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Home , Dreamgirls, Ragtime (musical), The Life (musical), Urinetown

There are never endings… only new beginnings…

The SHS theatre community especially acknowledges the following people:

Terry Schoppenhorst for stepping into the role of co-director of an outstanding Springfi eld High School • Schnirring Auditorium show and committing to the next generation of wonderful SHS . March 17-19, 2017 Terry has been an invaluable member of this year’s staff, and we look forward to his leadership in the coming seasons! Springfi eld High School Production of

T. David Parker for many years of dedication to building and then coordinating beautiful sets for our theatre productions! Beginning in 2005, David has spent many hours behind the scenes working with directors and groups of volunteers to help make SHS musicals come alive for our audiences.

Kim Carter Parker for fourteen years of dedication to SHS musical theatre. Kim started with her son, Duncan, as part of the pit orchestra for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2004 and has served in many capacities, including producer, for every musical production since. Kim says, “What I am going to miss most is working with the MOST AMAZING parents and their kids over these past years.”

Craig Williams II for eight years of outstanding musical theatre at SHS! An “For a moment, in the darkness, SHS alum himself, Craig has poured his heart and soul into creating meaningful we’re the same ...” opportunities for SHS students to perform and participate in theatre education. This is why he is the winner of the 2017 SHS Booster Club Lehman Award for outstanding contributions in extra-curricular activities. Craig will be greatly “ School Edition” missed! Book by Music by Lyrics by TERRENCE MCNALLY Based on the novel RAGTIME By E. L. Doctorow “RAGTIME SCHOOL EDITION” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). www.MTIShows.com

32 Director’s Note SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL PLAY HISTORY In mid-December I was asked if I would be interested in being co-director of the SHS spring musical. Since my children have been part of the spring musical for 6 years, I • 1991 Wizard of Oz did not hesitate to say “yes.” Unfortunately, this was going to be Craig’s last year. I • 1992 didn’t think it quite through. Yes, I’d love to co-direct and replace him, until I thought • 1993 Music Man what lofty goals he had set and achieved through those years. Through my naïvete, I • 1994 Anything Goes still said yes and dove into this musical. Little did I realize how much both he and the • 1995 Bye Bye Birdie student actors would teach me during the last few months. • 1996 Li’l Abner • 1997 The Mikado I dove into “Ragtime,” without hesitation. During my preparation, I soon remembered • 1998 Working from high school the abhorrent atrocities that were occurring in the early 20th • 1999 The Crucible; You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown; century with working conditions and even subjecting children to those same horrors. • 2000 Get Smart; School House Rock Live It did not hit home until I needed to try to duplicate those same conditions. Then it hit • 2001 And Then They Came for Me; Bye Bye Birdie me, although we can only project those conditions by acting, this is why we are here: • 2002 Alice and Wonderland; Pirates of Penance to tell a story. • 2003 The Crucible; Kiss Me Kate • 2004 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Much Ado About Nothing This story is arguably the most timeless tale of all. Part of this country was founded • 2005 Guys and Dolls; Arsenic and Old Lace on the free labor of slavery. This particular story emphasizes bigotry, the desire • 2006 Music Man to keep immigrants out of the country, and segregation both institutionally and • 2007 How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying; A Night of One Acts individually. The student actors are all too familiar with these concepts even though • 2008 Tom Sawyer; The Diary of Anne Frank the play takes place in the first decade of the 20th century. Trying to reconcile • 2009 Oklahoma why they still have to deal with it a dozen decades later is somewhat troubling and • 2010 All Shook Up diffi cult to deal with. • 2011 • 2012 Thoroughly Modern Millie; Arsenic and Old Lace Karl Marx remarked “history repeats itself, rst fi as tragedy, second as farce.” I • 2013 ; The Foreigner hope and pray that a third time is not required before this vicious cycle is ended. In • 2014 Legally Blonde; The Importance of Being Earnest telling this story, I hope that these students are doing their part in stopping this self- • 2015 ; A Streetcar Named Desire destructive cycle. It is my desire that you, as audience members, enjoy the strong • 2016 Beauty and the Beast; And Then There Were None music and dialogue of this show. Maybe, then, history wouldn’t have to repeat itself • 2017 Ragtime if we just listen. We are putting together a performance history in honor of the 100 year anniversary. If I dedicate this show to my two children, Jordan and Brad, who were responsible for you have information on any of the missing years please email Ken Gilmore at getting me involved in the theater again several years ago. [email protected] or by calling the office at 525-3100. A complete up to date list as we receive information is located on Springfi eld High website on the booster page.

Terry Schoppenhorst

2 31 SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL A Fond Farewell PLAY HISTORY To many students, parents and friends who joined me over the last eight years, • 1921 The Honeymoon • 1924 The Tailor Made Man As my eighth and final year of directing the SHS musical comes to a close, ndI fi • 1929 Student Opera myself refl ecting on every moment each student has shared with the history of • 1938 She Stoops to Conquer Springfi eld High and with me. We grooved to Elvis, followed the yellow brick road, danced the Jellicle Ball, got accepted to Harvard, changed the world with big • 1951 The Perfect Idiot; You Can’t Take It with You and transformed a beast. And now, we travel back in time to define the face(s) of • 1952 Death Takes a Holiday America. • 1953 Papa is All; Meet Me in St. Louis • 1956 The Skin of Our Teeth; Arsenic and Old Lace But, for me, the most defi nitive memory I recall was presented to me through a • 1957 Mother is a Freshman simple life lesson taught to me by students. “Theater gives voice.” Not just a show • 1958 Gold in the Hills or The Dead Sister’s Secret in itself, but the entire art form. It allows anyone to share a piece of themselves • 1959 Sight Unseen no matter their age, race or background. It is a safe place for all. All it requires is • 1961 Our Team someone to listen. • 1963 Our Town • 1964 The Marriage Proposal; Riders to the Sea; Hope is the Thing with Feathers This simple lesson, unknown to the teacher(s), has changed the way I have • 1965 The Happy Journey to Camden and Trenton; No Count Boy; approached the SHS musical over these last few years. In fact, it has changed the way The Old Lady Shows Her Medals I approach life. Listen, then respond. No, listen, adjust and then respond. Consider • 1966 The Hitch-hiker; The Unsatisfactory Supper; Sorry Wrong Number everything and everyone. Welcome feedback and criticism. Take each and every • 1967 The Man in the Bowler Hat; The Boor; Antic Spring moment as a moment for teaching and for learning. • 1968 The Mouse that Roared; You Can’t Take it with You • 1971 Twelve O’Clock Murder; Impromptu; The Ugly Duckling The Springfi eld STAGE program has been an unforgettable experience I will treasure • 1972 Harvey for a lifetime to come. There are so many people to thank, many of them here in this • 1973 Cactus Flower program, but I want to especially thank Terry & Deb Schoppenhorst, Anna Bussing, • 1974 Barefoot in the Park Christie Lazarides, Damien & Morgan Kaplan, Mark Gifford, Kim & David Parker, • 1975 Come Blow Your Horn and Ryan Blesse, my husband.

• 1978 Life with Father Thank you for all of the fond memories and changing experiences. • 1981 Hello Dolly • 1982 Guys & Dolls • 1983 Irene Craig

• 1985 • 1988 Dracula • 1989 7 Brides for 7 Brothers • 1990 Bye Bye Birdie

30 3 Musical Numbers Recognitions

A C T O N E • SHS Booster Club for their terrifi c fi nancial support of the arts at SHS. • Jill Miller (Stella and Rosa Cole’s Aunt), Graphic Artist, for designing and printing “Ragtime” most of the decorations you see in the hallway. “Admiral Peary’s March” • Erin Weller, Graphic Artist, for designing the awesome locker signs for the kids, the “Goodbye My Love” show posters, banners, tickets, ads for the sjr and design and production of the “Journey On” sponsorship ads and our program. “Evelyn’s Introduction” • Deb Iams for loaning historical items for the display cases and period costumes the “Crime of the Century” kids wore in their immigrant photos that are part of the large hallway ag decoration. fl “Houdini’s Airplane” • Kari Bedford of Kari Bedford Photography for taking the modern day cast “What Kind of Woman” photos and “vintage” immigrant photos that we were able to use in the large hallway “A Shtetl Iz Amereke” American flag decoration. “Success” • Harvey Edwards who not only came to almost every build day and let us use his “His Name Was Coalhouse Walker” truck and shoulders to get supplies from Lowe’s, but who also provided lots and lots “The Gettin’ Ready Rag” of battery operated construction toys (and was willing to share!). Thank you also to “Henry Ford” his wife, Marina, for her patience at having him gone for the past 5 weekends. “Nothing Like the City” • Kevin Ford for joining the fun and sharing time and creativity to help build our set! “Fireman/Coalhouse Crossover” He is one busy guy, and he always seems ndto fitime to help us out! “Your Daddy’s Son” • Dia Langellier for loaning the musical instruments for our holiday showcases. “The Courtship” • Jeremy Goeckner for videotaping the show and producing our video shorts. “New Music” • Randy Herpel from Lube Master for advertising the show on his digital sign. “The Wheels of a Dream” • Carrollton Bank for advertising the show on their digital sign. “Tateh at the Loom” • Moms.org for the banner on their website advertising the show. “The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square” • Sam Madonia and Jim Leach for allowing cast member to talk on their radio shows “Lawrence, Mass. Sequence” as they have done year after year. “Gliding” • Springfi eld Municipal Opera, Springfi eld Theater Center and Melody Sheehan “Booker T. Washington’s Speech” (Queen of doo dads) for lending clothing and accessories for the show. “The Trashing of the Car” • The Elf Shelf Books and Music for donating Ragtime sheet music and decorations “Justice” for our hallway showcase. “President” • The staff & faculty at SHS for their constant support & encouragement, and a “Till We Reach That Day” special Shout to new-to-stage SHS Principal Dr. Leardi for being a raving fan and supporter INTERMISSION • SHS Alumni Association and former stage parents for helping to research past SHS productions and for helping to promote and plan Sunday’s recognition and reception. • To our Cast Families who donated hundreds of hours of expertise, sweat and tears to help bring this huge production to life. Thanks for helping us reach for the stars!!

4 29 Staff Bios Musical Numbers

Debbie Schoppenhorst (Costumes) is in her eighth year on the costume team at A C T T W O SHS, and her sixth year leading the team. Debbie has also costumed shows for STC Entr’acte and the Muni. She enjoys working with Craig and his directing team here at the high “Coalhouse’s Soliloquy” school and in the community. Some of her most favorite and challenging shows have “Coalhouse Demands” been The Little Mermaid (MUNI), Beauty and the Beast (SHS), and Thoroughly “What a Game!” Modern Millie (SHS). She says that it is “always a pleasure to work with the students “Fire in the City” at SHS and spend time at my kids’ alma mater. Thank you to my husband, Terry, who “Atlantic City” is always supportive during my costuming adventures.” “Nothing Like the City” (Reprise) “Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc. Terry Schoppenhorst (Assistant Director)is thrilled to direct Ragtime at SHS. He “Houdini and the Little Boy” has been assistant director for Cats at TIP and Wedding Singer at STC. He has played “A Day at the Beach” several parts on the local stage including Diary of Anne Frank at TIP, Heathers: The “Our Children” Musical at MASS Media, and and has played several parts at STC and Muni through “ Sequence” the past seven years including General Schmitz in and Ezekiel Foster in “Harlem Pas De Deux” White Christmas. In his spare time from working at Southeast High School and “Sarah Brown Eyes” participating in community theatre, he enjoys golfi ng and watching lots of Netfl ix. “He Wanted to Say” “Explosion/Booker T’s Second Speech” Craig Williams II (Director) Craig is so excited to see Ragtime come to the SHS “Back to Before” stage as his fi nal production! He has been in and directed many shows including “Look What You’ve Done” SHS’s All Shook Up, The Wiz, Thoroughly Modern Millie, CATS, Legally Blonde, “Make Them Hear You” Hairspray and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Cinderella, Snow White, Gepetto and “Ragtime/Wheels of a Dream” Son, and 9 to 5 at STC; and Disney’s High School Musical, Hairspray, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, , Shrek, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid for Muni. He gives a special shout out to his favorites helping with the show, especially Kim, Unity Ribbons Terry, Morgan, Mark and Damien, but most importantly his supportive husband, This year’s Ragtime production will be enhanced by the availability of audience Ryan. members to purchase “unity ribbons” for $5 at the concession tables. The Illinois Coalition of Community Services will receive the profi t from the sale of all ribbons throughout the performance weekend. ICCS is a private, grassroots, not for t profi organization that helps communities in Illinois build and sustain a variety of local programs for children, youth and families. The Coalition places community organizers who will help identify community needs, establish programs, local leaders, and committees, train volunteers, and provide guidance on utilizing state and federal assistance. Projects that the Coalition helps to establish include tutoring, mentoring, and other academic support services, anti-drug awareness campaigns, food banks, family crisis intervention, disaster cleanup and recovery, children’s summer and weekend meal programs, consumer and community advocacy, economic development, and children, youth, and family activities such as movie nights. For more information, visit the ICCS website: http://www.organizing-communities.org. 28 5 The Cast Staff Bios

Coalhouse Walker ...... Dajuan Stewart Mark E. Gifford (Vocal Director)is the Director of Music and Organist at the Mother ...... Emma Shafer Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.. He has been the house organist on the Tateh ...... Graham Haven Barton Theater Pipe Organ since 1993. He is one half of the performing group Dual Sarah ...... Abby Tellez Piano which he formed with Damien Kaplan in the fall of 2012. Mark has played Booker T. Washington ...... Shunasey Curry piano / keyboard for Springfi eld High School, The MUNI, Theater in the Park, Father ...... Thomas George Springfi eld Theater Center and has appeared on stage as well. He has an active Younger Brother ...... Adam Bridges preforming career, but working with the students of Springfi eld High and playing ...... Stella Cole piano for them is one of his greatest delights. Emma Goldman ...... Nicolette Owens ...... Brendan Duffy Damien Kaplan (Musical Director) has played drums, percussion, keyboards,and Grandfather ...... Geoffrey Datz music directed/conducted multiple area shows. Some of his favorites include Muni’s Henry Ford ...... Alec Glisson Les Miserables, Hairspray, , All Shook Up, Grease, The Little Mermaid and J.P. Morgan ...... Thomas Duerr Miss Saigon; Over The Moon’s and ; STC’s 25th Annual Putnam Willie Conklin ...... Nicholas Mulcahey County Spelling Bee, Hair and ; ADHD’s and Rocky Horror. Sarah’s Friend ...... Sasha McDonald He is in his 5th year as the choral director and guitar/piano teacher at Springfi eld Charles Whittman ...... Will Moffett High School. Damien is also a studio musician for various artists around the country Little Girl ...... Carmen Lecocq and performs regularly with his bands DK Money and Downstate. He thanks his Little Boy ...... Landon Raymond family, friends, his lovely wife, Morgan, and his littlest assistant music director, Little Coalhouse ...... Derek Metzke Sawyer, for their constant love and support. “Shout out to Bean!!!!”

Morgan Kaplan (Choreographer)is Associate Director of New Chapter Featured Dancers Development for Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority by day and keeps busy with local theater by night. Morgan has choreographed shows for The Muni, STC, HCFTA, Rosa Cole, Elizabeth Gilmore, Abby Milhiser, Alina Sinha, Analysse Vance, Sammy SHG, and SHS. Most recent staff credits include chorography for STC’s Rock of White Ages, HCFTA’s 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, SHS’s Beauty and the Beast and co-director/choreographer for STC’s . Favorite performance Ensemble credits include: Shrek, Hairspray, and at Muni, La Cage Aux Folles (Anne), , Cats, and at HCFTA, and STC’s Thoroughly Modern Millie Grayson Alexander, Emma Bachman, Priscilla Bartelheim, Emma Batterman, Aria (Millie). “Thanks to Craig for bringing me on board for my second SHS production Bender, Zi’keya Elcock, Skyler Feree, Katherine “Kiki” Frost, Healy Funderburg, and to these wonderful students for their spunk and dedication to their performances. Katie George, Erin Gheen, Julia Gorden, Drew Harmon, Chelsea Hollinshead, Sarah Love to DK, Sawyer and Bean.” Hudspeth, Elizabeth “Lanae” Lang, Teresa LoGrasso, Allena Lott-Lofton, Maria Moore, Dmarse’ Morgan, Malia Murphy, Angela Nwajei, Keontay Pollard, Vanessa Randall, Marissa Sanders, Benedetta “Benni” Sarti, Lillian Stevens, Meredyth Swafford, Garrison Taylor, Hannah Vandeventer, Avia Wang

6 27 Our Cast Our Staff

Avia Wang (Ensemble, Reporter, Worker/Neighbor) is a freshman, an artist, a Director ...... Craig Williams II violinist, and a pianist. This is her rst fi role in an SHS production. She thanks her Co-Director ...... Terry Schoppenhorst parents “who put up with me” and everyone coming out to see the show. Producer ...... Kim Carter Parker Choreographer ...... Morgan Kaplan Sammy White (Featured Dancer, Sob Sister, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Vocal Director ...... Mark Gifford Crowd, Fan, Vacationer), a sophomore, is a life-long dancer with Springfi eld Dance Musical Director ...... Damien Kaplan who has appeared in several community productions in multiple roles. These include Sound Designer/Operator ...... Carrie McDonald Muni’s The Little Mermaid as a tap-dancing seagull, Springfi eld Ballet ’s The Lights ...... Brian Boehme Nutcracker, and many Hoogland shows. She played a Silly Girl in SHS’s Beauty and Light Consultant...... Daniel Bonn the Beast. Sammy sings in the Scarlett Harmony Choir and InSession Show Choir. She Assistant Stage Managers ...... Natalie McDonald & Kendra Parker performs in this show in memory of her father, Troy White. Crew ...... Jarrod Robinson, Isabel Miller, Mindy Hua, Olivia Santos, Sarah Thome, Ellie Thomson, Caitlyn Owens, Cheyenne Ruiz, Sam Stratton, Rex Dobson, Jaelyn Logan, Sage Thompson, Jacob Beaird, Hannah Cook, Stephon McClain, Jacob Robinson, Jaquez Stewart, Kaitlyn Miller, Liz Schodel

The Orchestra

Musical Director ...... Damien Kaplan Piano/Accompanist ...... Mark Gifford Reed 1 ...... Anneliese Paton Reed 2 ...... Bekah Philbrick Reed 3 ...... Donna Lerch Reed 4 ...... Louis Yockey 1 ...... Aaron Duncan Trumpet 2 ...... Jason Gao Horn ...... Bethany Spear ...... Andrew Holliday ...... Riley Maitret ...... Sally zFrit ...... Karen Frost ...... Caitlin Zoschke Bass ...... Carter Bibb Percussion ...... Phil Snow

26 7 Volunteer Teams Our Cast

Set Building Team Meredyth Swafford (Ensemble, Juror, Worker/Neighbor, Crowd) is a sophomore T. David Parker with the assistance of Rob Bridges, Ben Cole, Harvey Edwards, active in InSession Show Choir, visual arts, ballet and hip hop dance, Spanish Club, Kevin Ford, Stu Funderburg, Roseann Haven, Marcus Randall, John Shafer, Cara and mentoring youth with Big Brothers Big Sisters Illinois. Her record of theatrical Swafford, Erika Vandeventer experience is even longer. In California, she performed with El Camino Real Theater, Orange County School of the Arts, and San Clemente Performing Arts in various Set Painting Team productions ranging from Take Five One Acts: Just Make it Stop!, How to Succeed in T. David Parker with the assistance of Roseann Haven, Sheryl Meyer, Cara Swafford, Business without Really Trying, , Cinderella, Shrek: The Musical, Peter Erika Vandeventer, Benni Sarti, Graham Haven, Hannah Vandeventer Pan, The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, and The Jungle Book. Bitten by the acting bug, she has also performed with Cornstock Theatre in Peoria (Honk, Jr.), and locally Costume Team with Hoogland Teens (Tarzan, the Musical) and TIP (A Christmas Carol). This isrst her fi Debbie Schoppenhorst with the assistance of Rose LoGrosso, Karen Gerdes, Katina stage appearance at SHS. She wishes to thank “the homies for being the chillest – you Gude, Melissa Hollinshead, Feng Huo, Angie Estabrook, Cindy Wall know who you are .”

Garrison Taylor (Ensemble, Coalhouse Gang Member) is a sophomore performing Props Team in his fi rst SHS play, though he has also played Grover Dill in Hoogland’s production of Dawn Owens and Wendy Glisson with the assistance of Bob Owens, Rick Glisson, A Christmas Story. Garrison sings in the 7 and Senators choir and the InSession Show Lisa Moffett Choir. He likes to make jokes that aren’t ___, performing, and hanging out with Sasha McDonald.

Abby Tellez (Sarah) is a senior who performs with 7 and Senators. She has been in two previous productions at SHS. In Hairspray she took the role of Dynamite and in Beauty and the Beast she played a Silly Girl. A silly girl she is not, however, being involved in church work, volunteering at Ministries, Sangamon CEO, and Lincoln Troubadours. She enjoys the piano and thanks her parents for being exible fl with her musical schedule madness!

Analysse Vance (Featured Dancer, Sob Sister, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Crowd, Fan, Vacationer), a sophomore, has performed in numerous musical theatre productions such as SHS’s Beauty and the Beast, Muni’s Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, Wizard of Oz, and , and CTK’s Suessical, Jr. as the Cat in the Hat. She is a dancer with the Springfi eld Ballet Company and the SHS Scarlet Line Dance Team, and she sings in the Scarlet Harmony Choir. Analysse is also a member of the Student Council and the French Club. She would like to thank all of the staff for putting together this amazing production.

Hannah Vandeventer (Ensemble, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Crowd) is a junior who has appeared in annual SYPG performances from 2005-2013, and she was most recently in the Ensemble of SHS’s Beauty and the Beast. She sings in the Chamber Choir and at her church. She also enjoys reading and dance. She wishes to thank her mom for her support and for all the work she puts into helping make the show better. 8 25 Volunteer Teams Emma Shafer Hair and Make-Up Team Sheryl Meyer, Tammy White with the assistance of Beth Lang, Erika Raymond, Stella Nwajei, Karen Frost, Amy Balster, Quaye Negro, Maya Fetter, Lauren Browning, Marissa Pattie, Stacy Kolaz

Program/Publicity Team Cathy Schwartz with the assistance of Kim Carter Parker, Lynn Gilmore (T-Shirts), Ken Gilmore (Social Media), Cara Swafford (Bios and Program), Connie Gheen (Events), Mike Datz (Bios), Tanya DeSanto, Amy Murphy

Hallway Decorations Team Mindy Vance and Amy Ballinger-Cole with the assistance of Gail Noll, Roseann Haven, Cara Swafford, Karen Gerdes, Sunshine Clemons, Katie Mae Milhiser, John Milhiser, Ben Cole, Mark Vance From the little Pig to Mother; Concessions/Carnations Team many wonderful years of Ken and Lynn Gilmore with the assistance of Gail Noll, Mike Datz, Erika Vandeventer, Joy Duerr, Beth Lang, Connie George, JB George, Dajuan and Lakia fabulous shows. Thank you Stewart, Karen Frost, Tanya DeSanto, Cara Swafford, Carrie Levin

Craig Williams II for believing Strike Dinner/Cast Celebration Ken and Lynn Gilmore with the assistance of Gail Noll, Mike Datz, Erika in her and guiding her Vandeventer, Joy Duerr, Beth Lang, Connie George, JB George, Dajuan and Lakia through the years! Stewart, Karen Frost

Wishing both you and Emma “Success” as you “Journey On”!

Mom & Dad

24 9 Our Cast Our Cast

Grayson Alexander (Ensemble, Judge, Fan, Policeman) is a senior well familiar with Emma Shafer (Mother), a senior, demonstrates a diversity of theatrical and musical the SHS stage. He has appeared in multiple roles both on-stage and behind the scenes experience on her resumé. Emma played Madame de la Grande Bouche in SHS’s in Legally Blonde and Hairspray, and as Set Designer for the SHS Fall Play And Then production of Beauty and the Beast and directed the Fall Play, And Then There Were There Were None. Grayson is very artistic and enjoys photography, painting, and three None. She has appeared in various local theatre productions over the years, including dimensional art. He is an STS for the SHS Art program. He is also interested in books Heather Chandler in MASS Media’s Heathers: The Musical, Anne Frank in TIP’s Diary and anthropology, and is a member of the Chitter Chat band. He wants us all to know of Anne Frank, and Ariel in Hoogland’s The Little Mermaid. This is her second time in that “train rides are the best.” Ragtime having performed in the chorus for the Hoogland production in 2011. Emma also plays for the Wind Ensemble and sings in the 7 and Senators Choir. She Emma Bachman (Ensemble, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant), a junior, is thanks her Mom and Dad, who are her biggest supporters, along with Craig, Terry, Kim appearing in her rstfi SHS play. However, she also played the role of detective in Clue, Carter Parker, Mark, Morgan, and Mr. Kaplan “for an amazing four years of shows.” The Musical at STC/ACTT. Emma performs in the InSession Show Choir and the Scarlet Harmony choir. Alina Sinha (Featured Dancer, Sob Sister, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Crowd Member, Fan, Vacationer), a senior and member of Chamber Choir, has been Priscilla Bartelheim (Ensemble, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant) is a freshman. involved in numerous local productions. These include Muni’s (Shark Though this is her rstfi SHS theater production, she has performed as the lead dancer in Girl) and Peter Pan (Indian Warrior), TIP’s Footloose as a featured dancer, and SBC’s a self-produced show for Walnut Street Theatre and played the part of Molly in the OSS Swan Lake, Rock Ballet and Nutcracker. She sits on the Student Council, and she is production of Annie. She also enjoys wrestling, singing, dancing, and photography. a member of the National Honor Society, JSA, Scarlet Line Dance Team, P4, and St. Emma Batterman (Ensemble, Juror, Worker/Neighbor, Crowd, Vendor) is a John’s Hospital’s Samaritan Program. She thanks her parents for their continual love sophomore. This is her second SHS theater production (and rst musical),fi having and support. played the part of Poem Reader #7 in last fall’s And Then There Were None. Active in Lillian Stevens (Ensemble, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Vacationer), a French Club, Diversity Club, Feminist Club, Girls’ Tennis, and Club Volleyball, she junior, last appeared in SHS’ Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble) and, before that, in wishes to thank her dog, “because I love him.” Hairspray (Chorus). She enjoys crocheting and thanks her cousin Abby for encouraging Aria Bender (Ensemble, Band Member, Worker/Neighbor), a sophomore, is her and Janna Schorfheide for her optimism. performing in her rstfi show ever. However, she stays busy participating in the French Dajuan Stewart (Coalhouse Walker)is a senior and a familiar face on local stages. Club, High Pride, and 4H. We are happy to welcome her to Springfi eld High School He has performed with great versatility at SHS in Hairspray (Seaweed) and Beauty and theatre! the Beast (Lefou and Wolf), at Hoogland as a soldier and a refugee in Miss Saigon, and Adam Bridges (Younger Brother), a senior, is new to the Springfi eld High School with TIP in multiple roles in Children of Eden. He is in 7 and Senators, Chamber Choir, stage. However, he was the sound board operator for the Fall Play And Then There Were and InSession Show Choir here at SHS. Outside of school he enjoys wrestling, piano, None, and he played Young Tilly in She Kills Monsters at Normal Community High guitar, dancing, singing, drawing, church, and hanging with family. He would like to School. Adam plans to attend ISU next fall where he will step back behind the scenes thank God, his parents, Craig, Mark, Christie, and Mr. and Mrs. Kaplan for all their and major in Theatre Design and Production. Adam would like to thank rst his director, fi guidance and support. Kevin Vernon, “for showing me that theatre can change the world.”

Rosa Cole (Featured Dancer, Ensemble, Reporter, Rally Participant) is a freshman appearing in her rstfi SHS theatre production. She is a member of the Scarlet Line Dance Team, and she has performed as an angel and a soldier in the UIS production of The Nutcracker. She also sings with the Scarlet Harmony choir and is a member of the Feminism Club. 10 23 Our Cast

Malia Murphy (Ensemble, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Vendor) is a sophomore. She has been in three theater productions: Hoogland’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Christ the King’s Seussical, and SHS’s Beauty and “Obstacles are those the Beast. She is a member of Scarlet Harmony Choir and wishes to thank her parents.

Angela Nwajei (Ensemble, Band Member) is a sophomore, and this is her rst fi SHS frightful things you see show. She is in Marching, Concert, and Pep Bands as well as Scarlett Harmony Choir. when you take your Nicolette Owens (Emma Goldman) is a senior and no stranger to the stage. She was in the ensemble of TIP’s production of Grease as well as SHS’s productions of Legally eyes off your goal.” Blonde, Beauty and the Beast (Chip), Streetcar Named Desire (Mexican Flower Girl), and And Then There Were None (Emily Brent). She is also in Chamber Choir, InSession — Henry Ford Show Choir, and 7 and Senators, the National Honor Society, Diversity Club, and Feminist Club. She thanks “my parents and sister for supporting me in everything I do.”

Keontay Pollard (Ensemble, Matthew Henson, Black Lawyer, Band Member, Wishing our favorite cast member Coalhouse Gang Member) is a senior, and this is his rst fi play. He is a member of Gray Alexander. ..and the entire InSession Show Choir and the 21st Century program. Keontay also takes dance classes outside of school. cast and crew of Ragtime... an awesome show! Vanessa Randall (Ensemble, Juror, Worker/Neighbor, Crowd) is a sophomore. She played both Marie and a fork in our production of Beauty and the Beast. A cellist, • she performs with the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony orchestra as well as a trio Bob and Nancy Thompson associated with that organization. In 2015 Vanessa received an Illinois Symphony Guild Scholarship. She is active in Latin Club.

Landon Raymond (Little Boy), a second grader at Butler Elementary School, is thrilled to make his theatrical debut in our production! Landon loves to sing, dance, and play basketball and football. He is a Cub Scout Wolf in Pack 13, and he loves camping, hiking and archery.

Marissa Sanders (Ensemble, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Vacationer) is a senior performing in her rst fi show at SHS. She is a member of the Chitter Chat band, and she was a singer in the Hoogland production of School House Rock. She is also the creative director of the SHS Film Club. 957 Clocktower Dr Springfi eld Benedetta “Benni” Sarti (Ensemble, Juror, Worker/Neighbor, Crowd, Vacationer) is an exchange student from Italy who simply loves to sing. Alas, this will probably be her only SHS theater production before bidding us arrivederci! She wishes to say grazie to her new friends at SHS and her host family who has supported her and made her always feel so welcomed. 22 11 Our Cast

Stella Cole (Evelyn Nesbit) is a senior who will be heading off to Chicago’s “Before we can forgive one Northwestern University in the fall, where she has been accepted into their Theatre program! She is a veteran of many local productions including: last spring’s SHS another, we have to production of Beauty and the Beast in the starring role of Belle (she also appeared in Muni’s 2012 production in the ensemble); four Hoogland Center productions—Steel UNDERSTAND Magnolias in the role of Shelby, Godspell where she sang the solo “Day by Day,” Hay Fever in the role of Sorel Bliss, and where she played Hodel; two one another.” TIP productions—as Margot in Diary of Anne Frank and as Mary Lennox in Secret Garden; and, most recently, the role of Laura in the Dave Heinzel lm, Sarah.fi She sings — Emma Goldman in the Westminster Presbyterian Church choir, takes dance lessons, and is a member of the 7 and Senators choir as well as the National Honor Society. She wishes to thank Craig and the staff for four years of outstanding high school theater! Congratulations to the cast Shunasey Curry (Booker T. Washington), a senior, is appearing in his rst fi theatrical production and in a main role! However, he performs in both the SHS Chamber Choir and crew of and 7 and Senators, and says that “music is strictly my life.”

Geoffrey Datz (Grandfather, Fan) is a senior and another SHS theater veteran (Justice Wargrave in And Then There Were None; Young Prince in Beauty and the Beast; Mitch in Streetcar Named Desire; and Sandeep Padamadan in Legally Blonde). His resumé RAGTIME! also includes two TIP productions: My Heart’s Home and Peter van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank. Captain of the Scholastic Bowl team, President of the French Club, A huge THANK YOU to Craig Vice-President of JSA, a member of Diversity Club, producer of ACTT, and a drum major in the SHS band, he also volunteers at the AALPLM. He thanks his mom and for sharing his amazing dad “for being ‘real cool’.” talent with so many. Thomas Duerr (J.P. Morgan, Fireman, Militiaman, Fan) is a junior most recently You will be missed greatly! seen in the SHS Fall Play And Then There Were None as William Henry Blore. Prior to that, he was a servant in the SHS production of The Importance of Being Earnest. He is a member of Latin Club and our Speech and Acting Team and donates time to Big Brothers Big Sisters Illinois. He wants to thank Emma Shafer “for convincing me to The Milhiser Family step up and do this musical, as well as other theater opportunities.” & The Vance Family Brendan Duffy (Harry Houdini, Fireman, Incumbent Candidate) is a very musical junior. He sings in the SHS Chamber Choir and performs in the InSession Show Choir. He plays the saxophone for the Marching and Symphonic Bands and Jazz I Band. Though he appears onstage for the rst fi time in this show, “Duffy” has backstage theatre experience as well, doing sound for the Fall Play And Then There Were None, Hoogland’s Into the Woods, Jr. and Hoogland’s Heathers, the Musical, for which he also worked lights. He enjoys hanging out with his “BroBro,” whom he loves. 12 21 Our Cast

Derek Metzke (Little Coalhouse) attends Kindergarten at Ridgely Elementary School, and this is his first show. He loves learning how to read and do math. We are excited to have him in the cast!

Abby Milhiser (Featured Dancer, Sob Sister, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Crowd, Fan, Vacationer/Baron’s Assistant) is sophomore who has been in several local stage productions. These include Muni’s West Side Story (Margarita) and Beauty and the Beast (ensemble), SHS’s Beauty and the Beast (featured dancer), and SBC’s Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Rock Ballet, and Swan Lake. She remains involved with the Springfi eld Ballet Company, but also nds fi time for SHS Concert Band, Choir, Scarlet Harmony, German Club, and Student Council. She wants to thank her family and friends for their continual support of her interest in the performing arts.

Will Moffett (Charles S. Whitman, Harry K. Thaw, Admiral Peary, Man, Conductor, Vice President Candidate, Fan) is a sophomore and getting to be a regular around SHS theatre productions. Last seen as a Poem Reader in And Then There Were None, he also appeared while a freshman in Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble) and Streetcar Named Desire (Street Vendor/Doctor). He has had roles in Christ the King’s Seussical as well. A member of German Club who enjoys playing guitar, he offers his thanks to the entire cast, his family and friends, and SHS for their support and guidance.

Maria Moore (Ensemble, Juror, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Second Bureaucrat, Welfare Offi cial), a junior, is an experienced musical theatre performer. She played a Silly Girl in SHS’s Beauty and the Beast and Rapunzel in STC’s Into the Woods. She was in the chorus in Muni’s Nice Work If You Can Get It, and the ensemble in TIP’s production of Grease. Maria also performs in 7 and Senators, and she is a member of the German Club and Student Council. She enjoys traveling, and would like to thank her family for supporting her and Diane Diztz “for being an amazing teacher.”

Dmarse’ Morgan (Ensemble, Band Member, Coalhouse Gang Member) is a senior. This is his first SHS production, but he has had roles in both Hairspray and Dreamgirls from as far away as Missouri City, Texas! He’s into dancing, singing, wrestling, boxing, and track.

Nic Mulcahy (Willie Conklin, Militia Man), a junior, is performing in his third SHS production, having already appeared in Streetcar Named Desire (Pablo Gonzales), Hairspray (Chorus), and The Importance of Being Earnest (Dr. Chasuble). A member of the SHS Band, Nic likes guitar, drums, and graphic design. “Thanks to my Dad.”

20 13 Our Cast

Zi’keya Elcock (Ensemble) is a senior, first seen as Poem Reader #2 in last fall’s And Then There Were None. Formerly a member of the speech team at Evanston Township High School, since moving to Springfi eld, she has joined the Diversity Club and gives time to Big Brothers Big Sisters Illinois. This is her rst fimusical. Best of luck to the entire cast Skyler Ferree (Ensemble, Assemblyperson, Rally Person, Vendor), a sophomore, and crew of has played the Nurse in SHS’ Streetcar Named Desire and, more recently, Mrs. Rogers in And Then There Were None. Active in the Band, Choir, and French Club, she loves her family. “Thank you to my mama, papa, twin sister, grandparents, and my Aunt RAGTIME! Veda for always coming out and supporting me.” Katherine “Kiki” Frost (Ensemble, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Worker/ A special thanks to Craig for all Neighbor) is a sophomore. Although this is her rst fi SHS production, she has performed as Alice in Blessed Sacrament’s Alice in Wonderland, as the Lion in ACTT’s of your time, talent and Midsummer Jersey, and as part of the Kids’ Ensemble in Muni’s Joseph and the dedication to the SHS musicals Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. A member of German Club and the Chamber Choir, Kiki loves art and travel. She has received Scholastic Art awards for her drawings and over the past 8 years. illustrations and recognition for “Dramatic Interpretation” with the SHS Speech and Acting Team. Healy Funderburg (Ensemble, Juror, Worker/Neighbor, Crowd, Vacationer) is a Will Moffett - sophomore who first appeared in last year’s Beauty and the Beast. She performs in the You make us so proud! SHS Marching Band and Jazz Band while also staying active in German Club and girls’ swimming. Healy wishes to thank her family and friends, especially her parents, for xoxo, Dad, Mom, Allie supporting her in everything she does. & the Grannies

Katie George (Ensemble, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Worker/Neighbor, Vacationer) is a freshman in her second SHS theatre production. She is an experienced thespian with roles such as a Poem Reader for the SHS Fall Play And Then There Were None and a disciple in Our Savior’s Lutheran School’s Godspell, Jr. She has also Teresa LoGrasso - participated in theatre with the Hoogland Center’s PAVE program, and she has been a Good luck to Teresa and all historical interpreter at Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site. Katie plays the clarinet with the cast of Ragtime! the SHS Band, the violin for the Sangamon Youth Symphony orchestra, and she also enjoys playing piano and singing. Danny, Nino, Katie, Dominic, Mom and Dad Thomas George (Father), a sophomore, is appearing in his rst fi SHS theatre production. He played Judas in Our Savior’s Lutheran School production of Godspell, Jr. and was a soloist in the school’s Heroes of the Faith production. Thomas also performs in the SHS Chamber Choir and Wind Ensemble, and the Sangamon Youth Symphony. He enjoys reading.

14 19 Our Cast

Chelsea Hollinshead (Ensemble, Juror, Brigit, Crowd, Vendor) is a freshman and new to SHS theater. This is her rst fi production. She enjoys art, guitar, singing, visits to the park, animals, and her brother. She remembers with pride that, while in middle school, she represented her class on a trip to Washington, DC by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Sarah Hudspeth (Ensemble, Assemblyperson, Rally Participant, Vendor), a sophomore, is new to SHS theatre. She is a member of French Club, and she was 2015’s Junior Miss Christian County. Sarah enjoys guitar, writing, volunteering, and pageants.

Elizabeth “Lanae” Lang (Ensemble, Worker/Neighbor) is a junior. This is rst her fi theater production, but she is also active swimming, triathlons, and coaching Special Olympics. She is a member of the Girl’s Swim Team and German Club.

Carmen Lecocq (Little Girl) is a busy Butler Elementary School second grader who has joined our cast! She has appeared as Tam in the STC production of Miss Saigon. Carmen is involved in competitive gymnastics and LEGO Club, and she loves to sing and play the piano. She would like to thank her Mom and Dad, and her little brother Calvin. “No one has yet realized the wealth

Teresa LoGrasso (Ensemble, Jury Foreman, Worker/Neighbor, Town Hall of sympathy, the Bureaucrat, Newsboy #3), a junior, is a seasoned performer active in many aspects of youth theatre. She has appeared as a Silly Girl in the SHS production of Beauty and the kindness and generosity Beast and as Eunice in the SHS Fall Play A Streetcar Named Desire. She also served as Assistant Director in the SHS Fall Play And Then There Were None. Teresa has been hidden in the soul of a child.” involved with Hoogland theatre productions as well: she directed Ramona Quinby and played the role of Mrs. Peacock in Clue, the Musical. Teresa is the Vice President — Emma Goldman of STC’s Active Creative Teen Theatre program (ACTT). She also sings with the 7 and Senators choir. She would like to thank her friends and family for their continued support! Break a leg Healy! Allena Lott-Lofton (Ensemble), a junior, was last seen in the chorus of the SHS production of Hairspray. She runs, paints, sings, and dances with enthusiasm. She gives We are so proud of you! a shout out to her friends Areonna, Isis, Gabbi, Jazzy, Nicole, and Chloe. “You guys are the best!”

Sasha McDonald (Sarah’s Friend) is a sophomore. Though this is her rst fi SHS show, Love, she was part of the crew in Hoogland Center’s The Point. She is also one of the singers in Scarlet Harmony and part of the stage crew for the InSession Show Choir. Mom, Dad, Katie, Maddie & Sam

18 15 Our Cast

Erin Gheen (Ensemble, Juror, Worker/Neighbor, Crowd, Newsboy is #1)a sophomore at SHS and this is her rst fi time in an SHS production. You may have seen her in other musicals with the Hoogland Kids and Teens program at The Hoogland Center for the Arts. In her free time she likes to dance, read, and paint. Erin loves being “Character, not circumstances, a part of this show and would like to give a huge thanks to Craig Williams & Mark Gifford for this great opportunity. makes the man.”

Elizabeth Gilmore (Featured Dancer, Sob Sister, Assembly Person, Rally — Booker T. Washington Participant, Crowd, Fan, Vacationer) is a junior with a long list of artistic accomplishments. Not only has she performed in the SHS productions of Beauty and Beast and Hairspray and the SYPG, she is in the SHS Band, Jazz II Band, and Scarlet Harmony Choir, and she performs and competes with the Scarlet Line Dance Team. Elizabeth is also active in the French Club, JSA, FCA, and High Pride. She would like Thanks to all the cast, to thank her parents for their love and support and her sister for being her biggest fan. crew and staff for an amazing Alec Glisson (Henry Ford, Militiaman, White Attorney, Fan), a sophomore, isn’t just a Party Boy (Springfi eld Ballet’s Nutcracker). He was also in the ensemble for last production of Ragtime. year’s Beauty and the Beast as well as a member of the chorus in TIP’s Footloose and Grease. Active in 7 and Senators, he enjoys writing and running. He thanks his parents “for always supporting me in everything I do.” BREAK A LEG! Julia Gorden (Ensemble, Houdini’s Mother, Kathleen, Assemblyperson, Worker/ Neighbor, Clerk, Newsboy #2) is a senior and another familiar face in SHS theater productions. A veteran of And Then There Were None (Vera), Beauty and the Beast Best wishes to the class of (Chorus), A Streetcar Named Desire (STELLAAAAA!) and The Importance of Being 2017. 100 years and counting! Earnest (Gwendolyn), Julia is also a member of JSA, the Literature Club, the Film Club, and Sangamon CEO. “Thanks to my parents. This is my 8th show at SHS!”

Drew Harmon (Ensemble, , Juror, Fireman, Militiaman, aFan), sophomore, was last seen as a Poem Reader in the fall production of And Then There Were None and, previously, as Steve in Streetcar Named Desire. He sits on the Student The Haven family Council, is a member of BSA, and dives. Drew gives a shout out “to my parents.” In memory of Patrick Haven, SHS Graham Haven (Tateh) is a senior last seen as Lombard in the Fall Play And Then There Were None. Prior to that he played Maurice (Father) in Beauty and the Beast. class of 1985 No stranger to theatre, he has also appeared in three Muni productions: South c, Pacifi Suessical, and Peter Pan. Graham is a member of the SHS Band, Be a Senator, and 7 and Senators. He thanks his family for their support.

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