Aug. 20–25
MAKE YOUR SUMMER NIGHTS
Elevated Nissan Nissan Rogue
Welcome to Starlight and an unforgettable evening of breathtaking music and dance with the Broadway classic West Side Story! As Starlight’s only self-produced show of the year, you’re about to see some incredible local and national talent on our historic stage. Behind the scenes, we were lucky to work with Broadway legend Baayork Lee as the director of this production. This marks Baayork’s return to Starlight for the first time in more than 20 years – previously, she choreographed Starlight’s production of Miss Saigon in 2000. For those of you that have been coming to Starlight a long time, you may recall that was the first show after the Cohen Community Stage House was enclosed to allow for the nationally-touring productions and live concerts we enjoy today!
Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and brought to life with iconic choreography and music, West Side Story has captivated audiences since its debut on Broadway more than 65 years ago. It is a timeless, heart-wrenching story of Tony and Maria, two young lovers caught in the crossfire of gang rivalry. Their tale of forbidden love and the hope for a better future reminds us of the power of love and the consequences of prejudice and hatred.
While I’ve enjoyed countless productions of West Side Story over the years, its impact has changed over time. I remember what it meant to me as the first show my high school produced when young love seemed like something that could overcome any obstacle. Today, the tragedy of what it means to let our differences divide us, brought to life by some of the most beautiful music written for the stage, is what stays with me the most. I can’t wait for you to hear it soaring over the towers here at Starlight.
Whatever you take away from tonight’s story, know that your theatre experience from the time you arrive until the end of the performance is made possible by talented artists and crew members alongside dedicated staff and volunteers. Thank you for being a part of our mission to connect the community through live arts experiences that entertain, inspire, and engage!
Now, let West Side Story transport you to the gritty streets of New York City and into a world of love and tragedy through unforgettable music and dance. Thank you for choosing live theatre at Starlight – a uniquely Kansas City tradition. Enjoy the show!
Lindsey Rood-Clifford President + C.E.O.
Publisher Rachel Lewis Falcon Sales and Marketing ......................................... Christin Painter
Graphic Design/Production .......... BurningStar Studios, LLC
STARLIGHT Consultants
V.P. of Marketing + Sales ...................... Bess Wallerstein Huff
Director of Marketing ............................................. Rachel Bliss
Graphic Designer ....................................................... Grace Linn
The Independent Magazine 2400 W. 75th St., Suite 120 | Prairie Village, KS 66208 The Starlight Theatre program guides are a publication of the Performing Arts Division of the Independent Magazine. Information in this publication was carefully compiled to ensure accuracy. However, the publisher does not assume responsibility for accuracy. Editorial program content was provided by Starlight Theatre. Copyright by the Independent Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
Built to care. Driven to cure.
Kansas City’s newest home for state-of-the-art cancer care is here. The AdventHealth Cancer Institute offers everything patients need all in one place – including leading-edge technology with the first and only MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy in the KC region. Here, you’ll find a dedicated team that champions you, your cancer journey and the human spirit. Visit CancerCareKC.com to learn more.
2024-25 Starlight Board of Directors
Officers
Howard Cohen
Chair
Sabrina Wiewel
Vice Chair
Mark Fortino
Immediate Past Chair
Directors
Jeff Anthony
Denise Bade
Cathy Baier
Wendy Burgess
Jeff Carson
Joni Cobb
Michael Collins
Michael Condon
Toby Cook
Aviva Ajmera
Mark Coulter
Nikki Emison
Amy Guerich
Robert Hingula
Kevin Kelly
Monica Curls
Michelle Davidson
Bratcher
Jill Farrell
Anita B. Gorman
Lisa Hays
Richard Heise
Heather Jones
Tondee Lutterman
Ex-Officio Past Chairs
Charles W. Battey
Robert A. Bernstein
Dianne Cleaver
James D. Dawson
Steve Doyal
Peggy J. Dunn
Greg M. Graves
Shirley Bush Helzberg
Jack W. Kennedy
Michael F. Morrissey
Mike Lanning
Vanessa Vaughn West
Carey Wilkins
Robert Wolf
Ramsey Mohsen
Dr. Troy Nash
Dean Newton
Diane O’Byrne
Tempe Ostergren Elsberry
Emily Tilgner
Mark Van Dyne
John Murphy
Ora Reynolds
Carolyn Watley
W. Russell Welsh
We Invite You to Share in the Guest Experience
Volunteer as a Starlight Ambassador
Our Ambassadors serve as essential volunteers that support our guest experience services and assist with:
Usher Duties + Seating Guests
Guest Information Services
Horticulture + Groundskeeping
Ticket Scanning + Audience Assistance
Starlight’s volunteer Ambassadors have been a Kansas City legacy since 1959. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Starlight relies on the dedication of its Ambassadors to fulfill our mission of providing exceptional performing arts experiences. We invite you to help us preserve this KC entertainment tradition. Volunteering at Starlight Theatre provides a host of networking opportunities, invitations to events, and complimentary tickets to Broadway performances.
Please join us by sharing your time supporting one of Kansas City’s oldest performing arts venues. For more information about becoming a Starlight Ambassador, visit kcstarlight.com/volunteer or email our Volunteer Coordinator at ambassadors@kcstarlight.com.
Learn more about this $40 million campaign by scanning the QR code! DARE TO BE DIFFERENT WITH
Through capital improvements and new community programs, Starlight will continue to be the home for accessible live arts experiences for generations to come.
The City of Kansas City, Missouri
Hall Family Foundation
Levy Restaurants
Sunderland Foundation
The State of Missouri
Thank you to our donors of $1 million+ who have pledged their support to Uniquely KC!
• Jurassic Park TM in Concert
SEPTEMBER 20-22
• Dionne Warwick (One Night Only!) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
• Psycho TM in Concert OCTOBER 15-16
• Disney’s Hocus Pocus TM in Concert OCTOBER 25-27
• Fun Holiday Concerts for the entire family. NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
NOW! (816) 471-0400
HONORING BOB ROHLF A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AT STARLIGHT
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former President + C.E.O. Bob Rohlf on March 4 in Phoenix, AZ. Bob led Starlight from 1980 to 2008, stabilizing its budget and summer programming and ensuring its vital role in Kansas City’s arts and culture scene. His commitment is evident in the 10-story Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage House and more than $32 million in improvements to the theatre.
Bob’s legacy includes the Bob Rohlf Internship Program, named in his honor upon his retirement in 2008. His passion for education and mentorship influenced countless young professionals, including our current President + C.E.O., Lindsey Rood-Clifford.
“It’s odd when you find yourself in this position and you’re trying to figure out how to say ‘goodbye’ and yet I don’t think I can ever say ‘goodbye’ to this organization. I’m just too close to it.”
-Bob Rohlf to KCUR, September 2008
Bob’s dedication and vision continue to inspire us, and his spirit will forever be a part of Starlight. Donations in his memory can be made at kcstarlight.com/rohlfdonations or by calling (816) 997-1159.
Thank you to those who have already made a gift in honor of Bob: kcstarlight.com/starlight-remembers-bob-rohlf
BY THE NUMBERS EACH YEAR
260,000+ guests visit Starlight Theatre.
100+ live performances occur including Broadway, Concerts, and other events.
200+ volunteers provide 5,700+ hours of service.
160 nonprofit organizations receive more than 13,000 free tickets to performances at Starlight Theatre through our Community Tickets program.
30,000+ people engage with community programs.
PERFORMANCES FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
Developed for young people ages 4-10 and designed for children and adults to enjoy together, this brand-new series provides young audiences the inspirational and developmental benefits of live theatre to community students and families.
School matinee performances and weekend family shows ensure young people and their families have opportunities to experience the magic of Starlight.
Brought to you by
JOURNEY TO OZ NOV. 9, 2024
In this fantastic new adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, we are invited to go to Oz with Dorothy as audience members become a part of an experiential production, singing and dancing, and acting alongside professional actors.
When the cyclone comes, the entire theater enters the eye of the storm with whisking lights and exciting music.
THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD
MARCH 1, 2025
One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the night. She follows snowy tracks and encounters all sorts of woodland creatures, including a debonair snake, eccentric owl and a cunning fox.
But the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist, does he? And what will the Gruffalo’s Child do when she finds him?
UNDERNEATH A MAGICAL MOON APRIL 5, 2025
A reimagining of Peter Pan as told by Wendy Darling. Wendy gazes out at the night sky dreaming of blue lagoons, magical moons and most of all, stories. And tonight, there’s magic in the air…
Fly with Wendy and her brothers as they create the world of Neverland, where time stands still and the impossible seems possible. Even everyday objects become extraordinary under the magical moon. A sparkling new production scored with exquisite live music and songs, enthralling movement and a sprinkle of fairy dust.
WE VALUE YOUR OPINION
From purchasing tickets to curtain call and everything in between, guest experience is top priority at Starlight. Please take a moment to answer a brief survey by scanning the QR code below.
For completing this survey, you’ll be entered to win one of Starlight’s Charlie Hustle t-shirts ($36 value).
Capitol Federal Concert Series
Enjoy the ultimate concert experience with reserved seating in the first 23 rows at Starlight Theatre.
Benefits Include:
Reserved premium seating to concerts
Free reserved parking all season
Exclusive access to the Applause Club including:
Full bar
Live entertainment
Indoor and outdoor seating
Climate controlled space
Private restrooms
Access to buy additional tickets before the general public
Concierge service to other Starlight events
CONCERT SERIES MINI PACKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
Pick the concerts that you want to go to! (Minimum of 3)
Plans start at $800 per seat.
Contact Jeff Miller, Director of Sales, at (816) 997-1124 or jeff.miller@kcstarlight.com
Check out the Capitol Federal Concert Series
STARLIGHT DONORS
Anonymous
Anonymous
Howard E. and Debra L. Cohen
Family Donor Advised Fund
Ann & Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation
Sherry & Gary Forsee
Goppert Foundation
Hall Family Foundation
Harry Wilson Loose Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
Jackson County, Missouri
Kearney Wornall Foundation
Marion & Henry Bloch
Family Foundation
The McDonnell Foundation
McLaughlin Family Charitable Fund
The Morgan Charitable Foundation, in loving memory of Sandi Morgan
Morgan Charitable Foundation
Muriel McBrien Kauffman
Family Foundation
Aviva Ajmera & Wayne Strickland
Anonymous
Bill & Denise Bade
June Beaver
Matt & Kate Beem
Robert & Dr. Phyliss Bernstein
The Deramus Foundation
Steve & Sue Dietze
Brett & Nikki Emison
Donald J. Hall
Shirley & Barnett Helzberg Jr. Donor Advisory Fund of the Jewish Community Foundationvof Greater Kansas City
John & Bridget Murphy
Mike O’Connell & Sara Hicks
Family Foundation
The Ronald D. Deffenbaugh Foundation
The Sherman Family Foundation
State of Missouri
The Patrick and Janna Stueve
Family Foundation
William T. Kemper Foundation
J.B. Reynolds Foundation
Joan Horan
J.C. Nichols Company
Charitable Trust
Jeannette and Jerome Cohen
Philanthropic Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
Mary Lockton & Michael Murphy
Edward P. Milbank
Morgan Family Legacy Foundation
George & Wendy Powell
Ora Reynolds & Curt Roberts
Lindsey Rood-Clifford & Chris Clifford
Daniel & Mary Schulte Charitable Fund
Anna C MacAskill Schwab & Dwight L Schwab Sr Foundation
Byron & Jeanne Thompson Family & Country Club Bank
In Memory of Richard J. Van Winkle, Jr.
Don & Jean Wagner Charitable Foundation
Debbie & Russell Welsh
Nancy Whitworth & Doug Ballou
Matt & Sabrina Wiewel
Carey & Tom Wilkins
ROB & AMY WOLF MICHAEL & CARRIE CONDON
STARLIGHT DONORS
$5,000+
Christine & Don Alexander
American Century Investments
Daniel & Janelle Benninghoff
Becky Blades & Cary Phillips
Commerce Bank
Concord Country Club Bank
Joseph Dunn
ECCO Select
The Elsberry Family Foundation
Brian & Lesley Elwell
Enterprise Bank & Trust
Edward L. Enyeart
Trevor & Courtney Flannigan
A.L. Huber - General Contractors
Peggy & Rich Baker
Jon Ball
Barnes-Bisset Family Foundation
Ellen & Lee Baty
Wendy & Troy Burgess
Jeff & Deanna Burns
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Carson
CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services of Kansas City
Centric Projects
The City of Kansas City, Missouri
Condon Family Foundation
Ellen & Jamie Copaken
Curry Real Estate Services
Jill & Marshall Dean
Deloitte
Steve & Cathy Doyal
Peggy & Terry Dunn
Elaine Feld Stern
Charitable Trust
Enterprise-Rent-A-Car
EY
The Fried Family
GastingerWalker&
Kenneth & Marilyn Hager
David & Laura Hall
Don Hall, Jr.
Hallmark
Marlys & Michael Haverty
Trina & Tom Henke
Ingram Family Foundation
Kansas City Parks & Recreation
Kaufman Family
Tondee & Shawn Lutterman
Mark One Electric Co., Inc.
Monarch Build
$2,500+
Everhance
Jill Farrell
Mark & Sarah Fortino
Amy Guerich
Donald & Diantha Hagan
Rick Halstead
Robert Harrington
Mr. Charles W. Herbster
Robert & Melissa Hingula
Augie & Laura Huber
Howard & Ro Jacobson
Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Kansas City Testing & Engineering
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Kevin & Dianne Kelly
Tony & Teresa Kempf
Kissick Construction
Marilyn Kulmus & John Shoenhair
The Lang Family
Liberty Park LLC
Priscilla & Bruce Long
Heather Jones & Bryan Long
Jan & Lee Morevitska
Darlia & David Morris
Dean & Anita Newton
NextPage
Terry & Barbie O’Toole
Olsson
Greg & Rebecca Reid
Vicki & Bill Reisler
Charles & Elizabeth Schellhorn
Bill & Sandra Snyder
Sunlighten
Eddy Whitley & Tracie Dittemore
Tom & Loren Whittaker
Mary Elizabeth Martin
Scholarship Trust US Bank
N.A., Trustee
McCown Family Foundation
Matt & Monica McLaughlin
Meierotto Jewelers
Diane O’Byrne
Pepsi Beverages Company
Chuck & Karen Peters
Port KC
ReeceNichols Real Estate
Daniel & Nan Schaper
Stepp & Rothwell, Inc.
Jacob T. Stolz
Terracon Foundation
Donna Thomason
R. Gordon Tompkins
The Trudy Foundation
Truman Medical
Centers/University Health
Turner Construction Company
UMB Financial Corporation
Mark & LeeAnn Van Dyne
Joel & Marsha Voran
Carolyn Watley
Cynthia Wymore
This list reflects donors who made a $2,500+ gift to any Starlight campaign between August 1, 2023 – July 1, 2024. We apologize for any errors or omissions. To review the list of all Starlight donors, visit kcstarlight.com/starlight-donors and kcstarlight.com/uniquelykc.
STUDENT RUSH TICKETS
Show your student ID at the ticket office and receive 50% off select seats on the day of the show.
AUG. 20–25 SEPT. 17–22
PCLO West Side Story - Sabina Collazo, Spencer Larue - Photo Credit: Matt Polk
CONTENT TRANSPARENCY
Starlight aspires to be the home for accessible live arts experiences for all generations. As a part of our organization’s commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA), we strive to offer live arts experiences that reflect the world around us, celebrate different perspectives, and inspire conversations.
We recognize that not every production or artistic choice will meet the expectations of every audience member. As you consider attending performances at Starlight, please visit kcstarlight.com/content-transparency/ to learn more or reach out directly to the Starlight team with any questions you may have.
STARLIGHT THEATRE ASSOCIATION OF KANSAS CITY
2024 AdventHealth Broadway Series presents
Based on a Conception of JEROME ROBBINS
BOOK BY ARTHUR
LAURENTS
MUSIC BY LEONARD
BERNSTEIN
LYRICS BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by JEROME ROBBINS
Originally Produced on Broadway by ROBERT E. GRIFFITH and HAROLD S. PRINCE and Arrangement with RODGER L. STEVENS
AT KANSAS CITY STARLIGHT
FEATURING
SABINA COLLAZO • SPENCER LARUE ADRIANA NEGRON • JACOB BURNS • EDDIE GUTIÉRREZ AND MADDOX BANE • JAKE BARTLEY • CRAIG BENTON • ROBERTO FACCHIN DIAZ HARRY FRANCIS • ROBERT HINGULA • MACY MCKOWN • NICK NAZZARO • KEN REMMERT • DREW TANABE WITH
GRACE G. ARNOLD • JENNIELLEN BEATTIE • ZACHARY BIGELOW • TESSA BRETHOWR EMMANUEL COLOGNE • IXCHEL CUELLAR • JOY DEL VALLE • DAVID GRINDROD • YONI HALLER MAGGIE MCCOWN • COTY PERNO • ERIC RIVAS • LILIANA RODRIGUEZ • MAYA SANTIAGO BB STONE • JOHN VISO • COLE ZIESER
SCENIC DESIGNER LEO MEYERS
VIDEO DESIGNER BRAD PETERSON
LIGHTING DESIGNER KIRK BOOKMAN
COSTUME DESIGNER ROBERT FLETCHER
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER MARY R. HONOUR
FIGHT DIRECTOR RANDY KOVITZ
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER JACOB BRENT
MUSIC DIRECTOR
ANTHONY T. EDWARDS
DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER BAAYORK LEE
SOUND DESIGNER SAM LEVEY
CASTING DIRECTOR GEOFF JOSSELSON
The Director is a member of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union. Original choreography by JEROME ROBBINS for Prologue, The Dance At The Gym, America, Cool, and Somewhere Ballet. Additional choreography for Jet Song, Tonight (Quintet), The Rumble, I Feel Pretty, Gee, Officer Krupke choreographed by BAAYORK LEE. Costumes provided by THE KANSAS CITY COSTUME COMPANY
WEST SIDE STORY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com THE
THE JETS
Riff, The Leader...............................................................................................................Jacob Burns*
Tony, His Friend...........................................................................................................Spencer LaRue*
Action..............................................................................................................................Harry Francis*
A-Rab.....................................................................................................................Nick Nazzaro*
Baby John.................................................................................................................Maddo x Bane
Snowboy...........................................................................................................................Jake Bartley*
Big Deal.....................................................................................................................Drew Tanabe*
Diesel..............................................................................................................................Cole Zieser*
Anybody's.....................................................................................................................Macy McKown*
THEIR GIRLS
Graziella..................................................................................................................Grace G. Arnold*
Velma.....................................................................................................................Maggie McCown*
Minnie................................................................................................................................BB Stone*
Pauline....................................................................................................................Tessa Brethowr
THE SHARKS
Bernardo, The Leader............................................................................................Eddie Gutiérrez*
Maria, His Sister...........................................................................................................Sabina Collazo*
Anita, His Girl..............................................................................................................Adriana Negron*
Chino, His Friend.......................................................................................................Roberto Facchin Diaz*
Pepe.....................................................................................................................Emmanuel Cologne*
Luis........................................................................................................................................Eric Rivas*
Toro....................................................................................................................................Coty Perno*
Indio ....................................................Yoni Haller*
THEIR GIRLS
Rosalia, "Somewhere Soloist"....................................................................................Joy Del Valle*
Consuela...............................................................................................................Liliana Rodriguez*
Teresita......................................................................................................................Ixchel Cuellar*
Francisca..................................................................................................................Maya Santiago*
Margarita............................................................................................................Jenniellen Beattie*
THE ADULTS
Doc.....................................................................................................................................Robert Hingula
Lieutenant Schrank.........................................................................................................Craig Benton*
Officer Krupke................................................................................................................. Ken Remmert*
Glad Hand......................................................................................................................Robert Hingula
ENSEMBLE
Grace G. Arnold* | Jenniellen Beattie* | Zachary Bigelow* | Tessa Brethowr
Emmanuel Cologne* | Ixchel Cuellar* | Joy Del Valle* | David Grindrod* | Yoni Haller*
Maggie McCown* | Coty Perno* | Eric Rivas* | Liliana Rodriguez* | Maya Santiago* BB Stone* | John Viso* | Cole Zieser*
DANCE CAPTAIN + FIGHT CAPTAIN
David Grindrod* UNDERSTUDIES
Rosalia, "Somewhere Soloist" - Jenniellen Beattie* | Maria - Joy Del Valle*
Jet Understudy - Zachary Bigelow* | Tony - Harry Francis*
Graziella, Velma, Minnie - Tessa Brethowr
Glad Hand, Doc - Ken Remmert* | Chino - Coty Perno* | Bernardo - Eric Rivas*
Anita - Maya Santiago* | Anybody’s - BB Stone*
SWINGS
Jet Swing - David Grindrod* | Shark Swing - John Viso*
*Members of the Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
Musical Numbers
ACT I
PROLOGUE: THE NEIGHBORHOOD - Months Before Prologue..................................................................................Orchestra, Danced by Jets and Sharks
THE STREET - 5:00 PM
Jet Song.......................................................................................Riff, Baby John, Snowboy, and Jets
A BACK YARD - 5:30 PM
Something's Coming......................................................................................................................Tony
A BRIDAL SHOP - 6:00 PM
A DANCE HALL - 10:00 PM
The Dance At The Gym..............................................................................Orchestra, Jets, and Sharks Maria ...............Tony
A BACK ALLEYWAY - 11:00 PM Tonight (Balcony Scene)...............................................................................................Maria and Tony America.................................................................................................Anita, Rosalia, and Shark Girls
THE DRUGSTORE - Midnight
Cool....................................................................................................................................Riff and Jets
THE BRIDAL SHOP - The Next Day - 5:30 PM
One Hand, One Heart....................................................................................................Tony and Maria
THE NEIGHBORHOOD - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tonight (Quintet)................................................Jets, Sharks, Anita, Tony, Maria, Riff, and Bernardo
UNDER THE HIGHWAY - 9:00 PM
The Rumble........................................................................................Riff, Bernardo, Jets, and Sharks
INTERMISSION
There will be one twenty-minute intermission.
ACT II
A BEDROOM IN AN APARTMENT - 9:15 PM
I Feel Pretty.........................................................................................................Maria and Shark Girls Somewhere Ballet..................................................................................................................Company
ANOTHER BACK ALLEY - 10:00 PM
Gee, Officer Krupke..........................................................................................................................Jets
THE BEDROOM IN THE APARTMENT - 11:30 PM
A Boy Like That / I Have A Love.....................................................................................Maria and Anita
THE DRUGSTORE - 11:40 PM
The Taunting...................................................................................................................Anita and Jets
THE CELLAR - 11:50 PM
THE STREET - Midnight
Finale............................................................................................................................Maria and Tony
Anthony T. Edwards, Music Director & Conductor
AE Music Services, Contractor
Jeremy Watson, Assistant Music Director
Reed 1..........................................................................................................................Brett Jackson
Reed 2..........................................................................................................................Larkin Sanders
Reed 3..........................................................................................................................Michael Prucha
Reed 4..............................................................................................................................Mark Cohick
Reed 5....................................................................................................................Austin Way
Horn 1...............................................................................................................................Alberto Suarez
Horn 2.........................................................................................................................Frank Carrubba
Trumpet 1.................................................................................................................Stephen Molloy
Trumpet 2.........................................................................................................................Bob Harvey
Trumpet 3.....................................................................................................................Timothy Thomas
Trombone 1....................................................................................................................Stephen Dekker
Trombone 2................................................................................................................Brian Scarborough
Violin..........................................................................Matthew Bennett, Alla Wijnands, Evan Flynn, Joanna Metzger, and Angela Diaw
Cello..........................................................................................Dana Woolard and Eman Chalshotori
Bass.............................................................................................................................Jeff Harshbarger
Drums................................................................................................................................Tod Barnard
Percussion............................................................................................................................Steve Riley
Keyboard......................................................................................................................Jeremy Watson
Rehearsal Pianists ......................................................................................
Jeremy Watson, Ty Tuttle
Starlight is proud to feature an entirely local Kansas City orchestra for West Side Story.
SABINA COLLAZO
JACOB BURNS SPENCER LARUE
EDDIE GUTIÉRREZ
ADRIANA NEGRON
GRACE G. ARNOLD
NICK NAZZARO
EMMANUEL COLOGNE
MAGGIE MCCOWN
CRAIG BENTON MADDOX BANE
MACY MCKOWN
LILIANA RODRIGUEZ
ERIC RIVAS
KEN REMMERT
BB STONE
JOHN VISO
DAVID GRINDROD
TESSA BRETHOWR
COTY PERNO
JOY DEL VALLE ROBERTO FACCHIN DIAZ
IXCHEL CUELLAR
YONI HALLER
HARRY FRANCIS
DREW TANABE
COLE ZIESER
ROBERT HINGULA
MAYA SANTIAGO
JENNIELLEN BEATTIE
Who’s Who
SABINA COLLAZO (Maria) Starlight debut! A native of Puerto Rico, Sabina is thrilled to reprise this role that is so close to her heart. Other credits include Anne in Barrington Stage’s acclaimed production of A Little Night Music, West Side Story at Pittsburgh CLO (Maria) and On Your Feet! at Gateway Playhouse (Rebecca u/s). University of Michigan Musical Theater. Thanks to my manager Steve and CESD. Mucho amor a mi familia. Para mi isla.
SPENCER LARUE (Tony) is thrilled to be making his KC Starlight debut. Broadway: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (James Potter Jr/ Sr/Cedric Diggory). Select Regional: West Side Story (Tony, Pittsburgh CLO), Footloose (Ren, Arkansas Rep), The Sound of Music (Rolf, Ogunquit Playhouse), Newsies (Romeo, Broadway at Music Circus), Disaster! w/ Seth Rudestsky (ensemble, CRT). Other credits: Sweeney Todd (Toby, UofM). Graduate of The University of Michigan for Musical Theatre. Huge thank you to his Parents, Griffin, and the DGRW team for always believing in him. For Sam.
ADRIANA NEGRON (Anita) is thrilled to be returning to Kansas City! Most recently Adriana was touring the country with the Broadway National Tour of Aladdin! Other notable credits include: The Prom First National Tour (Ensemble, Alyssa Greene Cover) The Broadway National Tour of CATS (Rumpleteazer), West Side Story Tokyo (Anita), and A Chorus Line - Shanghai Premiere/PCLO (Diana Morales). Adriana has a BFA in Musical Theater from Montclair State University and would like to thank her family and her husband Coldin for their constant love and support! Instagram: @_adriananegron
JACOB BURNS (Riff) Detroit-native. Broadway: Once Upon A One More Time. Other recent: Hamilton (tour); world-premiere of Gatsby: An American Myth (A.R.T.); Only Gold (MCC Theater); Jon Rua’s West Side Story (Riff, Milwaukee Rep). BFA Texas State. IG @jacob__burns. Super excited to vote this November. www.vote.org
EDDIE GUTIÉRREZ (Bernardo) Starlight Debut! NEW YORK: Off-B’way: Paul in A Chorus Line (NY City Center); Miss Abigail’s Guide...; original one-man show Loveology (Ars Nova).
REGIONAL: A Chorus Line (Hollywood Bowl); Matthew Lopez’s Somewhere (TheatreWorks/ Geva Theatre Center); world premiere of The Hombres (Two River Theater). FILM/TV: Safe & Sound (Cannes Film Festival short selection); This is Me; Conan. B.F.A. NYU/Tisch. @eddie.ology
GRACE G. ARNOLD (Graziella) is thrilled to be a part of the cast of West Side Story! Previous credits include Val in A Chorus Line (International Tour), Guys and Dolls (Pittsburgh CLO), Val in A Chorus Line (Pittsburgh CLO), A Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast (City Springs Theatre Company), Tantomile in CATS (City Springs Theatre Company), Val in A Chorus Line (City Springs Theatre Company), and Assistant choreographer to Baayork Lee on A Chorus Line (Dr. Phillips Center). She is so grateful to the cast and the creative team for the opportunity to work on such a beautiful show. Much love to her family and friends and Glory to God always. UA class of 2020, Roll Tide! IG @m.grace.arnold
MADDOX BANE (Baby John) Maddox is a KC native and ecstatic to return to the Starlight stage! Regional credits: Jack Kelly (Newsies, Grandstreet Theatre) and Singer/Dancer (Retrospect, Worlds of Fun Entertainment). Maddox is a junior at the Boston Conservatory earning his BFA in Musical Theatre, and thanks his family, friends and teachers for their love and support! @maddoxbane
JAKE BARTLEY (Snow Boy) Jake Bartley is so excited to return home after performing with Royal Caribbean Cruise lines this year! Other regional credits include Weathervane Theatre and Surflight Theatre. Recent graduate of Pace University BFA Commercial Dance. He would like to thank his family, friends, and MSA NY for making this possible. Enjoy the show!
JENNIELLEN BEATTIE she/her (Margarita, u/s Rosalia, "Somewhere Soloist") is so excited to be making her Kansas City Starlight debut! Point Park University BFA Musical Theatre/ Dance ’22. Proud member of Actors Equity. Thanks to family for all your support and love!
ALRIGHT NAH @jenniellenbeattie
Who’s Who
CRAIG BENTON (Lieutenant Schrank) 30 year veteran of KC and regional theatres is thrilled to make Starlight debut. Stage: Grand Horizons, Our Town, August Osage County, Boeing Boeing, Beau Jest, Don’t Dress for Dinner, Million Dollar Quartet, Mamma Mia, Freaky Friday, Rumors. Film/TV: Kansas, Lawnmower Man, Truman, Kuffs, Star Trek TNG, Wings, Married with Children.
ZACHARY BIGELOW (Jet Understudy) is thrilled to be back at Starlight with this timeless love story. He was last seen at Starlight with the touring Broadway production of Anastasia (Ensemble, US Dmitry/Siegfried). Other Credits: Something Rotten! (Ensemble, US Shakespeare), The Drowsy Chaperone (Robert Martin), Grease (Kenickie), & Disney Cruise Line. @zmbluvz2act
TESSA BRETHOWR (Pauline) is thrilled to make her Starlight debut! She is a BFA Musical Theatre student at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Credits include Slyde! A Night of Tap (Boston Conservatory), Something Rotten! (MTKC), The Addams Family (Arizona School for the Arts). Much love to her family and friends. Glory to God!
EMMANUEL COLOGNE (Pepe) is thrilled to be making his Starlight Kansas City Debut! International Tours: “Paul San Marco” in A Chorus Line (Tokyo). Regional: “Pepe” in West Side Story (PCLO), “Sonny” in In the Heights, “Coricopat” in Cats, “Paul San Marco” in A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast, and Spamalot (CSTC). Proud graduate of Brenau University. To thine own self be true. IG: @theemmanuelcologne
IXCHEL CUELLAR (Teresita) Broadway/ National Tours: Mean Girls, Finding Neverland, Hamilton (& Peggy Co). Regional: Fulton Theatre, Sacramento Music Circus, and Pittsburgh CLO. Penn State Alum! Love to DGRW and my support system. | @itsixchel
JOY DEL VALLE (Rosalia) Starlight debut! Select credits: Tours: International Tour of West Side Story (Rosalia, Maria alternate). Regional: West Side Story (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Holiday Inn (Arts Center Coastal Carolina), Cinderella (Phoenix Theater Company), West Side Story (Phoenix Theatre Company), Fiddler
on the Roof (Goodspeed), Annie Get Your Gun (Goodspeed), Bring it On (Beck Center), In The Heights (Beck Center), A Christmas Carol (Hartford Stage). Baldwin Wallace MT. Love and thanks to PMA! www.joydelvalle.com @joyrdelvalle
ROBERTO FACCHIN DIAZ (Chino) After training at the Dramatic Arts School of Malaga, Roberto made his debut in the Antonio Banderas-Baayork Lee production of A Chorus Line playing the role of Mark and understudying Paul. In 2022, he moved to New York City to achieve his ambitions as a performer was cast as Alonzo in the original Broadway production of CATS for Royal Caribbean. He came back to New York to collaborate with ballet company Covenant Ballet Theatre as a guest dancer and later joined Ballets with a Twist, where he works as a corps de ballet and soloist dancer. His last work in musical theatre was in the Broadway show Anastasia at White Plains Performing Arts Center as ensemble/Von Rothbart. After playing Chino in Pittsburgh CLO’s West Side Story, he is excited to come back to the role for Kansas Starlight.
HARRY FRANCIS (Action) London/West End: Mary Poppins (Neleus), Pippin (Theo / Lewis), Barnum (Tom Thumb), The Book of Mormon, Cats (Mungojerrie), A Chorus Line (Mark), and Wicked (U/S Boq). UK/International Tours: Cats (Mr Mistoffelees), West Side Story (Baby John), Hairspray (IQ), Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands. UK Regional: Fiddler on the Roof, Amadeus, Chicago, and the title role in Peter Pan. USA credits: Cats (Mr Mistoffelees), Elvis – A Musical Revolution, Jersey Boys (Joe Pesci), West Side Story (Action), Newsies (Finch). Australia: Mary Poppins (Neleus). @ HarryRFrancis
DAVID GRINDROD (Jet Swing, Dance + Fight Captain) has been working along Baayork Lee for over a decade. He played Mark on the National Tour of A Chorus Line and reprised his role at New York City Center. He then promoted to Baayork’s associate for the China premier of A Chorus Line. Together they have worked on productions of South Pacific, Cats, and Beauty and the Beast. | @david.grin
YONI HALLER (Indio) Starlight debut! Regional: The Old Globe, The MUNY, Asolo Repertory
Who’s Who
Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Theatre By The Sea, New London Barn Playhouse, Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals, The Lexington Theatre Company. Bloc NYC. BFA The Hartt School, Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Thanks to my amazing parents!
ROBERT J. HINGULA (Doc and Glad Hand) is excited to be back at Starlight after last performing as the Lion in The Wizard of Oz. While he has performed across KC, Starlight holds a special place in his heart for its wonderful education and community engagement programs. All my love to Melissa and Darcie!
MAGGIE MCCOWN (Velma) is thrilled to be making her KC Starlight debut! Tour: Vicki u/s Cassie in A Chorus Line (International Tokyo Tour) Regional credits include: Velma in West Side Story, Tricia u/s Cassie in A Chorus Line (PCLO), Babette in Beauty and the Beast, Bombalurina in Cats, Rhoda u/s Judy in White Christmas, Brenda in Hairspray, Swing in A Chorus Line, Mamma Mia (City Springs), Magenta in Rocky Horror, Gingy in Shrek The Musical (Maine State), Cinderella (Fulton Theatre), Memphis (Red Mountain), Newsies, Mamma Mia, West Side Story (SSMT). Film: “A Jazzman’s Blues” (Tyler Perry and Debbie Allen Netflix). Graduate of The University of Alabama. All my gratitude to Baayork, the amazing cast/crew, and my supportive family. Insta: @maggie_mccown TT: @xoxomaggiemc Web: maggiemccown.com
MACY MCKOWN (Anybodys) is thrilled to be making her Starlight debut! She has performed at Pittsburgh CLO, The Muny, and other regional theaters across the country. Thank you to Baayork, Jacob, and David for this incredible opportunity. Love to my family - my support system and biggest cheerleaders. Go Blue! Ephesians 3:20 @macynmck
NICK NAZZARO (A-Rab) is thrilled to finally perform at Starlight after growing up in Kansas City!! Select credits include A Chorus Line (International Tour), Paper Mill Playhouse, The Muny, Palladium Times Square, Kesha, SNL, NBCU Upfronts. Thank you to the most supportive family, friends, CESD, Baayork Lee, David Grindrod, and this stellar cast. Dream big, little dancers. @nick.nazzaro
COTY PERNO (Toro, u/s Chino) is pumped to be back with this team at Starlight! Previously in Pittsburgh CLO’s season with The Music Man and West Side Story. Sending love and thanks to the family, friends, and all the educators along the way. University of Cincinnati-CCM MT ‘25. Let’s do this! @cotyperno
KEN REMMERT (Officer Krupke) has been an Equity Actor and Union Musician for over 40 years, he has been fortunate to stay busy in the Kansas City area. Ken also portrays President Harry S Truman, with “A Tribute to Truman” www.atributetotruman.com Love to his family. Enjoy the show everyone!
ERIC RIVAS (Luis/ Bernardo U/S) is making his Kansas City Starlight debut with WEST SIDE STORY! Currently a Resident Cast Member in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage! at WDW. Favorite Regional credits: Something Rotten! (The Fulton/ MSMT), White Christmas (MSMT), CATS (City Springs Theatre Company), Sweet Charity (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Spamalot (Northern Stage) Dames At Sea (Theatre Zone), On The Town (Gateway Playhouse), West Side Story (Signature Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO), A Chorus Line (New Bedford Festival Theatre), Hello Dolly! (Cohoes Music Hall), 42nd Street (Jersey Shore Ent.), Cabaret (Palace Theatre). Showboy in Las Vegas’s JUBILEE! at Bally’s. Dancer/Singer for Disney Cruise Lines, Dance Captain/Aerial Captain for Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America Line. Alumni of The School at Jacob’s Pillow. Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Filmmaking. Proud member of Actors Equity. @ericrivastaps
LILIANA RODRIGUEZ (Consuela) Regional: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Old Globe), In The Heights (Cleveland Playhouse), Sunday In The Park With George (CCAE Theatricals), An American In Paris (MTW), The Wedding Singer, Something Rotten!, On Your Feet! (Moonlight Amphitheatre), Evita (Cygnet Theatre), Catch Me If You Can, All Shook Up (SDMT). Much love to the creative team and her family. @lilianarodriguez_10 on Instagram.
MAYA SANTIAGO (Francisca) National Tour: On Your Feet! (Gloria cover, Swing). OffBroadway: Shooting Star. Regional: Sandy
Who’s Who
in GREASE (PMT), West Side Story (PCLO), Disney’s AIDA (STAGES St. Louis). Television: “SPRUNG” (Amazon Prime TV), “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”(NBC). Staten Island native. Proud Filipino-Puerto Rican. Endless thanks to The Mine Agency, Point Park University and her mom for all her wisdom and unconditional love. All glory belongs to God himself! @mayalsantiago
BB STONE (Minnie) Is thrilled to be making her KC Starlight debut! Select regional: West Side Story, Seussical (PCLO), The Cher Show (Ogunquit Playhouse, The Gateway), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Newsies (The Gateway). OCU Alum! Endless love and gratitude to her support system and her agents at The Mine. @bbstone
DREW TANABE (he/him) (Big Deal) is thrilled to be performing with this cast and company. He was most recently see in the “Anne of Green Gables” work session in NYC as Fred. He’s performed regionally at theaters such as Drury Lane, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, and Fulton Theatre. A huge thank you to DGRW, Baayork, and Davey Baby for their support.
JOHN VISO (he/him) (Shark Swing) - NYC based performer, born and raised in Lenexa, Kansas. Credits: My Fair Lady (National Tour), West Side Story (Pittsburgh CLO), Cabaret (The Old Globe), Cabaret (Asolo Rep), A Chorus Line, Newsies! (The Lexington Theatre Co.), Anything Goes, Newsies! (Porthouse Theatre), Bright Star (Phoenix Theatre). Education: BFA Musical Theatre from Ball State University. www.johnviso.com @visoinlights
COLE ZIESER (Diesel) feels blessed to be part of this incredible company! Most recently; West Side Story at Pittsburgh CLO (Diesel), and Newsies at Theatre Under the Stars (Race, Jack Kelly U/S). Credits include Annie!, Baseball Saved Us, West Side Story (RSP) at The 5th Avenue Theatre, and 25th Annual at Village Theatre. Love to my family and many thanks to my agents at blocNYC. @colezieser
ARTHUR LAURENTS (Book) An award-winning playwright, screenwriter, librettist, director and producer, Arthur Laurents has been responsible for creating the librettos of many Broadway shows including Gypsy, Anyone Can Whistle,
Do I Hear A Waltz?, Hallelujah, Baby! and Nick & Nora. He wrote the screenplays for The Snake Pit, Anna Lucasta, Anastasia, Bonjour Tristesse, The Way We Were and The Turning Point. He also wrote the plays Home Of The Brave, The Time Of The Cuckoo and A Clearing in The Woods. He directed I Can Get It For You Wholesale, Anyone Can Whistle, Gypsy, La Cage Aux Folles, Birds Of Paradise and Nick & Nora.
LEONARD BERNSTEIN ( Music ) was a world-renowned conductor and composer, and one of classical music’s icons of the 20th century. He was Music Director of the New York Philharmonic and conducted the world’s major orchestras, leaving behind an enormous legacy of audio and video recordings. Bernstein’s works for the Broadway stage include On the Town, Wonderful Town, Candide and the immensely popular West Side Story. In addition to the West Side Story collaboration, Bernstein worked with choreographer Jerome Robbins on three major ballets, Fancy Free, Facsimile and Dybbuk. Mr. Bernstein was the recipient of many honors, including eleven Emmy Awards, one Tony Award, the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors.
STEPHEN SONDHEIM ( Lyrics ) was an American composer and lyricist whose brilliance in matching words and music in dramatic situations broke new ground for Broadway musical theater. His accolades included an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, multiple Drama Desk awards and a Pulitzer Prize.
BAAYORK LEE (Director, Choreographer) has performed in a dozen original Broadway shows. She created the role of Connie in A Chorus Line while continuing the legacy of Michael Bennett directing companies around the world, most recently Antonio Banderas company in Spain. She has directed the King and I, Cinderella (R&H), Porgy and Bess, Carmen Jones, Jesus Christ Superstar, Barnum, Gypsy, Cats and Beauty and the Beast. She also directed the 2021 Wicked Concert for PBS. Her choreography credits; Miss Saigon, Mack and Mabel, and for the Arena Stage in Washington DC; Animal Crackers, South Pacific (Helen Hayes nom 2021). For PBS, Coconuts, Camelot, and Damn
Who’s Who
Yankees. Lee founded National Asian Artists Project (NAAP) a 501 (c) 3 Nonprofit. Her vision includes educating, cultivating, and stimulating audiences and artists of Asian descent through the many outreach programs the company offers. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her work, including the Isabelle Stevens Tony Award, Paul Robeson Award from Actors Equity Association, the Asian Woman Warrior Award for Lifetime Achievement from Columbia College, Asian Pacific American Heritage Association Achievement In Arts Award, the Dynamic Achiever Award from OCA Westchester. Chen Dance Center Artist Award, Arena Stage American Artist Award, and Actors Fund for Outstanding Contribution to the World of Dance.
ANTHONY T. EDWARDS (Music Director, Conductor) Kansas City: Resident Musical Director for Starlight Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, and Eventology. In addition, Mr. Edwards has appeared as Music Director with New Theatre, Quality Hill Playhouse, The Heartland Men’s Chorus, Epic Entertainment, Bar Natasha, Theatre in the Park, Late Night Theatre, Musical Theatre Heritage. Additional Regional: Denver Center for the Performing Arts (Denver, CO), Virginia Stage Company (Norfolk, VA), American Theatre (Rockford, IL) Red Barn Theatre, (Key West, FL), Waterfront Playhouse (Key West, FL). New York: New Victory Theatre. Education: BM, Belmont University; Graduate Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City. Mr. Edwards is Adjunct Faculty for University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory of Music and is a Kurzweil-endorsed artist.
JACOB BRENT ( Associate Director/ Choreographer) most recently worked with Baayork Lee on a new production of CATS at City Springs Theater Company. He is best known for his portrayal of Mr. Mistoffelees in the Broadway, London and filmed stage productions of CATS being the only performer to have appeared in all three. Jacob currently serves as a musical theater professor at Elon University. |@jacobbrentsagram
KIRK BOOKMAN (Lighting Designer) has designed the lighting for countless New York City and regional productions over the past four decades. His favorite lighting design credits include: Lincoln Center’s 2011 production of Company directed by Lonny Price and starring
Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Colbert and Patti LuPone. For the incomparable Charles Busch: Shanghai Moon, The Divine Sister, The Tribute Artist, Die Mommy Die, The Green Heart and the 2020 hit production of The Confession of Lily Dare directed by Carl Andress. Broadway credits include The Gin Game with Julie Harris and Charles Durning, and The Sunshine Boys with Jack Klugman and Tony Randall. Internationally he has designed the lighting for the Hungarian National, English National Ballet and the Santiago Ballet Company all with Ivan Nagy.
SAM LEVEY (Sound Designer) is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Illinois College, where he teaches various courses including Macroeconomics, Money and Banking, Political Economy, and Statistics, and his research is oriented around an approach called Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). During the summer months however, he sets aside his chalk and textbooks and resumes his previous life as an audio engineer. Sam’s prior shows at Starlight were Legally Blonde, Godspell, and the Wizard of Oz. Other venues he has worked at include the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma (Freaky Friday, Mamma Mia!, Newsies), Walt Disney World (Festival of the Lion King, The Hoop Dee Doo Revue, Mickey’s Backyard BBQ), South Coast Repertory Theatre, Beverly Hills High School, the LA County Museum of Art, and USC Performance Venues.
BRAD PETERSON (Projection Designer) is a New York-based video and projection designer. Pittsburgh CLO: Anything Goes and The Sound of Music. Select designs include Corruption (Lincoln Center Theatre); A Sign of the Times (Off-Broadway); CATS (Broadway Revival); Fish in the Dark (Broadway); Broadway Bounty Hunter (Off-Broadway); If I Forget (Roundabout); Sing Street (The Huntington); El Sitt (Riyadh Festival, Saudi Arabia); Lion… Witch…Wardrobe, Carousel, and A Little Night Music (Stratford Festival); Actually We’re... (OffBroadway); and Red Roses Green Gold (OffBroadway). | bradpetersondesign.com
RANDY KOVITZ (Fight Designer) has been staging fights for over four decades, working on and Off Broadway and in regional theater, film and TV. Recent credits include AIDA, Disney’s Newsies, Oklahoma! and, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet at the Pittsburgh CLO, Past credits include Sir Peter Hall’s
Who’s Who
Midsummer Night’s Dream, four seasons at the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival and the films The Ballad of the Sad Café with Vanessa Redgrave, The Addams Family — as fencing double for Raul Julia — and the Pittsburgh-made Unsinkable
GEOFF JOSSELSON (Casting Director) is a New York-based casting directors, handling productions for theatre, film and television. Recent work includes productions for Arena Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Baltimore Center Stage, Cape Playhouse, Denver Center, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Irish Repertory Theatre, Merrimack Rep, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Round House Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Theaterworks Hartford, Weston Playhouse.
MARY R. HONOUR ( Production Stage Manager) is pleased to return to Starlight, having previously stage managed Legally Blonde, Godspell, Hairspray, Mary Poppins, and The Sound of Music, and served as ASM on Xanadu, The Producers, Music Man, Grease, Hello Dolly, Jesus Christ Superstar and Footloose. Mary is a KC local who has worked many seasons at KC Rep, and regionally at La Jolla Playhouse, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, and Arizona Theatre Company. Mary is happy to be making theatre magic again under the stars at Starlight!
MICHELLE GUTIERREZ MARTINA (Assistant Stage Manager) is a proud KC native. AEA and working Starlight since 2012. Starlight credits: PSM- Grease, Flat Stanley, 1st ASM- AIDA, Wizard of Oz, Legally Blonde, 2nd ASM- Miss Saigon (MSUA tour), Footloose, The Sound of Music. Thanks to Kent and the Starlight family for having me back! All my love to Dave, my 3 kiddos and family- including Toni my bestie boricua. May God grant you all a beautiful night under and amongst the stars.
BROOKE REDLER (Assistant Stage Manager) is pleased to return to Starlight Theatre this summer. Her past production credits include Hairspray, The Sound of Music, The King & I, Cinderella and Anything Goes (ASM). Her off-Broadway credits include Breathing Time, The Faire and From White Plains (production stage manager, Fault Line Theatre). Regional theatre credits include Once on This Island, In The Heights, Million Dollar Quartet,
Summerland and Native Gardens (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); Hair: Retrospection, Stillwater, August: Osage County, Cabaret and five seasons of A Christmas Carol (production stage manager, Kansas City Repertory Theatre); Peter and the Starcatcher and Richard II (Utah Shakespeare Festival); Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Center Stage in Baltimore); The Drowsy Chaperone, Is He Dead? and Harry the Great (Creede Repertory Theatre). Assistant stage management credits include Our Town, A Flea in Her Ear, Clay, Jitney and Love, Janis (Kansas City Repertory Theatre); and work at Stages St. Louis and Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Brooke also has worked in opera, with credits including Moscow, Cherry Town and Medea (PSM, Opera Long Beach); and La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, La Boheme, Frida, and Tosca (ASM, Cincinnati Opera). She also spent two seasons at The Santa Fe Opera.
MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL
(Licensing) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.
CAROLINE
GIBEL (Executive Producer) serves as Starlight’s Vice President of Programming & Executive Producer by presenting Broadway national tours and also producing Starlight’s own productions for the AdventHealth Broadway series. West Side Story marks her first production with the title of Executive Producer though this is her thirteenth Starlight season as a full-time employee. A Kansas City native, Caroline is also a former Starlight
Who’s Who
production intern. She is currently a member of The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry. She also is a member of the Independent Presenters’ Network (IPN), a consortium of forty of the leading Broadway presenters and theatres including Kansas City Starlight. Prior to joining Starlight, Caroline lived in New York City for 10 years where she earned her degree in stage direction from Marymount Manhattan College, worked with a number of New York theatre companies and met her husband, Danny. They live in the Northland now with their daughter, Hattie. Thank you for supporting Starlight and live performing arts experiences!
STARLIGHT (Producer) Opened as a theatre in 1950 and a nonprofit organization in 1951, Starlight is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City, Missouri, and connects our community through live arts experiences that entertain, inspire, and engage audiences of all ages. Offering diverse programming year-round, Starlight presents Broadway musicals, concert events, and extensive community engagement programming, including classes, scholarships, and one of the largest high school musical theatre award programs in the nation. Located on 16 acres in Swope Park, the historic, cityowned venue is the second-largest outdoor producing theatre in the country with almost 8,000 seats. Follow Starlight on social media @kcstarlight and visit kcstarlight.com for more information.
HISTORY OF WEST SIDE STORY AT STARLIGHT
When West Side Story opened on Broadway in 1957, it quickly became an American musical theatre classic. The modernized version of “Romeo and Juliet,” set in the streets of New York, would help audiences connect to the piece. Given the show’s immediate impact, it’s not surprising the title has been popular with Starlight audiences. This production marks the musical’s ninth time on the Starlight stage – 1960, 1965, 1967, 1981, 1986, 1990, 2000, 2007, 2024.
Over those nine productions, Starlight audiences enjoyed several performers on the cusp of fame. Michael Bennett appeared as Baby John in the 1960 tour, before choreographing the 1965 production. Bennett would go on to win seven Tony Awards for his choreography and direction. Most notably, he choreographed and directed Follies, A Chorus Line, and Dreamgirls. Appearing in the Bennettchoreographed 1965 West Side Story at Starlight was a newcomer with three Broadway credits under his belt – Christopher Walken. Performing as Riff, Walken had begun appearing on television, but was not yet a household name. That was not the case in 1981, when Starlight audiences watched Barry Williams star as Tony in the musical. Known for his work as Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch, Williams continued performing on stage, making his Broadway debut in 1988.
Make sure you keep your show program and revisit the cast list, as West Side Story at Starlight has a history of impactful artists.
Who’s Who
Teen Ensemble
West Side Story’s Teen Ensemble is comprised of students from Starlight’s Community Engagement programs including the Blue Star Awards, Starlight Stars, and the Vincent Legacy Scholarship program.
For more information on Starlight’s Community Engagement programs, please visit www.kcstarlight.com/engage.
MYKA BECK
ZOIE HARRINGTON
SOPHIA PAYTON
OLIN SPENCER
CATE COBLE
OLIVIA CANOVI
DELILAH PELLOW
MACORMICK CARLSON
SEBASTIAN GONZALEZ LAYTON
BETHANY QUINLAN
LORIEN COLUCCI ISABELLA DESSERT
DYLAN JOHNSON
KAIL MCCRARY
JOAQUIN GONZALEZ LAYTON
DELAINEY MOCK
ALICEN SILVA
HARPER WRIGHT
DREW CHAMBERLIN
Who’s Who
Starlight Production Staff
WEST SIDE STORY
Executive Producer CAROLINE GIBEL
Associate Producer KENT ANDEL
Technical Director
AARON M. CLARK
Audio Manager RYAN BRITTON
Production Technician
KERSTIN MESSMER
Company Manager KAITLIN NELKE
Production Stage Manager ................ Mary R. Honour*
Assistant Stage Manager ..................... Brooke Redler*
Assistant Stage Manager Michelle Gutierrez Martina*
Assistant Teen Choreographer Christina Burton
Intimacy Choreographer Jenise Cook
Wardrobe Services .. Kansas City Costume Company
Wardrobe Supervisor .................................... Gayla Voss
Wig & Make-up Supervisor .................... Gene Flaharty
Audio Services Vista Productions
Video Production Bryce Walker Jones
Head Carpenter Eric Webster
Properties Head Jessica Bednarek
Audio Head...................................... Andrew Gangestad
Head Electrician .................................... Joshua Topping
Head Flyman ............................................. Alex Houtman
Assistant Lighting Designer Sean Glass
Assistant Sound Designer Halley Sylvester
Production Management Intern Braeden Sholes
Stage Management Intern Della Dokter
The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actor’s Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
Backstage and Front of the House Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E).
The Director-Choreographer is a member of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union.
United Scenic Artists represents the designers and scenic painters for the American Theatre
WhereKC plays
JOIN THE FUN!
The American Royal is celebrating its prominent 125-year legacy of food and agriculture events and educational programs in 2024.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND WAYS TO GET INVOLVED.
Single tickets and sponsorships are available online. Scan the QR code to learn more or visit kcstarlight.com/gala.
DON & JEAN WAGNER
ENHANCING KANSAS CITY’S CULTURE
Each summer, Starlight brings world-class Broadway tours to thousands of Kansas Citians, including self- or co-produced shows like West Side Story.
Tonight, you may see a friend or neighbor among the cast. Or perhaps you’ll recognize former Starlight community engagement program participants like Maddox Bane, winner of the 2022 Actor in a Lead Role Blue Star Award and National High School Musical Theatre Awards nominee.
“Theatre arts education gave me the courage and passion to jump head first into pursuing musical theatre beyond high school and potentially as a career. Without supportive mentors, theatre teachers, and programs like Starlight’s Blue Star Awards, I never would have had the confidence to take a chance on continuing my theatre education and work hard to make my dreams come true!”
-Maddox Bane
Starlight is proud to fuel the dreams of young artists like Maddox and give them the opportunity to shine alongside national stars on our stage.
When you donate to Starlight’s Annual Gala, you support selfproduced shows like West Side Story and help make dreams come true.
SHARE OUR SPOTLIGHT
Starlight has had the privilege of partnering with Kansas City Public Schools to provide free access to thousands of community students over the past three years. Starlight’s Performances for Young Audiences series presents live performances for local students to attend during the school day as a field trip. These performances feature international, award-winning theater companies that inspire and engage students.
The purpose of Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) is to provide a quality education that prepares all of our students, regardless of background or circumstances, for success in college, career and life. We will produce scholars who are high-achieving critical thinkers, prepared to succeed in a constantly changing world and engaged in the improvement of their communities.
Scan the QR code to learn more about Kansas City Public Schools
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 | PETER PAN
Join us for an enchanting evening as we soar to new heights and embark on a journey to the magical world of Neverland during our “Take Off to Neverland Night!” Take pictures on your treasure hunt around Starlight before enjoying the magic of the Broadway show, Peter Pan. For more information, visit kcstarlight.com/themenights
GUEST INFORMATION
Weather Policy
All events are held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, Starlight may delay a performance for an hour or more before deciding to cancel or continue. If a weather-related delay is needed, we will communicate updates via the public access system, event staff, and at kcstarlight.com/alerts.
On the rare occasion when Starlight is unable to present the majority of a show due to weather or other circumstances, guests may exchange their tickets at no charge for another performance of the same show. Season ticket holders always have this privilege, regardless of weather. The face value of the ticket will be applied to the new performance. To make an exchange, call Starlight Ticket Services at (816) 363-7827.
Security Screening Policy
To ensure the safety and security of our guests, Starlight reserves the right to inspect persons, parcels, or clothing capable of concealing or carrying prohibited items in the venue.
Photography
Use of professional photography equipment or recording devices (video, audio, or other medium) is prohibited to use during a performance without prior written consent. By attending a Starlight performance, guests give their consent to be photographed or recorded by talent, venue, or their contractors.
Smoking Areas
Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the venue except the North Lawn and east of the Encore Deck. While medical and recreational marijuana is legal, Starlight Theatre is private property and marijuana is prohibited.
Accessibility
Starlight is committed to making performances accessible to all guests. Accessible parking is available in the Yellow Lot (near Gate 6). State-issued disabled license plate or placard will allow guests entry to accessible parking as space allows.
Mobile Assistance Shuttles
Complimentary curb-to-curb shuttle service is provided to guests with mobility challenges. Starlight operates multi-passenger shuttles that have designated stops in both Yellow and Red paved parking lots. Shuttles provide needed transport to and from Gate 8.
GUEST INFORMATION
Guest Drop-Off
Starlight personnel are available to provide wheelchair assistance to a seat location prior to the show and back to the gate’s drop off point after the show. Please contact a member of our GuestAssist staff if you need assistance or text us at (816) 278-7827 for on-site help.
Restrooms
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located throughout the venue. A companion restroom is available near the Encore Deck closest to Gate 6.
Assistive Listening Services
Starlight offers free assistive listening devices at every Broadway performance. Sunday night Broadway performances are interpreted for hearing-impaired guests.
Sight-Impaired Services
Saturday night Broadway performances are described for visually impaired guests by Audio-Reader Network. Devices for the audio description service are free and available at the Guest Information Kiosk.
Sensory Kits
In partnership with Variety KC, Starlight offers sensory kits for guests in need of noise-canceling headsets, weighted blankets, and fidget toys. Sensory kits may be checked out at the Guest Information Kiosk.
If you need assistance at any time while at Starlight Theatre, please:
Contact a member of our team: Guest Assist staff (in royal blue shirts), Ushers and Volunteer Ambassadors (in navy blue shirts), or Security personnel (in black shirts).
Visit a Guest Information Kiosk in the venue or text us at (816) 278-7827.
Other Questions?
Visit kcstarlight.com/faqs or call (816) 363-7827
Administration
Lindsey Rood-Clifford
President + C.E.O.
Jacques’ Hassen
V.P. of Employee Experience
Mandi Wright
V.P. of Finance + C.F.O.
Baylee McMillin
Accounting Manager
Maren Peterson
Accountant
Taylor Carter Executive Assistant
Community Engagement
Alex Jones
V.P. of Community Engagement
Dr. Andy Pierce
Community Engagement Manager
Katherine Tolbert
Community Engagement Manager
Brice Turner
Community Engagement Coordinator
Katie McKernan
Community Engagement Coordinator
Marketing + Sales
Bess Wallerstein Huff
V.P. of Marketing + Sales
Cindy Fasl
Director of Ticketing
Jeff Miller
Director of Sales
Ken McClain
Director of Guest Experience
Rachel Bliss
Director of Marketing
Bryce Jones
Multimedia Manager
Colin Bennett
Digital Marketing Manager
STAFF
Jodi Olson Kidney
Content Marketing Manager
Samantha Wolowicz
Event Night Supervisor
Tanis Ham
Ticket Services Supervisor
Grace Linn
Graphic Designer
Emily Leritz
Marketing Subscription Coordinator
Gabriel Van Dyne
Group Sales Coordinator
Trinidy Thompson
Special Events + Sales Coordinator
Operations
Deb Churchill
V.P. of Operations
Phil Butler
Facilities Manager
Molly Flanery
House Manager
Chris Kindell
Senior Facilities Technician
Archie George
Facilities Technician
Robbie Sharp
Facilities Technician
Clayton Williams
Horticulture Supervisor
Christian Schoolcraft
Horticulture + Facilities Technician
Philanthropy
Andrew Lang
V.P. of Philanthropy
Denton Williams
Philanthropic Events Manager
Erin Olm-Shipman
Donor Relations Manager
Juliana Tran-Castillo
Donor Relations Manager
Sydney Slavin
Grants + Donor
Communications Manager
Claire McEwen
Philanthropy Coordinator
Programming + Production
Caroline Gibel
V.P. of Programming + Production
Kent Andel
Associate Producer
Aaron M. Clark
Technical Director
Ryan Britton
Audio Manager
Kerstin Messmer
Production Technician
Programming +
Information Systems (IS)
Bill Waugh
V.P. of Concert Programming + Information Systems
Genie Haggard
Programming Manager
Megan McCranie
Guest Experience Systems Manager
Owain Howell
Information Systems Manager
Providing care to people is a privilege. I never forget that.”
- Becky N. Lowry, MD Physician Internal Medicine
For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than the meaningful connections I make with my patients. Maybe it’s growing up in a small town where those personal values remain strong. Or maybe it’s the belief, shared with all of my co-workers, that people come first. Whatever it is, the opportunity to provide care is a privilege I never forget. To schedule an appointment, call 913-588-1227 or visit KansasHealthSystem.com/Appointments.
