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CENTER REPERTORY OF WALNUT CREEK Michael Butler, Artistic Director Scott Denison, Managing Director presents

Music by Book and Lyrics by Based on the play by

Orchestrations Vocal Arrangements String Orchestrations Duncan Sheik AnnMarie Milazzo

Scenic Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Joshua Lipps Christine Crook John Earls Sound Designer Stage Manager Prop Master Lyle Barrere Sofia Dertimanis* Joshua Lipps Cast Adrienne Rose Bengtsson Nancy Carlin* Andrew Humann Ben Bogen Elizabeth Curtis Cindy Im Evan Boomer Jeffrey Draper* Taylor Jones Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd José Gonzalez Adrienne Walters Tim Homsley* Directed by Molly Aaronson-Gelb Music Direction by David Möschler Choreographed by Juliana Monin

Produced on by IRA PITTELMAN, TOM HULCE, JEFFREY RICHARDS, JERRY FRANKEL, ATLANTIC THEATER COMPANY, Jeffrey Sine, Freddy DeMann, Max Cooper, Mort Swinsky/Cindy and Jay Gulterman/Joe McGinnis/Judith Ann Abrams, ZenDog productions/CarJac Productions, Aron Bergson Productions/Jennifer Manocherian/Ted Snowden, Harold Thou/Terry E. Schnuck/Cold Spring Productions, Amanda Dubois/Elizabeth Bynon Wetherel, Jennifer Maloney/Tamara Tunie/Joe Cilibrosi.

The world premiere of “” was produced by the Atlantic Theater Company by special arrangement with Tom Hulce & Ira Pittelman. SPRING AWAKENING is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com Knight Stage 3 Theatre April 19 - May 13, 2012 Lesher Center for the Arts Season Partner Season Media Sponsor Foundation Sponsor

*Member of ’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the Center REP is a member of Theatre Bay Area and Theatre Communications Group (TCG), The National Organization for the American Theatre CAST (in order of appearance) Ben Bogen (Georg/Dieter) is Elizabeth Curtis (Martha) is Cindy Im (Anna) Cindy’s recent Duncan Sheik (Music) In addition to writing the music Joshua Lipps (Scenic Designer / Props Master) has truly honored to be a part of such thrilled to be making her Center credits include Tontlawald at Cutting for Spring Awakening (2007 for “Best been with Center REP since 2009 as their Technical Wendla...... Taylor Jones a beautiful piece and amazing REP debut in Spring Awakening! Ball, Phaedra at Shotgun Players Orchestrations and “Best Original Score”, 2008 Grammy Director. Mr. Lipps has been in the arts for more than a The Adult Women...... Nancy Carlin* cast! Credits: A Christmas Carol Past and favorite credits include and Songs of the Dragons Flying to Award for “Best Musical Show ”), Sheik’s other theater decade. Some other theater houses that he has worked The Adult Men...... Jeffrey Draper* (Thief) for 2 years in a row with The Santaland Diaries (Santa baby) Heaven at Crowded Fire, where she credits include: Nero (Another Golden Rome) (currently in for are Alameda Civic Light , Stagemasters, and the Otto/Ulbrecht...... Isaiah Boyd Center REP, (DTC), and (Lina Darling) with CLTC; is a resident artist. She will appear development), The (currently in development), Educational Theater Company of Foster City. He very Georg/Dieter...... Ben Bogen Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour (Fraulien Schneider); next in The Hundred Flowers Project (currently in development). Recorded works much enjoys designing and dressing the set he and his Hanschen/Rupert...... Evan Boomer u/s), (Sketch), (Mark), (Penelope Pennywise); at Crowded Fire. She holds an MFA include: Whisper House (Sony/Victor 2009), scene shop have built. Joshua would like to take this Ernst/Reinhold...... Jose Gonzalez (Steve/Waiter), Oklahoma!, Oliver!, and Othello (Emlia); Bat Boy (Meredith); and The Imaginary in Acting from CalArts, and is a recipient of the 2010 (Rounder 2006), Daylight ( 2002), opportunity to thank his wonderful crew for their skills Moritz...... Andrew Humann (CCMT), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Invalid (Beline) all at DVC. She would like to thank her Theatre Bay Area TITAN Award. www.cindyim.com. Moon (Nonesuch 2001), Humming (Atlantic Records 1998), and dedication, for without them we would have a blank Melchior...... Tim Homsley* Spelling Bee (Chip) with Stars 2000. Ben has been family and for their support, especially her Mom Duncan Sheik (Grammy Nomination “Best Male Vocal” slate. Past productions in which Joshua has been Props Thea...... Adrienne Bengtsson choreographing, directing, and teaching for for always being in her corner. Also to Leslie Noel for Taylor Jones (Wendla) is beyond (Atlantic Records 1996). Film Scores include: DARE (2009), Master include The Storytelling Ability of a Boy, Blues in the Anna...... Cindy Im Standing Ovations Theatre program for 4 years helping her voice grow into what it is today, and lastly excited to be making her Off Center Little Spirit: Christmas in New York (2008), Capers (2007), Night, and Smokey Joe’s Café. When Joshua is not in the Martha...... Elizabeth Curtis and studies dance at The Ballet School in Walnut to her professors Kirkwood and Beth McBrien for debut! She has been acting in the and The Cake Eaters (2007). Producer Credits include: Holly theater world he enjoys spending time with his beautiful Ilse...... Adrienne Walters Creek. Ben plans to pursue a BFA in teaching her to be here now. Thank you for supporting Walnut Creek area for the past two Brook (forthcoming CD 2009), Micah Green (2008), Spring wife Jennifer and 2 yr old son Carter. Joshua appreciates at the University of Michigan this fall. Countless live local theatre! years. She’s has appeared in CCMT’s Awakening Original Cast Album (Universal 2007) and Chris the opportunity to work with Center REP’s wonderful TIME and PLACE thanks to all who have helped and inspired me RENT (Mimi), Hairspray (Cindy Gaineau (2006). technical and artistic staff, they are his second family! to reach for my dreams! Jeffrey Draper* (The Adult Men) Lorraine Watkins), and Little Shop is thrilled to return to Center REP of Horrors (Crystal), also Center REP’s Dracula (Vixen), AnnMarie Milazzo (Vocal Arrangements) Composer/ Christine Crook (Costume Designer) has designed Simultaneously a provincial German town, 1890’s and join this talented cast in such a Smokey Joe’s Café (Brenda). Most recently she played lyricist: Pretty Dead Girl, Sundance Film Festival. Vocal costumes for theatre, dance, and opera in the Bay Area Evan Boomer (Hanschen) is Arranger: Spring Awakening, the Broadway musical at and honored to be with Center REP’s powerful, intimate piece of theater. Pilar in Diablo Theater Company’s Legally Blonde. She with companies like the Aurora Theatre, Shotgun Players, a timeless teen world Center REP: A Christmas Carol (10 would like to send lots of love to her family and friends the Eugene O’Neill Theater, the Broadway Ensemble Parallèle, Magic Theatre, Boxcar Theatre, Off Center for this production musical at The Booth Theater, Bright Lights, Big City at the of Spring Awakening. Recent years), Around the World in 80 Days, and thank them for all their support. Taylorimanjones@ Playhouse, Berkeley Playhouse, and Just Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Misalliance, gmail.com New York Theater Workshop, and the Paramount feature Theater. She has an MFA in costume design from the credits include: “Peter Pinkerton” film, The Marc Pease Experience. AnnMarie is a Grammy There will be one 15 minute intermission Laughter on the 23rd Floor, How the Other Half Loves, University of California, San Diego and is the recipient of a – Pinkalicious, the Musical (Bay nominated singer from The East Village Opera Company on The Wizard of Oz, and more. CCMT: Oklahoma! and Adrienne Walters (Ilsa) is ecstatic 2008 Patté Award for Theatre Excellence for Outstanding Area Children’s Theater), “Young Universal/Decca. Scrooge” - A Christmas Carol (Center REP), Little Hairspray. Elsewhere: Lots of Shakespeare and teaching to be rocking out in her Center REP Costume Design. Christine has also been nominated for SONG LIST Shop of Horrors (Contra Costa Musical Theatre), at regional theater companies. Jeff is co-Education debut as Ilse in Spring Awakening. Simon Hale (String Orchestrations) After graduating two SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards. “Hysterium” - A Funny Thing Happened On The Director at Center REP and teaches theater at the Harker Her favorite credits include Jean in from the Univesity of with an honors degree in Act I Way To the Forum (California State University, East School in San Jose. You may not see it much tonight, : Osage County (City Lights composition, Simon Hale’s acclaimed solo album, East John Earls (Lighting Designer) DRAA On Broadway/ Mama Who Bore Me...... Wendla Bay), “Al DeLuca” - A Chorus Line (Contra Costa but he is a really nice guy. Theatre Co), Holly in The Wedding Fifteen, led to recordings with many artists, including Lesher Arts Center Anniversary, The Lady with All the Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise)...... Girls Musical Theater), “The Waiter” - Singer (Stage 1), and Tinkerbell , Simply Red, and Bjork. In Answers (Off Center/Center REP); Oklahoma!, - All That’s Known...... Melchior (Center REP), and he is also a proud member of the José Gonzalez (Ernst) is very in Book of Tink (Red Egg Theatre). Previously with 1996 he orchestrated Duncan Sheik’s first album, and their Shellie Award, Cinderella- Shellie Award (CCMT); Lesher The Bitch of Living...... Moritz with Boys Fantasy Forum ’s Ensemble. He holds a B.A. in excited to be working on his first Center REP, Adrienne got to revisit her tween years musical collaboration has continued ever since. Simon’s Speaker Series- Newsmakers; Chevron Family Theatre My Junk...... Girls and Boys Theatre Arts from California State University, East show with Center REP, Spring stage managing the West Coast Premiere of Becoming involvement with Spring Awakening marked his Broadway Festival; A Christmas Carol (Center REP); ARF Stars to the Touch Me...... Boys and Girls Bay, and has recently studied with Music Theatre Awakening. Non-traditional casting BritneyI She sends all her love to her amazing family, debut and the Tony Award for Best Orchestrations in 2007. Rescue; The Shellie Awards; Rocky Horror Show, Let’s Go The Word of Your Body...... Wendla, Melchior Conservatory at Notre Dame de Namur. He hopes … pretty awesome! A Bay Area and as always, for Brian. He continues to work with Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik To The Movies (Town Hall). Thanks to the ACME Theatre native, José was last seen with the The Dark I Know Well...... Martha, Ilse with Boys you enjoy the show! on other projects. For more information please visit www. Company. The Word of Your Body (Reprise 1)...... Otto, Georg New Conservatory Theatre in SF simonhale.co.uk. and has performed at Willows Theatre, Brava Theatre, And Then there Were None...... Moritz with Boys Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd (Otto/Ulbrecht) CREATIVE TEAM Lyle Barrere (Sound Designer) is thrilled to be returning Sunnyvale Community Players, Bus Barn Stage Co., The Mirror Blue Light...... Melchior with Boys has performed across the Molly Aaronson-Gelb (Director) is the founder and co- to Center REP! Beginning his theatre career in the 5th Woodminster Summer Musicals and on the stages I Believe...... Boys and Girls greater Bay Area in dozens of Steven Sater (Book and Lyrics) was awarded the 2007 artistic director of Just Theater for whom she has directed grade, Lyle has worked almost 200 shows for many of Paramount’s Great America in Mixed Element and productions; most recently Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Down a Little Dirt Road, Far Away, Take Me to the Bridge, and professional companies in the Bay Area and Endless Summer on Ice to name a few. His recent Act II portraying Mary Sunshine Score for Spring Awakening along with the Drama Desk 3 Plays About Your Mom. Other directing credits include as a producer, director, sound or lighting designer, and endeavors have taken him overseas, as a member of The Guilty Ones...... Wendla, Melchior with Boys and Girls in with the Willows and Outer Critic Circle Awards for Best Lyrics. With alt- Norman Conquests: Living Together for Shotgun Players, stage manger. His sound design for (2003, Team Nick in Nickelodeon at Sea with Norwegian Cruise Don’t Do Sadness...... Moritz Theatre Company. Favorite roles rocker Duncan Sheik, he received the 2007 Grammy the premiere of Blastosphere! for CentralWorks, First Person Willows Theatre Company) was nominated for a Bay Lines. José is a San Jose State University graduate Blue Wind...... Ilse include: Ren in Footloose, Chip in The 25th Annual Award for Best Musical Show Album for Spring Awakening. Shooter for Capitol Stage and Oliver! for Berkeley Playhouse. Area Theatre Critics Circle Award and his design of The where he was a proud member of Company One under Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind...... Moritz , Ilse Putnam County Spelling Bee, Victor in Smokey Joes In addition, the two received The Dramatists Guild Hull- She has served as an assistant director at Berkeley Rep, Solid Gold Cadillac (2004, Willows Theatre Company) the direction of Janie Scott. José wants to give thanks Left Behind...... Melchior Cafe’, and Seaweed in Hairspray. He would like to Warriner Award, the Outer Critics Circle, the Drama Desk, A.C.T., California Shakespeare Theater, The , was nominated for a Shellie Award. A graduate of the Totally Fucked...... Melchior with Full Company to friends and family who have supported him on his the Lucille Lortel, New York Drama Critics’ Circle, and and the Women’s Project. She is a member of the Lincoln University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in thank his friends and family for all of their love and long and endless journey. An added THANK YOU to all The Word of Your Body...... Hanschen, Ernst w/Boys & Girls support. Drama League Awards for Best Musical. Steven is the Center Directors Lab, holds an MA in Performance Studies Physics, he enjoys hiking and scuba diving when not in (Reprise 2) whose words of wisdom have kept me fueled. Never author of numerous plays, including the long-running from Northwestern, and teaches drama at Bentley School in the theatre. He was awarded the Eagle Scout Award from give up the dream. Whispering...... Wendla Nancy Carlin* (The Adult Carbondale Dreams, Perfect for You, Doll (the Rosenthal Lafayette. BSA Troop 204. Lyle is the Founding Artistic Director Those You’ve Known...... Moritz, Wendla, Melchior Prize, Cincinnati Playhouse); Umbrage (Steppenwolf New of the HOOLIGAN Theatre Company, which provides Women) is pleased to return to Tim Homsley* (Melchior) is so David Möschler (Musical Director) works as a conductor The Song of Purple Summer...... Full Company Center REP where she recently Play Prize); A Footnote to the Iliad (New York Stage and theatre experiences to college students of all majors. happy to be performing a dream role Film, The Miniature Theatre of Chester); Asylum (Naked throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He has music directed www.LyleBarrere.com directed Arms and the Man. A at his first show at Center REP in the over seventy-five fully-staged productions, most recently THE BAND former company member of the Angels); Murder at the Gates(commissioned by Eye of Off Center Series. Chorus The Pirates the Storm); In Search of Lost Wings (Sanford Meisner with Shotgun Players, , Erika Chong Sofia Dertimanis* (Stage Manager) is very excited to , Harmonium, Guitar...... David Möschler American Conservatory Theater, of Penzance and Willful (Oregon Shuch Performance Project, Boxcar Theatre, Youth Musical Guitar...... Brian Butts and a long time associate artist Theater) and a reconceived version of Shakespeare’s be back with Center REP for her third Off Center show. Shakespeare Festival). Percy The Tempest, with music by Laurie Anderson , which played Theater Company of Berkeley and Light Opera Theatre of Her most recent credits include Sunset Boulevard (CCMT), Double Bass, Electric Bass...... Jeff Patterson with the California Shakespeare Theater, she has Sacramento. Möschler is very passionate about utilizing Scarlet Pimpernel (Camelot Theater). London’s Lyric Hammersmith and toured throughout The Storytelling Ability of a Boy (Center REP), Suessical Drum Set, Percussion...... Geneva Harrison also performed with Berkeley Rep, San Jose Rep, original orchestrations, and his productions always feature Chip 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Oregon Great Britain. In additon to Spring Awakening, Sater has (Berkeley Playhouse), The Lady With All the Answers Violin...... Kerry Borgen the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Marin Theatre a live, full . During the summer he is a principal Cabaret Theater). Bobby Strong Urinetown, Jack Rover collaborated with Sheik on the NY premier of Umbrage (Center REP), and Hairspray (CCMT). She would like to Viola (Apr 19 - 22)...... Laura Douglas Company, Aurora Theatre, SF Playhouse, and The conductor with College Light Opera Company in Cape Wild Oats, White Night/Dee/Humpty Dumpty/Pudding (HERE), Nero (The Magic Theatre, workshopped at the thank the wonderful cast, production team, and crew for Viola (Apr 26 - May 13)...... Whitney Smith Jewish Theatre SF, where she recently played Cod, where he has served on the music staff for six seasons. Alice Through the Looking Glass, Gransaville Dick New York Shakespeare Festival and New York Stage & making Spring Awakening such an amazing experience. Cello (Apr 19 - 22)...... Josh Mikus-Mahoney Cheryl Crawford in the premiere of In the Maze of Whittington and His Amazing , Privet Svensen Johnny This July Möschler will be conducting YMTC Berkeley’s Cello (Apr 26 - May 13)...... Gretchen Egen Our Own Lives. A director and teacher, Carlin is also Film), and The Nightingale (workshopped at the O’Neill production of accompanied by a thirty- Johnson (Southern Oregon University). BFA Southern Musical Theatre Conference, , A.C.T., Kyle Valentine (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to the co-author of a new musical, Max Understood, Oregon University. piece orchestra, followed by Shotgun Players productions which was developed at the O’Neill National and New York Theater Workshop). He is also hard at of and the North American premiere of Tom Waits’ be part of this wonderful show. This is his 8th production Music Theatre Conference and the New York work with System of a Down’s on a musical Woyzeck. He recently received his Master of Arts in Music with Center REPertory. He has had great fun working CAST BIOGRAPHIES Andrew Humann (Moritz) is a version of Prometheus Bound, to be directed by Diane backstage for Center REP productions – The Storytelling Musical Theater Festival. Look for her this summer Pinole Valley High School graduate from UC Davis, where he studied conducting with D. Kern in Precious Little with Shotgun Players and the Paulus at the American Repertory Theater. Sater is the Holoman and Jeffrey Thomas. Visit www.davidmoschler. Ability Of A Boy (ASM), Smokey Joe’s Café (A2), The Lady Adrienne Rose Bengtsson (Thea) and is very excited to be making lyricist for Sheik’s critically acclaimed album Phantom With All The Answers (ASM), Becoming Britney (ASM), and films Fanny, , and Danny, and The Heart That his Center REP debut with Spring com for more information and upcoming performances. is thrilled to be making her Sings. Nancy holds a BA in comparative literature Moon (Nonesuch), and together the two wrote the She Loves Me, and looks forward to working Xanadu. professional debut on the Center Awakening. Andrew has been active songs for Michael Mayer’s feature film A Home at the End Most recently he appeared as Frank in The White Liars from and an MFA in acting from in community theater in the Bay Juliana Monin (Choreographer) grew up dancing in the REP Stage. Currently a junior A.C.T. of the World (Warner Classics) as well as the independent Bay Area and is thrilled to be part of this production of and as Bill Calhoun in Kiss Me, Kate. Other onstage attending Campolindo High School, Area for about 10 years now, and features Brother’s Shadow and ’s credits include A Christmas Carol (Center REP 2010 and is thrilled to be branching out and seeing what this Spring Awakening. After graduating magna cum laude from she has been singing in school and The Cake Eaters. Sater is also co-creator and executive Amherst College with a degree in psychology, she danced 2011), Hairspray (CCMT), (CCCT) and Oklahoma! performing on stage through the cesspool of talent and has to offer. Andrew producer, with Paul Reiser, of recent pilots for both (CCMT). He trains with Young REP, studies dance at was last seen as a Pirate in Berkeley Playhouse’s Pirates professionally in New York and taught yoga internationally. Peter Pan Foundation since she was ten years old. Last THANK YOU TO OUR NBS and Sony/FX, and has developed two projects for She has danced for several Bay Area dance companies and Lareen Fender’s The Ballet School, and studies voice with summer, she played the role of in the foundation’s of Penzance where he was also featured in Narnia and HBO, and another for Showtime (with Reiser). He is Ahmed Elgasseir. A high school freshman, Kyle enjoys DINNER SPONSORS: Oliver. Other credits include Jesus in currently teaches and performs throughout the country production of the musical Aida. Most recently, she also at work, with Jessie Nelson, on a feature film and with AXIS Dance Company. When not on the road, she soccer and scuba diving. He thanks his family for all their played the role of Sarah Brown in Campolindo’s (YMTC), Salt Plays: In the Wound (Shotgun Players), and a is creating an orignal movie musical for producer Larry love and support. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar hefty handful of shows at Pinole Community Playhouse. teaches creative movement and modern dance at Shawl- production of . Adrienne first became Mark. In addition, Steven works as a lyricist with various Oi-C Bowl Andrew would like to thank his family and friends who, Anderson Dance Center. She would like to thank Molly, involved with Center REP last summer through the Scott’s Seafood Grill and Restaurant composers in the pop/rock world - recently writing songs although not always understanding exactly what it is he Dave, Michael Butler, and the whole team who have all Young Rep Theater Workshop. She plans to study with , , Andreas Carlsson, does with his time, always support him! Love you all. worked tirelessly to bring this wonderful story to life. musical theater in college. and William Joseph. Michael Butler (Artistic Director) This is Michael’s sixth OUR SPONSORS ABOUT CENTER REPERTORY COMPANY season as Artistic Director of Center REP, where his directing credits include last season’s Dracula, Boeing- Diablo Regional Arts Association (DRAA) (Season Center REP is the resident, professional theatre company Boeing and To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as the Shellie Partner) is both the primary fundraising organization of the Lesher Center for the Arts. Our season consists and/or BATCC Award-winning productions of Around the of the Lesher Center for the Arts (LCA) and the City of eight productions a year – a variety of musicals, World in 80 Days, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Marriage of Walnut Creek’s appointed curator for the LCA’s dramas and comedies, both classic and contemporary, of Figaro, How the Other Half Loves, A Midsummer Night’s audience outreach. DRAA’s role in the community that continually strive to reach new levels of artistic Dream, Enchanted April, and Witness For The Prosecution. is all about building partnerships with the focused excellence and professional standards. His directing work has also been seen at San Jose Rep, goal of enhancing artistic quality at the LCA and Cleveland Playhouse, Rep, Laguna Playhouse, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the arts. Our mission is to celebrate the power of the human ACT in Seattle, Marin Theatre Company, Aurora Theatre Through partnerships with the LCA and its producers, imagination by producing emotionally engaging, Company, San Jose Stage, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, individual donors, corporate and foundation sponsors intellectually involving, and visually astonishing live and The Juilliard School, of which he is a graduate. As and the City of Walnut Creek, DRAA plays a vital theatre, and through Outreach and Education programs, an actor, Michael has worked on Broadway and off, in role in advancing the arts for the betterment of the to enrich and advance the cultural life of the communities regional theatres, film and television, as well as REP’s community. Please visit us online at www.draa.org. we serve. productions of The Mousetrap, Noises Off and Rumors. He is a published songwriter and the co-writer and Contra Costa Times (Season Media Sponsor) In the What does it mean to be a producing theatre? We hire composer of numerous music-theatre pieces, which he East Bay, the largest newspaper of the Bay Area News the finest professional directors, actors and designers has directed and performed in NY, LA, and at festivals in Group is the Contra Costa Times and its sister editions, to create our productions at Center REP. These are not India and Morocco. In his career as a performer he has the West County Times, Valley Times, San Ramon Valley touring productions – they’re conceived and developed also danced with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company, Times and East County Times. The Times, was judged here, the sets and costumes are built in our shops, and portrayed the villainous Pierre LeChance on The Guiding the best newspaper in its circulation category in the the actors rehearse in our rehearsal hall. Whether the Light, and played guitar and harmonica in many rock, state five times in a six-year period by the California production is a Bay Area premiere or a Shakespearean blues, and country western bands at all the notable dives Newspaper Publishers Association. In 2005, it won the classic, each is devised to be a one of a kind, artistic in NYC. prestigious national Freedom of Information Award creation that will be a unique theatre experience for our from Managing Editors. And, in 2007, audience. Scott Denison (Managing Director) has been a it was honored by the California Newspaper Publishers leader in the Arts for 37 years for Walnut Creek and the Association for its leadership on public records. What does it mean to be a professional theatre? It surrounding communities. Under Denison’s guidance means that all our artists and artisans are career theatre- for the last 21 years as General Manager for the Lesher Lesher Foundation (Foundation Sponsor) Since 1994, practitioners. Many of the actors in this production are Center for the Arts, he oversees over 850 public events the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation has awarded members of Actors’ Equity Association; many of our each year. He coordinates performing arts activities with grants totaling more than $40 million and reaching directors and designers are members of professional over 85 producers and producing organizations. He citizens in all parts of Contra Costa County. True to unions. All do theatre because it is their profession is also the Managing Director of the Center REPertory the original wishes of Dean and Margaret Lesher, and their passion. Company producing 8 professional productions each the Foundation continues to build on the strengths season; and is the director and co-founder of Fantasy of the community by supporting organizations and We are very proud to have the opportunity to produce Forum Actors Ensemble, an adult family performing programs that provide help and support to people professional theatre for our community in the beautiful arts company which presents programs for the young in need; enhance and enrich the lives of all citizens; theatres here at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Thank and Young at Heart. Scott directed CCMT’s hits Disney’s and promote a healthy and exciting future for the you for your support! Beauty and the Beast and Rogers and Hammerstein’s community. Established in 1989, the Foundation Cinderella, Hairspray, and for the past 13 seasons Center received its principal assets from Dean Lesher’s estate in REP’s A Christmas Carol. Denison has directed over 150 1993 and 1995. In 1997, an additional endowment from productions including most recently REP’s The Lady with Dean Lesher’s estate followed the death of Margaret all the Answers starring Kerri Shawn. In 1979 he created Lesher. A significant and final bequest from Mr. Lesher’s the Shellie Awards, which annually honors outstanding estate was received in 2003. As a family foundation, performing arts achievement in Contra Costa County. support for the Contra Costa community will be carried In 2007 he created the Chevron Family Theatre Festival on by the next generation of family members. Grant- bringing adult nationally acclaimed performances making decisions are based on the vision of Dean and together for one day performing to over 7,000 guests of Margaret Lesher who felt quality education, diverse art all ages. programs, and healthy children and families are the building blocks of a strong and vibrant community. Center REPertory Company The Leshers defined the “spirit of giving” as “investing in Managing Director - Scott Denison Next at Center REP: the community and its people.” By providing financial support and direction in these critical areas, the Artistic Director - Michael Butler Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation is investing every Production Services Costumes day, every week and every year in the health and well- Production Svcs Costume Manager being of this county that Dean and Margaret so loved. Coordinator Michael A. Berg Toni Kilcoyne Assistant Costumers Technical Staff Max Hilsabeck Steve Pino Sarah Leahy CITY COUNCIL John Earls Matthew O’Connor Bob Simmons, Michael Arlen Education Kristina Lawson Devon Ausman Education Directors Kish Rajan Chris Currie Jeff Draper Cindy Silva Mitch Kell Kerri Shawn Gary Skrel Garrick Schuster Casting Director Stephen Spleiss Jennifer Perry Josh Stouffer Audience Services CITY MANAGER Production Audience Svcs Ken Nordhoff ARTS COMMISSION Production Manager Coordinator Carol Fowler, Chair Jeff Collister Courtney Egg DIRECTOR Joe Bologna, Vice Chair Technical Ticket Office Staff Arts, Recreation and Polly Bradbury Technical Director Jeremiah Vierling Glynnis Cowdery Joshua Lipps Caitlin Downing Community Services Master Electrician Hillary Pearsall Barry Gordon Jane Emanuel Ray Oppenheimer Kiersten Jones Carpenters Karla Kopfhammer Daniel Casini Britt Lauer ADDITIONAL THANKS TO: Jordan Scott Benjamin Potter Massimo’s Ristorante Cameron Swartzell Sadé Robinson Chris Swartzel Administration Walnut Creek Baking Company Marketing Asst. to Managing Waters Moving and Storage Marketing Director Director Moose Metal Gabe Marin Gail Pfeifer Associated Services-Alta Water Marketing Assistant Program Shannon and Mike Demers Ariel Ford Linda Nomura Hyatt Summerfield Suites