric Christmas and The Tortoise and Hare the Next Generation. Ian has appeared on television with Lightwire Theater on America’s Got Talent, Game of Talents, Italy’s Tu si Que Vales, TF1’s The Best Show in France and as the 2014 winner of Tru TV’s Fake Off.

ELEANOR B. CARNEY (Managing Director, Ensemble) Originally from New Orleans, Eleanor began her dance training with Harvey Hysell and Joseph Giaccobbe. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.F.A. in Dance and a B.A. in Anthropology. She has danced professionally with Indianapolis Ballet Theater, the Lexington, Northwest Florida, Delta Festival and Montgomery Ballet. Career highlights include dancing Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Desdemona in The Moor’s Pavane, the title roles in Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Giselle and Coppelia and, of course, the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Mrs. Carney is delighted to have appeared with Lightwire Theater on America’s Got Talent, Italy’s hit show Tu si Que Vales, Game of Talents, The Best on TF1 and as the 2014 winner of Tru Tv’s Fake Off. She is eternally grateful to work besides her husband, Ian, and share their art with the world.

CORBIN POPP (Co-Creator, Technical Supervisor) is from Lincoln, Nebraska. He earned a degree in biochemistry at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, while also studying math, physics and dance. Opting for dance, Corbin performed in The Phantom of the Opera, Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out on Broadway. He has

toured throughout the United States with many shows and all over Europe with Tharp’s dance company. Corbin speaks German, studied in Germany on a Fulbright scholarship and recently graduated from dental school, yet he still continues to perform and collaborate with Lightwire Theater.

KEVIN CHICK (Road Manager/Ensemble) is a puppeteer and clown stand-up comedian. Most notable credits include: The Jim Henson company, The Kimmel Center of Philadelphia, The Guthrie of Minneapolis, Southern Colorado repertory theater, educational theatre throughout South America Mexico and Argentina, Coca-Cola Zero commercials and political activist puppet videos with daily show writer Liz Winstead. Kevin's hails from Iowa and received his BA in theater from the University of Iowa. Most recently he accomplished one of his dreams by blasting across the United States on his motorcycle. He would like to say a big thank you to his family for their continued love and support.

JESSE FORCHA (Ensemble) is in his fifth season with Lightwire Theater. He has performed in Hoofing for Heroes at the New Orleans World War II Museum and at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas as a magician’s assistant for the world-renowned magician, Rob Lake. Other favorite credits include 42nd Street (Andy), A Chorus Line (Mike), Curtains (Billy), Grease (Danny), The Sound of Music (Rolf), The Wizard of Oz (Tin Man) and many others. Jesse has been a member of the Gulf Coast Theatre on Tap where he does what he loves best, tap dancing. He is also a skilled clarinet, flute and saxophone player. He would like to thank his parents and sisters for always encouraging his dream and a special thanks to his Aunt Kat.

KARAH HAUG (Ensemble) is from Rapid City, South Dakota. She graduated from Carleton College in 2021 with degrees in Dance and Environmental Studies. As a dance and movement artist, Karah has trained in many different styles from ballet, Krump to acrobatics, and explores dance as it is related to different environments. After serving with an AmeriCorps program in a math classroom for a year, Karah is thrilled

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

join Lightwire Theater for her second national tour.

TRISTAN RODNEY (Ensemble) is a graduate of the University of Technology, Jamaica earning a BA. in Communications Arts & Technology (BaCAT). His dance training includes Jamaica’s Quilt Performing Arts Company, Ashe, University Dance Society, the Company Dance Theater as well as Texas Ballet Theatre. His commercial experience spans Mary Kay’s ‘Friends of Time’, Arlington Music Hall, Amway International, Texas State Fair, DIFFA Dallas, Eclipse Entertainment & most recently Universal’s Jurassic World. He was a founding member of TMJ Dance Project, Ballet North Texas, soloist with Dallas Neo Classical Ballet & company member with Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico, Urban Performing Company & Herrera Dance Project. He’s currently in his 4th and final season with

Beckles Dancing Company. Tristan joins Lightwire Theater in his first official company tour of The Tortoise and Hare.

SYMONE JOHNSON (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her debut with the Lightwire theater! As a professional circus artist, specializing in aerial silks and rope, she has appeared in many shows ranging from Aloft’s production of Tough Drafts to Cabinet of Curiosity’s immersive experience Illumination. While training full time in Chicago, she worked under many accomplished circus artists such as Joe Pinzon, Tanya Burke, Duo Rose and Shayna Swanson. When not performing, she travels the United States in her van with a little black cat named Minew. Now based out of New Orleans, Symone has fallen in love with combining the local music scene with interactive character work and aerial craziness.

Lightwire Theater has been featured as the winner of Tru TV’s Fake Off (Season One), semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent (Season 7) and as finalist on My TF1’s, The Best Le Meilleur Artiste in Paris, ABC’s Game of Talents and Italy’s Tu Si Que Vales.

Internationally recognized for their signature brand of electroluminescent artistry and poignant storytelling, Lightwire Theater is based in New Orleans and continues to create and deliver innovative theatrical experiences to audiences worldwide including: Hong Kong, Taipei, Estonia, Brazil, Russia, Europe, Belarus, China and Abu Dhabi. Mendelson Entertainment Group LLC, proudly manages and represents Lightwire Theater. www.MEGARTSMEDIA.com

For Booking Information, contact BAILIWICK Arts Management bailiwick.biz@gmail.com

A very special thanks to The Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, who commissioned and premiered Darwin The Dinosaur on October 13, 2007, Detroit, Michigan. LIGHTWIRETHEATER.COM

Sponsored by

Media Sponsors

BANG! Theatricals

Harriet Newman Leve James D. Stern Morton Wolkowitz

Schuster/Maxwell Gallin/Sandler Markley/Manocherian

present

Created and Directed by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas

Jordan Brooks, Micah Cowher, Jose Filgueira, John Gavin, Declan Hayden, Madeline Jafari, Zahna Johnson, Jasmine Joyner, Cary Lamb Jr., Sean Perham, Cade Slattery

Lighting by Steve McNicholas and Neil Tiplady

Fiona Wilkes

Jordan Brooks

Production Manager

Ricardo De Arruda Camargo

General Manager

Roberta Roberts

Associate Producer Fred Bracken

Executive Producers

Richard Frankel Productions / Marc Routh

Alan Schuster / Aldo Scrofani

STOMP IS PERFORMED WITHOUT INTERMISSION.

THE USE OF ANY CAMERA, RECORDING DEVICES OR LASER POINTERS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

STOMP WEBSITE: www.stomponline.com

US Rehearsal Director

Tour Rehearsal Director

About the Show

STOMP, a unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, was created in Brighton, UK, in the summer of 1991. It was the result of a ten-year collaboration between its creators, Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.

They first worked together in 1981, as members of the street band Pookiesnackenburger and the theatre group Cliff Hanger. Together, these groups presented a series of street comedy musicals at the Edinburgh Festival throughout the early ‘80s. After two albums, a UK TV series and extensive touring throughout Europe, Pookiesnackenburger also produced the highly acclaimed “Bins” commercial for Heineken lager. The piece was originally written and choreographed by Luke as part of the band’s stage show; it proved to be the starting point for STOMP’s climactic dustbin dance. In 1986, Luke and Steve created an eight-minute ‘percussive movie’ for Bette Midler’s HBO special Mondo Beyondo. Between 1987 and 1990, Luke staged, as Artistic and Musical Director, four largescale outdoor events, including “Beat the Clyde”, which involved floating a drum orchestra on a pontoon in the centre of Glasgow; the largest of these events, “The Heineken Hove Lagoon Show”, involved a 120-piece drum orchestra featuring the Brighton Festival Chorus and a full orchestral string section.

In 1991, Steve and Luke first created STOMP, previewing at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre and premiering at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, where it became The Guardian’s “Critics’ Choice” and won The Daily Express “Best of the Fringe Award”.

Between 1991 and 1994, the original cast of STOMP played to capacity audiences around the world: from Hong Kong to Barcelona, from Dublin to Sydney. The touring culminated in a sellout season at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre in January 1994, where STOMP received an Olivier nomination for Best Entertainment and won Best Choreography in a West End Show.

An expanded version of STOMP, involving up to 30 cast members, was originally created for the Brighton Festival, UK, and was subsequently presented in Melbourne, Australia. It was most recently seen in September 1995, open-air, at the Acropolis in Athens and at the Royal Festival Hall, London. This production broke all box office records, which had been established by Frank Sinatra in 1972.

STOMP began its run at the Orpheum Theatre in New York in February 1994 and quickly went on to win both an Obie and a Drama Desk Award for Most Unique Theatre Experience. By the summer of 1994, the first American cast was in place at the Orpheum, freeing the original cast for sell-out tours of North America and Japan.

In the summer of 1995, two more American productions were created for the sole purpose of US touring, which continues to this day. US casts have also debuted STOMP in Chile, Brazil and Korea. Meanwhile, a fifth STOMP company, also touring from the UK, was formed in 1997 and has consistently toured the world ever since. This company presented STOMP for the first time in Scandinavia and South Africa, and has been a regular visitor to Germany, Holland and France. Another STOMP production opened in San Francisco in May 2000, running for two and a half years. The original cast of STOMP have recorded music for the Tank Girl movie soundtrack and appeared on the Quincy Jones album, Q’s Jook Joint. A soundtrack recorded by Steve and Luke for the Shotime movie Riot was released in the spring of 1997. STOMP has also featured in a number of commercials, including Coca-Cola’s “Ice Pick” and numerous spots for both Target stores in the US and Toyota in Japan.

STOMP also created the Mr. Frears’ Ears series of short films created for Nickelodeon, while Brooms, a 15-minute short based around the opening routine, was nominated for an Academy Award. Brooms was also selected for screening at Robert Redford’s Sundance Festival and for competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

STOMP made a special appearance at the Academy Awards in March 1996, with an original piece involving the live synchronization of classic film clips and onstage action, featuring 20 performers from all five productions.

In the summer of 1997, Steve and Luke created and directed STOMP OUT LOUD, a 45-minute television special for HBO, which combined stage material with new pieces created for TV. It was premiered in the USA in December 1997 and subsequently received four Emmy nominations, for direction, sound mixing, multi-camera editing and art direction. 1998 saw the release of the STOMP

OUT LOUD video and DVD around the world. Another unique blend of live action and film footage was created for the Emmy Awards, in which STOMP effectively performed with Spike Jones!

STOMP performed after midnight on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at US President Clinton’s millennium celebrations. During 2000, a Sesame Street special, “Let’s Make Music”, a collaboration between STOMP and the Muppets, was released on TV and video in North America.

Luke and Steve began production of their IMAX movie Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey in Brazil during Carnival 2000 and completed it in the summer of 2002. Pulse takes the IMAX audience on a spectacular global journey, featuring performances from Kodo, Timbalada and Eva Yerbabuena. It was released to critical acclaim in New York in the autumn of 2002, and went on to win two major awards at the International Festival of La Géode in Paris.

In September 2002, STOMP finally entered London’s West End at the Vaudeville Theatre, and later that year was performed as part of The Royal Variety Show for the second time.

2003 saw a new STOMP production open at the Stuart Street Theatre in Boston and a unique Dolby Digital trailer featuring STOMP performances debuted in cinemas across the globe.

In 2004, New York celebrated 10 years of continuous performances of STOMP at the Orpheum Theatre by renaming 2nd Avenue at 8th Street Stomp Avenue.

In addition to the European tour, in 2005, STOMP returned to Tokyo for three weeks and also toured to Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

In 2006, STOMP’s New York production passed its 5,000th performance mark. In the same year, Luke and Steve directed a public service announcement for television called “Stomp Out Litter”, which featured the cast ‘sweeping up’ at iconic locations in the five boroughs.

In addition, they were commissioned to create and produce The Lost and Found Orchestra, which takes the ideas behind STOMP to a symphonic level, in celebration of 40 years of the Brighton Festival. The LFO subsequently performed at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Sydney Festival early in 2007, was seen at the Royal Festival Hall in London at Christmas 2008 and the Theater Carré in February 2009.

In 2007, STOMP OUT LOUD opened in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino with an expanded cast and performed inside a new $28 million theatre, specifically created for the production. The West End entered its 6th consecutive year with a move from the Vaudeville to the Ambassadors Theatre.

In 2008, STOMP returned to its roots for a new DVD shoot at the Brighton Dome, bringing together a cast from all over the STOMP world. For the first time, the entire show has been captured in high-definition sound and video. 2008 also saw Steve and Luke expand into new areas with the release of their IMAX 3D nature documentary Wild Ocean, with a symphonic mix of percussion and traditional orchestra in the soundtrack. In September of the same year, Wild Ocean won two awards at the Giant Screen Cinema Association for Best Sound and Best Original Score at their annual conference held in New York.

The Lost and Found Orchestra reunited in 2010 for a new show, PANDEMONIUM, which appeared in several US cities throughout the autumn.

In 2011, the New York production of STOMP entered its eighteenth year, trouncing the Orpheum house record set by Little Shop of Horrors. It also entered its tenth year in the West End at the Ambassadors Theatre at the same time Steve and Luke continued with their 3D film work. 2012 saw the release of The Last Reef 3D, a film about the beauty and the plight of reefs worldwide. As with Wild Ocean, Luke and Steve composed the film’s orchestral soundtrack, recording it at The Old Market Theatre in their hometown of Brighton & Hove in the UK. They have also celebrated the one year anniversary of The Old Market Theatre, which, having renovated it back in 2011, they now run as a full time venue, bringing music, theatre, dance, comedy and visual arts to the UK’s south coast.

In August 2012, the largest ever assembly of STOMP performers (40 performers from 12 different countries) were brought together for a specifically choreographed appearance in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

STOMP was created with the original U.K. cast: Luke Cresswell, Nick Dwyer, Sarah Eddy, Theseus Gerard, Fraser Morrison, David Olrod, Carl Smith and Fiona Wilkes

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

JORDAN BROOKS (Rehearsal Director/ Performer) was born and raised in Dallas, TX. Jordan fell in love with music at an early age. He toured the U.S. with the Santa Clara Vanguard and Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps where he refined his rudimental drumming while studying classical, jazz, contemporary, and world music genres at Berklee College of Music. He went on to earn his masters at NYU which propelled him to work with notable artists and productions as a performer, producer, and studio musician. He would like to thank his loving family and many teachers for their unwavering support of his dreams. Find him @jbrooksmusic.

MICAH COWER (Performer) is a New York native with a passion for all things rhythm. Growing up playing drums, Micah went on to major in music education at NYUSteinhardt before studying musical theatre and dance at AMDA. Since then, he’s been fortunate enough to tour the world acting and drumming in various musicals and rock bands. Favorite theatre credits include Rock of Ages, Shrek the Musica, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Footloose, and Bayside the Musical. Current band/producing projects include @nightwithoutcars, @theduderanch, and @thealicevalentine. When not performing, Micah teaches percussion and tap dance at Dance Molinari while also managing his entertainment company, Imperial Entertainment NYC. @micah.cowher

JOSE FILGUEIRA (Performer) is a Spanish musician and actor. He’s been doing street music and performing in comedy shows throughout his adolescence and professional career. He worked for 10 years at Al Tran Tran Impro, an improvisation musical theater company and then formed Swingdigentes, a music, dance, and comedy company that has performed in 30 countries around the world. Since then, he’s performed with Cirque du Soleil and other circus shows. He’s super happy to be part of STOMP, a company he has loved since childhood. If you want to know more you can find him on social networks under Jose Filgueira.

JOHN GAVIN (Performer) is an in demand drummer and percussionist based out of Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Florida, he has performed as a musician for the Walt Disney Company at their theme parks across the

United States. Recently, he has performed and recorded with the ska-rock group Streetlight Manifesto and played percussion on the soundtrack of the film, CAM. John would like to thank his friends and family for the unending support and every teacher who has shared their knowledge. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Music from New York University.

DECLAN HAYDEN (Performer) is a musician from Cincinnati, OH who holds a BM in Percussion Performance and Music Education from UC-CCM. He has had past engagements with groups such as the Kentucky and Springfield Symphony Orchestras, and at events like PASIC and SICPP. Performing with STOMP is a dream achieved, and he is incredibly grateful to his family, friends, and teachers for their unwavering support. Find him at www.declanhayden.com.

MADELINE JAFARI (Performer) is a contemporary dancer based in New York City. She was raised in Austin, TX and found her love of rhythm and movement at Tapestry Dance Co. As a freelance dance artist, her work has included dancing for Netta Yerushalmy, Steeledance, Shannon Gillen, and Giada Matteini. She holds a BFA in Dance from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. This is for you, Grandma.

ZAHNA JOHNSON (Performer) is a dance artist and performer based in Dallas, TX. She earned her BFA in Dance at Sam Houston State University in 2021 and is so excited to embark on her journey as a professional. A New Jersey native, her training spans across the country and across styles. Tap has always been her favorite; she can't keep her feet still! Zahna feels blessed that God gave her a passion for the arts and has her friends and family to thank for supporting her every step of the way.

JASMINE JOYNER (Performer) is a performer from Queens, NY who has studied dance all of her life. She started out in her hometown family dance studio called Jenn’s Studio 1. She received her Bachelors in Dance from SUNY Fredonia. As a professional dancer, she has performed in many dance ensembles, theater production of Cabaret,

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

and Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy summer intensives. She is grateful STOMP has given her opportunities to fulfill her hopes and dreams. Special thanks to her family and friends for being her biggest supporters.

CARY LAMB JR. (Performer) is a performer from Long Island, New York who has studied percussive movement and rhythms all his life. As an artist, he explores the strange, bizarre but always energetic extremes of dance. He's tap danced for the New York Mets, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Apollo Theatre while recognized by artists such as Missy Elliot, Chance the Rapper, and Snoh Allegra for the unique blend of tap and hip-hop. STOMP has only elevated his love for unconventional yet organic rhythms. Special thank you to the Rhythm of the Knight, TDO, Cadence Step Team and of course, Team Lamb.

SEAN PERHAM (Performer) is a comedian, drummer, and actor from New York. He attended the College for Music Education at Fredonia State University and received his Bachelors in Music Education, continuing on to get his Masters of Music Performance at New York University. During that time, he traveled the world playing music and was fortunate enough to play the stages of Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and others. After graduating, Sean was a full-time music teacher while also pursuing his acting/ comedy career. It’s a dream come true to be a cast member of STOMP. @Seanperhamisme.

CADE SLATTERY (Performer) Originally from San Diego, Cade joined a percussion motivational performance group called Jr. Crew in 2006 run by Chris Rubio, formerly of STOMP, which sparked his love for the show. He is extremely grateful to be part of the STOMP family. He thanks Sophie, Mom and Dad, Chris, his best friends Alex and Suco, and Uncle Paul. Outside of STOMP, Cade creates electronic music. Find out more at https://soundcloud.com/cade-slattery.

LUKE CRESSWELL (Director) is a selftaught percussionist from Brighton. His session work as a drummer and rhythm programmer includes Beats International, Bette Midler, Elvis Costello, and Bryan Ferry. After working for several years as a street musician and performer, he first created

STOMP in 1991. He has directed, with Steve McNicholas, several award-winning commercials and short films. He received an Oscar® nomination for the film Brooms, an Emmy® nomination for STOMP OUT LOUD, and co-directed the award-winning IMAX movie, Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey. He has also received a special achievement award from the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. More recently, Luke co-created the Lost and Found Orchestra and the Vegas production of STOMP OUT LOUD and also co-directed the 3D IMAX movie Wild Ocean. Luke occasionally performs with STOMP, and is currently conductor of the LFO.

STEVE McNICHOLAS (Director), from Yorkshire, has worked as an actor/singer/ musician/writer with various theatrical and musical groups, starting out with the Bradford Theatre Group in 1973. Through the ’80s he worked with Cliff Hanger, Covent Garden Community Theatre, and Pookiesnackenburger. Despite also being an original member of the a cappella group the Flying Pickets, and a final appearance in Mr. Bean, Steve no longer performs. He shares directorial credits with Luke Cresswell on STOMP-based films and commercials, and their new show, the Lost and Found Orchestra. With Luke, he composed the soundtrack to the Showtime movie, Riot and shares the Oscar® and Emmy® nominations for his work on Brooms and STOMP OUT LOUD, and co-directed the award-winning IMAX movie, Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey. Steve also co-created the LFO and co-directed the 3D IMAX movie Wild Ocean, released worldwide in 2008.

FGTM / ROBERTA ROBERTS (General Management) Richard Frankel and Roberta Roberts have been working together for the past 10 years in New York and on tour in the U.S. Shows general managed by Richard Frankel Productions and FGTM include STOMP, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Sound of Music, The Weir, Swing!, The Producers, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, Company, Young Frankenstein, Gypsy, The Norman Conquests, Finian’s Rainbow, Burn the Floor, A Little Night Music, The Rocky Horror Show, Forever Tango, Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays, Necessary Targets, Old Jews Telling Jokes, Murder Ballad, Los Monólogos de la

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

Vagina, Lennon: Through a Glass Onion and Flashdance. Richard and his partners Tom Viertel and Steve Baruch own and operate 54 Below, Broadway’s supper club.

BANG! THEATRICALS (Producer) is a company whose principals are Richard Frankel, Alan Schuster and Aldo Scrofani. They, along with the late Gary McAvay, have been the producers, managers and touring executives of STOMP since they premiered the show in North America in 1994. Their collective professional experience in the theatre totals 190 years.

HARRIET NEWMAN LEVE (Producer)

Broadway: four-time Tony award-winning producer: Anastasia; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; An American in Paris; Hedwig and the Angry Inch; Of Mice and Men; Ann; One Man Two Guvnors; War Horse; Norman Conquests; Mountaintop; La Cage Aux Folles; A Little Night Music; 39 Steps; Diary of Anne Frank; Crucible; Hedda Gabler; Lieutenant of Inishmore; Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Off Broadway: Beebo Brinker Chronicles; Family Secrets; Shockheaded Peter; Necessary Targets; Communicating Doors. She is a member of The Broadway League and was on the Board of Directors of New York Stage and Film for four years.

JAMES D. STERN (CEO of Endgame

Entertainment) has produced or directed over 50 shows or movies including Broadway: A Little Night Music, Hairspray, The Producers, Legally Blonde, and STOMP. Film: An Education, Every Little Step, It’s the Rage, Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey, Michael Jordan to the Max, Proof, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, I’m Not There

MORTON WOLKOWITZ Theatrical

Producing Credits: Donnybrook, music and lyrics by Johnny Burke; The Enemy Is Dead starring Linda Lavin; My Astonishing Self, starring Donal Donally; The Unexpected Man, by Yasmina Reza starring Alan Bates and Eileen Atkins; From Door to Door by James Sherman; One Shot One Kill by Richard Vetere; Tryst by Karoline Leach, directed by Joe Brancato; STOMP OUT LOUD in Las Vegas. He is managing part of “Suitz LLC” with Richard Sudock and Michael Wolkowitz. He has enjoyed success in the industrial and financial worlds and

is former Chairman and current Director of Key Energy Services, Inc. He is married to the actress Anita Keal.

MITCHELL MAXWELL has produced six Broadway shows, twenty-one Off-Broadway shows, four national tours, three West End shows, and five feature films. His shows have won the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Obie Awards and his long-running Off-Broadway hit, Dinner With Friends by Donald Margulies, was the recipient of the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

SUSAN QUINT GALLIN / SUKI SANDLER

Productions include Desperately Seeking Susan (London, opening November 2007); Spamalot; STOMP (NY & tour); Woman Before A Glass; The Retreat From Moscow; Man Of La Mancha (2002 Revival); The Shape Of Things; Hedda Gabler (2001 Broadway); Fully Committed; Cowgirls; Angels In America; From The Mississippi Delta; The Rothschilds (Revival); Other People's Money; Burn This; The Cryptogram (London).

DAN MARKLEY Producing credits include Irving Berlin's White Christmas, High Fidelity, Family Secrets (rev.), Vagina Monologues, Lifegame, Damn Yankees, On The Waterfront, Oleanna, and Jeffrey (film) with Alison Sheehy, Sarah, Hayden and Sander.

JENNIFER MANOCHERIAN Broadway credits include Spring Awakening; The Little Dog Laughed; Caroline, or Change; Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; Thoroughly Modern Millie; The Crucible; Jane Eyre, the musical; and The Kentucky Cycle. Off Broadway: Berkshire Village Idiot; STOMP; Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh; Showing Off; Palace of Amateurs. Film: Family Blues, which she also co-wrote.

FRED BRACKEN (Associate Producer) first saw STOMP in Australia and resolved to see it performed in New York. Mr. Bracken works for CNN.

RICHARD FRANKEL PRODUCTIONS / MARC ROUTH (Executive Producers)

Richard Frankel and Marc Routh have been producing and general managing shows together since 1985. Some of their productions include Young Frankenstein, Hairspray, Gypsy, and STOMP in New York, and STOMP OUT LOUD in Las Vegas, Sweeney Todd on tour, Little Shop of

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

Horrors in London as well as a UK tour of The Producers and The King and I and SpongeBob SquarePants Live in Asia. With their partners Tom Viertel and Steve Baruch they have produced some 60 additional musicals and plays in New York, London, and in Asia, including Back to the Future, Company, Sweeney Todd, Little Shop of Horrors, Swing, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Penn and Teller, Driving Miss Daisy, Love Letters, Smokey Joe's Cafe, and Angels in America.

ALAN J. SCHUSTER (Executive Producer) has operated the Orpheum, Minetta Lane, Union Square, 2nd Avenue and The Cherry Lane Theatres in New York and The Royal George Complex in Chicago. He built 37 Arts the home to the Baryshnikov Arts Center and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. He has produced over 25 productions including

STOMP OUT LOUD, Key Exchange, Mamet's Oleanna, Marvin’s Room, Jeffrey, Vita and Virginia and Shockheaded Peter.

ALDO SCROFANI (Executive Producer)

is Currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Apollo Theater Foundation which includes the iconic Apollo Theater. Founding producer of STOMP. President and CEO of Theatre Management Associates, Inc. COO of Columbia Artists Theatricals (18 years). Executive VP of Jujamcyn Theatres (13 years). Over 100 productions including: Gone With The Wind, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life, Lovemusik, Elaine Stritch At Liberty, Noise/Funk, Tap Dogs, Sunset Boulevard, Carousel, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, City of Angels, Grand Hotel, M. Butterfly, Jelly’s Last Jam, Into The Woods, Gypsy, Big River, My One and Only, and Dracula.

STAFF FOR STOMP

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

FGTM

Richard Frankel Roberta Roberts

COMPANY MANAGER

Carla Marie Rugg

GENERAL PRESS REPRESENTATIVE

BONEAU/BRYAN-BROWN

Chris Boneau Jackie Green

TOUR PRESS REPRESENTATIVE

C MAJOR MARKETING & PUBLICITY

Catherine Major

Production Manager Ricardo de Arruda Camargo

Assistant Company Manager ................. George Finley-Pyle

Production Carpenter Brian Claggett

Lighting Director .................................................... Tim Mack

Production Props ............................................ Austin Huehn

Production Electrician .................................Andrew Hildner

Production Sound ..................................... Steve J. Reynolds

Controller Galbraith & Co./Amanda Hayek

Assistant to Mr. Frankel ................................... Stephanie Lazard

Information Technology Manager Ben Bigby

Set Dresser .......................................................... Stacey-Jo Marine

Photographers Marc Bryan-Brown, Steve McNicholas, Lois Greenfield, Jun-Ichi Takahashi, Harry Pocius

Legal Counsel S. Jean Ward, Esq.

Insurance ........................................................ DeWitt Stern Group Risk Management Underwriters, Inc.

Accounting..........Adam Hoffman, Hoffman & Bentovim CPAs

Travel & Housing Road Rebel Entertainment Touring

Payroll Services PEOPLE HRO Payroll Data Processing, LLC

Merchandising Marquee Merchandise, Inc./Matt Murphy

Physical Therapy NEURO TOUR Physical Therapy, Inc

Physical Therapist Kira Jarrar, PT, DPT, ATC Medical Director ............................................. Charles Garten, MD

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Original production presented by Yes/No People in association with Glynis Henderson and Loretta Sacco. STOMP's exclusive agent and general inquiries: Loretta Sacco, c/o Yes/No Productions, N1 Offices, The Old Market, 11A Upper Market Street, Hove BN3 1AS Tel: 011.44.127.371.1151

CREDITS

Designed by Yes/No Productions, Ltd.; Trucking by Janco; Scenery built by Light & Sound Design; Zippo lighters courtesy of Zippo Manufacturing Corp.; “Super Big Gulp” cups courtesy of Southland Corp.; Ski boots by Rossignol Ski Co.

SPECIAL THANKS

More Merchandising/George Fenmore; Brad Bauner; Paul J. Botchis; David W. Caldwell; Sarah Eddy; E. Maria Flotta; Theseus Gerard; Fraser Morrison; Niclas Nagler; Jason Pelusio; Carl Smith; Joe Watson; Fiona Wilkes; Derek Worley

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Media Sponsor

SILENT FILM WITH LIVE ORGAN SOUNDTRACK BY RON CARTER SERIES 49

The Phantom of the Opera

In 1925, picturegoers flocked to see Lon Chaney’s macabre incarnation of Erik, the mad ghost of the Paris Opera House. Chaney brought Gaston Leroux’s Phantom so completely to life that the press reported feminine screams and swoons, and at least one little boy diving under his seat when the Phantom’s mask is ripped away. The New York Times review declared, “Universal has turned out another horror. This newest of special films is probably the greatest inducement to nightmare that has yet been screened.” Originally previewed in Los Angeles in 1925, the film has gone through at least five different versions. With the advent of digital restoration, silent film screenings have become a new worldwide art form, with patrons experiencing what theatregoers experienced in the silent film era. Tonight’s performance will be screened in the latest blu-ray restoration of the film, presented as it would have been in a classic movie palace with live theatre organ accompaniment by organist Ron Carter on RiverCenter’s newly-installed WAVE Theatre Organ. Carter will be using all of the special sounds and effects of THE WAVE to bring this classic thriller to life. Remember: silent films were never truly silent. If the musical score that Carter has developed makes you laugh, gasp and maybe even scream a little, that is as it should be.

Why is The Phantom of the Opera one of the best remembered of silent films? It is a crowdpleasing thriller, with savory melodrama, absorbing spectacle, and an elemental mix of eroticism and horror. A nightmare of thwarted passion is revealed in the Phantom’s repulsive makeup. It is bravura, shoot-the-works filmmaking, going through two directors, numerous endings and more than a year of on-and-off shooting to get it right. Universal’s president, Carl Lammlae, spared no expense, even building a complete, true-to-scale version of the Paris Opera House for the film. The studio spent over $600,000 to produce the film, equivalent to $10 million in today’s dollars.

The plot involves Erik (Lon Chaney) an escapee from Devil’s Island, who lives in the dungeon and torture chamber under the Paris Opera House. After ten years in the dungeon, he falls in love with Christine (Mary Philbin), a singer in the opera chorus. He becomes her teacher, coaching her from behind a wall in her dressing room, and demands that she be made the star of the opera. Erik kidnaps Christine, taking her to his home across a subterranean lake in the sub-basements of the opera house. Raoul, Christine’s boyfriend, and a detective from the Paris secret police, attempt a rescue, but are stopped by the Phantom. We won’t give away the dramatic conclusion to this epic film!

Ron Carter, Organist

Ron Carter is a sought-after theatre organ concert and silent film accompanist playing in theaters throughout the southeast. He is the theatre organ consultant for Allen Organ Studios of Atlanta and the House Organist for the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta, Ga. He has been a member of the Strand Theatre Board of Trustees since its inception 20 years ago having served as Board Secretary for 13 of those years. He is past Chairman of the Board for the Marietta's Pops Orchestra, the former President of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society and a recipient of its 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award, the American Theatre Organ Society’s 2009 Honorary Member award, and was recognized as Cobb's 2010 Outstanding Instrumentalist. For over 50 years, Ron has served five churches in a part time capacity as organist/Choir Director and is currently part of a team of organists who play for worship services at Marietta First Baptist Church. He is a retired Commander of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation after serving 38 years in public law enforcement. Ron and his lovely wife Donna live in Marietta, Georgia and have one son, John, daughter-in-law Julie, and two precious grandchildren, Abby and Jake.

THE WAVE Theatre Organ

On June 25, 2021, RiverCenter became the new home of an Allen GW IV digital theatre organ, a gift from Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish through the Atlanta Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (ACATOS).

The history of theatre organs can be traced to entertainment venues in the mid-teens through the late 1920s, when entertainment across the country centered around silent movies and Vaudeville. During their heyday, thousands of movie houses depended on live musical accompaniment, providing the primary usage of the original theatre organs until the "talkies"—movies with sound—became mainstream in the early 1930s.

In the decades to follow, some organs were destroyed when their theatres were torn down, but some found their way into churches or private home installations. The American Theatre Organ Society was founded in 1955 to save as many of these instruments as possible. While there were originally several thousand theatre organs, today only a few hundred remain.

The Allen Organ Company of Macungie, PA is a world leader in the creation and manufacture of digital organs for churches, concert halls, theatres and private homes. In 1997, the company’s “Renaissance” technology changed the organ world, using digital technology to imitate pipe organ sound. In the distinctive world of the theatre organ, the model GW IV made history.

“GW” stands for George Wright, the legendary organist who consulted with Allen technicians to create the instrument. RiverCenter’s GW IV has four keyboards with the equivalent voices of 33 ranks of pipes. The GW IV also features percussion (glockenspiel, xylophone, chimes, etc.) and “traps” (cymbals, snare drums, tambourines and castanets) making the GW IV the full equivalent of a large theatre pipe organ. The sound is amazing.

VOLUNTEERS

Made up of devoted, conscientious supporters of the arts, the members of RiverCenter Volunteers work tirelessly in support of the many programs, projects, and activities that RiverCenter produces or hosts. A major portion of the volunteers’ efforts involves ushering at events and assuring that all patrons have an enjoyable experience each time they visit RiverCenter. To receive information about RiverCenter Volunteers, email Latisha Wells at LWells@rivercenter.org.

Sharon Adams

Charlene Alford

Shelley Anderson

Sandra Barker

Belinda Barron

Susan Benson

Pamela Blackwell

Jenny Brettelle

Marie Brooks

Fran Brower

Ann Marie Buckner

Eleanor Buckner

Linda Bugh

Ethel Bush

Cynthia Cain

Lois Cain

Bobbie Carter

Laurie Carwile

Linda Cave

Ricky Chambers

Vivian Chambers

Eva Chappelle

John Chappelle

Theresa Clark

Janelle Cox

Amber Davis

Sharon Dennis

Eileen Edwards

Ruby Elder

Claire Fairchild

Debbie Faison

Mary Farley

Teri Lynn Ferentz

Glenn Fleming

Kathleen Foor

Dorothy Garza

Twakia George

Karla Gibbs

Laverne Golden

Stephanie Gudz

Cenneta Gunn

Patricia Haden

Linda Harvey

Sandra Hawthorne

Elizabeth Hedges

London Hedges

Brian Hickson

Denise Hickson

Mary Hightower

Claren Hill

Colette Hilliard

Creola Howard

Janet Jamieson

Lynette Jankowski

Gloria Johnson

Pauline I. Johnson

Carolyn Jones

Lorrie Kasych

Deborah King

Marilynn Lambert

Karen Lawburgh

Carol Lee

Audrey Lenig James Lewis

Rachel Lewis

Suzanne Maynard

Barbara McCarty

Robert McCarty

Towanda McCray

Dennis McShurley

Judy Parham

Rufus Parham

Cynthia Parker

Verdis Parks

Valerie Porter-Boyce

Doretha PresleyBenson

Paulette Rameau

Ruth Reed-Dorsett

Beverly Riley

Kirk Roane

Sandra Roane

Martha Jane Roark

Dianne Robinson

Linda Rumold

Wanda Rutledge

Charmaine Samuels

Faye Sanford

Beverly Schlitzkus

Sandra Scott

Sabrina Shine

Nancy Shipman

Miriam Short

Nancy Sills

Louise Simmons

Mary Simonton

Barbara Singleton

Sylvia Sledge

John Soltau

Tessie Soltau

Alice Spengler

Gail Stafford

John Stafford

Nancy Story

Verlyn Tamlin

Edweena Thomas

Corey Thompson

Karin Thompson

Rita Thompson

Silvia Thompson

Carolyn Tigner

Willie Tigner

Mike Turner

Sandi Voyles

Claudette Wade

Katherine Walker

Richard Walker

Meredith Walters

Geraldine Watson

Howard Watson

Matilda White

Stephanie Wiley

Carol Williams

Jane Wilson

Yulane Wilson

Patricia Young

VOLUNTEERS CELEBRATING 20+ SEASONS

Ann Carlisle

Laura Chandler

Pat Etemadi

Shirley Harris

Jan Knowles

Patty Lin

Linda Nerness

Joyce Richburg

Dolores Sanchez

Rose Slonaker

Thankyou!

2023-24 RIVERCENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Norman S. Easterbrook executive director

Stephanie Hunter president

Tom Titus past president

William Kendall ex officio

Brad Clements treasurer

Mollie Smith executive committee member at large

Joseph Brannan

Mike Burns

Adrian J. Chester

Joanne Cogle

Austin Gibson

Jeri Hawthorne

M. Scott Hill

Kayron Laska

John Laughbaum

Richard Sears

Glenda Sexton

John T. Sims

Cindy Sparks

Ty Webb

Steve White

2023-24 RIVERCENTER INC. ADMINISTRATION & STAFF

EXECUTIVE GROUP

Norman S. Easterbrook, Executive Director, CEO

Carrie Corbett, Director of Marketing

John (J.D.) Davis, Director of Production

Denise D. Dowdy, Director of Development

Stefan Hagedorn, Director of Finance and Administration

Robin Peacock, Director of Facility and Event Operations

Jim Rutland, Program Director

Latisha Wells, Director of Patron and Customer Services

BUSINESS AFFAIRS

Stefan Hagedorn, Director of Finance and Administration

Shannon Preston, Finance Manager

Berkley Beach, Executive Assistant

Sarah Winter, Business Affairs Assistant

BOX OFFICE

Rachel Elliott, Box Office Manager

Kaitlin Hartley, Lead Box Office Ticketing Associate

Isabelle King, Box Office Ticketing Associate

Sarah Osorio, Box Office Ticketing Associate

DEVELOPMENT

Denise Dowdy, Director of Development

Cheryl Roberts, Development Assistant

MARKETING

Carrie Corbett, Director of Marketing

Lauren Bonaker, Marketing Manager

OPERATIONS

Robin Peacock, Director of Facility and Event Operations

Latisha Wells, Director of Patron and Customer Services

Joshua Clemmons, Security Lead

Ishmun Holcomb, Events and Facilities Coordinator

Sable McCulley, Security Lead

PRODUCTION

John (J.D.) Davis, Director of Production

Lance Fraker, Technical Director

Dan Gray, Audio Coordinator

Kyle Gray, Head Flyman

John Land, Stage Manager/Steward

Kyle Patton, Lighting Coordinator

PROGRAMMING AND EDUCATION

Jim Rutland, Program Director

Kayla Forgrave, ArtsReach Coordinator

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

COVID-19 Protocols

The safety and well-being of our patrons, staff and artists remains RiverCenter’s top priority. We continue to monitor CDC Covid guidelines and area Covid cases and make updates as needed. RiverCenter continues its enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols and, at the current time, masks are welcomed, but not required for patrons or staff. Hand sanitizers are located throughout the lobby.

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ENTERING THE BUILDING IF YOU'RE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS OR HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH ANYONE WHO TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 IN THE PAST 15 DAYS: FEVER, COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR OTHER RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS.

Box Office & Parking

BOX OFFICE: The box office at RiverCenter, located at the corner of Broadway and Tenth Street, is open Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It opens two hours before each performance and remains open through intermission. The box office is not open on federal holidays unless there is an event that day.

FREE PARKING: Parking is available in the parking garage directly in front of RiverCenter, 900 Broadway. Parking for those with disabilities is available in front of our main entrance. The garage is managed by the City of Columbus, not RiverCenter.

House Rules

NO BABIES IN ARMS: Everyone attending a ticketed event, including all children regardless of age, must have a ticket.

BACKSTAGE AREAS RESTRICTED: For safety and security and out of respect for performers’ privacy, patrons are not given access to backstage areas before or after performances.

HOUSE OPENING AND LATE ARRIVALS: RiverCenter’s Grand Lobby opens two hours prior to events and seating begins 30 minutes to one hour before curtain. At the discretion of house management and in compliance with artists’ contractual agreements, latecomers will be seated at appropriate intervals during events. Latecomers may be seated near the entry doors out of courtesy to performers and other patrons.

PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT: Please be courteous and turn off devices such as cell phones and pagers. Photography and recording is prohibited in the theatres.

SMOKE-FREE POLICY: RiverCenter is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is permitted in outdoor areas only. Thank you for your cooperation.

Special Services

ELEVATOR: A patron elevator is located between the entrances to Bill Heard Theatre and Studio Theatre.

WHEELCHAIRS: Wheelchairs are available for patrons needing help getting to or from seating. Ushers will provide assistance.

AUDIO AIDS: Subject to availability, infrared listening devices are available for hearing impaired patrons. This system has recently been upgraded for improved convenience and audibility. Please see an usher to direct you to where you can get further information and a device to use this new feature at RiverCenter.

LOST AND FOUND: Found items should be given to an usher for storing with RiverCenter Security. These items are retained by security for 30 days and then donated. Owners may claim lost items by calling 706.256.3630 during regular business hours.

BAR SERVICE: Please visit concessions and order from the many beverage and snack options that we have available. Cups with lids, and twist top plastic bottled items purchased from the bar are permitted inside of the theatre. Outside food and beverages are not permitted in the theatre.

Official beverage of RiverCenter

In Case of Emergency

FIRE NOTICE: Exits are indicated by red “exit” signs. In case of fire or other emergency, please do not run, but walk to the exit nearest to your seat.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS: The RiverCenter emergency phone number is 706.256.3630 and is accessible during event hours. Please provide this number and your seat location to your personal contacts or child care providers. If an emergency should happen during an event please locate the nearest usher or security team member.

Rent a Venue

BILL HEARD THEATRE, STUDIO THEATRE, AND/OR LEGACY HALL: Call 706.256.3607 regarding availability of specific dates on the RiverCenter master calendar. Complete rental fees and policies can be found on rivercenter.org.

PATRONS ROOM: The Patrons Room on the mezzanine level may be reserved for private functions by RiverCenter Members and Partners. For information call Jim Rutland at 706.256.3607.

ILLGES PLAZA: Event and green space on 10th St. on North Side of Center may be reserved for special events. Call 706.256.3607.

Important Numbers

TICKET INFORMATION

The RiverCenter box office has tickets available for these series and events: Broadway on Broadway, Center Stage, RiverCenter ArtsReach, ArtsReach Matinees, The Wave Theatre Organ Series and the Family Series. Tickets also are available for programs presented by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, CSU Schwob School of Music, and various third-party presenters. The box office accepts cash, and all major credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

SEASON TICKETS: Season tickets may be purchased at the box office, by telephone 706.256.3612 or with order forms in RiverCenter publications and mailings. Season subscriptions can be purchased with savings up to 30% off single seat prices.

MY SERIES PACKAGE: Tickets to RiverCenter events may be purchased at a 20% savings as a My Series Package. A My Series Package consists of at least one ticket to at least five events per patron.

GIFT CERTIFICATES: Available yearround in any dollar amount at the RiverCenter box office.

SINGLE TICKETS: Single tickets to individual RiverCenter events may be purchased without a service charge at the box office at the corner of Broadway and Tenth Street. For a service charge, tickets also may be purchased online at rivercenter.org

TICKETS AT THE DOOR: Tickets to events that are not sold-out may be purchased at the box office beginning two hours before the start of the event.

GROUP DISCOUNTS: Most RiverCenter events offer discounts on individual tickets sold to groups of 10 or more. For information call 706.256.3612.

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS: Patrons must come to the box office to take advantage of most special promotions and discounts with presentation of appropriate ID. Military, Public Service, Educator and Senior discounts are available on single ticket purchases to most events. Student Rush prices are available all day on the day-of-show at most events. Patrons using vouchers or gift certificates should note deadlines and restrictions that apply. No refunds are given for ticket price variances or special offers.

Applause, the program guide for RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, is published periodically by RiverCenter, Inc. and distributed to patrons of season shows.

Each issue includes program and performer information for a group of contemporaneous performances and general information about RiverCenter programming, facilities, donor members, sponsors and staff.

START UP TOURS

Economic Impact Community Influence

3 $ 1.5M Generating ECONOMIC IMPACT

$471,731 (Taxes and Licenses)

GIVING $674,154 (includes sponsors and grants)

DONORS 241

185,700

PATRONS IN ATTENDANCE

$5.8M GOVERNMENT REVENUE SHARE

EveryVisit Counts WEBSITE VISITS

25,025

660,000+ SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS

At the Theatre

619

7,200

VOLUNTEER HOURS

HOUSEHOLD INCOME GENERATED $4.3M EVENTS

Each season, several touring shows launch their first national performance from RiverCenter, bringing in more than $1.5 million to the Columbus economy. These shows arrive several weeks prior to the performance dates, to conduct pre-tour activities. The City of Columbus receives an enormous economic benefit from travel, hotels, restaurants, parking, and other businesses patronized by both cast and crew.

Aside from providing great entertainment, performance space, and support services for several area arts organizations, RiverCenter plays an important role in our local economy. As calculated by the Americans for the Arts Economic Impact Calculator, RiverCenter activities result in more than $5.8 million in economic activity. This supports 189 full-time equivalent jobs, represents over $4.3 million in local household income, and generates $471,731 in state an local government revenue.

If you are interested in strengthening the impact of RiverCenter, please contact our Director of Development, Denise Dowdy, at 706-256-3653 or development@rivercenter.org, or visit our website at rivercenter.org.