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Songs for a New World Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Streaming from McGinnis Theatre March 12–14, 2021
theatredance.ecu.edu | 252-328-6829 ®
Jayme Klinger Host, Producting Artistic Director
Songs for a New World Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Director Bryan Conger Choreographer Tommi Overcash Galaska Music Director Jacob Kerzner Costume Designer Delta Childers-Smith Scenic & Projections Designer Nolan O’Dell Lighting Designer Michael Shoaf Sound Designer Michael Shoaf Production Manager Courtney Rasor Technical Director Reid Parker Stage Manager Leslie Shaw Filming & Editing Hee Ye Kim
Originally Produced by the WPA Theatre, New York City, 1995 (Kyle Renick, Artistic Director) Original Orchestration by Brian Besterman and Jason Robert Brown
Run time is approximately 90 minutes, including a 5 minute intermission.
Any video and/or audio recording or downloading of this production is strictly prohibited.
Songs for a New World is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com Musical Numbers
The New World The Songs for a New World cast On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship LaShaun Winslow with the cast Just One Step Madison Lind I’m Not Afriad of Anything Allie Jessee The River Won’t Flow Keagan Kermode and Nazmokeem Harvey with the cast Stars and the Moon Jessica Balton She Cries Keagan Kermode The Steam Train Nazmokeem Harvey with the cast The World Was Dancing Keagan Kermode with Madison Lind, Jessica Balton, and Allie Jessee Dancers: Ellie Ergenzinger, Brenna Greene, Zion Zollicoffer Surabaya Santa Allie Jessee Christmas Lullaby Jessca Balton King of the World Nazmokeem Harvey I’d Give It All for You LaShaun Winslow and Allie Jessee Flagmaker, 1775 Madison Lind Flying Home Nazmokeem Harvey and LaShaun Winslow with Allie Jessee, Jessica Balton, and Keagan Kermode Hear My Song The cast The Cast
Primary Singers Jessica Balton, Nazmokeem Harvey, Allie Jessee, Keagan Kermode, Madison Lind, LaShaun Winslow
Primary Dancers Breena Greene, Ellie Ergenzinger, Taylor Rouse, Zion Zollicoffer
Understudies Camden Hare, Keith Peterson, Alex Portaro
Orchestra Alvin Taylor Drums Ronn Pifer Percussion Andrew Fallacara Electric Bass Josie MacDougal Guitar Production Staff Assistant Director Tenayjah Hawkins Assistant Music Director Jordan Martin Dance Captain Emily Phoebus Musical Theatre Voice Instructor Jessica Doyle-Mekkes Vocal Coach Elana Kepner Costume Shop Supervisor Genevieve McCormick Shop Foreman Chad Rasor Assistant Production Manager Leslie Shaw Lead Assistant Stage Manager Dashay Willams Assistant Stage Managers Tatiana Burrus, Jake Heath Running Crew Molly Howden Wardrobe Crew Jake Heath Light Board Operator Haven Bowers Sound Board Operator Thomas Price Projections Operator Delaney Meginniss Follow Spot Operators Tori Harden, Payton Nugent Props Master Jeni L. Parker Scene Shop Assistants Jake Bell, Francesca Martinez, Payton Nugent, Leslie Shaw Paint Charge Nolan O'Dell Paint Crew Cassie Murray, Haley Sanders THEA 2012 SCENERY/LIGHTING CREW Jonathan Baard, Jessica Balton, Jake Bell, Lexi Best, Kyleigh Burton, Abby Cedeno, Reagan Cochrane, Joseph Dufour, Dane Faulkner, Blair Forehand, Seth Goins, Jake Heath, Nathaniel Hernandez, Molly Howden, Ashton Kern, Marissa Miller, Mackenzie Morris, Jadra Newman, Samantha Pabst, Alex Portaro, Chloe Rivenbark, Kennedy Santes, Ella Schaffner, Britney Shearin, Carson Sikorski, Erin Spraker, Alana Suggs, Noelle Sylvia, Lacee Thomason, Zion Zollicoffer
THEA 2012 COSTUMES/PAINT/PROPERTIES CREW Raven Adrianse, Christina Alsbrooks, Destiny Ailing, Zackary Barnes, Haven Bowers, Sophie Brotemarkle, Alicen Cashwell, Ellie Ergenzinger, James Giles, Kelly Gilmore, Thomas Gregus, Jessica Harris, Rachel Jones, Emilio Marty, Brenna McCarthy, Delaney Meginniss, Cjay Miller, Allison Money, Jacqueline Nunweiler, Chandnee Patel, Keith Peterson, Erica Pullen, Jay’Anna Rich, Joshua Seabrook, Jacob Smith, Ayanna Williams, Emily Williams, Kenard Williams, Casey Wortham Administrative Staff Assistant Director Jeni L. Parker Administrative Assistant Amanda Hudson Patron Services Manager Stephanie Slusser Box Office Staff Myaa Coley, Ellie Ergenzinger, Ashlyn Payne About the Cast
Jessica Balton is a freshman from southern Florida pursuing a BFA in theatre arts with a concentration in musical theatre Jessica is over the moon excited to be a part of her first mainstage production at ECU! Her dream after she graduates is to move to London and hopefully perform on the West End. Jessica would like to thank the amazing cast and crew for all of their hard work and her astonishing parents for always supporting her and being there for her every step of the way.
Ellie Ergenzinger is a freshman dance major from Raleigh, North Carolina. She would like to thank her mom, sister, and grandparents for supporting her as she pursues a career in the performing arts. Ellie is very excited to finally be on stage again and performing in her first mainstage show at ECU.
Brenna Greene is a Tennessee native and senior theatre arts Major with a concentration in musical theatre. Brenna was last seen in Ghost: The Musical and Into The Woods at ECU/Loessin Playhouse. Past credits include Marta in Company, Mae in The Pajama Game and Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act. Upon graduation, she plans on moving to Atlanta to pursue TV/Film opportunities. She’d like to thank her parents, sister, and brother- in-law for their love and emotional support FaceTime calls.
Camden Hare (Understudy) is a sophomore musical theatre major from Sunbury, PA. You may have have seen or heard Camden in the previous ECU/Loessin Playhouse production Ghost, and as a part of the Radio Play Series as Robert in Blind Date and The Sheriff in Trifles.
Nazmokeem Harvey is a junior from Conyers, GA pursuing a BFA in theatre arts with concentrations in musical theatre and professional acting. He has previously appeared in ECU/ Loessin Playhouse productions of Ghost: the Musical (Oda Mae Brown) and Into the Woods (Milky White). Naz plans to work for a touring company post graduation and would like to thank his entire family for their continuous support. About the Cast
Tenayjah X. Hawkins (Assistant Director) is a junior from Greensboro, N.C. studying musical theatre. You may have seen Tenayjah in previous ECU/Loessin Playhouse productions as Louise in Ghost The Musical, Mariah in The Jury, and the Ensemble in If/Then. Tenayjah has also appeared in Storybook Theatre productions of Gooney Bird Greene, A Woman Called Truth, and Dr. Dolittle. Now she is making her debut as Assistant Director of Songs For A New World. After graduation, Tenayjah plans to relocate to Atlanta to start her career.
Allie Jessee is a sophomore from Apex, NC pursuing a BFA in theatre arts with concentrations in musical theatre and professional acting. She’s also in the ECU Honors College & is a founding member of Find Your Voice, a sexual assault awareness group on campus. You may recognize her from previous ECU/ Loessin Playhouse Productions as Helen in The Jury and a tree/ puppeteer in Into The Woods. She would like to thank her parents, sister, & roommates for being the best cheerleaders ever.
Keagan Kermode is a junior musical theatre and professional acting student from Roswell, NM. You may have seen him recently on the ECU/Loessin Playhouse stage as Sam Wheat in Ghost or as Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods. He has also appeared in productions of Island Song and Dog Sees God with 5th Street Players. Keagan would like to thank his family for their love, support, and flexibility during this production!
Madison Lind is a sophomore musical theater major and costume design minor from Raleigh, NC. This is Madison’s first main stage performance, and she is very grateful to get to share the stage with this wonderful cast during such a crazy time! After graduation, Madison plans to move to New York and begin as a dresser while auditioning to become a working actor! Madison would like to thank her entire family, her amazing friends, and the cast and crew of Songs For a New World!
Emily Phoebus (Dance Captain) is a junior musical theatre major from Wake Forest, NC and this is her second main stage she has been a part of here at ECU. You may have previously seen her in the ensemble of Ghost, the Musical last year. After college Emily hopes to work on a national tour and someday move to New York. Emily wants to thank Bryan, Tommi, and her fellow cast and crew members for making this such a wonderful experience for her to be a part of and for the support shown to her throughout the process. About the Cast
Alex Portaro is a freshman musical theatre major and she is so excited to be a part of this show. She is so grateful for the amazing opportunity and wants to thank everyone in the cast and crew for being so welcoming. She hopes that you enjoy the show!
Donald Keith Petersen (Understudy) is a freshman musical theatre and English double major from Raleigh, NC. This is his second mainstage at ECU, following his role as Mason U/S in The Jury last fall. He has also appeared in community theatre productions in Raleigh including Cinderella, Hairspray, Footloose and 13!. He is so thankful for his parents Jim and Diane, his voice teacher Jessica Doyle-Mekkes, and the entire direction a production team of Songs For A New World.
Taylor Rouse is a freshman musical theatre major from Raleigh, NC. This is Taylor’s first main stage production at ECU and he is very excited to be a part of many more to come!
LaShaun B. Winslow is a sophomore musical theatre/ professional acting BFA major from Elizabeth City, NC. You may have seen LaShaun in other ECU/Loessin Playhouse productions as The Narrator/ Mysterious Man in Into the Woods and Officer Cousins in The Jury. LaShaun has also been featured as Sheriff Bud in a Storybook Theatre production of Henry and Ramona. LaShaun hopes to further his career as a performer after graduating!
Zion Zollicoffer is a freshman musical theatre major from Charlotte, NC. You may have seen Zion in previous ECU productions such as “Night of Musical Theatre” and A Woman Called Truth. Zion plans to work as a paid actor on the stage or on film. “I would like to thank all of my friends and family for supporting and helping me!” School of Theatre & Dance Scholarships & Funds
Thomas and Karen Bartik Endowed Scholarship Archie Nancy and George Meiggs Memorial Fund R. Burnette Family George R. Merrell Scholarship Fund Endowment for Theatre Arts John D. Messick Scholarship Howell Binkley Student Lighting Award Graham Pollack Endowment Fund Nell Draper Burnette Acting Scholarship Mavis Ray Dance Scholarship Johnnie Collins III Drama Endowment Ellis Roberson Scholarship Endowment Peggy and William Corbitt Scholarship Fund School of Theatre and Dance Priority Fund Friends of Theatre and Dance Scholarship School of Theatre and Dance Scholarship Pool Hardy Scholarship Fund in Theatre Arts John Shearin Memorial Scholarship Fund Lynette Dorn and George H. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship Archie R. and Rendie Ward Smith Scholarship Lynn and Pat Lane Performing Arts Scholarship Olin and Angela Vincent Memorial Lasting Impressions Schoalrship Endowment Scholarship Endowment Fund Edgar and Amanda Loessin Visual and Performing Arts Endowment - Theatre Fund Acting/Directing Scholarship Marie Smith Wallace Dance Scholarship Fund John and Ann Laliotes Endowment in Dance John and Ann Laliotes Endowment in Theatre Scholarship & Fund Donors Chancellor’s Society
Emily Procter and Paul Bryan Bryant Chestnut Kathleen Chaffee William and Sandra Leach
Recent Donors
Amanda Benedict Peter Larson Robert Bradford Deborah O’Berry Angela and Robert Brown Maureen O’Leary Stephen Burleigh Thomas and Jayne Peeler Katie and Alex Chaffee Rob & Clarine Powell Jillian Clark Mark David Ransom Michael Corbitt Daniel Shearin Susie Eichman Jennifer Shearin Charles and Cynthia Fox Joyce Storey Beth Grant Karen and David Tisdale Kristin and J.D. Hamilton Teresa Vaughn Angela and Bobby Hilemon Christine Vlahakis Jay and Amanda Hudson Jeremy Woodard Bruce Jarvis
Friends of Theatre and Dance BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tamara Shusterman, President Michael Brown Carol Kulikowski Cyndy Latham Wilson, Past President Saptosa Foster Renee Herlong Erin Scully, President Elect Hope Mewborne Margie Green Wright Jayme Klinger Host, Director Jill A. Holcroft Williams Michael Crane, Advisor Hannah B. Goswick, Secretary Friends of Theatre and Dance 2019-20 & 2020-21 Members
Chancellor’s Society ($1,000 and above) Dr. Chris and Mary Buddo William and Sandy Hardison Emily Procter D. Lynn Morris, M.D. and Louise Hamilton The Eddie and Jo Allison Smith B. Christine Clark, Ph.D. Sandra Leach Family Foundation Ronald Ellis Larry and Beth Moye Richard and Jennifer Stone Thomas & Christine Feldbush Leaders ($500–$999) Patricia and William Axness Lennon and Sharon Hooper David and Carol Powers Judy and Carson Bays Frances Mallison Skip and Edith Rand Drs. William E. and Diane Castle Patricia Maxwell Mrs. Betty Brown Ridan Randy and Mary Ellen Cole Dr. Dan and Sarah Mayo Doug and Tamara Shusterman Telecia Evans Robert and Clarine Powell David and Emily Weil LTCs Surry and Dorothy Everett Benefactors ($250–$499) Tom and Karen Bartik Joanne Kollar Rob and Clarine Powell Chuck Beatty Pat and Lynn Lane Tim and Rhonda Reeder Jarvis Cambell Charles Marston Beth Robinson Christine Danell-Tepper William and Susan Meggs Matt and Erin Scully Ms. Harvey S. Wooten Patrons ($100–$249) Audrey T. Anderson Dr. E.G. and Kay Crawford Kathy and Juan March Drs. Bela and Arun Aneja Howard and Mary Dennis Dr. Richard and Lynne Marks Stan and Faye Armstrong Richard Didio James and Bernice Marle Andrew and Melinda Arnold Rusy and Patsy Duke Carroll and Glenda McLawhorn Alan Bailey Dr. Steve and Cheryl Duncan Mark Mueller Don and Wilma Boldt Charlotte and Robert Edwards Janet Neckyfarow Dr. James and Mary Bowman Curtis and Deborah Edwards Laura and Thomas Nelson Bill and Ann Brewer Dr. John Fletcher Donald Parkerson Michael and Susan Brown Louis Folen Drs. Alexander Robertson Mrs. Barbara Chapman-Nellis Stephen Graves and Etsil Mason James and Susan Chatham Mitchell and Deborah Jones Deborah and Perry Rogers Ryan and Jennifer Cole Claude and Victoria Kennedy Ronnie and Jo Lynn Smith Michael Corbitt Dr. Hervey and Deborah Kornegay Melvin Toler Mary Cotter Ann Laliotes Frans Van Baars Larry Cox Lynda Lane Ms. Jane Waller Michael Crane Brian Maliszewski Jill Holcroft-Williams Roland Crane Cynthia Wilson Members (up to $100) Nicole Adkins Stephen and Nancy Gray Lucia Peel Suzanne Anderson Kathy B. Heer Carol and Stephen Persche Dr. Alice Arnold James and Deidra Hill Ann and William Ritter Lyle M. Carlson Cinda Hill Julia Rogers Ruth Ann Carson David and Virginia Jones Dixon and Kathryn Sauls Hal and Sandra Cohoon Marion Karam Alan and Ann Schreier Drs. Carol and William Collins James and Maggie Keehner William and Mary Louise Sholl Emily Corbett Drs. Warren and Cheryl Knudson Mary Shore Drs. Barbara DaSilva-Tillmann Dr. Gregory and Carin Lapicki Kimberly Simpson and Hans Tillmann Barbara Lawrence Kai Slusser Dr. Beverly Davis Biff Matthews Lillian Stover Jenny Dempsey Hap and Ann Maxwell Shirley Tacker Kathryn Fenich Lawrence McAvoy Peggy Valentini Susan R. Francis Mary McGowan Mrs. Scott Snowden Wells Mary Jane Gaddis Tweetie Mills Dr. James Westmoreland Tony and Rebecca Godwin Brad Moranz and Steve Williamson Jennifer Hammond-Moranz Mary Yontz Faculty Spotlight
Elana Kepner (she/her/hers) is a theatre teaching artist, director, actor, and Certified Assistant Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework®. Elana comes to ECU after forays in Northeast Ohio, St. Louis, Kansas City, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Highlights as an actor, director, and teaching artist include work with Dobama Theatre (Cleveland, OH), Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, Unicorn Theatre (Kansas City, MO), the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Repertory, Rubber City Shakespeare Company (Akron, OH) and San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. Elana also taught undergraduate courses in acting, Shakespeare, and theatre appreciation for UMKC and Ashland University (Ashland, OH). Elana is the Artistic Director of Whirligig Stage, where directing credits include Whirligig Youth Academy musicals and Shakespeare. Elana earned her MFA in Acting and Directing at UMKC, and trained with Shakespeare & Company. Elana is a proud member of AEA and VASTA.
Jacob Kerzner is a multi-hyphenate musician who currently teaches Fundamentals of Musical Theatre and Advanced MT Audition Preparation, as well as serving as the accompanist and vocal coach for MT Performance Techniques. He currently holds an MA in Musical Theatre (Music Directing) from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he studied the intersection of contemporary musical theatre and pop music and brought a season of shows to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Professionally, Jacob has worked on the development teams for the Tony Award-winning productions of Oklahoma! and Hadestown, and has spent summers working at The Muny, Berkshire Theatre Group, and Transcendence Theatre Company; his ECU/Loessin Playhouse credits include The Jury and Songs for a New World, both filmed during the Covid-19 pandemic. As an accomplished performer, Jacob has sung at venues such as Tanglewood’s Ozawa Hall, Boston Symphony Hall and Lincoln Center, and his performance highlights include the role of Tito in La Clemenza di Tito (IC Stage), a chorister in Rigoletto (Berkshire Opera Festival), and Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings. His original music has been featured on stage, in short films, and by middle/high school choirs. More info, including samples of his work, are available at www.jacobkerzner.com. Coming soon to the Playhouse online!
April 9 & 10 at 7:30 p.m. | April 11 at 2 p.m. ECU Dance students perform a variety of works from guest artists, faculty, and student chore- ographers. Spanning a range of ballet, modern, jazz, and tap, the concert showcases the forti- tude of these artists and dancers and their ability to create during an unprecedented year.
April 30 & May 1 at 7:30 p.m. | May 2 at 2 p.m. In an effort to prevent unnecessary battle, a housewife encourages all women to refuse love making until the men in their lives lay down their arms and proclaim peace. This modern retelling of the classic Greek comedy features larger-than-life puppets created by SoTD faculty and students. Contains adult content and language.
Tickets to all online performances are $10
theatredance.ecu.edu | 252-328-6829 Messick Theatre Arts Center East Carolina University®
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