<<

Welcome to the final production of ourWelcome Senior ’s 2018/2019 season. It is not new for OVATIONS to bring shows to our young people that relate to what is actually going on in their lives. again allows OVATIONS students to be able to explore mature material in a safe space allowing them to have very open and frank conversations that for young people are often skirted around or all together ignored. During our process we’ve been able to discuss and explore some of the darker themes found in the material. We’ve found that these themes including drugs, protesting and sexual/intimate relationships have affected most if not all our students in one way or another. We’ve been able to talk about resources and options available to our students and those they know who deal with these issues.

“You must NEVER be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” -Rosa Parks When students are being threatened and punished for speaking out for what is right, OVATIONS takes seriously the responsibility to provide a safe place where young people can hone their voice and actually be heard. Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, HAIR remains relevant as ever, as it ex- amines what it means to be a young person in a changing world. Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, HAIR remains relevant as ever, as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world.

“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.” -Martin Luther King, Jr. In putting together our 2019-2020 season, our FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SEASON, we really put a lot of thought into picking shows that would not only stretch our students as young artists but also shows that resonates with our community, our values and what’s going on in the world around us. We’ve put together a very eclectic season that not only embodies our mission to ENGAGE, INSPIRE and EMPOWER but showcase the talents of our students and push each performer to the next level.

Under the leadership of some of the area’s hottest local talent, OVATIONS upcoming season will push the envelope artistically and challenge our students and audiences to immerse themselves in and delve into thought-provoking theatre. We hope you will join us this coming season, one we believe the DMV area will remember for quite some time!

Kicking off our anniversary season this fall students in grades 8-12 are encouraged to audition for our SENIOR COMPANY’s production of SPRING AWAKENING. The winner of eight , including Best Musical, told by and through what Entertainment Weekly called, “the most gorgeous Broad- way score this decade,” Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and that is illuminating and unforgettable. The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll that is exhilarating audiences across the nation like no other musical in years. Join this group of late nineteenth century German students on their passage as the navigate teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion in the daring, remarkable SPRING AWAKENING. Auditions for SPRING AWAKENING will be held on Wednesday, September 4th. Sign-ups and complete audition information can be found by visiting our website and clicking on AUDITIONS.

This Monday we welcome back our TEEN SUMMER INTENSIVE with a production of the Pulitzer Prize winning musical . Our SUMMER THEATRE INTENSIVE program is audition based selecting students who excel in voice, acting and movement. Our process-based program will culminate in a blackbox production. For more information please visit our website and click on SUMMER INTENSIVE.

In August, we will have our day camp, NOT THROWING AWAY MY SHOT PT 2, for grades 3-10. This year’s camp will feature music from famed Broadway shows like , WAITRESS, , & ALADDIN. Sign-ups are underway with just a handful of slots available. Those interest- ed should visit our website and click on JUNIOR SUMMER CONSERVATORY.

Make sure to check out our website at www.ovationstheatre.com for information on upcoming performances, auditions, master classes, summer camps and other performance opportunities for young artists. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

-Darnell Patrick Morris Founder & Producing Artistic Director Production Note Hair is a timeless production set in the “Age of Aquarius” during the Vietnam war, when a revolutionary wave washed over the younger generation, bringing forth an age of love, drugs and peace movements. The story takes place in and follows a tribe of young hippies as they get high, explore their sexualities, and protest for a world without violence or discrimination. It focuses in particular on tribe member Claude as he struggles to choose between running from the draft with the rest of his tribe or succumbing to society’s expectations and sacrificing his life as a soldier in the war.

Each OVATIONS THEATRE production serves as more than entertainment. While challenging students with difficult contemporary theatre pieces, OVATIONS THEATRE goes above and beyond to give each student a unique learning experience where everyone, no matter their position in the cast, is challenged inside and outside of the rehearsal space. Hair in particular pushed to their limits, tasking students with discovering and exploring their own bodies, an incredibly hard thing to do for a group of middle and high school kids that are still figuring out our own identities and growing into our skin. It is not an easy task to create individual, unique tracks that successfully present and feature all of the students for the majority of the show, but nevertheless OVATIONS THEATRE has succeeded in giving a spotlight to every child in the cast. While developing their characters individually, students have also learned how to build connections and act together as a tribe. Throughout the rehearsal process we have become less of a company and more of a family, creating lifelong relationships that brings passion and love to the stage.

While set in the 60’s, the themes of Hair are more present than ever in today’s society. In a world full of hatred, discrimination, violence and toxicity, teens have taken a stand in protesting for what we believe in. We may not be hippies, but as young people we recognize that it is up to us to shape the world and work towards a better future. We aim to draw on the comparisons of these two generations, and hope that our hard work portrays the strength of our generation and gives you a new perspective on the world today. As an individual, I could not be more grateful to be ending my time with Ovations Theatre with such an incredi- ble, powerful, thought provoking production. We hope you enjoy the show!

-Nora Holland Cast List DOUBLE CAST BREAKDOWN & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE RED CAST Friday, June 14 at 7:30pm and Saturday, June 15 at 2pm BLUE CAST Saturday, June 15 at 7:30pm and Sunday, June 16 at 1pm PRINCIPLES CLAUDE JONAH SCHWARTZ JACK ROSENBERG GEORGE BERGER MATT RUBIN IAN COURSEY HUD VINCENT DOUGLASS DAVID KLOS WOOF SAM SALEM MATTHEW MILLIN DIONNE SITARE SADEGHI HEATHER KIRSHNER SHELIA MADDIE FOX MEGHAN CAREY JEANIE DANIELLE CARTER MOLLY HERSON CRISSY THALIA PETERS EVA SALINS MARGARET MEAD SAM TARLOV SAM TARLOV HUBERT SAM NICKERSON COLE CHALFANT FEATURED SOLOIST/SMALL GROUPS AQUARIUS SOLOIST KATIE WILLIAMS (RED CAST) AND HEATHER KIRSHNER (BLUE CAST) AIN’T GOT NO SOLOIST JORGE RODRIGUEZ, STARR RUBEN, FIN MCCAHILL AIR ENSEMBLE THALIA EYLES, OLIVIA GILBERT, NORA HOLLAND, JORDAN KELBERG , KATIE WILLIAMS DON’T PUT IT DOWN FIN MCCAHILL, JORGE RODRIGUEZ, DANIEL SELIGMAN HARE KRISHNA TRIO PEYTON ARONOW, ANNA HERON AND THALIA PETERS ELECTRIC BLUES ENSEMBLE GRACE CORBET, OLIVIA GILBERT, ANNA HERON, KASSIDY KEPNER, SAM NICKERSON, DANIEL SCHORR, RAINA WEINBERG ELECTRIC BLUES SOLOIST RUBY HOWARD BLACK BOYS SOLOIST LILLY MCKINNON WHITE BOYS SOLOIST OLIVIA GILBERT WALKING IN SPACE SOLOISTS LILLY MCKINNON AND STARR RUBEN WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS MAN PEYTON ARONNOW, COLE CHALFANT, LOLA DENNINGS, THALIA EYLES, NORA HOLLAND, ALEXANDER LEVY, KENDYL MORRISON Musical Numbers ACT ONE ACT TWO AQUARIUS ELECTRIC BLUES DONNA HASHISH OH GREAT GOD OF POWER/ SODOMY ENGLAND (REPRISE) COLORED SPADE MANCHESTER BLACK BOYS I’M BLACK/ AIN’T GOT NO WHITE BOYS SHELIAH FRANKLIN/I BELIEVE IN LIFE WALKING IN SPACE AIN’T GOT NO GRASS GIVE UP ALL DESIRES/ HAIL MARY/ ROLL CALL AIR THREE-FIVE-ZERO-ZERO KAMA SUTRA/ THE STONE AGE I GOT LIFE WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS MAN/ GOING DOWN HOW DARE THEY TRY TO STOP THIS BEAUTY HAIR MY CONVICITION GOOD MORNING STARSHINE EASY TO BE HARD FRANK MILLS AQUARIUS GOODNIGHTS/ AIN’T GOT NO/ HARE KRISHNA/ BE-IN YIP UP THE SUN WHERE DO I GO THE FLESH FAILURES/ EYES LOOK YOUR LAST/ LET THE SUN SHINE IN THERE WILL BE A BRIEF 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION

Production Staff Producing Artistic Director Darnell Patrick Morris Managing Director Morgan Fannon Associate Artistic Director Theresa Cunningham Music Director Valerie A Higgs Choreographer Morgan Kristina Thomas Stage Manager Jenna Ballard Assistant Stage Manager Liz Theodorakos Light Design Steve Barker Sound Design Isaac Craig Scenic Design James Raymond Scenic Artist Grace Rose Costume Design Darnell Morris Dance Captains Thalia Eyles, Jordan Kelberg, Matthew Millin and Sam Nickerson Videographer Joel Richon Season Photographer Traci J Brooks Studios Program and Logo Design Abner Melara

BandValerie A. Higgs Keyboard/Conductor Woodwins Rose Weich Guitar Rick Peralta/ Danny Santiago Trumpet Mark Allred/ Andy Bible Bass Tony Aragon Drums Jim Hofmann Production Bios Darnell Patrick Morris (Director & Producing Artistic Director), Founder & Producing Artistic Director of OVATIONS, has been a Director, Choreographer and Theatre Educator in the Washington, DC area for the past decade. His students have been seen on Broadway as well as many local professional stages including Signature Theatre, , Olney Theatre Centre, ATMTC, Wooly Mammoth and Ford’s Theatre. Select Directing Credits – OVATIONS: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors,Mary Poppins Jr, Les Miserables: School edition, Carrie, Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Addams Family Young@Part, , Heathers, JR, Sunday in The Park With George, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR, Spring Awakening, , JR, and Seussical JR. Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre: , Into the Woods, , Hairspray, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Stillpointe Theatre: Caroline or Change. Kensington Arts Theatre: Les Miserables, , Jekyll & Hyde, The Rocky Horror Show. In 2017 Mr.Morris was selected as one of 6 up-and-coming DC area directors to participate in Signature Theatre’s Musical Theatre Young Directors’ Workshop.

Theresa Cunningham (Associate Artistic Director) has worked with varied populations: public and private school students, residential psychiatric patients, homeless families, incarcerated teenage girls, “at-risk” youth, preschoolers, and the elderly. -born Theresa Cunningham is an , singer, pianist, poet, play- wright, musical director and teacher. She attended Syracuse University where she studied musical theatre. She moved to to perform and teach, before moving back to the DMV in 2012. Select DC area roles include: Arena Stage: Nina Simone: Four Women(Sarah); Round House Theatre: Caroline or Change(Washing Machine); Imagination Stage: Wiley and the Hairy Man(Mama); Stillpointe Theatre: Caroline or Change(Car- oline); Compass Rose Theatre: A in the Sun(Lena); Olney Theatre Center: (Asaka); Riverside Center: Ain’t Misbehavin’(Armelia); Toby’s Dinner Theatre: Les Miserables(Mme. Thenardier). Theresa won the 2013 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical for her portrayal of Sofia in Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s production of The Color Purple.

Valerie A. Higgs (Music Director, Conductor) has music directed in NYC, , , and NJ. Valerie returns to OVATIONS after Music Directing Parade, Spring Awakening and HEATHERS:The Musical last season. Most notably: James Joyce’s The Dead (Quotidian Theatre), for which she was chosen by DCMTA as “Best of 2012 Musical Direction”; 2011’s Jekyll & Hyde (KAT), for which WATCH nominated her, and co-MD Mayumi Baker, for “Outstanding Musical Director”; and the 1996 Philadelphia world premiere of The Three Willies, a work conceived by the late jazz violinist and composer, Leroy Jenkins, in collaboration with multime- dia performance artist/poet Homer Jenkins and choreographer/dancer Rennie Harris. Big hugs to the insanely talented cast and production staff!

Mayumi Baker Griffie (Associate Music Director) has studied and performed music for over 30 years and mu- sic directed shows for over 15 years and loves every minute of it. One of her great pleasures in life is compos- ing, creating, and sharing that appreciation of music. She has had the pleasure performing many wonderful pieces with the UM Symphonic Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Jazz Band. Music director credits include: Sunday in the Park with George and Sweeney Toddwith OVATIONS; 25th Annual...Spelling Bee and Ragtime with Howard Community College; A Year with Frog and Toad, Wizard of Oz with KAT 2nd Stage; Rocky Horror Show, Jekyll & Hyde (co-nominated for Outstanding Musical Direction) Ragtime (won WATCH award for Outstanding Musical Direction) with Kensington Art Theatre; And the World Goes Round, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat, , High School Musical 2, Thoroughly Modern Millie, , Grease, , A Year with Frog and Toad, , with Academy of the Holy Cross. Performance credits: In the Heights (Daniella), Into the woods (Florinda) and Hairspray (Cindy Watkins/Dynamite) with Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre; Seussical with GAC (Sour Kangaroo); Rent with Kensington Arts Theatre (ensemble) and with Laurel Mill Playhouse (ensem- ble/Joann understudy performed). Director credits: Footloose with Academy of the Holy Cross Summer Stock Productions, Annie with KAT 2nd Stage. She thanks to this cast for making this an invigorating experience, to Darnell for the chance to perfect her craft, and as always, she is thankful to her husband, Daniel, for supporting her and being by her side for better or worse…and the silly.

Morgan Thomas (Choreographer) is thrilled to be back after serving last season as a Mentor Artist in their Senior Company production of Parade. This season Morgan also joined OVATIONS as the Choreographer for Standing_O Performance Ensemble. Morgan is a licensed attorney in Maryland who moonlights as a performer and teaching artist. She has been dancing for 24 years and was trained in the disciplines of ballet, tap, jazz, modern and African dance. After four years on Severna Park’s Dance Company, Morgan took a new course during her undergraduate career at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) by joining the Cheerleading Team. She served as the Team Captain her last two years. Additionally, Morgan was a member of the UMBC hip-hop dance competition team, Major Definition. She is currently a dance company member with Dance & Bmore, a creative movement collective, in Baltimore, Maryland. Favorite past performances include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, All Shook Up, The Wedding Singer, In The Heights, Parade and her favorite role to date was as Julian Marx in Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre’s production of Bullets Over Broadway (2018). James Raymond (Resident Scenic Designer) Earned his M.F.A. in Scenic Design and Technology as a graduate teaching assistant at West Virginia University this past May. He received his B.A. in Theater Technology and Design at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA in 2013. He has had many oppor- tunities to work with all ages in both educational and professional theater settings. James worked in Steamboat Springs, Colorado the summer of 2013 as the Scenic Designer at the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp. He also worked as the scenic artist for The Linny Fowler WillPower Tour’s production of Macbeth, along with scenic designer, six-time Emmy award winning Production De- signer of , Bob Phillips. James had the opportunity to work with the Pennsylvania Shake- speare Festival, which is a professional Equity Lort C theatre company for two seasons. Last summer at West Virginia Public Theatre, he set designed You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and was the scenic artist for the past two seasons. Past credits: Three Sisters (set design, WVU), In The Heights (set design, ASGT), (set design, WVU) The Trojan Women (set design, WVU), The Arabian Nights (set design, WVU), White Christmas (set design, LMP), Comedy of Errors (set design, LMP), Chess (set design, KAT), Underground (set design, Perry M.), Failure: A Love Story (set design, Perry M.), I Love A Piano (set design, DSU), 39 Steps (scenic artist intern, PSF) starring Steve Burns (Blues Clues), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (set design, LMP), Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party (set design/ Oscar, LMP), 45 Seconds From Broadway (set design, LMP), No Exit (set design, Highwood Theatre), Sweeney Todd (props intern, PSF) starring Dee Roscioli () and many others. www.jamesvraymond.com Cast Bios Peyton Aronow (Tribe), a sophomore at Sherwood High School is excited to perform in her 6th show with OVATIONS! Past performances include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (OVATIONS), Cosette in Les Miserables (OVATIONS), Tracy in Hairspray (OVATIONS & ATMTC), Belle in Beauty & the Beast (Blake Stage Company), Adult Nala in The Lion King Jr. (Blake Stage Company) and Paulette in Jr. (Bravo). Peyton takes voice with Josh Konick. “A huge THANKS to OVATIONS for all of the FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES, to OVATIONS SENIOR COMPANY for their support and friendships and to for always supporting this dream!”

Meghan Carey (Sheila), a senior at Whitman High School, is grateful to be a part of her final mainstage production with OVATIONS, and her eleventh overall!! Recent past performances include Lucille Frank in Parade, Fantine in Les Misérables, Louise/ Rose Lee in Gypsy, Kate in The Wild Party, Sue in Carrie, and Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors; all with OVATIONS THEATRE. Meghan currently studies voice with Jeff and Jouli Webb and is an MTCA student - she will be attending Western Michigan University in the fall to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre!! She wants to thank all of the in- credibly-talented people involved who have made this show so wonderful; Meghan is so grateful for the home that OVATIONS THEATRE has provided her for the past three years! <3

Miles Carr (Tribe) ,a junior at Walter Johnson high school school has been in past OVATIONS THEATRE productions such as Brad in Hairspray JR, Donkey in Shrek JR, Yonkers in Gypsy, and ensemble in Little Shop of Horrors. Miles Carr who holds high leadership positions in various youth political activism organizations relates directly to the youth activism aspect of this show.

Danielle Carter (Jeanie), a sophomore at Richard Montgomery HS is super hyped to be in this crazy show! Selected credits include: Madame Thenardi- er in Les Miserables, Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Grandma in The Addams Family, Prudy in Hairspray (OVATIONS THEATRE), Penny in Hairspray, Rona in Spelling Bee (JWMS) and ensemble in The Little Mermaid and Roseseller in Oliver! (RMHS). She is so thankful for everyone’s support and hopes they enjoy the show! Cole Chalfant (Hubert), is a junior at Georgetown Preparatory School. He is super excited to be doing another show with OVATIONS THEATRE. Past credits include-OVATIONS THEATRE: Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, Thenardier in Les Misérables, Oscar in The Wild Party, Angie in Gypsy, Detective Starnes in Parade, Kurt’s Dad in Heathers the Musical, Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical Jr., Wilbur in Hairspray Jr., Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast Jr., Horton in Seussical Jr.; ST. JANE DE CHANTAL: Scuttle in The Little Mermaid Jr. Cole is thrilled to perform in this show, and he would like to thank Darnell, his family, friends, and all the people who came to see the show.

Grace Corbett (Tribe) is a freshman at Walt Whitman High School. She is elated to be in her fourth show with Ovations Theatre! Selected credits in- clude: Ensemble in Hairspray Jr. (OVATIONS THEATRE), Flotsam in The Little Mermaid Jr. (OVATIONS THEATRE), Gazelle in Lion King Jr. (Theater Unlim- ited), Cinderella in Game of Tiaras (Pyle Middle School), and Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins Jr. (OVATIONS THEATRE). Grace studies voice with Simon Diesenhaus. She would like to thank her family, friends, cast, and Darnell for supporting her! “Break legs to the cast and crew and enjoy the show!”

Ian Coursey (Berger) is ecstatic to be performing in his second OVATIONS THEATRE show. Past credits include Jean Valjean (OVATIONS Les Mis and YAA Les Mis) Van Buren (Good Counsel ) in which he received a cappie nomination! (YAA Parade) Tateh (YAA Ragtime) Harold Hill (Good Counsel Music Man) Fredrick Barrett (Good Counsel Ti- tanic the Musical) Ian recently performed with , and at Strathmore! He would like to thank his best friend Molly for all of the karaoke car rides, his family for their endless support, his vocal coach Rolando Sanz, and the entire OVATIONS company for being so welcoming!

Lola Dennings (Tribe) is a sophomore at Thomas Johnson High School. She is excited to be with OVATIONS again after previously appearing in Little Shop of Horrors. Past performances include various MET summer camp shows, and Act Too summer camp shows. She takes voice with Thom Huenger, plays piano and dances at the 24/7 Dance Studio. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her throughout this wonderful journey.

Vincent Douglass (Hud), a senior at Churchill High School, is excited to be a part of his first OVATIONS THEATRE production. Past performances include Lambchops in Fame! (Young Artists of America), Abuela Claudia in In The Heights (Young Artists Of America), Judah in Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Churchill High School), Jean-Michel in Rodger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Churchill High School), Chuck Biggs in She Kills Monsters (Churchill High School) and Courfeyrac in Les Miserables (Young Artists of America). Vincent plans on attending Suffolk University and major- ing in Theatre Directing. “Thank you to my fantastic friends and family!”

Thalia Eyles (Tribe) is excited to be in Hair! Her favorite role was Charlotte (Cinderella) and she’s been in Gypsy and The Wild Party with OVATIONS last season! She also participates is productions with Young Artists of Ameri- ca and she thanks you for coming to see this show and hopes you enjoy! Madelyn Fox (Sheila) is a junior at Quince Orchard High School. Recent performances include Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors, Grantaire in Les Mis, Hope Harcourt in , and Coco in Zombie Prom. She is extremely excited to share the stage with her best friends!

Olivia Gilbert (Tribe) is a sophomore at Sandy Spring Friends School. She is so excited to be in such a fun show! Some of her past roles include: Leading Player in Pippin, Louisa in (SSFS), Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors, Ensemble in Gypsy, Dragon in Shrek JR, Motor- mouth in Hairspray JR, Belle in Beauty and the Beast JR, the Witch Into the Woods JR, Sour Kangaroo in Seussical JR (OVATIONS THEATRE), Humpty Dumpty in Shrek the Musical (KAT Jr/OVATIONS THEATRE), and Little Inez in Hairspray JR (BRAVO Productions). In addition to performing, Olivia loves listening to showtunes, playing her ukulele, reading. She wants to thank her friends and family for their never ending support!

Sam Greitzer (Tribe) is a graduating senior at Blake High School. He was previously the Dentist in “Little Shop of Horrors” and Clifton in “1940s Radio Hour.“ He would like to thank Darnell for giving him this wonderful opportunity and the whole cast for their love and support.

Molly Herson (Jeanie), a senior at Walt Whitman HIgh School, is very excit- ed to be performing in her last OVATIONS main stage production. Recently with OVATIONS THEATRE she has been in Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette) Les Mis (Eponine) and The Wild Party (Kate). This summer she will be playing Diana in Next to Normal with OVATIONS THEATRE as well! Next year Molly will be attending Elon University to continue her education! Molly would like to thank her best friend Ian for the Mcdonald’s mukbangs, her family for supporting her unconditionally, the artistic staff for everything they have done for her, and her sister meghan for changing her life. Break legs!

Anna Heron (Tribe), is a sophomore grader at Bethesda Chevy-Chase High School. She has been in many productions with Darnell since third grade. Her credits include, OVATIONS THEATRE: Seussical (Mrs. Mayor), Beauty and the Beast (Madam de la Grande Bouche), Hairspray (Velma) and senior company’s Sunday In the Park with George (ensemble), Parade (Nurse), Gypsy (Ensemble), Les Miserables (Ensemble) and Little Shop of Horrors (Mrs. Mushnik). Also OVATIONS TEEN SUMMER INTENSIVE, as Frieda. In addition to musical theatre, she enjoys spending time with friends and stage crew at school. She would like to thank Darnell and the OVATIONS THEATRE team for putting on this amazing show! Congratulations to the cast!

Nora Holland (Natalie) is a senior at Churchill High School and is simul- taneously excited and saddened to be in her final OVATIONS THEATRE performance. Past performances include Louise in Sunday in the Park With George and Mary Phagan in Parade (OVATIONS THEATRE) and Stepmoth- er in Cinderella (Churchill High School). She wants to thank her friends, parents, and the OVATIONS THEATRE staff for being so wonderful and give a special thanks to Darnell for putting up with her since she was in middle school. She hopes you enjoy the show and leave the theatre with a new perspective on the world today. Peace out! Ruby Howard (Electric Blues soloist), a sophomore at Winston Churchill High School, is extremely excited to be a member of the tribe. Past performances include Featured Ensemble in Ragtime (Young Artists of America), Ensemble in Les Misérables (Young Artists of America), Ensemble in Cinderella (Churchill High School Theater), Ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Churchill High School Theater), Ensemble in Wild Party (OVA- TIONS THEATRE). “Theater is a wonderful place I can call my home.”

Jordan Kelberg (Tribe/Dance Captain) is a sophomore at Walter Johnson High School. Recent Imagination Stage performances include Ramona in Zombie Prom, Conrad Birdie in ,The Wizard in One Upon A Mattress, Witch Ensemble/Featured Dancer in Big Fish, and Ancestor in The Addams Family. While at North Bethesda Middle School, Jordan played the Genie in Aladdin Jr., Pumbaa in The Lion King, and she choreographed The Little Mermaid, and played Chef Louis. She is a graduate of Imagination Stage’s Musical Theatre Conservatory, and is a member of the Young Artists of America at Strathmore. Jordan is thrilled to be part of her second OVA- TIONS THEATRE production, the first being Little Shop of Horrors. She has made so many wonderful friends at OVATIONS and she will cherish all of the memories she has made with her incredible cast mates.

Kassidy Kepner (Tribe) is a freshman at Rockville High School and is very excited to be apart of this production of Hair. Past performances include Rosalia in (Rockville HS), Young Louise in Gypsy (OVA- TIONS THEATRE), Ensemble in Hairspray (Blake Stage Co.) and Ensemble in Les Mis (OVATIONS THEATRE). Kassidy takes voice with Mollie Weikert and dances at Studio of Ballet Arts. She would like to thank all of her family and friends for supporting her.

Heather Kirschner (Dionne) a junior at Churchill High School has a killer britney spears impression and is so proud to be apart of this mind altering show. Shoutout to my mom, I’m YOUR biggest fan!

David Klos (Hud) is a junior at Oakdale High (OHS). This is his 3rd show with OVATIONS THEATRE. Theater credits include: Teen Angel in Grease (OHS); Patrick Martin in Little Shop of Horrors (OVATIONS THEATRE) Enjolras, & the Bishop in Les Miserables (OVATIONS THEATRE); Lord Pinkleton in Cinderella (OHS); and featured characters in Shrek the Musical (OHS) and at the Maryland Ensemble Theater (MET). David takes voice with Thom Huenger, Music Director at MET. “Thanks to the audience & everyone involved with the show”.

Alexander Levy (Tribe): Alex is a sophomore at Rockville High School and so excited to be part of yet another OVATIONS production. Past Credits include IQ in Hairspray (Blake Summer Institute), Chorus Boy and Photog- rapher in Gypsy (OVATIONS), Gaston (Blake Stage Institute), Ensemble in (Rockville High School), and so many more. He recently was Gee-Tar in West Side Story at Rockville High School and Ensemble in Little Shop of Horrors at OVATIONS . Alex studies voice with his voice teacher Mollie Weikert. He also study’s dance at the ATMTC Academy. Alex would like to thank his friends and family for helping him do this production. He would also like to thank Darnell, Val, and Theresa for helping him make sure he was able to put on the best performance possible. Fin McCahill (Tribe) is thrilled to doing his second OVATIONS THEATRE SE- NIOR COMPANY show, Hair. Fin is a long time ATMTC Company member and has dreams of Broadway. He has played Noah Gellman in Caroline, or Change at the Round House Theatre, was a dancer in at the Kennedy Center, the Starkeeper at Olney Theatre’s and has appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Evil Kin on Discovery ID, the film, Bill Tilghman and the Outlaws, plus live performances, commercials and a web series. He is an 8th grader at Pyle Middle School who loves music, playing keyboard, graphic novels, acting, singing, dancing, trampoline, hiking, friends, family, his pets and video games. Fin is grateful for this opportunity & his new friends at Ovations.

Lilly McKinnon (Tribe), a junior at The Academy Of The Holy Cross, is thrilled to be in another incredible show with ovations! Selected credits include ensemble in Spring Awakening, Tracy in Hairspray, Heather Duke in Heathers, Essie in Parade, Tessie Tura in Gypsy, Chris in Carrie, and Fantine in Les Misérables (OVATIONS). she will be onstage next as Diana in Next To Normal. lilly also takes voice with Jeff and Jouli Webb. A big thank you to Darnell and all friends and family who came to see Hair!

Matthew Millin (Woof), a junior at Walt Whitman High School, is beyond excited to join the Ovations Senior Company as a part of this phenomenal and incredibly important production! Matthew has most recently performed with Whitman Drama as Prospero in The Tempest, Leading Player in Pippin, Reverend Peters in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Gabey in On the Town, Reverend Hale in the Crucible, and Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar. Matthew studies dance at JOMDC, is an MTCA student, and studies voice with Jeff and Jouli Webb. A huge thank you to the fabu- lous artistic team and company of Hair!!

Kendyl Rose Morrison (Tribe), a junior at Oakdale High School is excited to be in another fantastic show with OVATIONS. Previously she was in Les Miserables School Ed. (ensemble) and Little Shop of Horrors (ensemble) at OVATIONS. She has also performed as a Beast in The Island of Dr. Moreau (Maryland Ensemble Theatre) and in various roles at MET Summer Camp. Kendyl enjoys playing the ukulele and the drums. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.

Sam Nickerson (Hubert) is a sophomore at Whitman High School and is super excited to be a part of this amazing production. This is Sam’s fourth production with OVATIONS along with Les Mis (ensemble) Hairspray (Corny) and the Little Mermaid (Scuttle) other experiences include Bye Bye Birdie (Albert) at Imagination stage and Pippin (ensemble) at Whitman High School. He is also a member of the Pre Professional Company at ATMTC academy. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Thalia Peters (Crissy), a junior at Richard Montgomery HS, is thrilled to be the vessel to her father’s youthful dreams by performing the show his high school canceled. Select credits include Cosette in Les Miserables, Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, Melitta in Spring Awakening, Iola Stover in Parade (all with OVATIONS THEATRE), and Olive in Spelling Bee (JWMS). She is also a member of RM’s Madrigals choir, and recently had an original choral piece performed publicly. Iris Postovit (Tribe), a freshman at Richard Montgomery High School, is an energetic musician and actress born in New Orleans, Louisiana. When she is not at rehearsal, she enjoys playing volleyball, softball, and lacrosse, and hanging her friends. Iris was in the past production of Little Shop of Horrors by OVATIONS THEATRE, also Les Miserable, Little Mermaid, Carrie, and lastly Addams Family. Iris is a member of OVATIONS THEATRE. “Without the support I had from my family and friends, I wouldn’t be here today, thank you!”

Jack Rosenberg (Claude), a Junior at Poolesville HS, is stoked to be in Hair. Past roles with OVATIONS include Mr. Mushnik (Little Shop), Javert (Les Miz), Tommy Ross (Carrie), Sam (Wild Party), Tulsa (Gypsy), Leo Frank (Parade), JD (Heathers), Louis/ Spot (Sunday), Corny Collins (Hairspray), Lumiere (Beauty), Tobias Ragg (Sweeney), Cat (Seussical), and Peter Pan (Shrek). Jack studies voice with J-High and J-Low Webb. He would like to thank Darnell, Val, Morgan, and Theresa.

Mikayla Reich, (Tribe), a freshman at Richard Montgomery High School, is thrilled to be part of this OVATIONS production of HAIR! Select past perfor- mances include: OVATIONS THEATRE: Ensemble in Little Shop; Ensemble in Les Mis; Ensemble in Wild Party; Wednesday in Addams Family; Brenda in Hairspray Jr.; Bird Girl in Suessical Jr. MTPC OF BALLET PETITE: Lord Far- quaad in Shrek Jr; Margot in Legally Blonde Jr; Flotsam in The Little Mermaid Jr; Angie the Ox in Jr. Mikayla studies voice with Jeff and Jouli Webb and dance at Impact. Mikayla would like to thank Darnell for this opportunity, and her family and friends for their love and support!

Jorge Rodriguez (Tribe) is excited to have graduated high school and looks forward to what life has in store for him. He is also excited to return to OVA- TIONS to finish the trio of shows this season. Some of Jorge’s favorite roles have been Chad from All Shook Up, the Cowardly Lion From The Wizard Of Oz and Thenardier from Les Miserables. Jorge will continue his Academic and Athletic Career At CCBC college playing soccer and studying theatre.

Starr Ruben (Tribe) is a junior at Walter Johnson excited to be in her third OVATIONS production. She was recently seen as Tracy in Hairspray (Blake High School), Rusty in Footloose (Blake High School), and Ensemble in Les Misérables (OVATIONS), Mrs. Luce in Little Shop of Horrors (OVATIONS), A Christmas Carol, Mary Poppins, and Phantom of the Opera (Walter Johnson High School). Starr takes Voice with Alison Leadbetter-hines. Enjoy the show!

Matthew Rubin (Berger), a Freshman at Quince Orchard High School. This is his 5th show with OVATIONS THEATRE where he previously was in Little Shop of Horrors (Orin), Les Miz (Enjolras), Addams Family (Gomez) and in The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric). Some other shows include Peter Pan (KAT Second Stage), Guys & Dolls (KAT Second Stage), and Into the Woods (Damascus Theatre Company). Matthew is thrilled to be in Little Shop and he would like to thank the OVATIONS production team for this excellent opportunity, his fellow cast for the support, and his family for the huge amount of love they give to him. Enjoy the show! Paul Ruff, (Tribe) a junior at Gonzaga College High School, is thrilled to be in another amazing Ovations Theatre production. Favorite past credits include Rolf in The Sound Of Music, Chief Tiger Bamboo in Peter Pan (BRA- VO Productions), Mr. Mayor in Seussical, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Link Larkin in Hairspray, L.A. in Gypsy, Ensemble in Les Mis, and Bernstein in Little Shop of Horrors. (OVATIONS THEATRE) Paul would especially like to thank Lilly Mckinnon and all friends and family who came to see him in Hair!

Sam Salem (Woof), a sophomore at Quince Orchard High School, feels fortunate to work with this cast and crew again. Past performances, all produced by OVATIONS THEATRE, include Lil Shop of Horrors, Les Miserables, Carrie, Wild Party, Gypsy,Parade,Heathers, Hairspray,Sunday in the Park with George, Spring Awakeningand Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr. Last, but not least, The Wizard of Oz(KAT JR) where it all began. A huge thank you to Theresa, Mayumi and Darnell for all their help, love, support! So much HAIR to cut after this show. Look out Morgan!

Eva Salins (Chrissy), a junior at James Hubert Blake High School. OVA- TIONS THEATRE credits include Little Shop of Horrors(Mrs. Mushnik), Les Miserables(Ensemble), Wild Party(Featured Dancer), Gypsy (Ensemble), Pa- rade(Essie), Hairspray Jr. (Lou Ann/Dance Captain), Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (Madame de la Grande Bouche),Into the Woods Jr. (Baker’s Wife), Suessical Jr. (Gertrude), Shrek Jr.(Teen Fiona). Eva is the sound manager for the Blake High School Stage Company with credits including 1940’s Radio Hour and . She loves all aspects of theater on and off the stage. She thanks her friends and family for their support!

Sitare Sadeghi (Dionne), a sophomore at Winston Churchill High School, is thrilled to be a part of her first OVATIONS musical! Past performances include Gavroche in Les Misérables (Young Artists of America), Mary Phagan u/s in Parade (Young Artists of America), Marie/Dance Choreographer in Cinderella (Winston Churchill High School), Evil Tina in She Kills Monsters (Winston Churchill High School) and Little Girl in Ragtime (Young Artists of America). Sitare takes voice with Thomas Pedersen and Dances with City Dance at Strathmore. “A huge thank you to my family and friends for always supporting me in doing what I love!!”

Jonah Schwartz (Claude) is a Junior at Quince Orchard High School, and is thrilled to be playing such a free spirited role! Past performances include Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes (Quince Orchard High), Mr.Black in The Wild Party (OVATIONS), Marius in Les Miserables (OVATIONS) and Huckle- berry Finn in (ATMTC) Jonah is a member of the pre-professional company at ATMTC, and takes vocal lessons with Jeff and Jouli Webb.

Danny Seligman (Steve), a sophomore at Winston Churchill High School, is ecstatic to be performing in this shockingly relevant show as his first production with OVATIONS! Past performances include Lord Pinkleton in R&H Cinderella (WCHS), Benjamin in Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor (WCHS), Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Csummer at HAS), and is still humming Red and Black from his performance in YAA’s Les Miserables. Danny has also recently filmed for a role in Kevin Sockwells up- coming short film The Final Shot. He would like to thank his amazing voice teacher Lisa Carrier Baker and his always supportive Dad. Sam Tarlov (Margaret Mead), a junior at Walt Whitman High School, is thrilled to be a part of HAIR. Past performances include the Headless Head in Pippin (Whitman Drama), Stokes in Carrie: The Musical (OVATIONS), Phil d’Armano in Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party (OVATIONS), Dress Designer in On The Town (Whitman Drama), Veronica’s Dad in Heathers: The Musical (OVATIONS), and Spouse in Jesus Christ Superstar (Whitman Drama). He would like to thank Darnell and the entire artistic team for allowing him to be a part of this fantastic production.

Bridget Trebon (Emmaretta), a Freshman at Good Counsel High School is excited to be in her first OVATIONS THEATRE production! Prior she has been Darcy in (Georgetown Prep), Soloist in Godspell, the narrator in Aladdin, and more. She also participates in summer camp at Holy Cross and at Grandstreet Theatre. She studies voice with Meredith Eib. She would like to thank her parents and the talented adults involved for an amazing show!

Katie Williams (Aquarius Soloist) is a Junior at Brookewood school and is excited to be a part of her 4th OVATIONS show. Past performances include Max in The Wild Party, Audrey II in Little Shop Of Horrors (OVATIONS), Amber in Hairspray (S. Hill), Baker’s Wife in Into The Woods (KAT), Cassius in Julius Caesar, Marianne in Sense and Sensibility (Prep), And Helena in A MidSummer Night’s Dream (Brookewood). Katie takes voice lessons with Deborah Benner and wants to thank her supportive family and her wonder- ful friends who have always been at her side.

Raina Weinberg (Tribe) is a freshman at Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS). Credits include Polly in The Boy Friend and The Narrator in She Kills Monsters (SSFS); Ms. Darbus in High School Musical and Rizzo in Grease (Camp Fernwood); Monteen in Parade; Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray, Cin- derella in Into the Woods, and Mayzie in Seussical (OVATIONS THEATRE). Raina is a screenwriter, budding filmmaker, and member of the Tryka Film Coalition. “Thank you to my wonderful voice teacher, Rosie Dyer, and to Darnell and the entire Hair production team and cast!”

DANIELLE WE ARE ALWAYS SO PROUD OF We are all happy for you YOU AND ENTERTAINED BY THE and very proud of you, Lola! ROLES YOU PLAY! Break a leg! Love, Dad, STAY TRUE TO YOU! Mom, and all of your family. LOVER FROM ALL OF US Jordan, Congratulations on your 2nd Ovations production! We are so proud of you. Madelyn, All our love, Mom, Dad and Madeline (and Dixie)! You blow us away!

Love, Mom, Jay & Brendan

Nora Holland Peace, love, and congratulations to you on your last Ovations show! These past many years, since Hairspray, have been the grooviest Congratulations journey. David Klos

Congratulations to everyone at Like Enjolras, you are Ovations for another amazing show. fearless and focused!

Tammi and Max We are so proud of you!!

Jordan, Congratulations on your 2nd Ovations production! We are so proud of you. All our love, Mom, Dad and Madeline (and Dixie)!

Congratulations David Klos

Like Enjolras, you are fearless and focused!

We are so proud of you!!

Congratulations

Kendyl Break a leg. We are so proud of you! Peace and Love, Mom and Dad

Lilly- The good news about bad “HAIR” is that it always grows back! Congratulations on another wonderful performance… Dad, Mom, Billy, Danny, Tommy and Jimmy

Standing Ovation for our Fin... May all your Dreams, BROADWAY and BEYOND, Come True! we LOVE, Love, love you.

Congratulations

Kendyl Break a leg. We are so proud of you! Peace and Love, Mom and Dad

We are so proud of you for accomplishing your dreams and striving to reach your goal!!

Love, Amma, Babajan, Darya, Induachchi, and Hope

Flow it, show it,

long as God can grow it... We are so proud of you Sam! Love, Mom, Dad, Sophie, Nina, & Duff

your HAIR! Raina, you let the sun shine in every role you play Whether on stage or in life, Sharing your kindness and fighting for justice.

We are so proud of you always, Mommy, Daddy, Josie and Pippin

We are so proud of you Sam! Love, Mom, Dad, Sophie, Nina, & Duff

Flow it, show it,

long as God can grow it...

your HAIR! Raina, you let the sun shine in every role you play Whether on stage or in life, Sharing your kindness and fighting for justice.

We are so proud of you always, Mommy, Daddy, Josie and Pippin

ABOUT STANDING_O PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE STANDING_O performance ensemble was created and designed to prepare students in grades 4-9 to bridge between our Junior and Senior Company and help prepare to build a solid foundation for their future, no matter if they choose to pursue college training in the arts or otherwise. It teaches them hard work, discipline, working toward goals, teamwork and much more. STANDING_O uses local established artist to help teach our young students how to excel in voice, dance and acting. It allows young students who are dedicated to performing and who love Musical Theatre to grow in their gifts while providing top-notch training.

STANDING_O Performance Ensemble is a mix of training hours and rehearsal leading up to two performances: a Winter Holiday Concert held in December and Spring Showcase held in May (partnering with ourTA- DA program). Additionally, there are opportunities for roadshows and smaller cabarets. In addition, members will be invited to our masterclass- es held twice a semester. FALL SEMESTER Technique/Building an Ensemble Our fall will be dedicated to building technique in dance, singing and acting. Rehearsals will be split between classroom time and rehearsal time. Students will work together to create a 30min Winter Cabaret which will showcase the skills and technique they have learned during the semester. We will focus on musical theatre style jazz, ballet and modern as well as tap. We will work on healthy singing and creating a balanced sound. The semester will end in a cabaret presented for parents and the OVATIONS community. WINTER SEMESTER Blackbox Musical During the winter we will move into our musical. The musical will be performed twice on Saturday, May 11 2019 in a Blackbox atmosphere. The show will put the technique work from the fall into real life application in our Blackbox Musical. This year’s Blackbox Musical will be THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELL- ING BEE. Auditions will open up for new members of STANDING_O. SPRING SEMESTER Individual Expression and Showcase After our Winter Blackbox Musical we will be focusing on Individual expression. We will work on small scenes, monologues, duets and solos for the final showcase held in late Spring. Students will work material together in group setting as well as private rehearsal.

Join us this fall for the second season of our celebrated performance ensemble STANDING_O. Please visit our website for more information or to reserve your audition slot!

CASTING CALL

Following the lives of young people in late nineteenth century German, Spring Awak- ening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. Navigating the journey of teenage self-discovery of morality, sexuality, and coming of age anxiety; Spring Awakening is a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion in the most daring & remarkable ways. Auditions for SPRING AWAKENING will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2019.

PLEASE VISIT WWW.OVATIONSTHEATRE.COM FOR MORE INFO OR TO RESERVE YOUR AUDITION SLOT PLEASE VISIT WWW.OVATIONSTHEATRE.COM FOR MORE INFO OR TO RESERVE YOUR AUDITION SLOT