Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics By: Tim Rice

Music By: Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics By: Tim Rice

Directed by Andrew Vonderschmitt Music Direction by Andy Zacharias Choreography by Kysa Cohen The Mainstage at Long Beach Playhouse

Established in 1929, Long Beach Playhouse is recognized as the first performing arts organization in Long Beach with 85 continuous years of production. Our eight-play Mainstage season is presented with the undying energy of cast, crew and house volunteers. Long Beach Playhouse is financially supported through memberships; funding and grants from foundations, corporations and government programs; along with contributions of generous patrons like you. Coming soon...

Our 87th Mainstage Season! Grab a brochure in our lobby!

562-494-1014 * www.lbplayhouse.org * 5021 E. Anaheim St. LB, CA. 90804

A Note from the Executive & Producing Artistic Director, Andrew Vonderschmitt

Hello and welcome to the Playhouse. I wanted to take a moment of your time to say thank you. Thank you for your continued support of the Playhouse and thank you for supporting the arts in general. As an artist I understand the commitment and responsibility I have to you, the audience. Art is not created in a vacuum. It takes an observer to finish the formula. This particular art form, on this particular day and time, in this particular venue, is for you, and you alone. I honestly hope that you enjoy your visit with us and that you will return soon.

I am always open to comment, complaint, compliment, concern, or just plain conversation. How’s that for alliteration? Of course, I enjoy compliments over complaints, but who doesn’t learn from input of any kind? A healthy dialogue with you, the audience, is very important to me. I can be reached via email, snail-mail, phone, fax, or you can drop by the Playhouse. However you choose to contact me and tell me how I’m doing, I welcome it.

Thank you, once again, for your patronage. Enjoy the show.

Andrew Vonderschmitt

[email protected] • Office: 562-494-1014 ex 503 Cell: 714-390-2107 • Fax: 562-961-8616 5021 E. Anaheim St. LB, CA. 90804 Behind the Scenes Director Andrew Vonderschmitt Andrew is humbled by the opportunity to direct this, a bucket list show. Past directorial credits include, Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors, On The Verge, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Frankenstein in Love, To Kill a Mockingbird and Moon Over Buffalo. Andrew would like to take a moment to thank his incredible cast, for whom this show was obviously written, his creative team for all the amazing ideas and inspiration, and you, the audience. This show is entirely for you. He lives in Long Beach with his wife, Martina, and two cats, Laura Rosalyn and Jack Benny. Enjoy the show. Assistant Director Anna Kate Mohler Anna Kate has been active at LBP since 2008 and presently serves as Chair of The New Works Committee. She owns and runs her own voice over production company and teaches musical theater workshops in her spare time. Special thanks to Andrew for allowing her to shadow him. Congratulations to the cast and crew. Break legs!!! Musical Director Andy Zacharias Andy is pleased to be returning to LBP as Music Director for JCS. Past productions at LBP include Avenue Q and Little Shop Of Horrors. He has also music directed for numerous other productions including Spamalot!, Eating Raoul and The Great American Trailer Park Musical. Choreographer Kysa Cohen Kysa returns with great pleasure to LBP as choreographer of Jesus Christ Superstar. This is a dream come true. She previously directed Play It Again, Sam and Earnest In Love at LBP and has directed, musical directed, and choreographed all over Orange and LA Counties. She has just retired from 41 years of teaching the Arts and lives with her husband, director Gregory Cohen, and their two dogs, Bethy and Lovey. Stage Manager Kelsey Graf Kelsey is thrilled to be working on her first production here at the Playhouse. She has been working as a stage manager, theater technician, and theatrical carpenter for almost a decade, and has loved nearly every minute of it. She has worked theater all over Southern California, with her favorites including Bella John Theatricals and Knott’s Scary Farm, and now definitely includes the Long Beach Playhouse. She wants to thank every person of this cast, crew and team, which made this show so enjoyable to be a part of. BehindDirector’s the ScenesNotes Assistant SM Madison Harvey Set Design Andrew Vonderschmitt Light Design Elie Siegel Costume Design Donna Fritsche Sound Design Larry Mura Band- Guitar Andy Zacharias Band- Piano Stephen Olear Band- Drums Christopher Arechiga Band- Bass Rachel Seldon Band- Bass John daSilva (July 17, 18, 19) Prop Master/Designer Larry Mura Board Operator Madison Harvey Live Sound Mixer Alex Shewchuk Costume Shop Rosy Anselmo, Abertha Montgomery, Rebecca Roth, Anne Simmons, Remi Titus, Jocklean Weaver. Photography Michael Hardy Promotional Design Daisy Ramirez-Gutierrez Director’s Notes This is not a Passion Play. However, it does bear mentioning that since the Passion Plays of the Middle Ages we have been recreating this story in many ways. In theatre we decide that a story is worth telling, then we tell it. Whether or not you believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, you cannot deny the power of the story itself. The New Testament is the most read book in the world and has been translated into nearly every language. We have even set our calendars to Christ: BC/AD. There is no denying the importance of this story.

In this interpretation Rice and Webber have taken Jesus off the stained glass window and thrust him into the street with the rest of us. They have updated the archaic language of the bible and set it to song, to tell the story of these people. These are not good or bad people, they are real people caught up in incredible circumstances. They are all trying to do what they believe is right and just.

It is, at it’s heart, a story about people, love, forgiveness and acceptance. A lot of heart and love has gone into this production and, I for one, could not be prouder of what we, as a family, have achieved.

-Andrew Vonderschmitt Meet The Cast In Order of Appearance Lorne Stevenson...... JUDAS Scott Roberts...... JESUS Latonya Kitchen...... MARY Matt Roberts...... CAIAPHAS Stephen Alan Carver...... ANNAS Stan Morrow...... SIMON Bob Cory...... PILATE Omar Timsah...... PETER Greg Nicholas...... HEROD Jon Apostol...... ENSEMBLE Joshua Benitez...... ENSEMBLE Christa Chastain...... ENSEMBLE Kellee Elizabeth...... ENSEMBLE Suzy Fauria...... ENSEMBLE Samuel Goldman...... ENSEMBLE Brenna Hanlen...... ENSEMBLE Athrylis Sather Hodgetts...... ENSEMBLE Lisa Jackert...... ENSEMBLE Te’Vari Jenkins...... ENSEMBLE Russell Malang...... ENSEMBLE Polina Matveeva...... ENSEMBLE Kari Venaas...... ENSEMBLE Lorne Stevenson (JUDAS) Lorne is thrilled and overjoyed to be playing his dream role! Favorite credits include: Nyssv (Chuck); Fentor (Chair); Once On This Island (Agwe); Godspell (All Good Gifts); Rent (Benny); Glass Menagerie (Jim) and There is a Time (Lorenzo). Lorne encourages you to support new musicals! Keep the art form moving! Enjoy the show!

Scott Roberts (JESUS) Scott is honored to make his debut at LBP. He recently appeared in Dogfight at HaughPAC. Other roles include CB in Dog Sees God and Hamlet in The Time Is Out Of Joint (A Rock Adaptation of Hamlet) at Chino Community Theater, and Major General Stanley in The Pirates of Penzance at HaughPAC. He thanks LBP for this opportunity and thanks his parents Jeff and Sandie, his friends, and his girlfriend Heather for their support. Latonya Kitchen (MARY) This is Latonya’s second performance on the LBP Mainstage. She just recently made her debut at LBP this year in By the Way, Meet Very Stark in the dual role of Lottie Mcbride and Carmen Levy-Green. Past productions include: To Kill a Mockingbird- Calpurnia, A Raisin in the Sun- Lena, The Misanthrope- Arsinoe, Our Town- Narrator, and Ma’Rainey’s Black Bottom- Levee. Latonya is extremely excited to work with the cast and crew of this production

Matthew Roberts (CAIAPHAS) Matthew is thrilled to be making his debut at LBP in this production of Jesus Christ Superstar, his absolute favorite show! Matthew is a singer/songwriter and proud native of Long Beach Ca. Many thanks go out to the creative team at LBP, his family and friends for their constant love and support, and a special thank you to all his “Friends of Bill” for their endless support and guidance. “You get what you get, when you do what you do!” One Love.

Stephen Alan Carver (ANNAS) This is Stephen’s 7th play at the LBP and first musical; he was Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes: The Last Adventure, Brian Runnicles in No Sex Please, We’re British and The Limping Man in Fuddy Meers (among others). He dedicates his performance to the best fans a performer could have: his parents, as they watch from heaven sitting next to the Superstar.

Stan Morrow (SIMON) Stan debuts at LBP in Jesus Christ Superstar. Originally from Dayton Ohio, and raised in Las Vegas. Some of his most recent shows have been City of Angels, Rocky Horror Show, and Sweeney Todd. Stan lives in Fullerton and moved to Orange County in 1996.

Bob Cory (PILATE) Bob Cory is happy to return to the stage after a long, long absence. Meanwhile, he’s been busy with rock ‘n roll bands, clubs, theme parks, and a long radio/voiceover career. Favorite rolls from the past include: Jesus Christ Superstar as Caiaphas and Herod, Godspell as John the Baptist/ Judas, Oliver! as Bill Sykes, West Side Story as Riff, L’il Abner, and Willy Wonka with his kids. Favorite personal productions: B & K. Omar Timsah (PETER) This is Omar’s second show at LBP, following She Kills Monsters in the Studio Collaborative this past January. He would like to thank Andrew Vonderschmitt for the opportunity to be in this incredibly engaging show; the cast, crew, and production team for being amazing to work with and ridiculously talented; and family and friends for all the love and support they’ve provided him throughout his ventures in all things performance related. .

Greg Nicholas (HEROD) Greg is happy to be returning to the Playhouse for his 3rd time. He was previously seen as Marcus Lycus in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, and as Orin, the psycho Dentist in Little Shop Of Horrors. Recent credits include Otto Frank/Diary of Anne Frank (Norris Center Theater), Professor Callahan/Legally Blonde (Performance Riverside). Greg spent 13 years as a Principal Singer for Cunard/Norwegian Cruise Lines opening for Joel Grey, Petula Clark, and Maureen McGovern to name a few. Jon Apostol (ENSEMBLE) Jon is happy to return to the stage after an 11 year hiatus and where better to do it than debuting at the Long Beach Playhouse! Jesus Christ Superstar is his first musical and he is excited to work with such a fabulous cast. He could not do this without his beautiful Jenny supporting him and two adorable baby boys to cheer Daddy on.

Joshua Benitez (ENSEMBLE) Joshua will be in his second production at LBP for Jesus Christ Superstar. He was last seen in Fiddler on the Roof as Avram/Russian. His favorite roles include Usnavi in In the Heights, Goon in Rebel Without a Cause, Ben in Night of the Living Dead, and Melvin in The Diviners. For his free time he likes to watch movies, hang out with family & friends, and exercise.

Christa Chastain (ENSEMBLE) Christa debuts at LBP in Jesus Christ Superstar. She recently appeared in All Shook Up At the HBPH. This is her second Musical Theatre show. She is also currently enjoying studying theatre and film. She lives in Laguna Beach and plans to move to Los Angeles in the fall. Christa would like to thank the directors and cast for making this incredible and fun experience. Kellee Elizabeth (ENSEMBLE) Kellee is beyond excited to be a part of Jesus Christ Superstar, a show she has grown up listening to. This will be her 3rd musical at the Long Beach Playhouse. Her previous musical performances include Avenue Q (Ms.Thistletwat/ Ricky/Newcomer), Little Shop of Horrors (Bernstein/ Ensemble), Hello Dolly! (Ermengarde), Fiddler on the Roof (Chava/Grandma Tzeitel) and Guys and Dolls (Bobbie Soxer/Ensemble). Much love and many thanks to Mom, Dad and Karyn. Suzy Fauria (ENSEMBLE) Suzy is thrilled to be performing in Jesus Christ Superstar and fulfilling her lifelong dream of performing in this, her favorite rock opera, at the same time in her first time ever performing on a theater stage. During the school year, she is a 3rd grade teacher for GGUSD, she lives in Huntington Beach with husband, Brett & their 4 kids, Krysta, Holly, Travis & Tanner.

Samuel Goldman (ENSEMBLE) Samuel is making his Long Beach Playhouse debut. He has worked with numerous theater groups throughout the Los Angeles area, most recently as Junior Babcock in Kentwood Players’ Mame. Samuel also works as an extra, and has appeared in numerous TV shows, including Parks and Recreation, Grey’s Anatomy, Switched at Birth, and Glee. Samuel would like to thank the cast and crew, and his family and friends for their support.

Brenna Hanlen (ENSEMBLE) Brenna Hanlen is thrilled to be in her third LBP production, in Jesus Christ Superstar. Her past productions at LBP include Spring Awakening and Fiddler on the Roof. Some of her favorite roles are Peter in Peter Pan, Jo in Little Women, and Dorothy in Wizard of Oz.

Athrylis Sather Hodgetts (ENSEMBLE) Athrylis is very excited and grateful to debut at the Long Beach Playhouse in Jesus Christ Superstar. She has mostly appeared in productions with her high school and universities, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Whittier College. When not acting, Athrylis still enjoys being on stage with her sister, Angelica; their band has performed most recently in Kagoshima, Japan, where Angelica lives. Lisa Jackert (EMSEMBLE) Lisa is a singer-songwriter and music therapist. She has a BA in music therapy from CSULB and MA degree in Psychology. She is coordinator of outpatient mental health programs at Community Hospital Long Beach. She is also on the Grace First Presbyterian Praise team and her solo CD, She Could Rock, is soon to be released. Lisa is excited for her first performance with the LBP.

Te’Vari Jenkins (ENSEMBLE) Te’Vari debuts at the Long Beach Playhouse in Jesus Christ Superstar. He recently played Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls and Patrick Martin in Little Shop of Horrors at the Jordan Theatre. He has been very passionate about theatre ever since he was a child and now he’s pursuing his dreams of being an aspiring actor while majoring in Theatre Arts at Pasadena City College.

Russell Malang (ENSEMBLE) Russell is currently attending LBCC for Communications and Theater! This is his second show acting at The Long Beach Playhouse. Previous performances includes Nahum the Beggar in Fiddler on the Roof at LBP, and J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Millikan HS. He is very excited to be working with such a strong cast and crew!

Polina Matveeva (ENSEMBLE) Polina is originally from Russia. She recently graduated from East Los Angeles College with an Associate Degree in Theatre and completed an internship with Center Theatre Group. She has been in multiple theatre productions all over Los Angeles County and hopes that it’s only the beginning of her journey as an actor. She thanks her amazing friends and family for their love and support.

Kari Venaas (ENSEMBLE) Kari triumphantly returns to LBP in Jesus Christ Superstar! Recent LBP productions include, NWF: The Language of Everything (Wendy), Little Shop of Horrors (Mrs.Luce), 24 Hour Theatre, Cyclops (Saucy Snake Satyr), and Real Women Have Curves! (Pancha). Some other favorites are Opsynthnia in Lysistrata, Hippolyta in A Midsummer’s Nights Dream, and Grandma in American Dream. Kari currently resides in Costa Mesa, where she is living that glamorous MSR life, at SchoolsFirst FCU! Big Thanks to our Kickstarter Backers!!!!! Because of them we have the fantastic mics and sound system you are enjoying today. $1,000 & Up! Gene Godwin Anonymous Anne Gray Pat & Ray Smith Lana Haines Kelley & Kevin Holden $500-$999 Adrienne & Mat Kaplan Jeff Brown Art Levine Straight Talk TV John Gilbert Madison Mooney Mal Groff Rick C. Reischman Roxanne Patmor Timothy Rosbottom Dan Rodgers Take the Stage Long Beach Marguerite Ryan Diane Tierney Kristi Fischer & Joe Vanderhorst $100-$499 Andrew & Martina Vonderschmitt Cheryl Avirom Kevin Brown $25-$49 Jamie Chazen Shannon J. Barbara Jeff & Madeleine Cheezum Steven Biggs Teri Corbet Jesse Bosworth Rolando Cruz Danny Bueno Nona Daly Robert Craig Bart DeLio Amanda Corbet Gary DeLong Carl daSilva Derek & Courtney Falde Jocelyn Eisenlohr Phillip Lee Fallon Ian Gorfon Donna & Greg Fritsche Halley & Mike Hardy Sandy Hall Nani Blyleven & Terry Johnson Susanne Hall Phyllis B. Gitlin & Sandy Kingsley Jillian Holden Miriam McLeod Susan E. Taylor & Giovanna Meese Michael Havnaer Meghan Penny Rick Kopps Roger Pryse Olivia Silva Maiser Jared Pugh Lauren Morris Nicholas Sauer Joyce & Leo Nolan Ann Seufert Patricia Raymer Zoey Smith Ken Robinson Nicholas Thurkettle Keith Simmons Allen Nelson & Bev Turner Stacy Stone Jeanne Valleroy Sam Tanng Kari Venaas Jim & Jessica Thornburg Maile Walker Kate & Brian Wharton $50-$99 Paul Zack Mary Bailer Toni Beckman $1-$24 Ann Bequette-Valleroy Jennifer Camp Victoria Bryan Pamela Chau Laura Clagett Iriyali Herrarte Gregory & Kysa Cohen Mitch & Jane Nunn Kelly Corsino Laura Rensing Stephanie Davis Doug Seagraves Natalie Figaredo Olivia Trevino BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Vice President Roxanne Patmor Tony Diaz Treasurer Secretary Miles Nevin Cheryl Avirom

Bart DeLio, David Haberbush, Betty Karnette, Anna Kate Mohler, Jane Nunn, Dan Ryan, Ray Smith

Halley Wright Donna Fritsche House Manager & Andrew Vonderschmitt Costume Shop Manager & Volunteer Coordinator Executive & Producing Resident Costume Designer Artistic Director Kellee Cullingham Box Office Associate Madison Mooney Larry Mura Business & Operations Properties Master Manager Sean Gray Technical Director & THE STAFF Production Manager

Extra Funding made possible by:

Special thanks to our Set Sunday Volunteers! Ray Smith, Jerry Loeb, Flo Dartt, Marie Santora, Bob S. Turner, Tom Long, Lana Haines, Tammy Barile, Roscoe Evans, David Lovegren, Dan Halverson, Mal Groff, Emmett W. Fry, Bob Boyce, and the Cast, Crew and Design team for Jesus Christ Superstar! Many thanks.

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER:

In consideration of our performers and patrons, please turn off all cellular devices during the show. Cameras and recording devices are prohibited. Late seating is at the discretion of the House Manager. Beverages and concessions are offered before performances and during intermission and you may bring drinks purchased at our bar into the theatre. Smoking is restricted to the area in front of the theatre on Anaheim Street. Have a fundraiser coming up? Want a Show all to yourself? Just book a Command Performance of one of our productions and you will get both! We sell you the entire house at a discounted rate and you sell your tickets at a profit for your organization/non-profit. Pretty simple! CALL TODAY! Andrew Vonderschmitt [email protected] Need a stage Office: 562-494-1014, ext. 503 or meeting place? Rentals are offered contingent upon Playhouse show schedule. COSTUME/ PROP/ FURNITURE RENTAL Looking for high quality costumes or props for your own theatre productions? We have a great assortment to choose from. By appointment only, please.

Costumes - Donna Fritsche Props/Furniture - Larry Mura 562-494-1014, ext. 505 562-494-1014, ext. 560

Want 2 easy ways to give back to LBP? Pick us on Amazon Smile and Ralph’s Community Contribution! Amazon Smile Long Beach Community Players, Inc. https://smile.amazon.com/ch/95-1890738 Ralph’s Community Contribution Log In to your Ralph’s account online and pick Long Beach Community Playhouse as your Community Contribution Everytime you shop you’ll be giving to LBP! Speak with Business & Operations Manager Madison Mooney if you have more questions 562-494-1014 ext 506 [email protected] 2015 Members & DONORS

Legacy Circle Tony & Cyndy Diaz Mary Lou Busby Lana Haines Joan A. Ryan Susan E. Taylor & Mike Havnaer Lynda Hershey Honorary Producers ($1,000 Dr. Glen & Joyce Howard and Up!) Aileen & Larry Keeter Anonymous Robert & Noreen Kraig Carl & Kathy DaSilva Joseph T. Mannix First Congregational Church of Janeice McConnell Long Beach William McDonald Jerry & Flora Loeb Marilyn McGraa Roxanne Patmor Terry & Barney Mooney Pat & Ray Smith Margie & Paul Muns Marlene Temple and The Temple Allan Nelson & Bev Turner Family Charitable Foundation Joyce & Leo Nolan Andrew Vonderschmitt Beverly O’Neill John Pievitz Executive Producer ($500- Susan Ragone $999) Beverley Schauwecker Kaye Briegel Mike & Merrie Slagley Mal Groff Pete Stone & Tim Thorn Dan Rodgers Theresa Tafoya Janet Underwood Director ($250-$499) Antoinette Webster Miles Nevin Debbie Welding Phyllis Nofts & Evie Ray Joann Wiest Johanna & Robert Tramazzo Harriet Whitmyer & Danial Friends (Up to $49) Golson Zvonko Babun Iriyali Herrarte Starring Role ($150-$249) Ann Hoff Ronald & Paula Duffaut Carolyn Matzinger In Memory of Michael Ross Hilary O’Hara Ted Van Boemel & Joan Leb Nicholas Panagon Ann Seufert Ensemble Cast ($50-$149) Susan Vidor Greg & Kysa Cohen Jim & Sheridan Crawford Nona Daly Life Members

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Coming up in our 2015 Studio Season

July 25 - Aug 22

Sept 5 - Oct 3

Oct 17 - Nov 21 Many Thanks to our Honorary Producers Marlene Temple and The Temple Family Charitable Foundation