Elf the Musical, WOH 2023

SPONSORED BY

Allen Insurance Agency, Amici’s Cuicina, Lockwood Hotel, KSW FCU, Maine Savings FCU

November 17, 18, 24, 25, 7:30pm November 19, 25, 26, 2pm

207.873.7000 operahouse.org

Happy Holidays!

51 Main St., Waterville 873-5101 AllenIF.com/Waterville

BOOK BY

Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin LYRICS BY

Chad Beguelin

MUSIC BY

Matthew Sklar

BASED ON THE NEW LINE CINEMA FILM WRITTEN BY

David Berenbaum

ORIGINALLY PRODUCED BY

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures in association with Unique Features DIRECTOR Debra Susi MUSICAL DIRECTOR Michael Peterson SCENIC AND PROJECTION DESIGN Mikayla Carr, Joey Kalinowski COSTUME DESIGN Travis M. Grant LIGHTING DESIGN Bryant Cyr SOUND DESIGN Jayson Murray CHOREOGRAPHY Ariel Grenier PROPS DESIGN Nathan Sylvester STAGE MANAGER Andrea Swiderski ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Lily Webb SPONSORED BY

Allen Insurance Agency, Amici’s Cuicina, Lockwood Hotel, KSW FCU, Maine Savings FCU 207.873.7000

Elf The Musical

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CAST OF CHARACTERS Buddy ..................................................................................... Stevie Webb Jovie ..................................................................................... Julia Badaraco Walter Hobbs ..................................................................... David Meyer Emily Hobbs ................................................................. Jessica Haviland Michael Hobbs .............................................................. Tristan Morton Deb ..................................................................................... Suellen DeVito Santa/Greenway ................................................................ Scott Jones Macy’s Manager ........................................................... Jordan Clatchey Mrs. Claus ............................................................................... Diane Bryan Adult Ensemble ...................................................... Phoebe Armillotti, ............................... Griffin Boudreau, Meg Dearborn, Jeff Fairfield, ......... Krystal Guckin, Ezra Haviland, Robyn King, Abby LaBrash, ........... Richard Meng, Becky Paradis, Ethan Sargent, Emily West Child Ensemble .............................................................. James Browne, .............................. Maggie Maheu, Morgan McKay, Agatha Meyer, ................................................................ Evelyn Meyer, Wesley Pierson

PRODUCTION STAFF Production Manager ............................................................. Bryant Cyr Production Assistant ............................................ Nathan Sylvester Light Board Operator ............................................ Andrea Swiderski Master Carpenter .................................................................... Wil Currie Charge Artist/Rigging Operator ................................... Allison Turlo Assistant to the Costume Designer ..................... Candace Chase Stitchers .............................................................................. Hannah Davis, .......................................... Sarah Davis, Christine Nilles, Janet White Spotlight Operators ..... Matthew Stubenrod, Hannah Weston Backstage Crew .......................................................... Vanessa Glazier, .................................................................. Cora Merrick, Linda Neubelt Dance Captains ....................................... Abby LaBrash, Emily West Rehearsal Accompanist .......................................... Cindy Sambrano 207.873.7000

Elf The Musical

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ORCHESTRA PIT Conductor/Musical Director .............................. Michael Peterson Keyboard 1 ..................................................................... Cindy Sambrano Keyboard 2 ............................................................... Theo Van Deventer Violin ................................................................................. Ryu Mitsuhashi Reed 1 ........................................................................................ Blaise Spath Reed 2 ...................................................................................... Steve Barter Trumpet ................................................................................... Eric Vachon Trombone ........................................................................ Edward Angelo Bass .................................................................................... Andy Buckland Percussion ............................................................................ Tom Bennett Drums ..................................................................................... Mark Kilmer SPECIAL THANKS MCI Drama Department + Students Rebecca Caron South End Neighborhood Association Sunbeam Roller Rink This production will be performed with one 15-minute intermission.

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ABOUT THE CAST + CREW Phoebe Armillotti (Ensemble) Phoebe’s love for theater began in her childhood when she first stepped onto the stage in The Wizard of Oz as a munchkin. She later played memorable roles such as Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka and Rapunzel in Into the Woods. Most recently, she was part of the woman’s chorus in Mamma Mia. After taking a break from the stage, she’s excited to be back, sharing her passion with you all in this production.

Julia Badaraco (Jovie) is a recent graduate of the USM Music program with a degree in Musical Theatre Performance. This is her second show at Waterville Opera House, where she recently starred in Rock of Ages as Sherrie. She would like to thank her voice teachers, Malinda Haslett, Alex Dietrich, Mary Letellier, and Ed Reichert for their continued support, and her mom for being her sunshine when skies are gray. She hopes you have a most magical holiday season.

James Browne (Ensemble) is a fourth-grade student at Kennebec Montessori School in Fairfield, Maine. He lives in Madison, Maine with his parents and sister where he enjoys playing soccer, golf, and being outside in nature. He has previously performed in the Lakewood Young Performers productions of Robin Hood (’22) and Blue Suede Paws (’23) and was inspired to audition for this musical because it sounded fun. He would like to thank his friends and family for supporting him in his first production at the Waterville Opera House.

Jordan Clatchey (Macy’s Manager/Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to the Waterville Opera House stage for the seventh time. Most recently, you may have seen her as Mary in Murder on the Orient Express, or as Constance in Rock of Ages. Jordan lives in Winslow with her mom, her dogs, and her cat. Jordan would like to thank her mom and her aunt and uncle for their unending belief in her and everything she does. She would also like to thank the wonderful WOH creative team, as well as the cast and crew of this show, for all their hard work and dedication.

Suellen DeVito (Deb) is making her debut with WOH and is thrilled to be part of this talented cast. A few of her favorite past performances include Something’s Afoot, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Mame, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Once On This Island, Honk, Merrily We Roll Along, The Wiz, And The World Goes ‘Round, and No, No, Nanette. Suellen would like to thank her husband for his support of her passion for theater. Enjoy this uplifting show!

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Jeffrey Fairfield (Matthews/Ensemble) is very excited to be returning to the Waterville Opera House for the fourth time in Elf: The Musical!

Jeff’s previous productions with WOH include Lonny Barnett in Rock of Ages, The Pilot in The Little Mermaid, and the park keeper in Mary Poppins. He earned a degree in vocal music from The University of Maine, and he currently works as a special educator at Winthrop Middle School. Jeff wants to thank his friends and family for the wonderful support and he is honored to share the stage with a great cast and crew in this “Sparklejollytinklejingly” experience!

Travis M. Grant (Costume Designer) Previously at WOH: Tuck Everlasting, Hello Dolly!, Annie, Young Frankenstein, Mary Poppins, The Rocky Horror Show, Into the Woods, Shrek, Fiddler on the Roof, Spamalot. Elsewhere: Cinderella, Annie Get Your Gun, The Rocky Horror Show, The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, Million Dollar Quartet, Grease, Tommy (Maine State Music Theatre); The Nutcracker (Bossov Ballet); Inook and the Sun (U.S. Premiere), Last Easter (New England Premiere, KCACTF/Barbizon Region I National Design Award) (University of Southern Maine), and many more!

Travis is a frequent collaborator with RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, JuJubee (Huluween Dragstravaganza, PetSmart National Commercial/Instagram). Winner of five regional Broadway World Awards for Best Costume Design, including Best Costume Design of the Decade (2010 – 2020). travismgrant.com Ariel Grenier (Choreographer) is the owner and artistic director at Next Generation in Brewer, ME and on faculty at Studio One for Dancers. She received her Bachelors in Psychology and Early Development with a minor in Dance from the University of Maine. She is a Board Member for Maine Dance Teachers Club and has been a dance and theatre educator for over a decade, locally as well as in the UK and Ireland. Ariel’s performance credits include soloist in the US Premier of Fame Forever, Joseph ATD, Rocky Horror, and as dance captain for Young Frankenstein, The Producers, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, and Hello, Dolly!. Her choreography credits include Wizard of Oz at WOH as well as countless productions at local theatres and studios.

Krystal Guckin (Sam/Ensemble) is excited to be part of this amazing cast and production. This is her debut performance at the Waterville Opera House. She previously assisted with the backstage crew for Murder on the Orient Express. Krystal would like to express her thanks to her husband, Richard, and her children for their love and support in making this dream a reality.

Jessica Haviland (Emily Hobbs) is thrilled to be a part of this production! She was last seen on the Opera House stage as Elsa in The Sound of Music. Some other credits include Betsy Foster in Tuck Everlasting, Katherine Plummer in Newsies, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, Irene Molloy in Hello Dolly!, Rose in Enchanted April; a musical, Woman 1 in Songs for a New World, Rachel in Two by Two, Gangster 2 in Kiss me Kate, and Martha in The Secret Garden. Thanks to the WOH production team, fellow cast members, and crew for a wonderful show! Sit back and enjoy!!

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Scott Jones (Santa/Greenway) First played Santa in a second-grade play about the invention of the candy cane! Since then, he has appeared on many stages, in many roles, most recently at WOH as Max Detweiler in Sound of Music last year. Scott is also a founding member of the Colonial Senior Players in Augusta. He lives in Waterville with his wife, Kathy.

Robyn King (Tiara/Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on stage for her twelfth show. Elf has made her feel “Happy All The Time!” You may have seen her in Annie (WOH), A Christmas Story (WOH), The Rocky Horror Show (WOH), or No Reservations (ACAT).

Some favorite roles include JoJo in Seussical, Frenchie in Grease, and Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors. Robyn is thankful to her family, friends, and colleagues for their major support! She would like to dedicate this performance to Juli, who taught her lifelong lessons to “trust the process,” and always “rub the duck!”

Abby LaBrash (Ensemble/Dance Captain) is pleased to return to the Waterville Opera House Stage, having previously appeared in The Sound of Music. She holds a degree in English and Women’s Studies and is passionate about inclusive communication and storytelling. Abby would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and hopes the show brings you holiday cheer!

Maggie Maheu (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Waterville Opera House debut. She has been singing, acting, and dancing since she was five years old. Her first role was in The Lion King Junior. She has since performed as Violet Beauregard in Willy Wonka Junior, Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda Junior, Rooster in Annie Junior, Alice in The Best/Worst Christmas Pageant Ever, and most recently as Ariel in The Little Mermaid Junior. Maggie is twelve years old and a sixth grader at Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast. When not performing, she loves to play soccer, watch Broadway musicals, and do crafts.

Morgan McKay (Ensemble) is thrilled to be participating in her debut performance at the Waterville Opera House. Morgan has attended several theater camps including The Little Mermaid Junior (Atina), Matilda Junior (Bruce), Hansel and Gretel (Gretel), Newsies Junior (Medda Larkin/newsie), and Rapunzel (Rapunzel). Beyond theater, Morgan spends her time playing piano and cello, drawing, writing stories, and singing.

Morgan would like to thank her family for supporting her love of theater.

Richard Meng (Chadwick/Ensemble) is ready to spread some Christmas cheer and excited to be a part of another amazing WOH show! Some previous shows include Seussical, Hello Dolly!, The Wizard of Oz, Clue, and most recently, Rock of Ages.

Fun fact! This is the first play Richard has been in at the WOH without Paul Herard.

Richard would like to thank his family, friends, and Dana for their love and support.

Agatha Meyer (Ensemble) is very excited to be in the production of Elf this year.

She has been in other theater productions via camp and school, but not yet on the 10

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Waterville Opera House stage. In her free time, Agatha enjoys taking dance classes at LSD, playing the clarinet in band, taking part in her school’s civil rights team, and hanging out with her sister, Evelyn. She loves being on stage and is really eager to show her talents in front of an audience. She wants to thank her friends and family for putting up with her theatrical personality.

David Meyer (Walter) is excited to return to the WOH stage after playing Herr Zeller in The Sound of Music. In a previous lifetime, he played Sergeant Floyd in The Absurd Adventures of Lewis & Clark (Vermillion Community Theater, SD). When not acting, David enjoys spending time with his wonderful family, woodworking, traveling, and being outdoors. He wants to thank his wife and daughters for persuading him to take his love of performing arts on stage, his parents for introducing him to theater, and his sister, Jennifer, for singing show tunes together ever since childhood.

Evelyn Meyer (Ensemble) is very excited to be in the musical Elf. She has been in one other WOH production, The Sound of Music with her dad, David. For fun, Evelyn likes to play classical guitar, dance at LSD, play board games with her family, listen to the Little House on the Prairie book series, and do fiber arts with her sister, Agatha. Evelyn wants to thank her dad and sister for being in the musical with her, her teachers for supporting her and coming to the show, and her family and classmates for cheering her on!

Tristan Morton (Michael Hobbs) is thrilled to appear on stage again at Waterville Opera House with such an amazing cast. Past shows include The Sound of Music - Kurt (2022) and The Wizard of Oz - Munchkin/Lollipop Guild (2019). Tristan also performed at the Augusta Colonial Theater production of The Ahab Inside Me – Redux (2023). A sixth grader at St. Michael School, Tristan is active in the school choir, piano, Kennebec Dance Center (eighth year), karate as a Junior Black Belt at MIKA (Manchester), and Boy Scouts in Troop 603. Tristan thanks the cast/crew, Joe Batista, Christine Michaud, Holly Gannet, his family, and friends.

Jayson Murray (Sound Designer) is a freelance sound designer and engineer living in Southern Maine with his partner, Nathan, and their pets, Maeby and Felix. He is thrilled to be rejoining the Waterville Opera House for this production and is happy to help continue the Opera House’s tradition of producing exceptional theatre in central Maine.

Becky Paradis (Ensemble) is so excited to join the Waterville Opera House family, with Elf the Musical as her debut show! After spending the last decade or so as a regular audience member at the Opera House, she thought that it was finally time to be part of the fun and magic on stage. Becky would like to thank her parents, her amazing coworkers at Waterville Senior High School, and her exceptional castmates for supporting and encouraging her as she steps into the world of theatre! Happy holidays and enjoy the show!

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Michael Peterson (Musical Director) Mike is very excited to be back at WOH! He has been music director for many shows at WOH, including the US premiere of Fame Forever, Joseph…, Chicago, Into The Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, and many more. He has performed onstage in the quartet for The Music Man, and as Sparky in two productions of Forever Plaid. Additionally, Mike has been a guest artist at Colby College, and performs regularly with the Downeast Brass quintet. Mike teaches instrumental music grades 6-12 in the Messalonskee School District. He lives in Oakland with his wife Amy, who also teaches music at Messalonskee!

Ethan Sargent (Charlie/Ensemble) is thrilled to join the cast for his first ever performance at the WOH. His love for theater was born years ago while acting with the All Purpose Theater Company, including Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Twelfth Night. This is his first time appearing in a musical and the experience truly is Christmas magic! He thanks the director who started it all ten years ago, Jenn Phillips, for sharing her time and skills, and instilling the confidence to take on theatrical challenges.

Debra Susi (Director) is a 39-year Theatre Educator and costume designer whose directing credits include U.S. premiere of Fame Forever—Reunion and Rebirth, sequel to the musical Fame, as well as Shrek, Spamalot, Cabaret, Camelot, The Full Monty, The Producers, Clue, The Mousetrap, Almost, Maine, and Tuck Everlasting.

Costume Design credits at The Public include Morning After Grace, Women in Jeopardy, Screwball Comedy. In the sunset of her teaching career, Debra would like to thank her husband, family, and friends for their continued patience, love, and support of her artistic work. Missing you, Miss Juli.

Andrea Swiderski (Stage Manager) is a graduate of Colby College, where she studied Psychology: Neuroscience and Women’s Gender and Sexuality studies. There, she developed her interest in feminist theatre practices and the pursuit of making theatre an inclusive space for everyone: actors, crew, and audience. Andrea has stage managed for seven years, with her most recent productions being The Sound of Music, The Play that Goes Wrong, and Rock of Ages at Waterville Opera House.

Allison Turlo (Charge Artist) is a recent graduate from Syracuse University, where she earned her BFA in Theater Design and Technology with a focus in set design.

Previously, she was the set designer for Murder on the Orient Express and the scenic charge for The Play That Goes Wrong, both at WOH. This summer, she worked as the Technical Director at Lakewood Theater in Madison, ME. She is thrilled to be joining the creative team once more and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Lily Webb (Assistant Stage Manager) is pleased to return to Waterville following a year of graduate study in theatre & performance at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland.

Lily was most recently involved with WOH onstage in Tuck Everlasting as Hugo, for

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which they received a BroadwayWorld Maine Best Supporting Actor in a Musical Award (thanks for voting)! Alongside collaborator Joshua Veilleux, Lily created and runs the local theatre collective, Two Cent Theatre. Their sold-out premiere production, Circle Mirror Transformation, went up in September.

Follow @twocenttheatre on Facebook & Instagram for the announcement of their 2024 season! Love & Gratitude to Miss Juli.

Stevie Webb (Buddy the Elf) is an actor/singer who resides in Waterville. He was most recently seen onstage as Franz in WOH’s Rock of Ages and Jonathan in The Play That Goes Wrong. He is so excited to help bring the magic and joy of Elf the Musical to the Opera House stage. Stevie would like to thank his loving wife, Hana, and all his friends and family for being so gracious and supportive.

Emily West (Ensemble/Dance Captain) is excited to be returning to the Waterville Opera House stage! In the past, you may have seen her in the ensemble of both The Sound of Music and Tuck Everlasting. You may have also caught her on the Lakewood Theater stage in Catch Me if You Can, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Emily has been an avid dancer for much of her life and is always excited when she gets to do more of it on stage for all of you! Emily would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her on this journey.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! What is on your wish list to see at the Waterville Opera House in 2024 and beyond?

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