2010–2011 SEASON SPONSORS
The City of Cerritos gratefully thanks our 2010–2011 Season Sponsors for their generous support of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
YOUR FAVORITE ENTERTAINERS, YOUR FAVORITE THEATER
If your company would like to become a Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts sponsor, please contact the CCPA Administrative Offices at 562-916-8510. THE CERRITOS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CCPA) thanks the following CCPA Associates who have contributed to the CCPA’s Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund was established in 1994 under the visionary leadership of the Cerritos City Council to ensure that the CCPA would remain a welcoming, accessible, and affordable venue in which patrons can experience the joy of entertainment and cultural enrichment. For more information about the Endowment Fund or to make a contribution, please contact the CCPA Administrative Offices at (562) 916-8510.
Benefactor Dr. Stuart L. Farber Paula Briggs Rosemarie diLorenzo $50,001-$100,000 William Goodwin Scott N. Brinkerhoff Sandra and Bruce Dickinson José Iturbi Foundation Janet Gray Darrell Brooke Amy and George Dominguez Rosemary Escalera Gutierrez Mary Brough Mrs. Abiatha Doss Linda Dowell Patron Marianne and Bob Hughlett, Ed. D. Joyce and Russ Brown Robert M. Iritani Dr. and Mrs. Tony R. Brown Robert Dressendorfer $20,001-$50,000 Della and Dr. HP Kan Cheryl and Kerry Bryan Gloria Dumais Bryan A. Stirrat & Associates Jill and Rick Larson G. Buhler Stanley Dzieminski National Endowment for the Arts Sissy and Rich Martinez Ina Burton Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Eakin Eleanor and David St. Clair Celia and Clarence Masuo Linda and Larry Burton Dee Eaton Maureen and Mike Mekjian Susan and Tom Buttera Gary Edward Partner Toni and Tom Morgan Robert Campbell Carla Ellis $5,001-$20,000 Audrey and Rick Rodriguez Michael Canup Robert Ellis Dr. Judy Akin Palmer and Laura and Gary Rose Richard E. Carlburg Eric Eltinge Dr. Jacques Palmer Roberta and Gary Schaeffer David Carver Teri Esposito The Capital Group Companies Marilynn and Art Segal Michelle Casey Kim Evans Charitable Foundation Nancy Sur Smith Phillip Castillo Richard Falb Chamber Music Society of Kirsten and Craig M. Springer, Eileen Castle Renee Fallaha Detroit Ph.D. Yvonne and Dennis Cattell Heather M. Ferber Francesca and Douglas Deaver Charles Wong Rodolfo Chacon Steven Fischer The Fish Company The Gettys Family Joann and George Chambers Elizabeth and Terry Fiskin Dr. and Mrs. Philip I. Kress Friend Rodolfo Chavez Sue & Mike Fitzsimons Los Cerritos Center $1-$1,000 Liming Chen Louise Fleming and Tak Fujisaki New England Foundation for Maureen Ahler Wanda Chen Jesus Fojo the Arts Cheryl Alcorn Margie and Ned Cherry Anne Forman Preserved TreeScapes Joseph Aldama Drs. Frances and Philip Chinn Dr. Susan Fox and Frank Frimodig International, Dennis E. Patricia Christie Sharlene and Ronald Allice Sharon Frank Gabrick Richard Christy Hedy Harrison-Anduha and Larry Teresa Freeborn Bev & George Ray Charitable Crista Qi and Vincent Chung Anduha Roberta and Wayne Fujitani Fund Susan and Clifford Asai Rozanne and James Churchill Masaye Stafford Elaine Fulton Larry Baggs Neal Clyde Samuel Gabriel Triangle Distributing Company Marilyn Baker Mark Cochrane United Parcel Service JoAnn and Art Gallucci Terry Bales Michael Cohn Therese Galvan Wave Broadband Claire Coleman Sallie Barnett Arthur Gapasin Yamaha Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Consani II Alan Barry Gayle and Michael Garrity Patricia Cookus Cynthia Bates Jan Gaschen Nancy Corralejo Supporter Dennis Becker Michael Gautreau $1,001-$5,000 Barbara Behrens Virginia Correa Franz Gerich American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Aldenise Belcer Ron Cowan Mr. & Mrs. F. Gibson Nancy and Nick Baker Yvette Belcher Patricia Cozzini Roxanne and Alan Goldin In Loving Memory of Carol Peggy Bell Eugenia Creason The Goldsmith Family M. Behan Morris Bernstein Tab Crooks Margarita Gomez Boeing Norman Blanco Angel De Sevilla Raejean Goodrich Mary and Robert Buell Family James Blevins Charmaine and Nick De Simone Shirelle Gordon-Thompson Trust Michael Bley Robert Dean Beryl and Graham Gosling Marilynn and James Costantino Kathleen Blomo Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Deckard Timothy Gower Pamela and John Crawley Karen Bloom Betty DeGarmo Marguerite and Werner Graf Viriginia Czarnecki Marilyn Bogenschutz Susanne and John DeHardt A. Graham and M. Marion Lee DeBord Linda and Sergio Bonetti Erin Delliquadri Norma and Gary Greene Susie Edber and Allen Grogan Patricia Bongeorno Ester Delurgio Kenneth Greenleaf Jill and Steve Edwards Ilana and Allen Brackett Rosemarie and Joseph Di Giulio Guerra Family
2 Roger Hale Peter J. Leets P. P. Mfg. Co. Inc., Ronald Burr Sylvia Sligar Jo and Paul Hanson Helen Leonard George Palomino Carol and Rob Smallwood Mark Harding Jack Lewis Bonnie Jo Panagos Kevin Speaks Lois and Thomas Harris Marcia Lewis and John McGuirk Mary Ellen Pascucci Kerry Spears Valerie and Mike Harris Vanessa Lewis Minna and Frank Patterson Dan Stange Julie and Costa Hase Judith and Dr. Henry Louria Angela and Devy Paul Kris and Robert Steedman Howard Herdman Nancy and Stephen Lutz John Peterson Gale Stein Saul Hernandez Peter and Muysean Madden Francisco Philibert Donna Stevens Charles Hess Laura and Sergio Madrigal Frances Pianelli Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Molly Hickman Johnny Magsby Judith Pickup Strawther Patricia Hines Mary Majors Merrill Plou Richard Strayer Charles E. Hirsch Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Manalang Jackie and Joe Polen William R. Stringer Ping Ho Stephen Mao Forrest Poorman A.J. Taen Dr. Richard Hochberg Eleanor Marlow Gwen and Gerry Pruitt Lawrence Takahashi Kay and Wyn Holmes Dr. and Mrs. Max B. Martinez, Susan Ragone Nora and Winford Teasley Jon Howerton D.D.S. Bijan Ramineh Ken Thompson Christina and Michael Hughes Mary and Donald Martini Dr. Marjorie and Frank Ramirez Karen Tilson Melvin Hughes Janice Kay Matthews Karen Randall Joann Tommy Mrs. Susan Hunsinger Pansy and Robert Mattox Robin Raymond Sharon Touchstone Jay Hurtado Cecilia and Ronald Maus Ellyn and Alan Reback Lilliane K. Triggs Mark Itzkowitz Cindy and Doug Maxwell Kathy Reid Jean Tuohino Grace and Tom Izuhara Janet McCarty Rosalie Relleve Maria Tupaz Sharon Jacoby Aliene Mcgrew Nikki and Dennis Repp Alex Urbach David Jaynes Farley McKinney Betty and Nash Rivera Dorothy and Robert Van Cathy and James Juliani Dr. and Mrs. Donald McMillan Sharon V. Robinson Nice Mary Ann and Steve Kahanic Terry and Dave McMurtrey Rockwell Collins June and Sonny Van Dusen Luanne Kamiya David Medellin Lynne Rose Mr. and Mrs. L. Van Pelt Mr. and Mrs. George Katanjian Ursula and Lawrence Melvin Patricia Rose Tim VanEck Marylou and Allan Kennedy Barbara and Edwin Mendenhall Jean Rothaermel Maria Von Sadovszky Roland Kerby Diana Merryman Vivian and Tom Rothwell Diane and Fred Vunak Dr. Aaron Kern Todd Meyer Shirley Rundell Charles Wadman Fay and Lawrence Kerneen Luzviminda Miguel Tom Sakiyama Laura Walker The Kerr Family Hassan Milani Steve Salas and Steven P. Donna and Robert Walters Joseph Kienle Gary Miller Timmons Angela and Sinclair Wang Carol Kindler Kathleen Miller Dennis Salts Karen and Robert Webb James King Dr. Majorie Mitchell Monica Sanchez Carol Webster and Chris Jacky and Jack Kleyh Ellie and Jim Monroe Sheri Sands Enterline Shirley and Kenneth Klipper Patricia Moore Janet and Richard Sax Darlene Weidner Karen Knecht Becky Morales Mary and Robert Scherbarth Marijke and Tim Weightman Lee M. Kochems and Vincent J. Patti David Moromisato Mildred Scholnick Anita and David Weinstein Jerry Kohl Kris Moskowitz Mabel and Dennis Schoonover Lynne and Ken Wellty Dawn Marie Kotsonis Cortland Myers Jerome Schultz Sandra Welsh Shirley Kotsonis Chidori Nakamura Mary Serles Helen Williams Ann Kough Stan Nakamura William Shakespeare Laura H. and John D. Bette and Ken Kurihara Jean and Ardell Nease Olivette Shannon Williams Linda and Harry Kusuda Alan Negosian Kristi Shaw Lee Williamson Patrice and Kevin Kyle A.J. Neiman Drs. Mary and Steven Sherman Merrillyn Wilson Cathy LaBare Wendy and Mike Nelson Ron Shestokes Pornwit Wipanurat Carl Laconico Nelson-Dunn, Inc. The Douglas Lane Shulby, Sr. Robert Worley Nelson Lane Ronald Nichols Family Candy and Jim Yee David Latter Jill and Michael Nishida Kathleen Sidaris Eunee and Frank Yee Earnestine Lavergne Toby Nishida Steven Siefert Jeanette Yee Edward Le Blanc Linda Nomura Neil Siegel Basha Yonis June and Harold Leach Margene and Chuck Norton Maureen and A.J. Siegrist Ruthann Yuhas Dr. Trudy J. LeClair and Cathryn O’Brien-Smith Dorothy Simmons Barbara Yunker Mr. Raymond Bradley Ann and Clarence Ohara Eric Simpson Xavier Zavatsky Paolo Ledesma Karen Ohta Benjamin Singer John W. Zlatic In Loving Memory of Ethel Lee Sylvia L. Osborne Loren Slafer Giving level designations are based on the cumulative giving of the named contributor. Lists are updated twice a year, in July and January. To request a change to your listing, please call (562) 467-8806 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
3 presents AN EVENING WITH FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS
Saturday, September 11, 2010, 8:00 PM
This performance will not include an intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
BIOGRAPHY Revered for his falsetto and three-octave range, leg- Rock-Pop-Doo Wop blend, releasing the popular hits Ron- endary crooner Frankie Valli and his band the Four Seasons nie, Save It for Me, and Big Man in Town. The group was celebrate the classics that propelled them onto the music inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and charts and into entertainment history. AN EVENING the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. WITH FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS A true American icon, Frankie Valli has bedazzled features some of the group’s timeless hits, which include generations of fans and critics with a legendary string of solo Walk Like a Man, Rag Doll, Who Loves You, and December hits, including Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and the No. One 1963 (Oh, What a Night). songs My Eyes Adored You and Grease. The New York Times From 1962 to 1978, Valli and the Four Seasons sold hailed: “Valli’s falsetto was a force of nature that defied more than 100 million records, climbing music charts with genre and gave [the Four Seasons] … immediately identifi- a streak of Top 40 tunes that included C’mon Marianne, able sound.” This celebrated voice wowed critics and fans Watch the Flowers Grow, Working My Way Back to You, and with impressive hits, including the Top 40 tunes I Make a Will You Love Me Tomorrow. When the Beatles and other Fool of Myself, To Give (The Reason I Live), and Swearin’ to British Invasion bands gripped the United States in the God. Valli and the Four Seasons’ enduring appeal attracts 1960s, Valli and the Four Seasons endured with their catchy new fans every day. n
4 presents AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL BOLTON
Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 8:00 PM
This performance will not include an intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
BIOGRAPHy Throughout his illustrious career, Michael Bolton “dramatic piano melodies.” has sold more than 53 million albums, teaming up with Bolton’s uniquely appealing voice earned him the musical luminaries such as Luciano Pavarotti, B.B. King, three-time distinction of “Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist” Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, and Barbra Streisand. In AN from the American Music Awards and a 2005 Emmy nomi- EVENING WITH MICHAEL BOLTON, the one-time nation for “Outstanding Music and Lyrics” for the docu- BMI “Songwriter of the Year” showcases his Soft-Rock mentary Terror at Home: Domestic Violence in America. He ballads, which include Said I Loved You … But I Lied, When continues to test musical genre boundaries with One World I’m Back on My Feet Again, and the Grammy-winning Pop One Love, which features collaborations with popular R&B songs How Am I Supposed to Live Without You and When a icon Ne-Yo in the track The Best and Pop queen Lady Man Loves a Woman. Gaga, who co-wrote the song Murder My Heart. Bolton Bolton will also introduce tunes from his new album, will be featured in the new season of ABC’s Dancing with One World One Love, which The Village Voice praised for its the Stars, premiering on September 20. n
5 presents AN EVENING WITH KENNY LOGGINS
Friday, September 17, 2010, 8:00 PM
This performance will not include an intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
BIOGRAPHY Long revered for his potent combination of orchestra- Celebrate Me Home, Nightwatch, and Keep the Fire. tion and balladry, Kenny Loggins ruled the music charts Since going solo in 1976, Loggins has earned a reputa- with an endless stream of hits that includes the Grammy- tion as one of the most successful writers and singers for winning songs What a Fool Believes, a collaboration with blockbuster soundtracks such as Caddyshack, Top Gun, One The Doobie Brothers’ Michael McDonald, and This Is It, Fine Day, Rocky IV, and Thelma and Louise. Loggins also which the Los Angeles Times hailed as “sensitive … sophisti- delighted youngsters and their parents with the tunes House cated, Soul-flavored Rock.”AN EVENING WITH KENNY at Pooh Corner and A Return to Pooh Corner, which reached LOGGINS is a showcase of the Rock-Pop icon’s biggest the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Kids Audio chart. Your Heart hits, which include I’m Alright, Footloose, and Celebrate Me Will Lead You Home was showcased in Disney’s hit film The Home. Tigger Movie. Loggins started his career as a Folk singer and eventu- In 2007, Loggins released How About Now and was ally gravitated toward Rock, but he exhibits his versatility in inducted into the RockWalk for his many contributions to a colorful range of genres, including Pop, Smooth Jazz, and music. In 2009, Loggins’ family album All Join In was added Children’s music. Collaborations with renowned singer-pro- to his vast discography. n ducer Jim Messina led to three Platinum albums, including
6 presents CECILIO & KAPONO
Sunday, September 19, 2010, 3:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
BIOGRAPHIES For years, the longstanding musical duo CECILIO sive musical education. A multi-instrumentalist, he is adept & KAPONO has charmed sold-out crowds with its unique at the guitar, piano, trumpet, mandolin, banjo, and har- blend of Pop, Soft Rock, and Aloha spirit. A recipient of monica. Prior to forming Cecilio & Kapono, he caught the the Na Hoku Hanohano Award (Hawaii’s equivalent of the attention of Sonny Charles, a musician with the popular Las Grammys) for its albums Life’s Different Now, Goodtimes To- Vegas group The Checkmates. Cecilio toured with Charles, gether, and Lifetime Party: 30 Years of Friends, the pair is one gaining further exposure, which led to shows with the R&B- of The Aloha State’s most successful and popular acts. Doo-Wop group Little Anthony & the Imperials. Cecilio David Rodriguez and Henry Kapono Ka’aihue One of Hawaii’s most prolific composers and songwrit- met in 1973 through mutual friends and soon discovered ers, Cecilio has released critically acclaimed solo works that that they shared a common love for American Folk music include Maybe Tonight, Storybook, Then … and Now, and and acoustic Rock. They started performing together and Sweet Surprise! were embraced by islanders for their original compositions, A native Hawaiian, Kapono started singing at age 5 which weave a counter melody into an existing one. Eight in a children’s church choir. With no formal music training, consecutive months of sold-out shows followed. Kapono taught himself how to play the guitar by listening to Heavily influenced by Sting, Bob Marley, John Len- records and the radio and observing professional guitarists in non, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Wonder, Cecilio & Kapono action. Kapono has won five Na Hoku Hanohano Awards – injected the Hawaiian heritage and island spirit into its rep- including 1983’s “Male Vocalist of the Year” for Dreamer Boy ertoire. Columbia Records signed the duo to a three-album (A Children’s Story); 1986’s Henry Kapono & Tropical Heat; contract, launching the beginning of a celebrated musical 1991’s Song for Someone; and 1992’s “Song of the Year” for alliance that kicked off with the top-selling records Cecilio Broken Promise. His Grammy-nominated The Wild Hawai- & Kapono, Elua, and Night Music. ian won a Na Hoku Hanohano honor for “Rock Album of While Cecilio & Kapono has become one of Hawaii’s the Year” in 2007. Kapono, who is the author of the award- most popular and respected duos, the musicians have also winning children’s book A Beautiful Hawaiian Day, has enjoyed successful solo careers. Cecilio was born and raised appeared in numerous television shows and the films Damien in Santa Barbara, California, where he received an exten- and Waterworld. n
7 presents BOWZER’S Ultimate doo wop PARTY, Vol. 2 Featuring GENE CHANDLER, THE ANGELS®, MAURICE WILLIAMS & THE ZODIACS, DAVE SOMERVILLE (Original Lead Singer of The Diamonds), PAUL & PAULA, and BOWZER & THE STINGRAYS Hosted by Bowzer
Tour Direction DAVID BELENZON MANAGEMENT, INC.
Friday, September 24, 2010, 8:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
8 BIOGRAPHies BOWZER’S ULTIMATE DOO WOP PARTY, VOL. 2 incorporates music and comedy into an entertain- ing show for the whole family. Expect an evening of great hits from an all-star cast that includes GENE CHANDLER, who shook up the Billboard charts with his signature tune Duke of Earl. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004. The mastermind behind the hit Groovy Situation, R&B-Soul singer Chandler was inducted as a Pioneer Award honoree into the Rhythm and Blues Founda- tion in 1997. Also appearing is THE ANGELS®, which enraptured scores of fans and critics with the catchy No. One Pop tune My Boyfriend’s Back. The all-girl group soared onto the mu- sic charts with the Top 20 ballad ’Til and the Top 40 follow- up Cry Baby Cry. The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005. The Angels’® fellow Vocal Group Hall of Fame member, MAURICE WILLIAMS & THE ZODIACS, also rocks the CCPA stage with the acclaimed songs Stay, which was featured in the box-office hit movie Dirty Dancing, and May I. With DAVE SOMERVILLE at its helm, The Dia- monds struck gold with Little Darlin’, Silhouette, and The Stroll. Bestowed with Canada’s prestigious Hall of Fame Juno Award, the group’s unique sound influenced countless performers, including Carole King, Elvis, and Bob Dylan. The concert also features Pop duo PAUL & PAULA. Hailed for Hey Paula, which soared to the No. One spots on the Pop and R&B charts, the twosome followed up with the Top 10 song Young Lovers. Hosting this Doo Wop extravaganza is BOWZER, who performs with his group BOWZER & THE STING- RAYS. The group wows audiences with the classic tunes Blue Moon, Shout!, and Do You Love Me. Bowzer, also known as Jon Bauman, was a piano prodigy who attended the Juilliard School at age 12. At New York’s prestigious Columbia College, Bauman and his classmates created the group Sha Na Na. With Bauman as the Bowzer character, Sha Na Na became a No. One syndicated show aired in 32 countries. Today, Bauman is the chairman of the Truth in Music Committee of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, which protects musicians and fans from copycat bands. Bowzer & The Stingrays performs to enthusiastic audiences around the United States, delivering the best hits of the Doo Wop and Rock eras. n
9 presents
KRIS KRISTOFFERSON SOLO ACOUSTIC SHOW
Friday, September 25, 2010, 8:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
10 BIOGRAPHy Kris Kristofferson redefined Country music with own hit recordings of original material, including the 1971 chart-topping hits such as Me and Bobby McGee, Sunday Pop song Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Mornin’ Comin’ Down, and For the Good Times. He scored Again) and the Gospel-influenced Why Me, which was a three Grammys with the singles Help Me Make It Through crossover hit of 1973. the Night, From the Bottle to the Bottom, and Lover Please. The ’80s and ’90s brought more acclaim with the The icon, who was inducted into the Country Music singles Nobody Loves Anybody Anymore, Put It Off Until Hall of Fame in 2004, returns to the spotlight in KRIS Tomorrow, How Do You Feel About Foolin’ Around, Love Is KRISTOFFERSON SOLO ACOUSTIC SHOW to put the Way, and Moment of Forever. Kristofferson’s timeless ap- the focus purely on his songs. “It feels like direct communi- peal shines through in the 2006 This Old Road album, which cation to the listener,” he says. “I still have more fun when contains 11 gems that explore love, gratitude, aging, war, I’m with the band, but being alone is freer, somehow. It’s and freedom. The Washington Post said the record “possesses like being an old Blues guy, just completely stripped away.” the intimate, spontaneous feel of something done on the In pursuit of his lifelong dream of becoming a pro- fly.” In 2009, his latest album Closer to the Bone was released fessional songwriter, Kristofferson paid his dues working on New West Records. part-time jobs. Being a janitor for Columbia Studios got his Kristofferson’s acting success has been on par with his foot into the business side of the music world. His studio prolific music career. His movie credits include 1974’s Alice job offered him a chance meeting with Country music Doesn’t Live Here Anymore; A Star Is Born, for which he won icon Johnny Cash and an opportunity to see Bob Dylan in the 1977 Golden Globe; 1984’s Songwriter, which earned recording sessions. him an Oscar nomination for “Original Song Score”; 1998’s During this period, Kristofferson was writing songs box office hit Blade; and 2005’s sci-fi thriller The Jacket. that embodied the alienation that many Americans felt Kristofferson continues to act, compose, record, and tour. during the turbulent era of social change in the 1960s. His An activist for social justice and human-rights issues, he lyrics also embraced the values of personal freedom and was named “Veteran of the Year” in 2002 by the American emotional honesty. “His ability to explore the world’s truths Veteran Awards. n and still remain hopeful is a big reason why Kristofferson and his struggle for freedom still matter,” says the Hollywood On Stage Reporter. Advertising Opportunity The candidness of Kristofferson’s tunes attracts devout fans of all ages. The refreshing sound also appeals to per- The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) is now accepting advertising space formers who vie to record his catchy songs. Cash won the reservations for the On Stage program.
Country Music Association’s 1970 “Song of the Year” with Each issue of the program is distributed to Kristofferson’s Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down. Ray Price approximately 15,000 patrons. Placing an advertisement in On Stage for the entire season cinched the Academy of Country Music’s 1970 “Song of provides an opportunity to reach more than 135,000 theater patrons. the Year” with Kristofferson’s For the Good Times. Roger The CCPA attracts patrons from throughout Miller and Janis Joplin both found great success with the Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties. Patrons have the discretionary income to enjoy Kristofferson-penned Me and Bobby McGee, while Bobby dining and shopping excursions before and after Bare cracked the Top 10 Country music chart with the attending performances. songwriter’s Come Sundown. The Country hit Help Me Make For more information about advertising in On Stage, please call Account Executive Anna It Through the Night, sung by Sammi Smith, garnered Krist- Jones at (562) 916-8510, extension 2520. offerson the first of his three Grammys in the 1970s. Kristofferson continued to strike gold with songs such as 1974’s Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends, a No. One hit for Ronnie Milsap. Kristofferson also was making his
11 presents
AMERICA – 40th ANNIVERSARY TOUR Friday, October 1, 2010, 8:00 PM
This performance will not include an intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
BIOGRAPHY In the early ’70s, a trio known as America became a and experimenting with various sounds, management teams, global sensation and a household name when the band’s and record labels. The pair delivered its first album sans single A Horse With No Name galloped to the No. One spot Peek, Silent Letter, and the edgy Alibi. In 1982, America on the music charts. The group released hit after hit and climbed back on the music charts with the hit You Can Do quickly made music history when it won a “Best New Art- Magic from the album View From the Ground. ist” Grammy Award. Beckley and Bunnell spent the latter half of the 1980s America originally consisted of friends Gerry Beckley, focusing on their live shows, which numbered about 100 Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek, who cemented their rise on performances a year. A hot ticket on the concert circuit, Billboard charts with the Top 10 singles Ventura Highway and America continued to delight its loyal fan base while at- I Need You, winning legions of fans and a Grammy in 1972. tracting a new generation of followers. In addition to tour- The group’s best-known tunes, from soul-bearing ballads ing, they dedicated the next decade to solo undertakings to unique medleys – including Tin Man, the inspirational and side projects. These included updating and reissuing the Lonely People, and the No. One hit Sister Golden Hair – were older America albums on CDs and releasing retrospective cornerstones of 1970s Rock radio and Top 40 music charts. compilations, including the three-CD box set Highway: 30 In AMERICA – 40th ANNIVERSARY TOUR, the band Years of America and the acclaimed The Complete Greatest reintroduces its signature sound, a thrilling musical brew Hits, which landed the group back on the Billboard charts. that intoxicated the United States and Europe with inte- In 2006, America was inducted into the Vocal Group grated elements of Folk, Pop, and Rock. Hall of Fame. A fateful encounter with Adam Schlesinger of The trio’s success came strong and fast, spawning a the Indie-Rock group Fountains of Wayne led to a new re- series of Platinum and Gold albums, including America; cording contract with Sony BMG’s Burgundy Records label. Homecoming; Holiday; and History, a compilation of the Teaming up with Schlesinger and James Iha of Smashing band’s greatest hits. America’s songs, typically highlighting Pumpkins, America delivered the 2007 two-CD set Here & themes of travel, displacement, and restlessness, have long Now, a spectacular distillation of the band’s past and present transcended borders, winning fans from all walks of life. hits. The duo’s first major-label studio record since Perspec- At the height of America’s success in 1977, Peek tive in 1984, Here & Now preserves America’s classic core amicably left the group to pursue a solo career as a Christian sound while also introducing new titles by younger musi- Pop artist. Beckley and Bunnell continued on, exploring cians heavily influenced by the Soft Rock pioneers. n
12 presents BENISE THE SPANISH GUITAR
Saturday, October 2, 2010, 8:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
BIOGRAPHY BENISE transports audiences to faraway worlds in him the “Pied Piper” of the Spanish guitar. THE SPANISH GUITAR, a show about the healing pow- Though unable to read music, Benise composed ers of hope. His enchanted guitar becomes a treasure chest original works that were embraced widely for their edgy, of inspiration and propels Benise into his role as a trouba- exotic, and sensual personality. From the street shows, his dour for the ages in a “unique musical journey that lures music took on a life of its own, attracting dancers and cirque the audience into a willing trance,” proclaims the Charlotte performers, leading to sold-out concerts throughout South- Observer. The showcase integrates footage of Benise in his ern California. voyage across the globe to Old Havana, an Arabian desert, “I hope people will be inspired – by our story, by the the romantic canals of Venice, the oldest building in Spain, music, by the production – and have the passion to follow a Paris café, and a 2,000-year-old Buddhist temple in India. their own dreams,” says Benise, who won an Emmy for his Brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral PBS Nights of Fire! production, which The New York Times pieces accompany the stories told by the magical guitar. It calls “an exotic voyage through a land of romance and is easily “one of the most colorful live shows of the season!” wonder.” The awe-inspiring stage spectacular is a blend of hails the Los Angeles Daily News. theater and music that draws from the Spanish Flamenco, Since age 11, Roni Benise taught himself to play the Argentinean Tango, and Brazilian Samba. The extravaganza guitar and mastered a variety of different styles that eventu- is “an all-out celebration of music, love, and life as Benise ally meshed to become his own unique brand. When he was and 50 world-class performers turn tradition on its head rejected by all the Los Angeles clubs, Benise started playing with a series of infectious songs …,” raves The New York on the streets, quickly winning the admiration of native Times. n Angelenos and tourists from around the world who called
13 PROGRAM
ACT I Opening Gypsy Nights Tribal Mon Amor Malaguena Monserrat Galletto’s Jam
INTERMISSION
ACT II Arabesque 2- Shambala Aranjuez Mi Amor Café Paris Cuba Libre While My Guitar Gently Weeps Tango de Besame Bamboleo Club Show Resolution Evermore (The Wedding Song)
14 PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT - JOYFUL NOISEMAKERS, LLC Steven B. Kane & Michael McFadden present THE COLOR PURPLE BASED UPON THE NOVEL WRITTEN BY ALICE WALKER AND THE WARNER BROS./AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT MOTION PICTURE
Book by Music and Lyrics by MARSHA NORMAN BRENDA ALLEE STEPHEN RUSSELL WILLIS BRAY Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design JOHN LEE BEATTY PAUL TAZEWELL BRIAN MacDEVITT CRAIG CASSIDY
Hair Design Music Director Music Supervisor CHARLES G. LaPOINTE JASPER GRANT JOSEPH JOUBERT
Casting Director of Operations Director of Production MARK MINNICK LISA MATTIA SCOTT ORLESKY
General Manager Production Stage Manager Company Manager STEPHEN M. KEARNS CHRISTOPHER LOCKLEAR ARTHUR J.M. CALLAHAN
Choreographed by DONALD BYRD Directed by Gary Griffen
THE COLOR PURPLE was produced on Broadway at the Broadway Theater by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman, and Quincy Jones. The world premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE was produced by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia. THE COLOR PURPLE is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. 1359 Broadway, Suite 914, New York, NY 10018 • www.theatricalrights.com EXCLUSIVE TOUR DIRECTION by THE ROAD COMPANY 165 West 46th Street, Suite 1101, New York, NY 10036 • (212) 302-5200 • www.theroadcompany.com www.colorpurple.com www.phoenix-ent.com
Friday, October 8, 2010, 8:00 PM Saturday, October 9, 2010, 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM Sunday, October 10, 2010, 2:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited
15 CAST (in order of appearance)
Celie ……………………………...…………………....…… DAYNA JARAE DANTZLER Nettie …………………………………………………...... ……………….. TRACI ALLEN Church Soloist ……………………………….……………...... ………… KADEJAH ONÉ Church Lady (Doris) ……………………………………...…...... ……….. NESHA WARD Church Lady (Darlene) …………………………………...…...... VIRLINDA STANTON Church Lady (Jarene) ……………………………………….…...... …… DeAUN PARKER Preacher/Prison Guard …………………………………………...... PHILLIP BRANDON Pa ……………………………………………………………………...... ….. MARK HALL Mister ……………………………………………………...... ……… EDWARD C. SMITH Harpo …………………………………………………...... … LEE EDWARD COLSTON II Sofia ………………………………………………………...... …………. PAM TROTTER Squeak ………………………………………………………...... ….. ALLISON SEMMES Shug Avery …………………………………………….…...... TAPRENA AUGUSTINE Ol’ Mister …………………………………………………...... ……. PHILLIP BRANDON Buster ………………………………………………………...... ………… KEITH ADAMS Grady …………………………………...... ………………....…………… KEITH ADAMS Daisy …………………………………………………...……...... MELANIE L. GASKINS Bobby ……………………………………………...……..……...... ….. KEYON POWERS Olivia …………………………………………………………...... MELANA L. LLOYD Adam ………………………………………………………...... …… JULIUS C. CARTER
ENSEMBLE KEITH ADAMS, CLOTILE BONET, JULIUS C. CARTER, ALLYSON KAYE DANIEL, TRACIE FRANKLIN, MELANIE L. GASKINS, MARK HALL, DONALD JONES, JR., MELANA L. LLOYD, CHRISTA OLIVER, KEYON POWERS, CHRISTOPHER SAMS, and ASHLEY WARE
STANDBYS AND UNDERSTUDIES Standbys and understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.
For Celie – CLOTILE BONET and ASHLEY WARE; for Shug Avery – TRACIE FRANKLIN and VIRLINDA STANTON; for Sofia – KADEJAH ONÉ, NESHA WARD, and DeAUN PARKER; for Nettie – ASHLEY WARE and MELANA L. LLOYD; for Mister – MARK HALL and KEITH ADAMS; for Harpo – KEYON POWERS and JULIUS C. CARTER; for Squeak – MELANA L. LLOYD and MELANIE L. GASKINS; for Ol’ Mister – MARK HALL; for Grady/ Adam – CHRISTOPHER SAMS; for preacher – DONALD JONES, JR.; for Church Soloist – ALLISON KAYE DANIEL and ASHLEY WARE; for Olivia – CHRISTA OLIVER; for Church Ladies – CLOTILE BONET, ALLISON KAYE DANIEL, TRACIE FRANKLIN, and KADEJAH ONÉ
16 MUSICAL NUMBERS
SETTING The story takes place in Georgia between 1909 and 1949.
ACT I
Overture …………...……...... ………..…...... ………………….………… Orchestra Huckleberry Pie …....……….....……………………..…...... … Young Celie and Nettie Mysterious Ways ……...... …...... ….. Church Soloist, Church Ladies, and Company Somebody Gonna Love You …...... …....………………………. Celie Our Prayer ……………………………………...... ……….. Nettie, Celie, and Mister Big Dog ………………………………………...... …………. Mister and Field Hands Hell No! …………………………………..…...... ………………….. Sofia and Sisters Brown Betty ………………………...………..………...... … Harpo and Men, Squeak Shug Avery Comin’ to Town ……………………...... ….. Mister, Celie, and Company Too Beautiful for Words ………...... ……………..……..…...... ……… Shug Avery Push Da Button ………………………………...... ….…… Shug Avery and Company Uh Oh! …………………………………...... ….….. Church Ladies, Sofia, and Squeak What About Love? …....……………………………...... …….. Celie and Shug Avery
INTERMISSION
ACT II
African Homeland …...... ………...... ……….…. Nettie, Celie, Olivia, Adam, and Villagers The Color Purple …...... …....………………….….…………………………… Shug Avery Celie’s Curse ……………...... ………………………….………………………… Mister Miss Celie’s Pants ………...... …………………..… Celie, Shug Avery, Sofia, and Women Any Little Thing …………...... ……………………………………………. Harpo and Sofia I’m Here ………...... ……...... ……………………….………………………………. Celie The Color Purple (Reprise)...... ………………………………. Celie, Nettie, and Company
ORCHESTRA
Conductor/Piano – JOE RYAN JOSEPH Associate Conductor/Keyboard #2 – ANGELA ESTES Reeds – BRYAN CONNELL Trumpet – MARK GOSIEWSKI Guitar – TIMOTHY WENDEL Bass – THOMAS BRINKLEY Drums – JEFF FARRELLO Percussion – JEFF SNIDER
17 BIOGRAPHies DAYNA JARAE DANTZLER’s (Celie) recent amazing family and friends for their continued love and sup- credits include Barter Theatre’s Little Shop of Horrors (Ron- port. He sends a special thanks to Derby and Adrienne. For nette), Frankenstein (Servant), Theatreworks/Two Beans more information, visit www.LeeColston.com. Productions’ James and the Giant Peach (national tour), and TRACI ALLEN (Nettie) is thrilled to be joining the Negro Ensemble Company’s Chronicles of Color (New the cast of The Color Purple. Allen’s favorite theater credits York City tour). Dantzler gives thanks to her mother for her include Footloose; Once on This Island; Bud, Not Buddy; and everlasting love and support. Five Fingers of Funk (a world premiere). Allen is a graduate PAM TROTTER (Sofia) is originally from St. Louis, of Howard University. To God be the glory. Missouri, and currently lives in Los Angeles. Trotter’s televi- ALLISON SEMMES (Squeak) is a Chicago native sion and film credits include Hawthorne, Chuck, Dollhouse, and a graduate of New York University (NYU). Her credits Everybody Hates Chris, My Name is Earl, and Dreamgirls. Her include Bubbling Brown Sugar (Ella) at Stage Door Theatre, theater credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Dreamgirls (Lorrell) at Cohoes Music Hall, and Town Hall’s Big River, and Blues in the Night. Trotter is extremely thank- Broadway’s Rising Stars. Semmes’ NYU credits include Violet ful to play the role of Sofia. (Lula/Landlady), Tim Rice and Alan Menken’s 10th An- TAPRENA AUGUSTINE’s (Shug Avery) theater niversary King David (Wife), and Candide (Sheep). Semmes credits include a national tour of The Pajama Game (Mae), sends much love to the Semmes, Davis, and Banks families. Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette/Suzi Award nominee), Phillipians 4:4-13. Frankenstein (Midwife), Hairspray (Dynamite), West Side DeAUN PARKER (Church Lady Jarene) is hon- Story (Consuela), Cats (Bombalurina), Swing! (Lead), and ored to be part of a great production. Parker received her Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies (Swing). Augustine has bachelor of arts degree in music education from Central performed at Carnegie Hall and with the San Jacinta Dance State University. Upon graduation, she taught music in Company. After attending the New Orleans Center for the the Columbus and Los Angeles public school systems. Her Creative Arts, she toured with the I.U. Soul Revue, African credits include Kwamina, The Wiz, Talkin’ bout the Church, American Dance Ensemble, and as a background vocal- and Black Resurrection. ist with various R&B recording stars. Each performance is VIRLINDA STANTON’s (Church Lady Darlene) dedicated to her New Orleans family and Ahuacan DeGruy. theater credits include The Lion King, Hercules The Muse- For more information, visit www.taprena.com. ical, Blues in the Night, Tarzan, Once on This Island, and EDWARD C. SMITH (Mister) has been a lifelong Black Nativity. Stanton’s television credits include the CBS disciple of the theater. His favorite roles include Coalhouse pilot Under One Roof, and Praise The Lord for TBN. She also Walker Jr. in Ragtime, Judas Iscariot in Jesus Christ Superstar, was a national anthem vocalist. For more information, visit John in Miss Saigon, Captain Davenport in A Soldier’s Play, www.myspace.com/appointedangel. Delbert Tibbs in The Exonerated, and King Amonosro in NESHA WARD’s (Church Lady Doris) regional Aida, which toured throughout China and North America. credits include Maxwell: A New Musical (Ensemble); Nun- LEE EDWARD COLSTON II (Harpo) is a former sense (Sr. Mary Hubert); and Nunsense II (Sr. Mary Hubert). prison guard turned actor, playwright, and author. After Ward’s New York City credits include Til the Day I Die leaving the Department of Corrections, Colston graduated (Major), Under Milkwood (Polly Garter), NYMF Broadway from the Ira Brind School of Theatre Arts with a bachelor Idol 2008 (finalist), and MetroStar Talent Challenge 2008 of fine arts degree. Colston has 25 productions to his credit, (second runner-up). Love and thanks to family and friends. including Avenue X (Barrymore nomination), The Cradle PHILLIP BRANDON (Preacher and Ol’ Mister) Will Rock (Irene Ryan nomination), and Othello. Colston’s was raised in a very close and loving family in Los Angeles. play Solitary was a 2009 winner of the Philadelphia Theatre Brandon is a graduate of Morehouse College. He performed Workshop PlayShop Festival. His book of poetry, Phenomenal in Porgy and Bess and has worked with the group Take 6 and Brotha, was released in 2005. Colston thanks God and his the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. “The greatest failure is never
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having tried at all.” (Helene), Into the Woods (Little Red), Little Shop of Horrors, KADEJAH ONÉ (Church Soloist), a native of New Ragtime, and All Night Strut. She has shared the stage with Orleans, Louisana, has been showcased in Off-Broadway’s Ben Vereen, Debbie Allen, Tony Bennett, and Bill Cosby. Ain’t Misbehavin’, Dreamgirls, and The Wiz. Oné starred in Thank you family and friends. For more information, visit the African Continuum Theater Company’s adaptation of www.TracieFranklin.com. Zora Neale Hurston’s Spunk, for which she won the Helen MELANIE L. GASKINS (Daisy and Ensemble) Hayes Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree in dance from Residential Musical.” Oné attributes her success to God, her Temple University. She performed with the N.J. Nets NBA mother, family, and friends. Dance Team, Danco II, and Dance Theatre X. Gaskins’ KEITH ADAMS (Buster, Grady, and Ensemble) per- favorite roles and/or features include the national tour of formed in Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon and Jesus u/s) at the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Mrs. Poti- Tony award-winning Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. phar); The Wedding Singer (Crystal/Tina Turner); All Shook He has sung the national anthem for the Atlanta Thrash- Up (Lorraine); A Chorus Line (Sheila); Show Choir! The ers and Atlanta Hawks for more than 10 years and performs Musical at the 2007 New York Fringe Festival (Sabrina with the band Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters. Adams’ Turner); Black Nativity (Mary); Evita (Tango Dancer); performances are dedicated to his wonderful family and and Dreamgirls (Steppe Sister). Gaskins thanks family and friends. Peace and love. friends for their continual support. CLOTILE BONET (Ensemble) recently graduated MARK HALL (Pa and Ensemble), a native of San from Brigham Young University with a bachelor of fine arts Antonio, Texas, has appeared in Porgy and Bess; Riverdance; degree. She is thrilled to be on her first national tour. Her Insurrection: Holding History; Jelly’s Last Jam; Smokey Joe’s previous credits include Aida, Sarah in Ragtime, Titania in A Cafe; Isis in Nubia; Le Griffon; Dreamgirls; Show Boat; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Lovely Lady in Les Mis- Raisin in the Sun; A Soldier’s Play; Once on This Island; The erables. Bonet sends a special thanks to her beautiful parents Ebony Game; and Ragtime. Hall’s television and film credits Harry and Debra and her seven siblings. I love you. include General Hospital, Cedric the Entertainer Presents, JULIUS C. CARTER (Adam and Ensemble) gradu- Wanda at Large, The Parkers, All About the Andersons, Stories ated with honors from the University of Iowa, where he pur- From the ER, The West Wing, Judging Amy, Crossing Jordan, sued dance, history, and pre-law. His theater credits include Fast Lane, Dragnet, Presidio Med, Just Shoot Me, and Getting a national tour of Movin’ Out (Ensemble, u/s Tony and Drill Played. Hall is thankful to God for grace, love, and purpose. Sergeant) and The Full Monty (Keno, regional). Carter ap- DONALD JONES, JR. (Ensemble) hails from New peared in the film Public Enemies (Train Porter). Carter has Orleans, Louisana, and is a graduate of Northwestern State danced with The Seldoms Dance Company, SPDW Dance University. His regional credits include Rent (Benny), A Company, Duarte Dance Works, and Deanna Carter Danc- Chorus Line (Richie), and Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Ken). This is ers. Love to Mum-G and Dad-R. Jones’ first national tour and he is thrilled to make his debut ALLYSON KAYE DANIEL (Ensemble) hails from with The Color Purple. Thanks to my loving family and Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of Pennsylvania State friends for their endless support. University where she earned a bachelor of fine arts degree MELANA L. LLOYD (Olivia and Ensemble) is a in musical theater. Daniel’s recent credits include Disney native of Lafayette, Louisiana. She earned a bachelor of Cruise Line, Peterborough Players, and For the Glory with science degree in education and a master of fine arts degree NETworks Presentations. She sends a big thank you to family, from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Lloyd appeared in friends, and teachers. the national and international tour of Hairspray. She thanks TRACIE FRANKLIN’s (Ensemble) international God for the dream and all those who have nourished a tours include Hairspray (Dynamite) and Disney Live! (Story- dream come true. teller Tracie). Franklin’s regional credits include The Deciders (Off- CHRISTA OLIVER (Ensemble) began dancing Broadway), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine), Sweet Charity at age 12 with Archangel Dance Theatre in Youngstown,
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Ohio. She obtained her master’s degree in dance perfor- Prize for her play ’Night, Mother and a Tony Award for her mance at age 21 from the Laban Center in London, where book The Secret Garden. Norman co-chairs the playwriting she danced with Transitions Dance Company. She was a department at the Juilliard School and is the former vice principal dancer with Lula Washington Dance Theatre from president of the Dramatists Guild of America. Her plays in- 2007 to 2010. She has appeared in the films Avatar and clude Getting Out, Traveler in the Dark, Sarah and Abraham, Crazy on the Outside. Oliver thanks God, her family, pastor, Trudy Blue, and Last Dance. Norman’s published work in- and mentors. cludes Four Plays; Marsha Norman, Vol. 1: Collected Works; KEYON POWERS (Bobby and Ensemble) hails from and a novel, The Fortune Teller. She has received numer- Rahway, New Jersey, and is a former student of the Boston ous Grammy and Emmy nominations and awards from the Conservatory. He began his career in the Newark Boys Cho- National Endowment for the Arts, The Rockefeller Founda- rus School touring nationally and internationally. Powers’ tion, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. favorite shows include Pippin, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Dessa BRENDA RUSSELL (Composer and Lyricist) was Rose. A heartfelt thank you goes to God, Mom, Dad, Nana, born in Brooklyn, New York, and is a four-time Grammy Aunt Vikki, Lawrence, Anich, Joey, and Matt. His path to award-nominated singer-songwriter. Her music has graced this juncture has been mapped out beautifully by God. millions of albums that have been sold worldwide. Russell is CHRISTOPHER SAMS (Ensemble) is thrilled to the author and performer of the Grammy-nominated Piano join The Color Purple after a five-year hiatus. This is Sams’ in the Dark and Get Here. She has written for Sting, Mary third tour, preceded by featured roles in the national tours J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Luther of Smokey Joe’s Cafe and The Will Rogers Follies. In 2010, he Vandross, and Diana Ross. A 2006 Tony nominee and 2007 earned his master’s degree in speech communication. He Grammy nominee for the The Color Purple, Russell has is blessed to have the inexorable love and support of the recorded eight solo albums. Her songs have been featured Lowery-Hart family. on television and in films, including Liberty Heights and ASHLEY WARE (Ensemble), a native of Washing- How Stella Got Her Groove Back. For more information, visit ton, D.C., studied voice under Samuel L.E. Bonds at the www.brendarussell.com. Duke Ellington School of the Arts, at the Studio Theatre ALLEE WILLIS’ (Composer and Lyricist) music Acting Conservatory, and privately with Vera J. Katz. Ware has sold 50 million records, including Earth, Wind & Fire’s received a bachelor of science degree in sociology from September and Boogie Wonderland, The Pointer Sisters’ Neu- Shenandoah University. She has been a featured guest at tron Dance, and Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield’s What the Kennedy Center, sharing the stage with various well- Have I Done to Deserve This? Willis won a Grammy Award known performers. Her professional credits include Bubbling for Beverly Hills Cop and received an Emmy nomination for Brown Sugar; Junkanoo; Breath, Boom; Women’s Peace; For the theme from Friends. She is an award-winning per- Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow former, writer, director, and cyber-pioneer, having created Is Enuf; and Aida. the first social network in 1992. Willis curates one of the ALICE WALKER (Original Author) is known for most famous vintage collections in the world. She recently the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Color Purple and her many launched a new social network called The Allee Willis volumes of poetry and powerful non-fiction collections, Museum of Kitsch at www.AWMoK.com. For more informa- including In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens, The Temple of tion, visit www.alleewillis.com. My Familiar, Possessing the Secret of Joy, By the Light of My STEPHEN BRAY (Composer and Lyricist) began Father’s Smile, and Anything We Love Can Be Saved. Walker music studies with choir practice and a lot of Motor City has also published several children’s books, including There Radio in Detroit, Michigan. Bray continued training at Is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me. Her latest Berklee College of Music and, in 1980, his collaboration work, We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For: Inner with Madonna resulted in a wave of hits, including Into the Light in a Time of Darkness, was published in 2006. Groove, Angel, Papa Don’t Preach, Express Yourself, and True MARSHA NORMAN (Bookwriter) won the Pulitzer Blue. While performing with the group Breakfast Club, Bray
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earned a Grammy Award nomination for “Best New Art- PAUL TAZEWELL’s (Costume Design) New York ist.” He wrote and/or produced for The Jets, Gladys Knight, credits include The Color Purple and Bring in ’da Noise, Bring and Kylie Minogue. Bray would like to thank Mom, Dad, in ’da Funk (Tony Award nominations); In the Heights; Caro- Stephanie, Milena, Wade, and Jesse for their support and line, or Change; A Raisin in the Sun; Drowning Crow; Elaine inspiration. Stritch at Liberty; On the Town; McReele; Flesh and Blood; GARY GRIFFIN (Director) made his Broadway Fame on 42nd Street; and Harlem Song. Tazewell has designed debut with The Color Purple. His New York credits include extensively for the Joseph Papp Public Theater, regional The Apple Tree, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Pardon My Eng- theater, and Opera and dance companies. He has received lish, The New Moon, and Beautiful Thing. His London credit many awards for his work, including the Lucille Lortel includes Pacific Overtures for which he received an Olivier Award, three Helen Hayes Awards, and the 2005 Princess Award for “Outstanding Musical Production.” Griffin is Grace Foundation Statue Award. associate artistic director of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s BRIAN MacDEVITT’s (Lighting Design) New York A Little Night Music and Sunday in the Park With George. His credits include A Behanding in Spokane; Race; Jose Turner’s production of My Fair Lady played at the McCarter The- Come and Gone; Nearly Ninety with Merce Cunningham; atre and Hartford Stage after its debut at Chicago’s Court Blithe Spirit; You’re Welcome America; Accent on Youth; Dr. Theatre. He has received eight Joseph Jefferson Awards and Atomic; Speed-the-Plow; 13: A New Musical; and Puncture by has twice been named “Chicagoan of the Year in the Arts” Nancy Bannon. MacDevitt’s other credits include The Color by the Chicago Tribune. Purple; Urinetown: The Musical; Into the Woods; and Three DONALD BYRD (Choreographer) is the artistic di- Sisters. He has worked with the Joffrey Ballet, American rector of Spectrum Dance Theater in Seattle, Washington. Ballet Theatre, Tere O’Connor Dance, Lar Lubovitch, and Previously, he was the artistic director of Donald Byrd/The on the film Cradle Will Rock. MacDevitt has earned Tony, Group. Byrd is best known for his reworking of the Christ- Obie, Bessie, Hewes, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle mas classic The Nutcracker into The Harlem Nutcracker, awards. He is a member of Naked Angels and is on faculty which received critical acclaim and toured nationally for at the University of Maryland. MacDevitt has two sons, five years. His other credits include New York Shakespeare Jake and Georgie. Festival, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, San CRAIG CASSIDY (Sound Design) has been pro- Francisco Opera, New York City Opera, and collaborations viding sound reinforcement and theater designing sound with Anna Deavere Smith, Peter Sellars, and the Jazz great for theater productions around the world for 25 years. His Max Roach. Byrd received a 1992 Bessie Award for The recent credits include Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Ring Minstrel Show and a 2006 Tony Award nomination for The of Fire, Gypsy, Man of La Mancha, Grease, The Will Rog- Color Purple. ers Follies, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Fame, and Phantom. Cassidy’s JOHN LEE BEATTY (Scenic Design) has designed regional credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor sets for Broadway’s The Color Purple, Doubt, Rabbit Hole, Dreamcoat; Crazy for You; Wuthering Heights; Jekyll and Chicago, Dinner at Eight, Proof, Frankie and Johnny, The Last Hyde; Up, Up and Away; and The Will Rogers Follies. When Night of Ballyhoo, The Little Foxes, A Delicate Balance, The he is not behind a sound console he can be found sailing the Heiress, The Most Happy Fella, The Sisters Rosensweig, Burn Long Island Sound with his wife Dina and daughter Kealy. This, Penn & Teller, Aint’t Misbehavin’, Talley’s Folly, Fifth STEPHEN M. BISHOP (Orchestrations/Arrange- of July, Crimes of the Heart, and 80 other musicals. Beatty’s ments) has composed three musicals and has written more Off-Broadway credits include Sylvia, Substance of Fire, Road than 50 reviews. He is the arranger-composer for the demo to Mecca, A Life in the Theatre, and many seasons at Lin- of the upcoming Broadway show Genius. Bishop recently coln Center, Circle Repertory Company, and City Center’s served as the musical supervisor for the national tour of The Encores! Beatty has received Tony, Obie, Drama Desk, and Pajama Game, was the conductor for the first national tour Outer Critics Circle awards and was inducted into the The- of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and the musical director-con- atre Hall of Fame. He is a graduate of Brown and the Yale ductor for the Off-Broadway run of Bingo! His other credits School of Drama. include Riverview (Goodman Theatre); Arthur (Marriott
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Lincolnshire); Evita (Jupiter Theatre); and the tours of Manager) is excited to be working with this talented group Ziegfeld Follies; Gypsy; Grand Hotel; and Jolson: The Musical. of performers on The Color Purple. Locklear began in theater Bishop’s arrangements have been heard on the Today Show, in 1994 as an apprentice stage manager at the Alliance AMC Discovery, and TNT’s Nashville Now. He provided or- Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, where he has lived for 23 chestrations for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. years. His national touring credits include 10 years as stage JOSEPH JOUBERT’s (Music Supervisor/Additional manager for Tyler Perry. Locklear’s assistant stage managing Arrangements) orchestrations include Caroline, or Change credits include Stupid Kids (Off-Broadway), Pecos Bill, and and he was orchestrator and musical director for Three Mo’ Livin’ in the Garden (regional). Special thanks to my fantas- Tenors, which aired on PBS. He has been the accompanist tic family and friends. and/or arranger for Patti LaBelle, Kathleen Battle, Judy STEPHANIE GUILAND-BROWN (Associate Collins, Ashford & Simpson, Diana Ross, George Benson, Choreographer) has been with Donald Byrd/The Group Nnenna Freelon, and Jennifer Holliday. Joubert received an for 10 years. She is an original company member of Com- Emmy nomination together with Linda Twine for We Shall plexions and a regular with Spectrum Dance Theater. Her Not Be Moved. Joubert is orchestrator for Violet: A New Mu- Broadway credits include The Color Purple (dance captain sical (Drama Desk nomination); the Broadway inspirational and swing) and Walt Disney’s The Lion King. Guiland- voices CD Great Joy (Grammy nomination); and is co- Brown’s regional and tour credits include associate choreog- producer for the CD Beautiful Star (Grammy nomination). rapher, associate dance captain and understudy for the role His publications include Hal Leonard, Hinshaw Music, and of Squeak in the first national tour of The Color Purple. She GIA. assisted Donald Byrd on Bristol Riverside Theatre’s What JASPER GRANT (Music Director) has been the You Will; the workshop White Noise; and several of his works musical director and/or conductor for more than 80 produc- for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Actor’s Equity tions worldwide, including the national tours of Altar Boyz, Association, and the American Federation of Television and Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Wiz- Radio Artists. ard of Oz, and the international tour of Fame. His regional STEPHEN B. KANE (Executive Producer) is credits include A Chorus Line; The Who’s Tommy; Quilters; delighted to be part of The Color Purple. After completing Diamonds; My Fair Lady; Company; Merrily We Roll Along; degrees in business and arts management, Kane spent the Beehive; and the West Coast premiere of You’re a Good Man, last three decades supervising every aspect of touring show Charlie Brown. Grant was recently voted one of the top five business. He has mounted more than 70 Broadway musicals audition pianists in New York City for the past two years in North America and has produced and/or managed major by the Actors Equity Association. He is a graduate of The productions throughout Europe, South America, and Asia. Boston Conservatory. “Live with intention!” Since the start of his collaboration with partner and artis- CHARLES G. LAPOINTE’s (Hair Design) Broad- tic producer Michael McFadden in 1999, Kane has been way credits include Jersey Boys; A Raisin in the Sun; The Ri- afforded the opportunity to extend his international show vals; Henry IV; Good Vibrations; High Fidelity; Julius Caesar; business experience with first-class performing arts organiza- The Lieutenant of Inishmoor; Sight Unseen; and Martin Short: tions and venues around the world. His most recent col- Fame Becomes Me. He was associate designer to Tom Wat- laborations include Fame (China tour), Grease (Istanbul), son on Wicked. Lapointe’s Off-Broadway and regional credits and Spamalot (North American tour). He is the CEO for include Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Baker Park Associates, Inc., a theatrical management and Alliance Theatre, American Repertory Theater, Hunting- consulting firm; is a member of International Society for ton Theatre Company, Public Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, the Performing Arts and the National Alliance for Musical and the MET. His other credits include Opera Theatre of Theatre; and co-founder of Phoenix Productions in North St. Louis, Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Minnesota America and Phoenix Asia Group, a Singapore based theat- Opera, the Santa Fe Opera, the Cleveland Opera, and rical think-tank dedicated to the networking of production, Opera Omaha. marketing, and entertainment investment opportunities CHRISTOPHER LOCKLEAR (Production Stage throughout the Far East. For real adventure, he spends
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post-production time in Florida raising his 5-year-old sons, professional resident theater of the Southeast, creating the Andrew and Aidan. powerful experience of shared theater for diverse people MICHAEL McFADDEN (Artistic Producer) is co- on two stages for youth and adult audiences. Under the founder and artistic director of Phoenix Entertainment. He leadership of artistic director Susan V. Booth and managing has guided more than 70 major productions as producer and/ director Thomas Pechar, the Alliance Theatre – known for or director in the national and international touring enter- its national role in creating significant theatrical works – tainment industry. His credits include Godspell; Buddy; The launched two Tony award-winning hits to Broadway: Alice Will Rogers Follies; Kopit and Yeston’s Phantom: The Ameri- Walker’s The Color Purple and Elton John and Tim Rice’s can Musical Sensation; Grease; Man of La Mancha; Gypsy; Aida. It has premiered many other works and has originated Ring of Fire; and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. the national tour of a Tony award-winning Broadway musi- McFadden has directed musicals across many continents, cal. In 2005, the Alliance Theatre furthered its commit- including Smokey Joe’s Cafe (North American tours), The ment to new work with the initiation of a national program Pajama Game and 42nd Street (Seoul), Fame (China and introducing student playwrights to professional networks Korea tours), and Grease (Singapore, Malaysia, and Macau). while producing the world premiere of the winning student’s He created and directed the international premiere of the work. The Alliance Theatre also offers extensive education new holiday musical Sing Along Santa. Following the launch and outreach programs. of The Color Purple tour, McFadden will take charge of THE ROAD COMPANY (Tour Direction) is Spamalot (North American tour), helm an all new produc- pleased to continue its decade-long association with Phoe- tion of Grease (Istanbul), and continue his development nix Entertainment. Founded in 1997 by Stephen Lindsay of BASSic Rhythm, an original musical that explores the and Brett Sirota, The Road Company’s past and present rep- organic sound of bass. resentation includes Wicked; Billy Elliot; Rock of Ages; 9 to 5: PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT (Producer) is an The Musical; Grease; David Copperfield; The Vagina Mono- established international theatrical producing and manage- logues; The Graduate; Fame; Man of La Mancha; and the cur- ment enterprise founded by long time colleagues Stephen rent tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot. The Road Company Kane and Michael McFadden. Its mission is to develop, is made possible by Magaly Barone, Shawn Willett, Lindsay produce, and present the finest in touring Broadway mu- Fisher, Jenny Kirlin, and Justin Pifer. n sicals and family entertainment. Throughout nearly three decades of theatrical success and industry partnership, the Phoenix team has delivered more than 75 live productions on four continents. Since launching The Color Purple and having recently completed the critically acclaimed tours of Gypsy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and The Pajama Game, Phoenix is represented with all new productions of Monty Python’s Spamalot (North America), Fame (China), and Grease (Turkey). Team Phoenix also represents the Korean language productions of Grease and Fame in Seoul, Korea. Under the direction of colleague Ellie Chung, its Singapore-based affiliate, Phoenix Asia Group brings international booking, producing, presenting, Classical artist management, and theatrical investment to the collective production and management capabilities of Phoenix Entertainment. For more information, visit www. phoenix-ent.com. ALLIANCE THEATRE (Original Production), in its 38th season, is Atlanta’s nationally acclaimed leading
23 PRODUCERS PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT www.phoenix-ent.com
STAFF FOR THE COLOR PURPLE TOUR ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/CASTING ……………...…………………… MARK MINNICK DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS ……………....……………………………… LISA MATTIA DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING ……………….…...……. MELODEE SNOKE-BULLOCK DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION ……………………...…………………. SCOTT ORLESKY GENERAL MANAGER …………………………………...…….…. STEPHEN M. KEARNS COMPANY MANAGER …………………………………...…. ARTHUR J.M. CALLAHAN PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER …………………..…… CHRISTOPHER LOCKLEAR
Musical Supervisor …………...…...……. Joseph Joubert Payroll ………………...... … C2 Portfolio, Inc. Associate Choreographer .… Stephanie Guiland-Brown IT Manager …………....…....…...... …. Wells Condo Assistant to the Choreographer ...………… Jamal Story Office Manager …………....…...... Stephanie Giles Assistant Scenic Designer …………….. Kacie Hultgren Reception …………..…….…...... ….. Ruth Braswell Assistant Lighting Designer ………..….. Mark Simpson Customs Broker ..….…...... Livingston International Production ASM …...... Suzanne Apicella National Advertising/Logo Creation ..…...... Spotco Assistant Wig/Hair …………………….…. Leah Loukas Production Videographer ...... … The Image Factory Production Electrician/Programmer ...…. Jeremy Wrable Production Photography …....…...... Scott Suchman Production Wardrobe …………...….... Debbie Cherutin Trucking ……….………..…...... ………. Janco, Ltd. and Megan McGilvery Buses …...... ….. Hemphill Entertainment Services Head Carpenter …….…………...……… Brian Clausen Website Design …...... Situation Marketing, LLC Assistant Carpenter ……………...…..…. George Munz Merchandising …………...... ……...…… Dewynters Head Electrician ………………..….. Anna Birgenheier Transportation and Accomodations ...... Road Rebel Assistant Electrician …………...... … Michael Latocha Entertainment Travel Head Audio ………………….…….. Jens Muehlhausen CREDITS Assistant Audio ……………...………… Craig Freeman Scenery for The Color Purple was fabricated Head Props ……………...... ………… Dunia Kravchak and painted by Virginia Scenic. Lighting Wardrobe Supervisor ……..…………… Terrah Trimble provided by Christie Lites Ltd. Sound equip- Hair/Wig Supervisor ……..……………….. Anika Seitu ment provided by Masque Sound. Costumes Insurance ……………...... … DeWitt Stern Group, Inc. based on an original design by Paul Tazwell. Legal ……………………..………..…. Brooks & Distler Rehearsed at Chelsea Studios, NYC. Special Accounting/U.S. …...... Gordon and Company, PA thanks to Jim Austin Online.com in Austin CO; Accounting/Canada …...……....…. Fruitman Kates, CA Real Estate Services Ft. Worth, TX; Andre Human Resources …...... …...……. Catherine Gouldin Johnson, Next Level Enterprize in Ft. Worth, Payroll ………………….. Yolanda Gault, Farhiya Omar TX; Cortez Bailey & Gloria Daniels; Ed & Financial Services …..………….……. Bank of America Patsy Edwards; Shady Grove Baptist Church in Tyler, TX; DeGalane Williams & Family.
EXCLUSIVE TOUR DIRECTION THE ROAD COMPANY www.theroadcompany.com
United Scenic Artists represents the The Director and Choreographer are members of designers and scenic painters for the the Society of Stage Director and Choregraphers, American Theater. Inc., An independent national labor union.
Backstage and Front of the House Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.).
24 presents Cirque mechanics BOOM TOWN
Director CHRIS LASHUA
Co-Director and Choreographer Writer and Artist ALOYSIA GAVRE STEVEN RAGATZ
Set Designer and Aerial Rigging Designer SEAN RILEY
Acrobatic Act Creator, Character Artist, and Acrobat MICHAEL “TEX” REDINGER Composer Costume Designer MICHAEL PICTON BELINDA LEE LONG Lighting Designer Lighting Director General Stage Manager DEANNA FITZGERALD ANTHONY POWERS JANEEN JOHNSON
Artistic Rigger Head Carpenter and Master Joke Teller DAVE “FREAKY D” FREITAG DUANE “DEWEY” LASHUA
Clown Hand-Balancer and Dancer Acrobat ELENA DAY CHARLOTTE GREENBLATT WES HATFIELD ANDRE NURSE
Aerialist and Acrobat TIMBER BROWN, KERREN McKEEMAN, and LINDSAY ORTON-HINES
Wednesday, October 13, 2010, 7:30 PM
This performance will not include an intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
25 about the show Audiences are transported to the 1865 mining town based Pickle Family Circus. Gavre has been a movement, of Rosebud, where an unlikely discovery sets off a hilari- dance, and circus enthusiast most of her life. She has ous series of unexpected events full of the lore, excitement, studied with Pilobolus, The Tandy Beal Dance Company, and adventure of the Old West in CIRQUE MECHANICS and Zacho Dance Theater. Gavre perfected her circus BOOM TOWN. A refreshing reinterpretation of a tradi- abilities with Master Lu-Yi of the San Francisco School tional circus, the production combines early mining-in- of Circus Arts and L’Ecole Nationale Du Cirque in Mon- spired machines with jaw-dropping contortion and acrobat- treal, Canada. Gavre was featured in Cirque du Soleil’s ics, punctuated with drama, songs, and comedy. O and Quidam, where she performed the aerial hoop act Boom Town follows the escapades of gold-seeking that earned the troupe a special prize at the Monte Carlo folks in a traditional frontier town. There are saloon own- International Circus Festival in 2002. She is co-founder of ers, prospectors, and cowboys climbing up telegraph poles, Cirque School in Los Angeles, a place for “anybody with dancing on a swinging chandelier, flying high and fast on a any body” to explore the circus arts. For more information, revolving crane, flipping and jumping on moving ore carts, visit www.cirqueschoolla.com. or balancing on whiskey jugs. STEVEN RAGATZ (Writer and Artist) is an origi- Boom Town was originally presented by the Broadway nal Birdhouse Factory cast member and collaborator who Center for the Arts in Tacoma, Washington. has been entertaining audiences with his juggling, physical BIOGRAPHies comedy, stilt walking, and general antics for the last three decades. As a 10-year veteran of Cirque du Soleil, Ragatz CHRIS LASHUA (Director) has spent his life on or has toured throughout North, South, and Central America, around wheels. After nearly a decade of professional free- as well as Asia and Europe, performing multiple juggling style bicycle competitions and performances, Lashua found acts and an eclectic array of characters. His television himself at China’s famed Wu Ciao festival in 1992. It was credits include The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, The Rosie there that he won a bronze medal and a place on Cirque O’Donnell Show, and the Today show. Ragatz has enjoyed du Soleil’s Japan tour of Fascination. In 1996, he performed seasonal appearances with the Indianapolis Symphony and the opening act of Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam. During the Detroit Symphony orchestras. six years Lashua toured with Quidam, he began work on a SEAN RILEY (Set Designer and Aerial Rigging mechanical contraption he called the trolley, which al- Designer) is a designer, rigger, and sculptor living in San lowed him to roll in place and be able to perform his act Francisco. Concentrating his performance design on sight in a smaller space. The trolley was the start of an idea to build other machines that would interact with circus acro- specific and experimental work, Riley creates functional, ar- batics. Lashua decided early on that the place to showcase chitectural, and lighting installations in collaboration with these machines would be a factory floor, a place he called a spectrum of varied artists. Riley’s lighting design for Ta IA Birdhouse Factory. It is his belief that innovative mechani- Brugera was featured at Documeta 11, and the MMK Mu- cal apparatus and the relationship between performer and seum für Moderne Kunst in Frankfurt, Germany. His theater machine sets his company apart and are at the heart of what installations can be seen throughout the United States. makes Cirque Mechanics unique. His mechanical mind – Riley keeps the San Francisco area lifting and flying safe needing a new challenge – started conceptualizing a system through rigging company Gravity Design Inc. Currently, he of trampoline carts on a track, a series of connected poles, is the host of National Geographic’s adventure show World’s and an oversized lifting crane. It was the adventurous spirit Toughest Fixes. of the Gold Rush prospectors, the perseverance of the miners, MICHAEL “TEX” REDINGER (Acrobatic Act and the excitement of discovery that led Lashua to Boom Town. Creator, Character Artist, and Acrobat) began his gym- ALOYSIA GAVRE (Co-Director and Choreog- nastics training in 1993 in Fort Worth, Texas. During his rapher) is an original co-director and choreographer of six years as a competitive gymnast, Redinger was awarded Birdhouse Factory and an early member of the San Francisco- numerous honors, including a district all-around champion-
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ship and the Texas State Floor Gold. In 1999, he began his is currently based in Los Angeles. professional acrobatic career in Disney’s Festival of the Lion BELINDA LEE LONG (Costume Designer) is King. Redinger has also performed in Disney’s Tarzan Rocks originally from Long Beach, California, and moved to Las and Cirque du Soleil’s Odyssea at SeaWorld Orlando. He Vegas to work in costume shops up and down the strip for has used his experience and skills in the design of set pieces shows such as Mystere, Le Rêve, KÀ, and Peepshow. While and acrobatic performance props. As acrobatics captain, Long never ran away with the circus, she has managed to Redinger made the ore cart act a reality, from apparatus design costumes for performers around the world. With her construction to acrobatics research and performance. He long circus history and a desire to work more with period recently toured with Cirque Mechanics’ Birdhouse Factory costuming, Long feels that Boom Town has given her the and hopes to continue jumping, flying, and soaring to new best of both worlds. Long is honored to work with this cast heights for many years. and crew. DEANNA FITZGERALD (Lighting Designer) men- TIMBER BROWN’s (Aerialist and Acrobat) love tors and teaches aspiring lighting designers at the University for acrobatics began as a young boy, when he swung from of Arizona how to see with their hearts as well as their eyes ropes and jumped out of trees with homemade grocery bag (or at least she tries). Fitzgerald also enjoys working with parachutes, hoping he would float to the ground. At age 21, others who look for unusual ways to engage and entertain Brown was in his first production as an acrobatic entertainer. their audiences. She designed the lighting and was the asso- Since then, he has performed in numerous productions ciate production manager for Stomp Out Loud in Las Vegas, around the world, including Planet Hollywood’s Peepshow and toured with the “Stompers” as the lighting director for in Las Vegas. “It is very special for me to be able to do the many years. Fitzgerald is excited to be joining Boom Town, same things I have loved doing since I was a child, but now her first Cirque Mechanics show, and can’t wait to see what in front of audiences worldwide. At the end of every perfor- lies ahead with this awesome group of performers. mance, I bow with satisfaction knowing that I have given a MICHAEL PICTON (Composer) first ran off with part of myself to the audience. This is who I am, what I do, the circus in 2000, as the keyboardist with the European and what I love. I am most fortunate.” tour of Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam. Since then, Picton has ELENA DAY (Clown) graduated from L’École become one of the musical voices of The Greatest Show Jacques Lecoq in Paris, France. Day performed for five years on Earth, composing songs and scores for Bellobration and as The Green Bird in Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba. She Funundrum, the 137th and 140th editions respectively, of the continues to travel the globe for Cirque du Soleil’s special Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He has orches- events department, flying from South Africa to Bali and trated the Franco Dragone Entertainment Group’s Le Rêve from the Dominican Republic to Russia. Day is a graduate of (Las Vegas) and The House of Dancing Water (Macao). As Helikos International School of Theatre Creation’s Peda- the grand prize winner of the 2004 Turner Classic Movies gogical Program and teaches clown, mask, and the essentials Young Film Composers Competition, Picton was chosen of play. from more than 600 composers to write the epic score to the CHARLOTTE GREENBLATT (Hand-Balancer 1926 Greta Garbo silent film The Temptress. Picton’s other and Dancer) was born, raised, and home schooled in San film and television work includes scores to the Marion Da- Diego, where she started Ballet classes at age 5. Instead vies silent film The Red Mill, the independent feature Little of becoming a ballerina, Greenblatt studied math at the Chenier, the Sci Fi Network series Flash Gordon, and the University of California, Berkely, where she received her theme to the VH1 series I Want to Work for Diddy, for which bachelor’s degree in 2005 with highest honors. While at- he was awarded a 2009 BMI Film/TV Music Award. He has tending Berkeley, she worked with several Contemporary scored numerous commercials and his music has defined the dance companies and choreographers in San Francisco and sound of networks such as PBS, CNN, Comedy Central, then discovered the circus. In 2006, Greenblatt moved to Discovery Channel, Sprout TV, FX Network, Universal Brussels, Germany, to train as a hand-balancer at the Ecole Network, and the Biography Channel. Picton studied com- Superieure des Arts du Cirque (ESAC). In 2009, she gradu- position at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and he ated from ESAC and has performed her act in Belgium,
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Spain, Holland, and Germany. She is very excited to have tions throughout the Bay Area and in Chile for companies her American circus debut with Boom Town. such as Killing My Lobster, the San Francisco Mime Troupe, WES HATFIELD (Acrobat) is an original Birdhouse New Conservatory Theatre Center, and Playhouse West. Factory cast member and has been a competitive gymnast For the last four years, Powers has designed the lighting and acrobat for more than 10 years. As a member of the for and produced corporate and live events as well as trade Clown Wall Trio, he has traveled throughout the United shows for a vast array of clients, including Technology, States, wowing audiences with his technical prowess and Entertainment, Design (2006); Disney on Ice; EA Sports; zany comedic antics. In the world of trampoline competi- Yahoo!; The Clorox Company; and Macy’s West. His design tion, his résumé includes several state and national champi- work can be seen at anthonypowers.arloartists.com. onship titles. DAVE “FREAKY D” FREITAG (Artistic Rig- KERREN McKEEMAN (Aerialist and Acrobat) ger) has been working as an artistic rigger and renegade started climbing things as soon as she realized she could geographer in San Francisco for the past 10 years. When escape from her crib. After starting with Jackie Davis’ Hill- not holding the other end of the circus ropes, Freitag can be top Circus in New Hampshire, McKeeman joined Circus found pursuing his habit for offbeat adventure. He is a master Smirkus at age 14 and spent the next five summers travel- treehouse and zip-line builder, a proud union member of the ing throughout New England on the Big Top tour. Later at International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local Middlebury College, she learned Mandarin Chinese to study 16 in San Francisco, and recently collaborated with original and work abroad in Beijing and Hangzhou, China, and used Birdhouse Factory set designer (and boy genius) Sean Riley her language skills post-graduation at Los Angeles’ KSCI- of Gravity Design, Inc. on Rapture, an exciting aerial dance TV to launch a local Mandarin Channel. McKeeman has installation on the curvilinear walls of Frank Gehry’s Fisher performed in Cirque du Soleil’s O in Las Vegas, has worked Center at Bard College in New York. in film and commercials in Los Angeles, and is a member of DUANE “DEWEY” LASHUA (Head Carpenter the Los Angeles troupe Vertigo. and Master Joke-Teller) comes to Boom Town as a retired ANDRE NURSE (Acrobat) began his gymnastic ca- computer manager and airline employee with many years reer in Ontario, Canada, at age 4. He was on the Canadian of home restoration under his belt. Lashua has always had a National Team in artistic gymnastics and power tumbling. passion for machines and is presently restoring a 1969 Ford During his 14 years as a competitive gymnast, Nurse became Mustang 428 Cobra Jet to its original glory. He is not only a household name, being sought out by Cirque du Soleil. the shows prop master, but also official joke-teller, father- In 2003, he moved to Las Vegas where he began his artistic figure to the cast and crew, and the director’s father. They career in Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere. He is very passionate both believe nepotism is a lost art. about music and dreams and has the hope that one day his JANEEN JOHNSON’s (General Stage Manager) company immitter.com will become the leader for indepen- career in theater production was cultivated through 11 dent music distribution, delivering Indie music around the years of arts and civic engagement as a student of Folk world via the Internet. arts, dancer, arts administrator, and company manager. LINDSAY ORTON-HINES (Aerialist and Acro- Johnson yields an impressive professional track record, bat) is an accomplished gymnast with more than 20 years including seven years of experience as a freelance produc- of competitive experience. After completing her college tion field technician and stage manager throughout San degree at the University of Denver, Orton-Hines joined Francisco. She has worked with the San Francisco Ethnic Cirque du Soleil as an acrobat and, for four years, toured Dance Festival, San Francisco Hip Hop Fest, San Francisco with Alegria and Saltimbanco. She has also performed with International Festival of the Arts, Black Choreographer’s Diavolo Dance Theater, at SeaWorld, and in Walt Disney Festival, Chitresh Das Dance Company, and Fua Dia Congo and Hollywood productions. Orton-Hines can be seen on Performing Arts Company. Johnson recently completed her the ABC television show Make It or Break It. maiden voyage in circus with the tour of Cirque Mechanics’ ANTHONY POWERS (Lighting Director) is a resi- Birdhouse Factory. n dent of Oakland, California. Powers has designed produc-
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29 30 31 THE TICKET OFFICE is open 10 AM to 6 PM Monday Out of courtesy to the performers and fellow patrons, through Friday and 12 Noon to 4 PM on Saturday. Hours are CELLULAR PHONES, PAGERS, AND ALARM extended until one-half hour past curtain on performance days. WATCHES should be disconnected before the start of the performance. TICKETS can be charged to Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express by phoning (800) 300-4345 or (562) 916- DOCTORS AND PARENTS should leave their seating 8500, or online at www.cerritoscenter.com. Mail orders are locations with exchanges or sitters and have them call processed as they are received. Tickets cannot be reserved (562) 916-8508 in case of an emergency. without payment. THE COAT ROOM is located behind the Grand Staircase. LOST TICKET AND TICKET EXCHANGE policies vary; however, there are no refunds. Call (800) 300-4345 for CAMERAS AND RECORDING EQUIPMENT ARE NOT information. PERMITTED in the Auditorium and must be checked at the Coat Room. GROUPS of 20 or more may purchase tickets at a 10% discount. Call (800) 300-4345. LOST ARTICLES can be claimed by calling (562) 916-8510.
CHILDREN’S PRICES apply to children twelve (12) years of ELEVATORS are located near the Grand Staircase and access age and under. Regardless of age, everyone must have a ticket, sit each level of the Lobby. in a seat, and be able to sit quietly throughout the performance. We do not recommend children under the age of six (6) attend PAY PHONES are located on the Orchestra level behind the unless an event is specifically described as suited to that age. Grand Staircase and near the restrooms on the Gold Circle level. FREE PUBLIC TOURS are conducted by appointment only. Special tours can be arranged by calling (562) 916-8530. PHONIC EAR LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS HEADSETS for the hearing impaired are available in the Coat Room at no PARKING is always free in the spacious lots adjacent to the cost. To obtain a headset, a driver’s license or major credit card Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. is required and is returned upon receipt of the equipment at the close of the performance. FULL-SERVICE BARS are located in the Grand Lobby on the Orchestra level and at the Gold Circle level. Refreshments WHEELCHAIR locations are available in various areas of the are not allowed in the Auditorium. Auditorium. Please contact the Ticket Office at (800) 300-4345.
SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED in any City facility. LATECOMERS will be seated at the discretion of the house staff at an appropriate pause in the program. EMERGENCY MEDICAL technicians are on duty at all performances. If you need first aid, contact an usher for CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION VIEWING is available in assistance. the Lobby of each seating level and at the Lobby bar.
RESTROOMS are located behind the Grand Staircase on the THE CERRITOS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING Orchestra level and at the Grand Staircase Landing on the Gold ARTS’ Auditorium and Sierra Room are available for special Circle level. events on a rental basis. For more information, please call Special Event Services at (562) 916-8510, ext. 2827.
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