in association with Cooper Sinclair and Allen Hollis present THE WORLD PREMIERE of A Carol Christmas Book by Music and Lyrics by Doug Haverty Bruce Kimmel

Based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens

Orchestrations by Richard Allen Choreography by Kay Cole

Directed by Bruce Kimmel

November 16 — December 30, 2018 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM • Sundays at 2:00 PM

THE LONNY CHAPMAN THEATRE 10900 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601

818-763-5990 theGROUPrep.com

Produced for the Group Rep by Kevin Hoffman and Gina Yates

Associate Producer Joanna Erdos

A CAROL CHRISTMAS is presented by special arrangement with The Robert A. Freedman Dramatic Agency, New York, NY

The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsover is strictly forbidden. Co-Artistic Director Co-Artistic Director Larry Eisenberg Chris Winfield

ARTISTIC ADVISORY BOARD A Carol Christmas F. Murray Abraham Salome Jens Ed Asner Mark Rydell Directed by Bruce Davison Lou Antonio Bruce Kimmel Barbara Bain Choreography Set Design Lighting Design Costume Design Sound Design Kay Cole Tesshi Nakagawa Sabrina Beattie Morgan Gannes Austin Quan

Sound Mixer Sound Supervisor Stage Manager Assistant Director Public Relations BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ivan Irvani John Ledley Sophie Lamzik Catarina Pereira Nora Feldman President: Todd Andrew Ball Vice President: Lareen Faye, Bix Barnaba Photography & Videography Social Media Musical Director Alternates: Katelyn Ann Clark, Michelle Schultz Doug Engalla Drina Durazo Richard Allen Executive Director: Bert Emmett Produced for the Group Rep by Kevin Hoffman & Gina Yates

HOUSE STAFF Treasurer, Bookkeeper...... Lloyd Pedersen Dues Coordinator...... Lareen Faye Social Secretary...... Renee Gorsey New Member Coordinator …………….………...………….Todd Andrew Ball Participating Actors Coordinator...... Troy Whitaker New Projects...... Alyson York Host Coordinator...... Katelyn Ann Clark Maintenance Coordinator...... Edgar Mastin Hospitality...... Sandra Cusimano House Manager...... Julie Davis Electrician...... Robert McCollum Master Carpenter...... Chris Winfield Ticketing & Reservations...... Julie Davis, Cathy Diane Tomlin Photographer...... Doug Engalla

CONSULTANT STAFF

Graphics...... Doug Haverty Social Media…...... Drina Durazo Publicity, Public Relations...... Nora Feldman Web Design...... Larry Eisenberg, Justin Waggle

ARTISTIC COUNCIL

Doug Haverty Lloyd Pedersen Gwen Van Dam Gina Yates Cast Musical Numbers (In alphabetical order)

Mrs. Forrester/Lovers duet/Ensemble/High Priestess...... Monica Allan Christmas Time Is Here Again – Carolers Pettit/Ensemble...... Ben Anderson Just Another Christmas – Lora Co. Staff Fiona/Ensemble...... Emily Barnett All I Want for Christmas – Carol Leon/Howie/Lovers dancer/Ensemble...... Ryan J. Duncan Spelling Backwards – Trina Felix/Lovers duet/Ensemble...... Kevin Hoffman The Message – Joelle Trina...... Peyton Kirkner Close Your Eyes – Odette Josie/Lovers dancer/Ensemble...... Lola Paja This Party’s Just for You – Forresters & Company Pearlman/Mr. Forrester/Mr. Death/Ensemble...... Lloyd Pedersen* Meet Cute – Blake & Carol Patti/Ensemble...... Catarina Pereira Close Your Eyes, Part 2 – Odette Carol...... Hartley Powers Separate Ways – Blake Blythe/Ensemble...... Savannah Schoenecker All I Want for Christmas (Reprise) – Carol Blake...... John Schroeder Owaska Tea – Karina Odette/Mabel/Ensemble...... Debi Tinsley* This Christmas – Fiona Avalon/Ensemble...... Harley Walker Little Miracles – Blythe & Trina Joelle/Karina/Ensemble...... Janet Wood* Tarot Cards – Mabel I Know Everything, I See Everything – The High Priestess The Lovers – Lovers Singers/Lovers Dancers Young Carolers Shuffle Off this Mortal Coil –Mr. Death and the Death-ettes (In alphabetical order) The Nightmare – Company What Have I Learned – Carol Celine June Bautista ~ Ellie Birdwell ~ Andrew Grigorian Finale – Company Chihiro Kato ~ Momoka Kato

Orchestrations Time & Place by Richard Allen

The action takes place in Pittsburgh, PA in and around the headquarters of Lora Co. A Carol Christmas The time is the present, except when it isn’t. Original Cast Recording A Carol Christmas runs approximately 90 minutes is available in the lobby and is performed without intermission. or at www.Kritzerland.com

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States of America. Who’s Who

CAST Peyton Kirkner (Trina) Is excited to make her Group Rep debut. She recently Ben Anderson played Mary Lennox in The Secret Gardenat The Chance (Featured Ensemble/Pettit) Theater (Anaheim) and is a regular in Kritzerland Monica Allan Ben Anderson Emily Barnett Ryan J. Duncan Ben Anderson is a graduate of the 2018 class of the shows. Peyton is an 8th grader in the Musical Theatre American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and is very Conservatory at Orange County School of the Arts in excited to take part in his first show with The Group Santa Ana. She would like to thank Bruce, Doug, her Rep. Recent work includes playing Alarbus in Titus family, friends and her mom who braved the traffic Andronicus as part of the Shakespeare in the Park from Orange County every day! www.peytonkirkner. festival. com

Monica Allan Lola Paja (Featured Ensemble/Mrs. Forrester/High Priestess) (Featured Ensemble/Josie/“Lovers” ballerina) Member of the American Guild of Musical Artists Lola was born in Albania, but was raised in denial. Her (AGMA). Selected Regional/Community: Milo at first love was ballet, and her most recent is red wine. the Movies (Goodspeed), Ethel Toffelmier in The She wishes to thank her agents and family, because her Music Man (Palos Verdes PAC), Monteen in Parade agents are like family, and her family are like the people (Kentwood Playhouse). Educational: Salome in The who just want 10%. Also thanks to her director and Kevin Hoffman Peyton Kirkner Lola Paja Lloyd Pedersen Robber Bridegroom (Hartt), Helena in A Midsummer cast/crew, without whom it would be very lonely and Night’s Dream (South Bay Conservatory). Misc.: confusing on this stage every night by herself. Follow Monthly Cabaret (Emcee/Producer); Sketch Writing, me at @lolapaja Improv, Musical Improv at Upright Citizen’s Brigade. Education: BFA in Musical Theater from the Hartt Lloyd Pedersen School of Music, Theater, and Dance. (Pearlman/Mr. Forrester/Mr. Death) A graduate of Northwestern University, Lloyd has Emily Barnett worked professionally as an actor and singer for over (Fiona/Featured Ensemble) 48 years. He got his start as the soloist with Wayne Emily Barnett is an actress, director and singer from King and his Orchestra, then traveled throughout Los Angeles. She graduated from LACC’s theatre the country with his own 70s show band, Daybreak. academy where she was nominated for an Irene Ryan His musical theatre credits include leads in H.M.S. award for her portrayal of Julia in 1984 and made it Pinafore, The Music Man, SouthPacific, Side By Side to the semi-finals. She also appeared as Moonbeam By Sondheim, and world premieres of eLove and Love Catarina Pereira Hartley Powers Savannah Schoenecker John Schroeder McSwine in Li’l Abner, and played Chippy in the 2017 Again here at GRT. Ovation-nominated musical Dogfight from After Hours Theatre company. She made her debut at the Catarina Pereira Group Rep theatre as Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet and (Patti/Featured Ensemble/Assistant Director) is very excited to be back again! Catarina has been involved in the Performing Arts community from an early age. She first started back Ryan J. Duncan home in Lisbon, Portugal, by performing in various (Featured Ensemble/Leon/Howie/“Lovers” dancer) musical theatre productions. Most recently she was Ryan is excited to make his Group Rep. debut! A involved in Alkantara Festival. Through her journey Connecticut native and graduate of Northwestern she has lived in London and New York but it was in University, Ryan has performed across the country in LA that she received her BFA in Acting from AMDA. such productions as Gypsy with Music Theater Works, Her most recent credits include playing Marissa in the Picasso at the Lapin Agile and Death of a Salesman short film “Robert.” Debi Tinsley Harley Walker Janet Wood with Williams Street Rep., Spamalot with Metropolis, and Hello Dolly! with Texas Family Musicals. He is a Hartley Powers member of the GROK Acting Studio. You can see Ryan (Carol) next in the feature film “The Shell.” Thrilled to be taking on this role, Hartley has been acting since she was 11 months old – appearing in Kevin Hoffman commercials, television, film and on stage. Most (Featured Ensemble/Felix/Cody) recently, she sang in GRT’s Music Across the Boards Is excited to be making his return to the GRT stage! cabaret fundraiser and appeared as Hermia in Favorite regional credits include Oliver!, Nevermore the Midsummer Night’s Dream. She’s honored and excited Musical (Edgar Allan Poe), Little Women (Laurie), and to be part of this world premiere alongside such an All My Sons (George). I’d like to thank my family and amazing & supportive creative team! friends for all their love and support. You guys mean everything to me. “Luck is when preparation meets Celine June Bautista Ellie Birdwell Andrew Grigorian Chihiro Kato Momoka Kato opportunity.” John Schroeder Shop of Horrors (Audrey); Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie Grant); he’s directed rave-reviewed productions of L.A. Now Tesshi Nakagawa - Set Designer (Blake) Oklahoma! (Laurey); Guys & Dolls (Sarah Brown); and Then, Welcome to My World, Li’l Abner, Inside Has been working in the Theater, Film and Commercial A lifelong musician and singer, John enjoyed a two- How to Succeed in Business (Miss Jones): FILM: Out, Dial ‘M’ for Murder, and the world premiere of a Industries as a Scenic Designer/Art Director. His decade career as an Emmy Award-winning audio “Jackrabbit 29,” “Ghost Goggles.” TV/print: Disney, new Sherman Brothers musical, Levi!, the story of Levi recent theater work has been seen in: Gin Game editor and mixer at Fox Broadcasting before recently Target, HUBNetwork. Alexa sings in her high school’s Strauss. For the past eight years he has been producing (Sierra Madre Playhouse), As We Bubble On (East West starring as Bert the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins a cappella ensemble, The Vannaires. Thank you Doug and hosting a monthly series of live entertainments Players) and Her Portmanteau (Boston Court). Other at the James Armstrong Theatre in Torrance. John has and Bruce for this opportunity. based on the albums he’s produced, called Kritzerland, credits include: Levi! (LACC), Home (International also appeared in productions at Theatre 40 in Beverly which feature incredible singers and fun guest City Theater), FREDDY (Fountain Theater/ LACC). He Hills and sings with choral ensembles Jouyssance and YOUNG CAROLERS stars, and has directed many cabaret acts for some is a professor at East LosAngeles College, Los Angeles The Randy Van Horne Singers. Thanks to Suzy London wonderfully talented people. Mr. Kimmel is also the City College and UC Irvine. for suggesting he audition for Blake! Celine June Bautista author of eighteen books. Celine is thrilled to be part of Group Rep Theater. She Morgan Gannes - Costume Design Savannah Shoenecker has performed in Go Fame Youth Theater Company’s Doug Haverty - Bookwriter Is thrilled to be working with The Group Rep! This is (Blythe/Featured Ensemble) production Barnum (Tom Thumb), Into the Woods Doug has had his award-winning plays and musicals her second time workingwith Director, Bruce Kimmel, SAG-AFTRA & graduated AADA. After many years of (Little Red Riding Hood), and Twelfth Night (Fabian). produced around the world. Could I Have This Dance? having previously designed the costumes for Levi! She being afraid to sing in front of audiences, she has finally She is 10 years old, and her biggest dream is to be on was named “Best New Play” by American Theatre recently designed costumes for a short film version found the courage to grow her singing voice and begin Broadway. “I am grateful to my family for the love and Critics Association. His works have been presented at of “Fences” and a music video for R&B artist, Adonis her musical journey as an artist. Thank you for your support. I would like to thank my theater teacher, Ms. Cherry Lane, Charlotte Rep., Laguna Playhouse, Phoe- The Greek. Morgan is a proud graduate of the LACC support & compassion! Credits: Romeo & Juliet (GRT), Elaine for believing in me. Theater is my sport.” nix Theatre, Florida Studio, Theatre West, The Colony, Theater Academy: Costume Design program. White Dress (GRT), Patterns (Theater 40), Live! From Theatre 40, The Lyric, Group Rep, Long Island Stage, the Last Night of My Life! (Sacred Fools), Dr. Crisp & the Ellie Birdwell Theatre in the Square, Lobero, just to name a few. Austin Quan - Sound Designer Search for Mutant Cure (Sacred Fools Theater), TV & Thanks Group Rep for this great holiday opportunity. Published plays: In My Mind’s Eye, Inside Out, Could I Austin is a UCLA alumnus whose sound designs Film: “Girls! Girls! Girls!,” “F#@K I Love U,” “Closure,” She has spent four years studying theater at Youth Have This Dance?, Flavia & The Dream Maker (A musi- include: Desire Under The Elms, Columbinus, Get “On the Spectrum.” Academy of Dramatic Arts, performing in eleven plays cal). Plays premiered at Group Rep: In My Mind’s Eye, That Snitch, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Last Train to including CATS (Grisabella), Beauty and the Beast Next Window Please; musicals presented at Group Rep: Nibroc, and See Rock City. For Theatre West: The Debi Tinsley (Beast), Willy Wonka (Willy Wonka), West Side Story Roleplay, Reaching Up, and Love Again (all co-written Petrified Forest, On The Razzle, Boxes, The Musical (Odette/Mabel/Featured Ensemble) (Anita) and Mary Poppins (Burt). At age 11 years old with Adryan Russ) and The Ghost of Gershwin (co-writ- Comedy Murders of 1940, Thicker Than Water and One Musical Theatre: Charlayne, Ain’t Misbehavin’; Ellie has found her passion. “There is nowhere else I’d ten with Wayland Pickard). Haverty & Kimmel have Woman Gone Wrong, among others. Additional clients Loretta, Love Again; Crystal, Little Shop of Horrors; rather be than at the theater and nothing else I’d rather collaborated before as writers on L.A. Now and Then, include: Warner Bros., Disney, UCLA, Kina Grannis, Rosamund, The Robber Bridegroom. Theatre: Chris, be doing than acting and singing!” Kimmel directed the 20th Anniversary production of David Choi, Josiah Hawley and India Carney. Austin’s Rumors; Diana, Another Antigone; Elizabeth, A Dull Inside Out at the Grove, and Doug played Inspector nominations/awards for Best Sound Design include: an Pain Turned Sharp; Claudia, Nuts; Mrs. Bruchinski, Andrew Grigorian Hubbard in Kimmel’s Group Rep production of Dial LA Weekly nomination, a StagesceneLA Scenie Award Division Street. Classical: Duchess of York, Richard Andrew is proud to share the stage with the incredibly ‘M’ for Murder. and an Ovation nomination. II; Widow/Countess U/S, All’s Well That Ends Well. talented cast of A Carol Christmas. Andrew made his Voiceover/Animation: Mae, evil British cat, “The Wild debut at age 8 as Child/Buddha in The King and I at the Richard Allen - Music Director/Orchestrator Sabrina Beattie - Lighting Design Life.” Vocal: Jazz and Brasilian bossa nova (sung in Glendale Centre Theatre. Since then he has appeared Richard has been working with Bruce Kimmel for many Sabrina is delighted to return to The Group Rep and Portuguese). Education: Webster University and the in several shows all across LA. Andrew would like to years and is honored to be part of this production. In happy to collaborate again with Doug Haverty. Her American Academy of Dramatic Arts. thank everyone at The Group Rep/LonnyChapman addition, Richard orchestrated and conducted scores of first design for Group Rep was his play Next Window, Theatre for their continued support for his love for musicals including writing for Disney legend Richard Please. She also designed: Cobb, If We Are Women and Harley Walker theatre. Sherman where, along with Bruce last year, arranged Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. (Avalon/Featured Ensemble) and conducted the long-awaited production of the new Harley is so excited to be a part of her first show Chihiro Kato musical, Levi! Richard has recently orchestrated for and John Ledley - Sound Supervisor with The Group Rep! Some ofher favorite creative Chihiro is an 11 year-old girl who is in middle school conducted both The London Symphony and The Royal John has been working with the Group Rep Theatre experiences include, Karlie in Luna Gale (Nashville and loves making people laugh. She loves to dance Philharmonic Orchestras in an epic CD of Sherman solidly for a year now, both onstage and backstage. His Repertory Theater), Shelby in Steel Magnolias (Actors and play tennis. This is her stage debut and she is Brothers music. Richard is also the conductor of The onstage appearances were in The Chinese Wall and Nine Point Theatre Company), Ella in Cindy and Ella very exited. She enjoys being with other kids and cast Los Angeles Police Department concert band; which Winning One Acts, and his backstage highlights include (Nashville Stagecraft), and Anastasia in “Snow Globes” members. has served the city of Los Angeles and the LAPD for The Cape and the Klan, Rumors, and Romeo & Juliet. (Madeline Hicks Films). Thank you for supporting the over 100 years. Richard lives in Simi Valley, a suburb John is delighted to be part of this production and is arts! Momoka Kato of Los Angeles, with his wife, Elly and two beautiful looking forward to ending 2018 on a high note. Momoka is a 9 year-old girl who is very exited to be children; Katelyn and Max. Janet Wood singing in the theatre. She loves gymnastics and sports. Catarina Pereira - Assistant Director (Joelle/Karina/Featured Ensemble) Since it is her first time, she is very nervous. She started Kay Cole - Choreography (See Cast listing for bio) Theater: A Dull Pain Turned Sharp (BroadwayWorld to feel at home at the theatre because everyone is so As a director/choreographer, Ms. Cole’s credits include: Nomination - Best Featured Actress), Love Again, nice and caring there. Momoka is also a member of the the movie, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, and the Nora Feldman - Publicity Love Letters, Nunsense, Company, Reaching Up, choir at her school. plays: Rose Bowl Queens, The Dining Room, Ecstasy, Is on staff at the Group Rep and Actors Co-op Theatre among many. Best Actress/Drama Award - The Baby The Flunky, Desperate Writers, American Tales, No Company. She has publicized numerous theatre Dance. Recent films: “A Late Separation,” “Strayed,” STAFF Strings, World Goes ‘Round, Mommy Mommy! BARK! productions, and events such as World Championships “Mississippi Requiem” (producer James Franco). TV: Nuncrackers, Judy’s Scary Little Christmas, A Year of the Performing Arts and Experience NoHo. Nora has “Six Feet Under,” “Charmed,” “The Wonder Years,” Bruce Kimmel - Director/Composer/Lyricist with Frog and Toad, A Chorus Line, I’m Getting My also served as producer of the theatre component for Contract Player - “Days of Our Lives,” “Young and Kimmel wrote, directed and starred in the cult movie Act Together, Robber Bridegroom, Grass Harp, She’s the NoHo Theatre & Arts Festival, and two New York Restless,” and 50 TV/movie roles. Janet is madly in hit, The First Nudie Musical. He also co-created the A Handful, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Love Again, Pro-Celebrity tennis tournaments. Nora is married to love with Jay Silverman, who, luckily enough, is her story for the hit film, The Faculty, directed by Robert and more. Her inventive choreography and staging actor Steve Peterson. husband. Rodriguez. As an actor, Mr. Kimmel guest-starred on have been seen at: Pasadena Playhouse, Hollywood most of the long-running television shows of the 1970s. Bowl, Geffen Playhouse, Kirk Douglas Theatre, Alexa Giraudon - Swing Mr. Kimmel is a legendary Grammy-nominated Falcon Theatre, Antaeus Theatre, Belasco Theatre and Prior GRT: Midsummer Night’s Dream (Moth); Hotel producer of theatre music on CD, having produced London’s West End. Ms. Cole teaches Acting for Film Paradiso (Marguerite); Lost in Yonkers (Stagehand); over 180 albums. His song “Simply” recently won the and Television at Emerson College LA Annex and Cabaret: Kritzerland at the Federal; Community: Little Mac Award for Best Song of the Year. Most recently, UCLA’s Musical Theatre Conservatory. Thank You A BRIEF HISTORY The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman The Group Rep is a permanent Theatre began May 1973 with a rag- company of actors, directors, writers The Producers, Writers, Designers, Cast and Staff tag group of twelve actors performing and technicians. The company has would like to thank the following for their contribution scenes for audiences in a laundromat- produced over 200 productions to the development and world premiere production of A Carol Christmas. turned-36-seat theatre on Van Ness including more than 40 World Boulevard in Hollywood. When Lonny Premieres of original works. We now Sandy Bainum Chapman first entered that theatre, have more than 80 active company the magic began. Here was an Artistic members, from those with notable Todd Andrew Ball Director in search of a theatre and we careers to those building new careers. Saratoga Ballantine were a theatre company in search of an The company has been home to untold Josh Benton Artistic Director. The match was perfect numbers – many of whom continue and the Group Repertory Theatre was successful careers in the Industry Michele Bernath born with Lonny Chapman at the helm. today. The Group Rep looks forward to Barbara Brownell This partnership continued until his welcoming new passionate artists to its Larry Eisenberg & Chris Winfield passing in 2007. distinguished roster. Bill Hayes & Susan Seaforth Hayes The first show, Round Dance, an In addition to professional stage Heather Hoppus and Jenna Lea Rosen adaptation of Schnitzlers La Ronde, productions, Group Rep gives back Jon Howie - Audition Pianist was an immediate hit and the GRT was to the community with its Annual on its way. By 1974, with the growth in Foster Children’s Holiday Party. Its Janee Hull-Swift the number of productions, additional Participating Actor and Technical Ken Ivy company members, as well as having Associates (PATA) program provides Allison Kirkner acquired its professional status with internship opportunities for aspiring Equity, Chapman suggested that a artists in the creative and technical John Ledley - Rehearsal Tracks Conductor bigger space was needed. A new 58- fields. Past “graduates” of Group Rep’s Shawna Markey seat venue was rented on Magnolia PATA include such notables as Sean Deanne Menscher which began playing to sold out houses. Penn and Jennifer Tilly. GRT’s growth and success required yet Sherry Michaels a larger venue. In 1984, with the help of In 2016 we opened Upstairs-at-the- Kerry O’Malley the North Hollywood Redevelopment Group-Rep, an intimate, black box The Parents of our Young Carolers Agency, we moved to the current theatre with 32 seats (not unlike the Burbank and Vineland location, original theatre in Hollywood). Since Ron Pulliam which was renovated into its present that time we have run shows in tandem Chie Saito configuration. (or in “rep” as our name implies) Joanne Tatham offering our growing audiences even In 1999, Lonny was honored when the more theatrical adventures. Wooden Nickel and Bryan Godwin theater’s name officially became the Robert Yacko “Lonny Chapman Theatre,” home to Yearly Subscriptions Available. the Group Repertory Theatre members, Discounts available for Seniors and now called the Group Rep at the Lonny Students. Chapman Theatre. www.theGROUPrep.com