by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler
Directed by Sean Gray Music Direction by Stephen Olear Choreographed by Halley Hardy Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International The Studio at Long Beach Playhouse
Our five-play Studio season is presented with the gracious assistance of cast, crew and house volunteers. Long Beach Playhouse is financially supported through ticket sales; memberships; funding and grants from foundations, corporations and government programs; along with contributions of generous patrons like you.
Coming soon... Our 6th Annual Collabortive Series!
Visit or call the Box Office 562-494-1014 option 1 for tickets!
A note from 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 Director’s Notes
What can be said about Sondheim's classic? We hope to entertain and concern you with this strange story of obsession. Showing everyone in this theatre how revenge can consume someone completely. Enjoy! Sean F. Gray The Setting London England 1846 There will be one 15 Minute Intermission Behind the Scenes Asst. Music Director/Keyboard Austin James Asst. Choreographer 'Phie Mura Set Design Sean Gray Light Design Donny Jackson Costume Design Donna Fritsche Asst. Costume Design Rebecca Roth Make-up Design Leigh Hayes Sound Design Jessica Westerfield Band- Clarinet Jerry Barba Band- Drums Chris Arechiga Band- Keyboard/Accordian Stephen Olear Prop Master/Designer Larry Mura & Natalie Figaredo Board Operator Jesse Bosworth Live Sound Mixer Gilbert Solorzano Costume Shop Abertha Montgomery, Rebecca Roth, Christina Abbott Photography Michael Hardy Promotional Design Daisy Ramirez-Gutierrez Director Sean F. Gray This marks Sean’s eighth production as a director at LBP. Previous directing credits include Dog Sees God, The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow, A Midsummer Night’s Gay Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, The Real Thing, Spring Awakening, and Shakespeare's R&J. Sean currently works as the Technical Director and Production Manager at the Playhouse, a position he has held for the last 5 years. He would like to thank the wonderful staff at LBP, his talented artistic team, his supportive friends and family, and most especially, his wonderful cast. Thank you! Music Director Stephen Olear Stephen is excited to be returning as Music Director for his second production at the LBP and to be working on this Sondheim masterpiece Sweeney Todd. He would like to thank Sean and the rest of the awesome playhouse staff for this amazing opportunity. Stephen would also like to thank this hard working and talented group of actors, musicians, and crew for making this such a great experience. Previous credits at the playhouse include, Marat/Sade, JC Superstar, Batboy and A Christmas Carol. Special thanks to Jerry for his constant and continued support. Please enjoy our production of Sweeney!! Choreographer Halley Hardy Halley Hardy is proud to present her choreography in her 6th show at Long Beach Playhouse! After choreographing such shows as Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, she is honored to be working with such talented artists and designers for this production of Sweeney Todd. Halley would like to thank the wonderful cast and crew, her family and husband Mike, and the Talented Sean- for always inspiring her vision! Assistant Director Michael D. H. Phillips Michael is proud to be returning to the Playhouse and is grateful for this opportunity. He is in his final semester at California State University, Fullerton where he is emphasizing in directing. Acting credits include Hanschen in Spring Awakening and Romeo in Shakespeare's R&J. Previous assistant directing credits include The Merry Wives of Windsor and Spring Awakening (CSUF) and The Baker's Wife (The Actor's Co-op). Directing credits at CSUF include Cabaret, Celebrity Row, and Trompe L'oeil. Stage Manager
Alex Shewchuk Alex Shewchuk is proud to be a part of this production of one of his favorite musicals. This is Alex's 3rd production Stage Managing at the Playhouse, having previously worked on Bat Boy: The Musical. He is thrilled to be working with a wonderfully talented cast and crew. Alex would like to dedicate the show to his mother, Sandy Shewchuk. He thanks her for all her love and support! Get well soon! Meet The Cast In Order of Appearance KJ Brown...... ENSEMBLE Steven Shane...... ENSEMBLE Omar Timsah...... JONAS FOGG Carole Louise Duffis...... ENSEMBLE Serena Bottiani Henderson ...... ENSEMBLE Christopher Diem ...... TOBIAS RAGG Julia Siegel...... ENSEMBLE Anne French...... ENSEMBLE Leigh Hayes...... ENSEMBLE Dennis Dyck...... ANTHONY HOPE Noah Wagner...... SWEENEY TODD Kyra Kiener...... BEGGAR WOMEN Harriet Whitmyer...... MRS. LOVETT Anissa Leeanna Loer...... JOHANNA David Fairchild...... JUDGE TURPIN Robert J. Fetes...... BEADLE BAMFORD George Carson...... ADOLFO PIRELLI
KJ Brown (ENSEMBLE) KJ is debuting here at the Playhouse with Sweeney Todd. He was recently seen as Judas/John the Baptist in Godspell down at Cabrillo Playhouse. His other notable roles include Georg in Spring Awakening and Hud in Hair. He's also appeared as an ensemble member in a variety of shows such as Spamalot, West Side Story, Oklahoma and Hairspray. His work as a musician includes stints in clubs like Howl at the Moon: Hollywood, and for the bay area band La Montagne.
Steven Shane (ENSEMBLE) This is Steve’s sixth show at LBP and, with two turns on the Mainstage as Jacob Marley, his third time wearing Victorian garb provided by the lovely Donna Fritsche. He is very thankful to Sean for the chance to join a stellar cast and crew in staging Broadway’s greatest musical. Elsewhere, favorite roles include Larry in Company and Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. As ever, much love to Cliff. Omar Timsah (JONAS FOGG) This is Omar's third show at LBP, following Jesus Christ Superstar (Peter) on the Mainstage last year. He would like to thank Sean Gray 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.
Carole Louise Duffis (ENSEMBLE) Carole is thrilled to be back on the Studio Stage. You last saw her as the inmate playing Rossignol in Marat/Sade. Other favorite performances include: Jesus Christ Superstar (Soul Girl), The Pirates of Chemo (Karen), and Fiddler on the Roof (Tzietel) Carole would like to thank the LBP creative team, the cast, her family, friends, and her talented husband, Austin. I love you and I like you.
Serena Bottiani-Henderson (ENSEMBLE) Serena is thrilled to debut at LBP in Sweeney Todd. She recently appeared as a guest improviser in Spontaneous Rom-Com and Improv Jam! at Modjeska Playhouse. Favorite roles include Megan/Brutus in Julianne Caesar and Professor Anna Young in How Red The Night. Serena lives in Irvine with her husband Jared and cat, Abby Normal and enjoys hiking and swimming in her spare time.
Christopher Diem (TOBIAS RAGG) Christopher is thrilled to debut at Long Beach Playhouse in Sweeney Todd. Favorite past roles include Cat in the Hat in Seussical the Musical, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Christopher would like to thank his close friends and family for all of their support, kindness, and love in his passion for performing.
Julia Siegel (ENSEMBLE) Julia is very excited to take part in her first production with LBP. Recently she graduated from CSUF with degrees in child development and music, and is currently there working towards her teaching credential/masters in education. Past musicals include Grease, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Annie. Her opera credits include Die Fledermaus and The Merry Widow, as well as multiple opera scene performances. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their love and support, as well as everyone involved with making this production possible. Anne French (ENSEMBLE) Anne debuts at LBP in Sweeney Todd. This is her first show at a community theatre. She is a first grade teacher and the Art and Theatre Coordinator at St. Linus School in Norwalk. Anne lives in Huntington Beach with her husband Mark.
Leigh Hayes (ENSEMBLE) An alumni of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Leigh is galvanized to return to LBP. He feels fortunate to work on his favorite musical (a dream since 13yo). He has performed many diverse roles ranging from Shakespeare to Bartlett including: John in A Lion in Winter, Ghost of Xmas Past in A Christmas Carol, John -his first lead- in Cock, Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night, etc. He's grateful for such great mentors in his life & at the Playhouse for their exemplary guidance.
Dennis Dyck (ANTHONY HOPE) Dennis is thrilled to be back at the LBP in Sweeney Todd. He is a proud graduate from CSULB with a BM in Choral- Vocal Music. Recent credits include Forum, Fiddler on the Roof, Avenue Q, The Producers, and a performance with the Rolling Stones at their 50th anniversary concert. He would like to thank his wife Emily and all those in attendance for their encouragement and support! www.dennisdyck.com
Noah Wagner (SWEENEY TODD) Noah is grateful to have the opportunity to play such an iconic role. Credits include the Marquis de Sade in Marat/ Sade, The Tiger in Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Martin Dysart in EQUUS, Henry in The Real Thing, Garry Essendine in Present Laughter (LA Stage Scene/Best Performance by a Lead Actor/Comedy 2012-2013), and Sherlock in Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure. He received DramaLogue Awards for his performances in Ticking, Tracers and A Shot in the Dark. He happily lives in Long Beach with his husband Brad and their two dogs. Kyra Kiener (BEGGAR WOMAN) Kyra’s excited to work with such talented and passionate artists in LBP’s production of Sweeney Todd. Her credits include Ghost Whisperer on CBS, and Kelly in Las Vegas on NBC. She was last seen on stage as Beth in Cockroach. Kyra dedicates her performance to a few amazing angels; Rose London, Clemie Love, Alysia Joy Powell, John & Julie Stellman. You keep me afloat with your unending love and support! Harriet Whitmyer (MRS. LOVETT) Harriet is thrilled to return to Long Beach Playhouse. Most recently you saw her as Linda Loman in Death of a Salesman on the Mainstage. Other favorite Playhouse roles include Lottie Wilton in Enchanted April, Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, Fannie Cranberry in On The Verge, Helga in DeathTrap, and Emily Brent in And Then There Were None. Special thanks to Sean, Stephen, the crew and wonderful cast.
Anissa Leeanna Loer (JOHANNA) This is Anissa's third production at the Long Beach Playhouse. Favorite roles include Sorel Bliss in Hay Fever, Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire, and Miss Casewell in The Mousetrap. She is honored to share the stage with such a passionate and talented cast and crew. She would like to give a very special thanks to Sean for this amazing opportunity of being apart of this incredible show that she holds dearly to her heart.
David Fairchild (JUDGE TURPIN) David has performed most recently in the San Pedro Theatre Club’s production of Cabaret as Herr Schultz and the Covina Center for the Arts production of Light in the Piazza as Signor Naccarelli. He appeared as Judge Roan and The Old Soldier in The Neighborhood Playhouse production of Parade. He has played principal roles in countless other productions, some favorites being; Mame, Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, and Fiddler on the Roof. David feels honored to be on the LBP stage for the first time and looks forward to many more productions. Robert J. Fetes (BEADLE BAMFORD) Bob Fetes, is thrilled to be back at the Long Beach Playhouse. He has performed in numerous productions both on the Mainstage and in the Studio. Some of his favorites include Side Man, Much Ado about Nothing, Enchanted April, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Christmas Carol. Bob is thrilled to be reunited with Director Sean Gray and Musical Director Stephen Olear and to be working with this talented cast and crew
George Carson (ADOLFO PIRELLI) George Carson plays the role of Adolfo Pirelli in the Long Beach Playhouse's production of Sweeney Todd. George moved to Long Beach from a small town in Idaho where he performed at the local university and in community theaters. You may have seen George as a hard working volunteer at the playhouse, but this play is his first appearance on the stage. He feels honored to perform with this cast and crew. George would like to thank director Sean Gray for this wonderful opportunity. COMING SOON on the MAINSTAGE
Nov 5 - Dec 3 Dec 10 - 18 Bernard is planning a romantic week- Returning for its fifth incarnation at end with his chic Parisian mistress in his Long Beach Playhouse, this quick- charming converted French farm- paced, highly theatrical re-telling of house, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is Charles Dickens’ classic tale will de- away. He has arranged for a cordon light the entire family. In 19th cen- bleu cook to prepare gourmet de- tury England, the ghosts of Christ- lights, and has invited his best friend, mases past, present and future Robert, along too to provide the alibi. show Ebenezer Scrooge the poverty It's foolproof; what could possibly go of his material wealth and the bless- wrong? Well suppose Robert turns up ings that come with generosity. Can not realizing quite why he has been in- they convince him to change be- vited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline fore it’s too late? Come spend time are secret lovers, and consequently with the characters you’ve come determined that Jacqueline will NOT to love – Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and leave for the weekend. Suppose the of course the irascible miser himself. cook has to pretend to be the mistress This production will be the Christmas and the mistress is unable to cook. An party needed to set you and your evening of hilarious confusion ensues loved ones on the path to holiday as Bernard and Robert improvise at cheer. breakneck speed. Media Sponsors
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President Vice President Tony Diaz Jane Nunn Treasurer Secretary Dan Ryan Halley Hardy
Cheryl Avirom, Kysa Cohen, Carl DaSilva, Gaurav Datta, Bart DeLio, Emily Holman, Tom Long, Anna Kate Mohler, Roxanne Patmor, Ray Smith, Miguel Solario Stephen Olear Donna Fritsche Volunteer Coordinator Andrew Vonderschmitt Costume Shop Manager & Executive & Producing Resident Costume Designer Artistic Director Evan Battle Kellee Cullingham Madison Mooney Larry Mura Lottie Frick Properties Master Business & Operations Angela Kozik Manager Alex Shewchuk Natasha Lopez Sean Gray Patron Services Manager Front of House Staff Technical Director & Production Manager THE STAFF 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, Mal Groff, Emmett W. Fry, Bob Boyce, and the Cast, Crew and Design team for Sweeney Todd! 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. 2016 MEMBERS & DONORS Legacy Circle Starring Role ($150-$249) Mary Lou Busby Ron & Paula Duffaut Peggy Holmes Beverly O’Neill Joan A. Ryan Harold & Betty Olson George & Beverle Ray Honorary Producers Dan & Deb Ryan ($1,000 and Up!) Sam Tanng Roxanne Patmor Vonderschmitt Family Cynthia Rustanius Dr. Ronald & Ensemble Cast Miriam Sommer ($50-$149) Marlene Temple and The Jill Aversa Temple Family Charitable Tony & Cyndy Diaz Foundation Michael & Marie Downs David & Joanne Feldman Executive Producer Floyd & Annie Gills ($500-$999) Richard & Alvena Graham Kaye Briegel Stephen Harvey & Pamela Cincola Venetia Lai Louis Euzarrage Carol Hobaugh Phyllis Nofts & Evie Ray Sharon Hollander Dr. Glen & Joyce Howard Director ($250-$499) Sam & Donna Kelly Harriet Whitmyer & Danial Melvin & Susan Lefkowitz Golson Long Beach Regulars Martin Fiebert & Margo Tom & Irina Long Kasdan Joseph MacDonald Geraldine Fuentes Phillip & Barbara Materi William & Polly Ridgeway Janeice McConnell Dan Rodgers William McDonald John H. Sullivan Frank & Katherine Johanna & Robert McIlquham Tramazzo Madison Mooney Patty Williams Margie & Paul Muns Miles Nevin Margaret Nolde Doug Otto Charmaine Pack A. Feyler | Jean & William John Royce Friedrichs | Jack Gavrel | Joseph L. Goodlove | Deborah Wayne Russ & Donald Griffin | Clemit W. Douglas Seagraves Hale | Sandy Hall Jeanne Robert Slater & Ernest Hardin | Elaine & Natalie Swift George Herman | Mari Hooper Bruce Tanis IShelley & Ken Hunt | John W. Edward Van Boemel Hutchison | Sharon & Tim Irwin | Judy Johnson | Jean & Les Ron & Janee West Jones | Sandi & Kevin Kayse Dan Wilkinson | Laura Killingsworth | Joyce Liliana Witz-Hancsak Klenner Caroline & Ray Klund | Charles W. Knapp | Leah & Friends (Up to $49) Stan Levy | Flora & Jerry Loeb M. Andag Patricia & Gaetano Marchese | Zettia & Bill Miller | Albert Molle Matthew & Jacqueline | Betty & Milton Moskowitz | Azzara Charlotte & Louis Moskowitz James & Constance Davis | Jack Motsinger | Marjorie & Beverly Hampson Paul Muns | Susanna & John Mary Hochenauer Mould | Glen M. Nakadate | Pravin & Catherine Parmar Lionel Okun Toni & Michael Ortiz | Susan Claire Anderson Joy Rosenthal Reid | Dottie & Ken Reiner | Pauline Strong Susan Rice & Chris Quint | Brucelle Williamson Dr. Mark & Bonnie Rosen | Dr. Howard & Suzanne Rosen | Mary & Norman G. Saatjian | Sandra & Butch Scheffler | Pat M. & William R. Smith | Life Members Dr. Ronald Sommer | Richard Anne Abrams | Barbara H. Stahl | Daphne & Jack Bagstad | Richard Baker | Stutesman | Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Maria Brewer | Jean Burjarski Tavoularis | James Thomas | Erma & Burdell Bulgrin | Janet Tom Thompson | Johanna C. & & Kenneth Cassell | Ruth & Robert J. Tramazzo | Barbara Fred Cole | Miriam & Emanuel S. Van Alstine | Avalee & Lietta Coster | Barbara S. Crooker- Wagner Cassaday | JoAnn Curtis | Lucy Daggett | Betty L. Davenport | Connie Davis | Kathy Davis | Diane & Robert Dickenson | Adelaide Eriksen | Norman Eriksen | Karen J. & Horst