September 9 – 19, 2021

The Mission of Mesa Encore Theatre is to produce live theatre with integrity and dedication to excellence. We strive to contribute to the cultural experience of our community as well as provide fun and educational opportunities that nurture the talents of local theatre artists of all ages.

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Twitter: @MesaEncore SEPTEMBER 9 – 19, 2021

Cast (in alphabetical order)

TRISTAN ACEVEDO AMANDA BAGLEY VANESSA BENJAMIN SARA BRUTON JEREMY CRUZ HECTOR CORIS JARED FEROLINO KELLY FULCHER JARI HAILE ELISE HURST KATIE JURICH KATIE LAMBERT CAMERON LUCAS

ZACK PEPE THE BEST OF BROADWAY – LIVE IN CONCERT DREW RAITCH ASHLEY RHOADS A Tribute to the Best of MET – Past and Present! CAITLEN RICHISON ROY THIELEN DANI TOPEL Directed & Choreographed by KIERA KURTZ-WILLIAMS MICHAEL WALLOT

Plus featured guest soloists and stars of past MET shows! Musical Direction by JENNIFER WHITING ADAMS

FEATURED GUEST SOLOISTS FEATURED GUEST SOLOISTS

Sept 9 – 12 Sept 16 - 19

Thursday September 9, 2021 - 7:30pm Kathi Osborne * Kara Houser Angelique Bodine * Marlene Gerstman Thursday September 16, 2021 - 7:30pm Dawn Rendell * Leah Klein * Alexandra Palmatier Friday September 10, 2021 - 7:30pm Nikki Reeves * Karl Haas Taylor Hudson * Frenki Hykollari Lindsay Decoste * Danielle Hale Friday September 17, 2021 - 7:30pm GINA VICTOR - star of Broadway’s Singin’ in the Rain Harley Barton * Kori Stearns * Lauren Berman CASSIDY JACKS - Miss Arizona USA 2021 Dawn Rendell * Marlene Gerstman

Saturday September 11, 2021 - 2:30pm Saturday September 18, 2021 - 2:30pm Taylor Hudson * Frenki Hykollari * Lindsay Decoste Kathleen Richards * Dan Marburger Danielle Hale * Anna Scales Anna Scales * Angelique Bodine

Saturday September 11, 2021 - 7:30pm - Saturday September 18, 2021 - 7:30pm Savannah Alfred * Nicholas Hambruch * Taylor Hudson Damon J. Bolling * Britt Powell Lindsay Decoste * Karl Haas * Kara Houser Harley Barton * Nikki Reeves

Sunday September 12, 2021 - 2:30pm Sunday September 19, 2021 - 2:30pm Adam Guinn * Savannah Alfred * Nicholas Hambruch Damon J. Bolling * Kori Stearns GINA VICTOR star of Broadway’s Singin’ in the Rain Alexandra Palmatier

Creative Team MICHAEL WALLOT - With many years working in the Director/Choreographer: Michael Wallot non-profit sector (as well as producing and directing nearly Music Director: Jennifer Whiting Adams 200 live theatrical productions) Michael understands the Assistant Director: Sara Bruton challenges of running a local theater company and hopes to build on MET’s long history of success. He highly values volunteer ‘s and knows they are the heart of any non-profit company. He looks forward to building strong relationships Production Team with them, members of the community, as well as our Stage Manager: Wendy Thompson generous MET donors and sponsors in Mesa, and its Set Design/Technical Director: Lorelee Godden surrounding areas. Michael is actively working on Equity, Lighting Design: Matt Stetler Diversity and Inclusion in the theater community, and was Sound Design: John Schoenwolf honored to hold the first BIPOC Theater Roundtable Production Manager/Carpenter: Cheryl Briley discussion with valley theater makers just 2 weeks after the Assistant Stage Manager/Light Board Op: Linda Segura death of George Floyd in 2020. He has made a commitment to Choreographer’s Assistant: Ashley Rhoads help MET become fully inclusive in this current season and in Sound Board Operator: Jennifer Adams the future. Spot Operator: Maxwell Kurtz-Williams After many years performing in NYC (appearing in 7 Program Design: Tanya Schoenwolf Broadway/National Touring shows) and running theater Covid Officer: Katie Lambert companies in LA, Orange County, and San Diego, Michael

relocated to the Phoenix area in the fall of 2015. He jumped

right into the valley’s art scene working at Arizona Broadway

Theater, and shortly after that, landed in the role of Artist Meet Our New Producing Artistic Director Services Manager at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Michael recently served as the Executive Director at Fountain Hills Theater. He happily brings all this experience with him into his new position with Mesa Encore Theatre! Michael is a multiple ariZoni Award nominee, and a recent Zoni winner for his staging of The World Goes Round!

MICHAEL WALLOT Welcome Michael!

Meet The Cast

Vanessa Benjamin Vanessa is so excited to be back on stage! She spent the last year cooped Tristan Acevedo up like everyone else, but before that you could see her twisting balloons, Tristan has been performing shows for the past 12 years. Through his years painting faces, and singing as a princess performer. Vanessa has done of performing, he’s played such roles as Lumiere and Lefou in Beauty and numerous shows around the valley including ‘Boeing, Boeing’ (Gloria/DST), the Beast, as well as Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie and most notably Don ‘Rock of Ages’ (Sapphire/MET), ‘Trying’ (Sarah/Theatre Artists Studio), and Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain. He would like to thank MET for giving him ‘9-5’ (Mrs. Hart/DST). She also loves to be in front of the camera, you can the chance to perform with this immensely talented ensemble. find her in Tatum Lynn’s music video for ‘Later Baby, XO’. She would like to thank her family, dogs, and her fiancé, Robert, for always being so supportive!

Sara Bruton Amanda Bagley Sara is super excited to be back at MET! She is proud to be an alumna of Amanda is thrilled to be making her musical debut at Mesa Encore Theatre. ASU where she obtained her DMA in voice performance and MM in Voice Amanda graduated from ASU with a Masters in Musical Theatre. Her Pedagogy/Performance. Currently, Sara enjoys teaching privately and is an favorite role to date was Mae in Reefer Madness but she also enjoyed adjunct professor of voice at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Favorite participating in Anything Goes, Children of Eden, Cosi fan tutte, and A Day in roles include Ali in Mamma Mia at The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hattie in Hollywood all at ASU. She has played Lady Saphir in Patience and Nella in Ella Enchanted at Childsplay, Jack’s Mom in Into the Woods with Mesa Gianni Schicchi at Lee University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Music Encore Theater, and, at ASU, Paulette in Legally Blonde, Trix in The Drowsy Education. Off stage, Amanda teaches K-8 Music and Choir in Phoenix. She Chaperone, Sally in Reefer Madness, and Gino in A Day in Hollywood/A Night would like to thank her family and friends for pushing her to always pursue in Ukraine. She would like to thank her family and friends for always being her passions. there. Thanks for coming out to support local theatre!

Jared Ferolino Jeremy Cruz Jared Ferolino has performed in musical theater since his childhood. He is a Jeremy most recently appeared in the ensemble of Guys and Dolls at Hale graduate of Chandler-Gilbert Community College, where he studied Vocal Centre Theater. Others at Hale: Newsies (Buttons), Singin in the Rain Performance-Music. There he performed in the ensembles in the 2014 and (Ensemble), Big Fish (Ensemble), Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat 2016 productions of Alan Menken's "A Christmas Carol", and as a Prison (Baker/Ensemble), The Little Mermaid (Windward), Aida (Ensemble), Guard and a Muleteer in the 2015 production of "Man of La Mancha". Jared Thoroughly Modern Millie (Bun Foo), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers has also participated and ranked in the top three in many vocal performance (Zeke/Suitor), West Side Story (Anxious), and Anything Goes. Other: The competitions. Currently, Jared attends Arizona State University and will Great Gatsby at Zao Theater (Dance captain/Dance ensemble), Forever Plaid graduate in the spring of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Technical at Desert Stages Theater as Jinx, 9 to 5 (Ensemble) Brelby Theater: Little Communications and a minor in English. Shop of Horrors (Ronette).

Kelly Fulcher Kelly Fulcher is thrilled to be returning to the MET stage after last appearing Hector Coris in Oklahoma! in 2013. Most recently, Kelly has appeared in several shows at HECTOR CORIS was seen in MET’s Urinetown and Mary Poppins as Ms. Zao Theatre, including The Great Gatsby as Jordan Baker and A Few Good Men as Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway. When she’s not on stage, Kelly can be Andrew. He was killed 135 times during Fountain Hills Theater’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder. He has starred opposite TV and film found with an iced coffee in her hand, planning out details of her upcoming wedding! Kelly sends thanks to Michael and Jenn for this opportunity and stars Bronson Pinchot (Annie), Debby Boone, Charles Shaughnessy (42nd Street) and Peter Scolari (Man of La Mancha) with Scottsdale Musical sends all the love in the land to Mom, Dad, Rachel, and Chris. “Clear eyes, full hearts!” Enjoy the show! Theater Company. He is originally from NY where he received the award for

Best Male Vocalist of 2010 by the Manhattan Association of Cabaret &

Clubs. Other Valley stage work includes Stray Cat, MCC, Hale and

TheaterWorks. www.HectorCoris.net

Jari Haile Katie Jurich Jari Haile is delighted to be making her debut with the Mesa Encore Theater Katie Jurich recently moved to Arizona and is excited to make her Phoenix Company. Favorite credits include Guys and Dolls (Sarah) and Once On This debut with Mesa Encore Theatre. Her favorite credits include 42ND STREET Island (Female Lead Understudy, Ensemble). When not acting, Jari’s other (3-D Theatricals), VICTOR/ VICTORIA (Moonlight Stage Productions), and passions includes being Adjunct Faculty at the University of Southern NO, NO, NANETTE (Candlelight Pavilion). Katie has a BA in Apparel California’s Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy and educating Marketing and Design from CSU Sacramento, and her training includes the the public on the benefits of physical therapy, health and wellness Sacramento Music Circus Summer Dance Intensive and the Radio City (IG:@dr.jari) Rockettes Summer Intensive. Katie would like to thank her husband, Steve, and her family for their constant love and support. SPECIAL THANKS to Abbi Cavanaugh for her tap choreography in “I Got Rhythm” in today’s show.

Elise Hurst Elise Hurst is an actress for local film and commercials, an improv Katie Lily Lambert comedian, and singer for various stage performances. She is also a mom to Katie Lily Lambert is thrilled to be back on stage! A graduate of The Lee four amazing children and has a wonderful, supportive husband. Her career Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute New York, credits include Donna in is with Empowering Services as a Job Developer/Job Coach for adults with Mamma Mia (Starlight AZ), Hobson in Wonder Women (Next Stage LA), disabilities. The discovery that her only limitations have been the ones put Victoria in What Say You? (Producers Club NYC), Lady Beaconsfield in Jekyll on by herself has pushed her to expel those limitations and allowed her to and Hyde (Arizona Regional Theatre) and an all-time favorite, Ghost of dream bigger and make those dreams become a reality. She lives by this and Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol The Musical (Silver Star AZ). Film and strives to empower others to do the same. TV credits include DreamWorks/Universal’s Smash, Mary Lynn Monross in https://m.facebook.com/gleefullymeElise/ Patrons and Kat in Isle of the Dead. She is so proud of the theatre community for persevering in these difficult times and welcome back!

Cameron Lucas Drew Raitch Cameron Lucas was born and raised in Sacramento, California where he Drew is joining the Ensemble cast of the Best of Broadway after a long earned a double Bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language and Dance. absence from Live theater. He has had the chance to entertain audiences Cameron also danced for Sacramento Contemporary Dance Theatre and did around the world as a cruise director for the last 8 years but looks forward to various work for the Sacramento Ballet. After relocating to Phoenix, Arizona, performing in musical theater once again. Hailing from Columbus Ohio, Cameron works as a professional ASL interpreter with theatre closest to his Drew is glad to be part of the reopening show of the Mesa Encore theater. heart. His theatrical interpreting portfolio includes “The Music Man,”

“Cabaret,” and “La Cage Aux Folles.” He has also interpreted for New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul, and Beyonce. Cameron is thrilled to join “Best of

Broadway” and be a part of the local arts community!

Zack Pepe Ashley Rhoads Zack Pepe is super excited to be back for MET’s first show of the season! Ashley is thrilled to be back at MET, but especially thrilled to be back After being forced with no theatre for way too long, he was most recently onstage after 2 years! She has done theatre for the past 15 years but seen in Desert Stage’s “Spider’s Web” as Constance Jones this summer. decided to take a break while pursuing a degree from Arizona State Plays are great but musicals are better, and he can’t wait to sing and dance University in Dance Education. Some of her favorite roles include Patty in again with this stellar cast and he hopes everyone enjoys the show! Love you School of Rock (DST), Ballerina/Ensemble in Mary Poppins (MET) , mom and welcome back to seeing Zack in shows! Ensemble in Rock of Ages (MET) and Flirt Conroy in The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (DST). She would like to thank Audrey Johnson for teaching her anything is possible. She would also like to thank her mom for all of her love and support through everything!

Dani Topel Caitlen Richison Dani is so excited to be making her debut at Mesa Encore Theater in this Caitlen Richison is proud to have Best of Broadway with Mesa Encore production of Best of Broadway! You may have recently seen her in Theatre as her first production in Arizona! She has a BFA in Musical Theatre Spamalot (Laker Girl, Ni Knight), The Producers (Shirley Markowitz), Mamma from West Texas A&M University and is excited for this new adventure, with Mia (Ali) and Annie (Miss Hannigan) When she isn’t acting, you can find her her new husband, in the great desert state. She has one regional credit in the nannying or singing show tunes at karaoke every weekend! She would like to chorus with TEXAS: the Outdoor Musical. Her collegiate and community thank Michael for trusting her to be a part of this show as well as everyone theatre experience includes Woman #1 (Songs for a New World), #25 (The involved in this production, and her friends and family for supporting her Wolves), and Marian Paroo (The Music Man). In everyday life Caitlen loves always! And most importantly her Momma who she knows is looking over expressing herself creatively at church and working in activities at a local her. assisted living community.

Roy Thielen Kieara Kurtz- Williams Roy Thielen has worked with MET on several shows over the years including Kieara is so excited to make her return to the stage after a long hiatus (for Oliver, Carousel and Annie in which he played Bert Healey. He is happy to be everyone). Her last appearance was as Chiffon in Little Shop with ART after back with MET and to be back to the stage performing again. Some of his moving from Los Angeles, Ca. She would like to thank her family, her friends other credits include Eddie from Lost in Yonkers and The Old Man from A and DABH for all their support. She is so happy that live theater is back! Christmas Story. He would like to thank his husband for the continued support he receives when working on a production.

of The Secret Garden (Lily), an ariZoni Award for Brigadoon (Meg), She Meet The Production Team Loves Me (Amalia), Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman), Narrator (Joseph . . . Dreamcoat), Footloose (Vi), among many others. She has worked extensively as a professional in both Operatic and Music Theatre repertory Michael Wallot, Director/Choreographer/Host across the southwest for over 30 years. Jennifer is also an accomplished Michael has spent his professional life in New York City, Chicago, pianist and renowned music director for countless award-winning and Southern California. He relocated to the Valley in 2015 and productions for the past 25 years, primarily focused in youth theater. She is happily makes his first appearance directing here at MET. Recent the Music and Theater Arts Director for a private school and the valley productions include THE WORLD GOES ROUND at the owner/proprietor of a private voice and piano studio in the valley. She would Scottsdale Center (Zoni award winner for Best Choreography) and like to send a shout out to Ken, her incredibly supportive husband . . . “and Fountain Hills Theater productions of MAMMA MIA, Neil Simon’s the day after”! FOOLS (Zoni nominated for Best Director) and Holly Jolly Christmas (current Zoni nominee for Best Director). Michael made his directing Wendy L Thompson, Stage Manager debut in 1990 with the off-Broadway revue ASPECTS OF ANDREW Wendy L. Thompson (Production Stage Manager) has been involved in LLOYD WEBBER and in the 30+ years since, has directed over 150 theatre since the age of four, both in front of and behind the scenes. Active productions nationwide from NYC and Florida to Chicago and Los in local community theatre in high school, she went on to obtain a degree in Theatre with an emphasis in Stage Management from Stephens College and Angeles. Favorite productions include NUNSENSE and CHARLIE has been in and out of the business since. Recently retired from the BROWN in Orange County; ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and business world, Wendy is happy to be working with MET for the first time BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in San Diego, DIVA’S TONITE, Off- and excited to be a part of re-opening the Mesa Arts Center after the Broadway at the Zipper Theater, and the national tour of THE pandemic, having been on staff for the original opening in 2005. LEADING LADIES OF BROADWAY. He previously served as Executive Director of Fountain Hills Theater and Artistic Director of Lorelee Godden, Technical Director/Set Designer the Star Theatre Company in San Diego; the Broadway Bound This is Lorelee’s third year working with MET, which includes Academy and Camino Real Playhouse in Orange County; and credits for Set Design for In the Heights and She Kills Monsters as Managing Artistic Director at the Corner Bistro Dinner Theater in well as Props Design for Hello Dolly. She happily comes to us as a Pennsylvania. Michael sends a BIG thanks to his talented cast, to Dr. snowbird from Calgary, Alberta, Canada where she works in the Sara (the best assistant anyone could ask for) and to his creative film and theatre industry as a Scenic Carpenter. Credits for film team for jumping into this beast of a show with ease. Welcome back include Ghostbusters Afterlife, Billy the Kid, Hell on Wheels, and to the theater! Intermission is over at last! Tin Star. Lorelee is looking forward to a great 2021-2022 MET season and is now our Resident Set Designer. Jennifer Adams, Musical Director/Sound Board Op An Arizona native, Jennifer has trained with world-renowned vocal Cheryl Briley, Asst. Tech Director/Set Designer, Carpenter instructors across the U.S. Her love has always been for the classical voice, This is Cheryl’s sixth season, working with MET as a set builder and but musical theater has definitely won her heart over the years. A performer first, she has been seen on the stage in productions such as the World designer. she's excited to continue her theatre adventures and Premier of Blackbeard: the musical (Mary understudy), the Arizona premiere wishes to dedicate her work this season to her biggest supporters, her mom and grams. Thank you to the MET board for another opportunity to grow as an artist and to her family and friends for the continuous love and support. To the cast and crew, welcome back! Thanks to our generous DONORS Have fun and break all the legs!!! $5000+ City of Mesa & Mesa Arts Center Matt Stetler, Lighting Designer Arizona Commission on the Arts Matt is very excited to return to MET as Lighting Designer. He has Jeff Davey in memory of Debra Jo Davey The Boeing Company worked on numerous productions including Mary Poppins, Rock of

Ages, and Urinetown. $1001 - $5000 David Chorley John Schoenwolf, Sound Designer The Danek Family John brings over 20 years of sound experience to MET. Most recent The Jordan Family sound design credits include: The Sound of Music, Seussical the Bob & Rita Liegl Musical and Beauty and the Beast. John has worked with many The Holt Family in loving memory of Lorri & David Babinski theaters across the valley helping to improve the sound experience. Friends & Family of Debra Jo Davey If you need help, send out your SOS to Sounds of Schoenwolf. $501 - $1000

BNY Mellon Linda Segura, Assistant Stage Manager/Light Board Op John Lezo Linda Segura is usually on the stage instead of behind it. Linda Suze St. John has directed shows and appeared in them across the globe due to Anonymous through Morgan Stanley have been a military wife for 21 years. She is excited for this opportunity and would like to thank the cast and rest of the crew $101 to $500 for all their help, support, and hard work! Jack & Karen Eamigh Eleanor Nellermann Pam Pershing Jo Walker

Up to $100 Dan Burman Todd Fillek James & Debra Gawne

Kathi Osborne Dawn Rendell Ann Zurnwalt

Special thanks to our AZ Gives Day, Facebook Giving, & 50/50 Raffle

MESA ENCORE THEATRE is proud to support and be supported by these amazing arts organizations: Up Next at Mesa Encore Theatre...

Mesa Arts Center aact American Association of Community Theatre AriZoni Mesa-AZ Arizona Commission on the ARTS PHXSTAGES

Board of Directors President: Kerry Jordan Vice President: Alexa Duke NOVEMBER 5-21, 2021 Secretary: Lacey Dixon Treasurer: Mary Ronning Members-at-large: Dan Marburger, Dawn Rendell, Jon PItt PLUS a brand new MET Youth Theater production

of the classic hit show

Staff Producing Artistic Director: Michael Wallot Director of Education: Sara Bruton Business & Marketing Manager: Tanya Schoenwolf Resident Set Designer: Lorelee Godden Production Manager/Shop Supervisor: Cheryl Briley Volunteer Coordinator: Jim Lewis

NOVEMBER 13-21, 2021