Beautiful The Carole King Musical

Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts

PRESENTS

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL

Musical by Douglas McGrath

Jesse Duplechain

Ben Anderson

Tonya Washington

Robert Marcotte

Ray Dewey

Kenneth Perry, Jr.

Vanessa Singleton

Jaden Darby

Lindsey Senette

Larkin Cashen

Stage Manager

Adrian Kyle-Watson

Sound Technician

Ed "Tiger" Verdin

Set Construction

Rick Lorenzo

Lyrics by Gerry Goffin

Carole King

with

Carolyn Higdon

Allison Jones

Adrian Kyle-Watson

Tyler Verdin

Todd Buteaux

Joshua Wright

Briana Lewis

Gabrielle Hebert

Kelsey August

Sara Leblanc

Amelia Reynolds

Asst. Stage Mgr.

Amanda Crawford

Lighting Technician

Mackenzie Olivarez

Master Technician

Bret Casselman

Publicity, Graphics, Video

Ed "Tiger" Verdin

Ben Anderson

Choreographed by

LaDaisha Bowles Webber

J.J. "Zsa" Thomas

Vocal Director

Jesse Duplechain

Assistant Director

Ben Anderson

Directed by Diane Wiltz

Lyrics by Barry Mann

Cynthia Weil

Deric Anslum

Amanda Crawford

LaDaisha Webber

John Kahl

J.J. "Zsa" Thomas

Dorothy Douglas

Armani Bais

Kyla Provost

Ethan Verdin

Stage Grips Cast

Spotlight Operator Allie Schrock

Prop Designer

Jonas Buteaux

So Far Away

Carole King

Oh Carol Neil Sedaka

1650 Broadway Medley Ensemble

It Might as Well Rain Until September Carole King

Be-Bop-A-Lula Ensemble

Some Kind of Wonderful

Happy Days Are Here Again

Take Good Care of My Baby

Who Put the Bomp

Will You Love Me Tomorrow

He's Sure the Boy I Love

Will You Love Me Tomorrow

Up on the Roof

Carole King, Gerry Goffin and The Drifters

Cynthia Weil

Gerry Goffin and Carole King

Barry Mann

Carole King

Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann

The Shirelles

Gerry Goffin and The Drifters

On Broadway The Drifters

The Locomotion Little Eva and Ensemble

You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling

One Fine Day

Chains

Walking in the Rain

Pleasant Valley Sunday

We Gotta Get Out of This Place

Will You Love Me Tomorrow (Reprise)

Uptown

It's Too Late

You've Got a Friend

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

Beautiful

I Feel the Earth Move

Act II

Barry Mann and The Righteous Brothers

Janelle, Backup Singers and Carole King

Carole King and Ensemble

Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil

Marilyn Wald, Gerry Goffin and Ensemble

Barry Mann

Carole King

Uptown Singer and Ensemble

Carole King and Ensemble

Carole King, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Don Kirshner

Carole King and Ensemble

Carole King and Company

Carole King and Company

CAST

Cast Members

Carole King Carolyn Higdon

Gerri Goiffin Jesse Duplechain

Cynthia Weil Allison Jones

Barry Mann Deric Anslum

Donny Kirshner Ben Anderson

Genie Kline/Marilyn Adrain Kyle-Watson

Lucille Amanda Crawford

Neil Sedaka/Righteous Bros. Robert Marcotte

Little Eva/Barmaid Tonia Washington

Righteous Brother Todd Buteaux

Janelle Wald/The Shirelles LaDaisha Webber

Nick/Lou Adler John Kahl

Gene Vincent/NBC Cameraman Tyler Verdin

The Drifters Kenneth Perry

The Drifters J.J. "Zsa" Thomas

The Drifters Joshua Wright

The Drifters/Asst. Engineer Ray Dewey

The Shirelles Briana Lewis

The Shirelles Dorothy Douglas

The Shirelles Vanessa Singleton

Betty Gabrielle Hebert

Stage Manager Ethan Verdin

Bobby Darin Larkin Cashen

Locomotion Dancers

Kelsey August

Amelia Reynolds

Armani Bais

Jaden Darby

Sara Leblanc

Lindsey Senette

Kyla Provost

CREW

Creative Team

Director Diane Wiltz

Assistant Director Ben Anderson

Vocal Director Jesse Duplechain

Choreographer LaDaisha Webber

Choreographer J.J. "Zsa" Thomas

Stage Manager Adrian Kyle-Watson

Assistant Stage Manager Amanda Crawford

Junior Stage Manager Ethan Verdin

Stage Crew Cast/Ensemble of Beautiful

Sound Technician Ed "Tiger" Verdin

Lighting Technician Mackenzie Oliverez

Spotlight Operator Allie Schrock

Set Construction Rick Lorenzo

Master Technician Bret Casselman

Prop Designer Jonas Buteaux

Publicity/Graphics/Playbill Ed "Tiger" Verdin

Publicity/Videography/Photography Ben Anderson

WHO'S WHO

Carolyn Higdon as Carole King

A resident of Franklin and Licensed Therapist for Teche Action Clinic is no stranger to the stage. A few major roles she has portrayed: Amanda (The Glass Menagerie) Viola (Twelth Night) Gypsy Rose Lee (Gypsy) Tracy Turnblad (Hairspray) Mylnn (Steel Magnolias) Sister Robert Anne (Nunsense) Dorthy (The Wiz) Mary (Vanities) Jessie (The Gay Play) and many, many more. She has also directed and choreographed productions (The Odd Couple) (13 The Musical). Currently serves on the Teche Theatre Board of Directors. She dedicates her performance "to my family who has made my life truly beautiful."

Jesse Duplechain as Gerri Goiffin

A resident of Loreauville and current student, Jesse, has been an active volunteer with the Teche Theatre for quite some time. Notable roles previously played are Tom (The Glass Menagerie) Rudolpho (Matilda the Musical) Lord Farquaad (Shrek the Musical) Paperboy (A Streetcar Named Desire) just to mention a few. He would like to dedicate his performance to Jackie Segura.

Allison Jones as Cynthia Weil

Allison is a current Talented Theatre teacher with the St. Mary Parish school system. A veteran of the stage a few notable roles are Joanne (Vanities) and her most treasured role as Blanche (A Streetcar Named Desire). Allison has also directed many productions such as The Glass Menagerie. She would like to dedicate her performance to her little family Ben, Gina and Jasper.

Deric Anslum as Barry Mann

Making his theatrical debut Deric is a resident of Morgan City where he works as a Painting Contractor. Deric is no stranger to the stage with 34 years experience as a drummer, 22 years as a vocalist, 14 years as a guitarist with various local bands. Deric dedicates his performance to his beautiful wife Kera and mother Lanell for decades of inspiration and support.

WHO'S WHO

Ben Anderson as Donny Kirshner

No longer a novice Ben set his sights on his second role with the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts. His inaugural role being this past Christmas portraying Joseph/Mr. Potter (It's a Wonderful Life). Ben volunteers his services as a videographer/photographer for the Teche Theatre. He would like to dedicate his performance to Allison and their pets.

Adrain Kyle-Watson as Genie Kline/Marilyn

A resident of Morgan City where she works as a mental health professional. Adriane is no stranger to the Teche stage having played Fiona (Shrek the Musical) and Jean Louise (To Kill a Mockingbird). She has also portrayed Ann Putnam (The Crucible) at Thibodaux Playhouse. Recently discovering her love of stage crew this summer she will serve as stage manager for (Grease) at Thibodaux Playhouse. She would like to dedicate her performance to her daughter and future starlet, Evelyn "Lil Cornbread" Knapp.

Amanda Crawford as Lucille

Amanda's theatre credits began with Summer Fine Arts Camp at Centenary College (Louisiana Purchase)(The Reluctant Dragon)(Charlotte's Web). Beautiful is her first theatrical performance as an adult. Amanda is married to Father Stephen Crawford and they have four beautiful children. Amanda dedicates her performance to her parents especially her mom who loves Carole King!

Robert

Marcotte as Neil Sedaka/Righteous

Bros.

Robert is making his Teche Theatre debut as Neil Sedaka and one of the Righteous Brothers. Robert is married to Heather Marcotte and have 2 beautiful children, Kaitlyn and Kaleb. He is dedicating his performance to his wife, Heather.

WHO'S WHO

Tonia Washington as Little Eva/Barmaid

Originating from the New Orleans area, Tania, began sharing her talents through various art forms from a young age, including community productions, dancing, and singing. She made her Teche Theatre debut as Asst. Director(The Glass Menagerie). In 2022 she was Stage Manager and played the role of Chisom in the award winning musical (The Quarters) which earned Best Musical and Best Ensemble Performance from Broadway World. She is a member of Brilliant Women in Film, taking on multiple roles such as Production Assistant, Craft Services, Registration Director, Special Effects Make Up. She was Assistant Director in the movie (Trapped) and Script Supervisor for (Wrath) She is a mother to Savion, a social worker, and an educator. She resides in Morgan City.

Todd Buteaux as Righteous Brother

Graduate of Franklin High Class of 93 Todd was accepted to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood where he studed acting, singing and dancing. After graduation he got involved with several theatre productions. He was nominated for Best Actor by the prestigious Los Angelas Critics Circle Awards for his role in The Angels of Lemnos along with other nominations. He went on to be a part of several independent films and continued to study acting and directing. He moved back to South Louisiana with his family and continues his lifelong passion for the art of acting and entertainment. He thanks and dedicates his performance to his with Rina, for her love and support and his two girls, Nola & Akari, for being his constant sunshine.

LaDaisha Webber as Janelle Wald/The Shirelles

A Talented Theatre Teacher in St. Mary Parish LaDaisha is a veteran actor at the Teche Theatre as well as a Board Member. With a large resume some notable performances are Maggie the Cat(Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) Black Widow(Annie Warbucks) Noni (The Quarters) (Scandalous-A.Gibson Prod.) Assistant Director (Steel Magnolias) Award winning choreographer for (The Quarters) and Instructor of the City of Franklin's Bayou Beaux Summer Dance Program since 2010. The wife of Dale Webber and mother of Harlem Webber. She dedicates her performance to her aunt the late mother Sandra G. Jacobs.

WHO'S WHO

John Kahl as Nick/Lou Adler

John began acting on the Teche Theatre stage after bringing his son to rehearsals. John has been in all the Murder Mystery productions (Dead Cypress)(The Lawful and Lawless)(The Rise and Fall of the Realm) and continues playing "Nick" and "Lou Adler" in Beautiful. John would like to dedicate his performance to his wife, Quinn, and his boys... Ethan, Brooks, Jax

Tyler Verdin as Gene Vincent/NBC Cameraman

Growing up inside the Teche Theatre Tyler's love for theatre and music impacted his life. Beginning with (The Wiz) as a Kalidah to Young Scrooge (Christmas Carol) multiple roles in (It's a Wonderful Life)(Yes, Virginia...Santa Clause) or at Hanson Memorial Drama Department's (The Odd Couple) as Roy. He has also been at the forefront of supporting his dad's original productions Firefighter(Undying Love) or Sound/Lighting Tech(The Quarters)(The Forgotten Healer). Tyler has been volunteering with the Teche since 2014 and can be seen here anytime the doors are open volunteering alongside his mom, dad, brothers and sister. Tyler dedicates his performance to God and his amazing, talented family.

Kenneth Perry as The Drifters

Kenneth is an award winning Composer (The Quarters) and has starred in two other productions here at the Teche Theatre (Fences) (Bayou Storm Rising). Kenneth is married to Majiken Perry and they have 4 beautiful children in which he dedicates his performance to them.

J.J. "Zsa" Thomas as The Drifters

A resident of Four Corners is the CEO of Indigo Capital, Inc in Franklin. Zsa's a veteran of the Teche stage and beyond with notable productions as a featured dancer in the world premier of (The Secret River) Opera. Choreographer in (In the Heights) Jack (Into the Woods) and more. Tonight's performance is dedicated to God, family, beloved friends and community.

WHO'S WHO

Joshua Wright as The Drifters

Joshua aka Gospel Jukebox is a resident of New Iberia makes his Teche Theatre debut tonight. However no stranger to the stage notable performance in (Along the Nile)(The Crouch)(What Women do to Men)(What Men do to Women)(The Funeral)(A Raisin in the Sun)(Halie:The Mahalia Jackson Musical).He dedicates this performance to God, his family and friends who all support him.

Ray Dewey as The Drifters/Asst. Engineer

Ray is a native of Patterson and currently elected to the Patterson City Council. Tonight he is making his stage debut as a member of The Drifters and Assistant Engineer. Ray would like to dedicate his performance to his mother, Mary Crosby.

Briana Lewis as The Shirelles

No stranger to the Teche Theatre stage this Morgan City native has been lighting up our community with many roles such as The Dynamites (Hairspray) Ensemble (Shrek the Musical) Kathy (Vanities) Truvy Jones (Steel Magnolias). Tonight is no different as a member of The Shirelles. Briana wold like to didicate her performance to her Teche Theatre family that loves her so much!

Dorothy Douglas as The Shirelles

Dorothy is a Morgan City native and making her theatrical debut tonight as a member of The Shirelles! But no stranger to a stage where whe performs live poetry, public speaker and a singer with the "Get Cha Sum" Band. She is also a freelance writer. Dorothy would like to dedicate her performance to her late mother Patricia and her daughters.

Vanessa Singleton as The Shirelles

A Talented Theatre teacher in St. Mary Parish Vanessa can also be seen on stage throughout SMP as well. She has performed in A. Gibson Productions of (Scandalous)(Betrayal)(After the Love is Gone)(After the Love is Gone 2). Tonight she makes her Teche Theatre debut as one of The Shirelles. She dedicates her performance to her late mother, Hazel Captville.

WHO'S WHO

Gabrielle Hebert as Betty

Gabrielle is teacher and sponsors of Hanson Memorial's Drama Department. She has recently portrayed Stella (Streetcar Name Desire) Mary (It's a Wonderful Life) and Laura (The Glass Menagerie). Very competitive she and her family are back to back winners of the City of Franklin's Christmas Golf Cart Contest. Gabby is dedicating her performance to Carolyn Higdon for being her best friend on stage and life.

Ethan Verdin as Stage Manager

Ethan has grown up inside the Teche Theatre and follows in his family's footsteps with his love for the arts. As a student athelete at Hanson Memorial he is a member of the Tiger Football, Track team and Drama Department. At age of 8 he played Tiny Tim (A Christmas Carol) and continued with many productions. (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)(To Kill A Mockingbird)(HMS Christmas Carol)(Clue)(The Odd Couple). Tonight he joins the Beautiful ensemble in the role as "stage manager" and an actual Junior Stage Manager. He dedicates his performance to his famiy for their constant love and support.

Larkin Cashen as Bobby Darin

Larkin is a Gifted and Talented Student in the St. Mary Parish School System. He recently performed at the Teche Theatre for the St. Mary Parish Arts Jam. We are thankful to Larkin for gracing us with his talents for Beautiful. He would like to dedicate his performance to his family.

Locomotion Dancers as Locomotion Dancers

Kelsey August; Amelia Reynolds; Armani Bais; Jaden Darby; Sara Leblanc; Lindsey Senette; Kyla Provost...light up the Teche Theatre stage as ensemble dancers. The young women have worked tirelessly to not only dance but help backstage. We are honored to have them as a part of this production!

CREW WHO'S WHO

Diane Wiltz Director

Diane is a charter member of the Teche Theatre Board of Directors. Her many years of theatre include acting, directing as well as playwrighting. She would like to dedicate this show to her husband, Gary, whose unwavering love has always been "some kind of wonderful".

Ben Anderson Assistant Director

Too humble to allow a headshot or extended bio Ben has given his time and talents to the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts for several years. Many photos and our amazing video were the products from Desert Locust Media which Ben spearheads.

Jesse Duplechain Vocal Director

A humble, gentle spirit Jesse has volunteered many countless hours into the music as well as his character for this production of Beautiful. Pushing people beyond what they feel is possible for them and helping them feel comfortable singing outside of their percieved range. Tonight's vocal performances are a testiment of the artists God given talents and Jesse's coaching.

LaDaisha Webber Choreographer

Broadway World Award Winning Choreographer for (The Quarters) LaDaisha has headed the E.L.I.T.E Dance Company for over a decade for the City of Franklin's Bayou Beaux Summer Dance Program which exposes underserved populations to Dance, Art and Theatre. Giving back to the community through the arts is her passion.

J.J. "Zsa" Thomas Choreographer

"Zsa" has been a major force at the Teche Theatre since high school. Although college and a professional theatre career took "Zsa" to Orlando they have found their way home back to the Teche Theatre stage to once again share the deep passion of arts and theatre.

CREW WHO'S WHO

Adrian Kyle-Watson Stage Manager

Adrian has been a force both onstage and backstage for us at the Teche Theatre since she first stepped foot in Franklin. Not only double cast for this show she also stepped up as Stage Manager for this very fast paced production.

Amanda Crawford Assistant Stage Manager

This self-proclaimed homemaker, humble in spirit, is ready to embrace her role as "Lucille" and also stepped into the role as Assistant Stage Manager for this production. You will find Amanda throughout Franklin volunteering in many ways especially with the Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts and more.

Ethan Verdin Junior Stage Manager

Although his first love is being in a helmet and pads on a football field with the stage coming in a very close second. Ethan stepped into the role of Junior Stage Manager with his role as "stage manager" in the production. Type casted? Maybe.

Cast/Ensemble of Beautiful Stage Crew

The work horses of this production act, sing and dance as well as ensure items from a telephone to a baby grand piano gets set into its proper place. Much like a Nascar pit crew you will see their movement with and without light keeping the pace of this production.

Ed "Tiger" Verdin Sound Technician

Award winning Playwright and Director "Tiger" is a proud volunteer along with his family at the Teche Theatre. Whether on stage or off you can find his family helping the theatre operate anytime the doors are open. He is thankful to his Teche Theatre family, Mrs. Diane Wiltz and his wife Stacey along with their children, Tyler, Connor, Ethan & Ryleigh. #SupportTheArts

CREW WHO'S WHO

Mackenzie Oliverez Lighting Technician

Mackenzie became involved with the Teche Theatre at a very early age and learned the lighting and sound board as a teen. Recently she was awarded Best Lighting Design for (The Quarters) for the Regional Broadway World Awards. Mackenzie continues to volunteer her time to make an impact on our community through the Arts.

Allie Schrock Spotlight Operator

Allie made her Teche Theatre debut onstage as the Foley artist this past Christmas (It's A Wonderful Life). This will be Allie's first time as part of the Tech Crew with the Teche Theatre. Allie is a Gifted/ Talented Student in St. Mary Parish and is an amazing visual artist. We are grateful for her volunteerism.

Rick Lorenzo Set Construction

Either on stage with a guitar and microphone or now with a drill and wood Rick was recruited by Diane Wiltz to build the platform used in this production. A master carpenter, Rick, has rehabbed buildings in Franklin such as the Lamp Post, Lamplighter Coffeehouse, and Lamp State Ice Cream Shoppe. Catch Rick performing around Franklin soon! We are thankful for his support!

Bret Casselman Master Technician

Bret has been Master Builder for many decades going back to the "Franklin Little Theatre" days at Hanson and Franklin High. From changing lighting, building sets and trouble shooting everything Bret is our "go to" when something is needed. Not only decades of volunteerism Bret is also a sponsor of many our productions through donation of construction materials.

Jonas Buteaux Prop Designer

A member of the Teche Theatre Board Jonas is also playwright of all our original Murder Mystery productions. Jonas has built sets, props and does anything needed for the Teche Theatre to operate. He and his family can be seen both on and off stage at the Teche. He serves also serves as a travel football coach in the Youngsville area.

CREW WHO'S WHO

Ed "Tiger" Verdin

It's almost SHOWTIME! Please remember to support the Arts....every production, every concert, every performance! Thank you for Supporting the Arts and Arts Education in Franklin simply by purchasing a ticket!

Ben Anderson

Dr. Gary Wiltz

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Mayor Eugene Foulcard

Jonas Buteaux

Damian Robison

Patrick Parker

Terrence Matthews

Don Allen Foulcard

Tony Jones

Belva Notto & City of Franklin Public Works Department

Sandi Adams

Tyler Verdin

Stacey Verdin

Ryleigh Verdin

Joseph Folse

John Higdon, Jr.

Sheri Higdon

Moses Charles

The entire Cast & Crew of Beautiful

Family & Friends of the Cast & Crew

Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts Board of Directors

END NOTES

Notes from the Director:

With a heart of gratitude, I would like to first thank God for his guidance and protection throughout this process. Without His grace and mercy, we would not be able to bring you this show. Next, I would like to thank my wonderful cast and crew. It never ceases to amaze me seeing the incrdibly talented people we have right here in our midst. Thank you for letting your light shine for the workd to see God's glory. I'd like to thank all those who worked tirelessly to bring this show to fruition - whether it was hauling, building, fixing, repariting, creating, promoting, engineering...whatever part you played - I am eternally grateful.

I want to thank our loyal patrons who support our efforts. Without your support, we would not be able to do what we enjoy. To the family and friends of our cast and crew - thank you for sharing your loved one with us for the last 3 months. Your patience throughout this process did not go unnoticed. And finally, I’d like to thank my husband for indulging me to do what I love - this beautiful thing called THEATER!!

-- Diane