DIRECTOR’S NOTE
The Golden Age of Broadway conjures images of bright lights, strong women, swirling skirts, top hats, tuppence, soaring melodies, and so much color. Between 1943 and 1962 (roughly), American Musical Theatre experienced quite possibly the most transformative, prolific, and inspired period of creativity in the history of Broadway. Rodgers & Hammerstein defined the era with the narrative-driven musical (Oklahoma!), and were unafraid of integrating people of color into their storylines authentically (The King and I). Cole Porter brought sophistication and witty lyricism to the stage (Kiss Me Kate). Leonard Bernstein’s jazz-influenced, complex symphonic scores were nothing short of groundbreaking, and helped launch the career for budding lyricist-composer Stephen Sondheim (West Side Story). And Lerner and Loewe, inspired by one of our greatest modern playwrights (George Bernard Shaw), made a humble-yet-determined flower girl called Eliza Doolittle a household name.
My Fair Lady is widely considered to be one of the most perfectly constructed musicals ever written. It won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and set the record for the longest-running musical on Broadway at that time. Its 1964 film adaptation won the Academy Award for Best Picture. The show is beloved, in every sense of the word. For a 2026 audience, however, it is not without challenges. Henry Higgins, for all his expertise, is, according to Shaw himself, a “middle-aged bully”. Why in the world would Eliza, a young, indomitable, self-possessed woman, willingly choose to stay with him in the end?
Well…does she?
Broadway’s Golden Age was filled with artistry, beauty, and brilliance, but it was also undeniably problematic. In bringing one of these shows back to the stage today, and especially in educational theatre, we cannot overlook these areas. If we do, we rob ourselves of a critical educational opportunity, but most importantly, of the chance to experience “μετάνοια” (metanoia)—a true change of heart (Luke 5:32).
We hope that tonight you experience the magnificence, glow, and wonder that defined the Golden Age of Musical Theatre. And maybe, with a little bit of luck (wink, wink), you might just walk away with a loverly new perspective.
Myra Kaelin Producer & Director
MY FAIR LADY Lerner and Loewe’s
MY FAIR LADY
Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner
Music by Fredrick Loewe
Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s Play and Gabriel Pascal’s Motion Picture “PYGMALION”
Original Production Directed by Moss Hart
March 5-7 & 11-14 | 7:00pm
COSTUME DESIGN KATHY RISK
SCENIC DESIGN & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR JUSTIN McPHERSON (’07)
LIGHTING DESIGN LUCAS WARD
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTORS KEATON MILLER (’17), AVA DELKE (’24), OLIVER KAELIN (’25)
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER & BACKSTAGE MANAGER JACOB THOMAS
ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER MALIA LIU*
STAGE MANAGER ANVI GOEL
HAIR, WIG, & MAKEUP DESIGN LISA KESTER
COSTUME ASSISTANTS MEGHA ARORA & SOPHIA MORAIS
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT & HOUSE MANAGER CRISTINA ZEPEDA
SOUND ENGINEER AUSTIN TAYLOR
PROPERTIES MANAGERS HANNAH BALOG* & NICOLLE WAGNER
STUDENT HOUSE MANAGERS ARYAA MEHTA & AYUSH ROY
RUNNING CREW
GRAPHIC DESIGN JILL CARLSON
TAMARA ADKINSON, KARA DAY, EMMA HANNA, BRAYDEN HATLO PORTER, JAMES HAYWARD, SPENCER HORSLEY, ANGEL LOPEZ, SOPHIA NAMEK, ARIANA SCHNEIDER
VOCAL AND MUSIC DIRECTOR LAYNA CHIANAKAS
CHOREOGRAPHER KEITH PINTO
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY MYRA KAELIN (’94)
*Conservatory Honors Fellow
LERNER AND LOEWE’S MY FAIR LADY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT I
Overture
Why Can’t The English? ........................................................................... Higgins
Wouldn’t It Be Loverly ............................................................. Eliza, Cockneys
With A Little Bit Of Luck ........................................... Doolittle, Jamie, Harry
I’m An Ordinary Man ................................................................................. Higgins
With A Little Bit Of Luck (Reprise) Doolittle, Cockneys
Just You Wait....................................................................................................Eliza
The Servants’ Chorus ..............................................................................Servants
The Rain in Spain ....................................................... Eliza, Higgins, Pickering
I Could Have Danced All Night ........................................ Eliza, Mrs. Pearce, 1st Maid, 2nd Maid
Ascot Gavotte ........................................................................... Ascot Attendees
On The Street Where You Live Freddy
ACT II
You Did It ..................................... Higgins, Pickering, Servants, Mrs. Pearce
Just You Wait (Reprise) ................................................................................. Eliza
On The Street Where You Live (Reprise) .......................................... Freddy
Show Me Eliza, Freddy
The Flower Market ..................................................................... Eliza, Cockneys
Get Me To The Church On Time ................................... Doolittle, Cockneys
A Hymn to Him ............................................................................................ Higgins
Without You ...................................................................................... Eliza, Higgins
I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face ................................................. Higgins
CAST
Eliza Doolittle Talia Santizo*
Henry Higgins ........................................................................ Joshua Prabhakar*‡/Elijah Willson°
Colonel Pickering/Cockney Quartet ....................................................... Johan Gonzalez Lopez
Alfred P. Doolittle ............................................................................ Elijah Willson‡/Ayden Babish°
Mrs. Pearce Aanya Chauhan
Freddy Eynsford-Hill/Cockney Quartet Jack Gunter*
Mrs. Higgins/Servant Nivedita Josy
Jamie/Cockney Quartet/Ascot Attendee ........................................................................ Malia Liu*
Harry/Cockney Quartet/Chauffeur............................................................................... Varan Verma
Cockney/Mrs. Higgins’s Maid .............................................................................................. Meg Irmler
Cockney/Ascot Attendee Ginger Kaelin*
Cockney/Ascot Attendee Emily Rank
Cockney/Ascot Attendee Kensey Sponseller
Cockney/Ascot Attendee ................................................................................................. Emma Tseng
Cockney/Ascot Attendee .............................................................................................. Allison Zhong
Cockney/Butler/Ascot Attendee ................................................................................ Gregory Zhou
Servant/Lord Boxington Logan Abreau Campen
Servant/Policeman Ayden Babish
Mrs. Eynsford-Hill/Servant Chrissa Kilpatrick
Flower Girl/Servant/Maid 2 ....................................................................................... Aashna Mahato
THE ORCHESTRA
Music Director .............................................................................................................. Layna Chianakas
Bass ...................................................................................................................................... Japhy Herbert
Cello ................................................................................................................................ Jennifer Gerlach
Clarinet Ryan Beiter*
Clarinet Derek Pfeiffer*
Clarinet Terri Choi
Flute ............................................................................................................................................... Sarah Bae
Oboe .................................................................................................. Samantha Martinez/Kris Palmer
Percussion ................................................................................................................................. Aeneas Yu*
Synthesizer Jason Ham*/Aidan Kwon*
Piano Dr. Ivan Utomo
Trombone Jose Bernal
Trumpet ................................................................................................................................. Martin Reyes
Trumpet ....................................................................................................................................... Raj Bharat
Violin ............................................................................................................................................... Joyce Xie
Violin Joey Zhu
Violin Serena She*
Servant/Maid 1/Lady Boxington .................................................................................. Ashley Pham *Conservatory Honors Fellow
BIOGRAPHIES
A founding member of Valley Christian Theatre, Myra holds a Master of Arts in Theatre Education (University of Northern Colorado) and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance (Santa Clara University). Throughout her over twenty-five years as a director, educator, and administrator, she has also worked extensively with various local community theatre companies both on and off the stage, including serving as President of the Board of Directors for South Valley Civic Theatre. Favorite directing credits include Rock of Ages, Clue, Into the Woods, Twelfth Night, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Crucible, Mary Poppins, Hello, Dolly!, Steel Magnolias, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and, The Producers, among others. During the 2020-2021 school year, she spearheaded and directed two fully produced and filmed online productions for VCS: Godspell, and Check Please. She would not be where she is today without the unflinching support of her husband, Michael, and her three beautiful children, Lucia, Oliver, and Ginger. Glory to God in all things!
In a career that has spanned over three decades, Voice Teacher, Stage Director and operatic Mezzo-Soprano Layna Chianakas has portrayed over fifty leading opera roles across the United States, including over eighty performances of Carmen. As an award-winning opera stage director for the past fourteen years, her double-bill of Zemlinsky’s A Florentine Tragedy and Pucinni’s Gianni Schicchi for Livermore Valley Opera won the 2021 American Prize for Opera Production, and the National Opera Association third prize for Postcard from Morocco for the San José State Opera Theater. She is currently an Adjunct Professor of Voice at Santa Clara University. Her private voice studio, The Chianakas Studio, boasts a roster of 30+ singers ranging in age from 10-65 and is the proud home of some of the best high school musical theater singers in the Bay Area. “Prof C” thanks Myra Kaelin and her wonderful students for allowing her to be a part of this incredible theatre program!
Keith Pinto is a multi-disciplinary artist from the Peninsula, a graduate of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, and a faculty member at San Jose State University and Ohlone College, where he teaches Hip Hop. As an actor, choreographer, director, and musician, Keith has worked throughout the Bay Area and New York. He toured Europe and North America in Fame the Musical in the late ‘90s. Locally, he has collaborated with American Conservatory Theatre, San Jose Stage, SF Playhouse, TheatreWorks, Campo Santo, 42nd Street Moon, and more. He received a Critics Circle award for his role in Me and My Girl and a TBA award for Cabaret. His choreography includes Mamma Mia!, Altar Boys (TBA Award), Colossal (Critics Circle Award), and Dogfight. He is also a co-founder of the award-winning hip hop group Felonious, known for its innovative pieces and collaborations with artists like The Black Eyed Peas, LL Cool J, The Roots, and De La Soul.
VOCAL DIRECTOR
LAYNA CHIANAKAS
MYRA KAELIN
KEITH PINTO
VALLEY CHRISTIAN THEATRE STATEMENT
Here at Valley Christian Theatre (VCT), we believe it is vital for our students to know they can be unapologetically Christian in the Arts; their artistic gifts are God-given, after all. Further, it is equally important to us that our students leave our program well-prepared to think and live like followers of Jesus in a complex world. This includes learning to use their own Christian perspective to address worldly themes and the fallen nature of humanity, much like they do in their other academic studies. Often, it is when we confront these very themes that we turn towards Christ, humbling ourselves as we examine our own convictions, and seek wisdom; this is the gritty work that allows us to strengthen our faith (James 1:5-7).
Every VCT production, K-12, goes through a vetting process with several sets of theatrically experienced eyes on scripts before they are decided upon. We examine the scripts closely and decide as a team whether a show is a good choice for the Valley Christian Schools (VCS) stage. It is an extensive and time-consuming process, and one we do not take lightly. Invariably, we come across characters and situations that challenge our very human (and Christian) sensibilities. Please keep in mind that VCS does not condone these situations, characters, or lifestyles; rather, what you see on stage is a reflection of the reality of our modern world and culture. It is in these moments that we pause, humble ourselves, and begin to look for clues of justice and redemption within the story. While not always overt, they nearly always exist. And sometimes, bringing a smile to your face or a moment of joy to your heart is the redemptive moment (Isaiah 61:3).
As you enjoy tonight’s performance, if at any moment you find yourself triggered, we encourage you to pause, reflect, seek wisdom, and look for justice and redemption. If you have questions, strong thoughts, or feelings you wish to express, please, reach out to us—we want to engage in a healthy, respectful, and godly dialogue with you. It is our true desire to give your students artistic opportunities that allow the light of Christ to shine through them so that they may ultimately glorify God through their art “at home and in their communities”—to “Do it heartily unto the Lord.” We strive to ensure that the Valley Christian Theatre program embodies the VCS mission in all that we do.
Myra Kaelin K-12 Director of Theatre Arts
VCS Production Committee
Brian Clemons (’87), President
Justin McPherson, K-12 Director of Technical Theatre
Troy Gunter, VP/Director of K-12 Conservatory of the Arts
Dr. Steve Dang (’02), Senior Vice President, Chief Ministry Officer, & Director of Alumni
Dr. Jennifer Silva (’94), High School Principal
Sophia McCann (’15), Junior High Drama Teacher and Junior High Leader
Anne (Bagley ’94) Delke, Department Head, High School Bible Department
Dr. Niccole Carner, High School AP English Teacher
SUMMER THEATRE CAMP
Dates June 8-18 (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-12pm
Cost $495
Grades
Entering Grades 3-5 (Co-Ed)
Location Skyway Theatre
100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Camp registration closes Monday, May 11. for students entering 3rd-5th grade
Instructor
Miss Sophia McCann (’15)
Mr. Justin McPherson (’07)
Join us for a two-week, half-day camp for students entering grades 3-5. These young actors will focus on learning lines, basic stage directions, introductory vocals, choreography, and stage movement, culminating with a fun and energetic “mini-show” performance on June 18 at 12pm. This year’s camp is not to be missed and will give budding thespians great building blocks for their future at VCT.
Mandatory Camp Showcase June 18 at 12pm
Note: Camp fee includes a camp t-shirt. Students are responsible for bringing their own snack. If you have questions, or if all spots are full when you go to register, please contact Cristina Zepeda, czepeda@vcs.net, to be placed on a waitlist.
SUMMER THEATRE CAMP JUNE 8-26, 2026
for students entering 6th-12th grade
Summer Theatre 2026: Disney’s FROZEN JR.
Dates June 8-26 (Closed June 19) (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-3pm
Cost $795
Grades
Entering Grades 6-12 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Theatre 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructor
Miss Sophia McCann (’15)
Mr. Justin McPherson (’07)
Disney’s enchanting modern classic comes to life in Frozen JR. this summer at VCT! Based on the hit Broadway musical, the show brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to the stage with beloved songs and exciting new moments written for Broadway. Students will explore a heartfelt story of courage, acceptance, and sisterhood as Anna and Elsa discover their inner strength. Filled with magic, adventure, humor, and unforgettable characters, Frozen JR. promises a fun, inspiring, and confidence-building summer experience.
Join us for a three-week, full day camp for students entering grades 6-12. Students will spend their days rehearsing vocals, choreography, and staging, leading up to performances on June 25-26. Every student is guaranteed a role in the show!
Join us for a summer filled with creativity, growth, and the magic of Frozen JR!
No camp on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Mandatory Performances on June 25-26 at 6pm. Camp hours will be adjusted on these two days to accommodate the performances.
Note: Camp fee includes a camp t-shirt. Students are responsible for bringing their own snack and lunch. If you have questions, or if all spots are full when you go to register, please contact Cristina Zepeda, czepeda@vcs.net, to be placed on a waitlist.
Camp registration closes Monday, May 11.
An Evening of Note
Featuring Select Pianists from the Valley Christian Conservatory of the Arts
April 18, 2026 | 6:00pm
AFFIRMING THE ARTS
Spring 2026
Jan 24.............................. West Coast Elite Dance Competition - HS Dance
Jan 31................................ Conservatory Concerto Competition Finals Round - HS Music
Mar 5-7............................. 11-14 My Fair Lady - HS Theatre
Mar 19............................... Faith, Hope, and Love - JH/HS Choirs
Mar 26-28......................... Dare to Dream Jr. - A Disney Musical Revue - JH Theatre
Mar 30.............................. Spring Chamber Recital - JH/HS Chambers
Mar 31............................... Serenade to Spring - JH/HS Strings
Apr 18............................... An Evening of Note - K-12 Music
Apr 22.............................. Faith, Hope, and Love - JH/HS Choirs
Apr 23............................. Percussion Extravaganza - JH Drums/HS Percussion
Apr 23-25........................ Emotions: Sitcoms - HS Dance
Apr 30-May 2.................. Experiments in Comedy & Tragedy - HS Theatre
May 4-15.......................... Art Show - EL Art
May 8-9............................ Willy Wonka KIDS - EL Theatre
May 11.............................. Theatre & Dance Senior Showcase - HS Conservatory
May 12.............................. Festival of the Arts and Music Senior Showcase - K-12 Music
May 12-15......................... Art Show and Visual Art Senior Showcase - JH/HS Art
May 21-23......................... DanceScapes: Under the Big Top - EL/JH Dance
May 24............................. Conservatory Concerto Competition Winners Concert - HS Music
Grace Zhu (’27)
WARRIOR FUND
Tuition funds operations. Philanthropy fuels vision. Every gift makes a difference, so please consider donating to the Warrior Fund today.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 25, 2026
Join us for the “Warrior Celebration: Honoring the past. Inspiring the future.” a community event spanning multiple generations, celebrating God’s faithfulness and the profound impact of Christ-centered education on thousands of lives. This semi-formal evening will feature student-led experiences and performances, mocktails, appetizers, dinner, a silent auction, and opportunities to connect with our vibrant community. vcs.net/warriorcelebration
May 11, 2026
We look forward to welcoming the VCS community for a round of golf and a day of fellowship at the annual Golf Classic. vcs.net/golfclassic Thank
Giving PLANNED
The Shechem Oak Society honors alumni, parents, and friends who have included Valley Christian Schools in their estate plans, empowering future generations just as the oak at Shechem symbolized God’s faithfulness throughout biblical history. Your gift ensures our faithful witness to God’s kingdom mission through VCS to all generations.
We invite you to join the Shechem Oak Society. Visit plannedgiving.vcs.net or contact advancement@vcs.net to explore the variety of ways you can make a lasting impact at VCS.
MISSION STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™
FOUNDING STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence
