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ST. LUKE’S POTEET THEATRE PRESENTS

March 12-14, 2021 WELCOME TO ST. LUKE’S POTEET THEATRE!

FROM ST. LUKE’S SENIOR PASTOR I am so very excited you chose to join us as we present the musical “Songs for a New World.” The arts and theatre have been such an important part of who we are at St. Luke’s for so many decades. The theatre has a way of sharing stories with us that are so deeply moving; they touch on our most basic human emotions and needs. The theatre helps us grow by challenging us to try new things and step out of our comfort zone. And the theatre helps us serve our community by creating an outlet for artists and eager theatre patrons to support the arts right here in Oklahoma City! We find that we are able to be inspired by the beauty of arts and we can grow closer to God through them. We hope you enjoy the show!

Dr. Bob Long

FROM ST. LUKE’S DIRECTOR OF ARTS PROGRAMMING Thank you all for joining us tonight, and welcome to the St. Luke’s Poteet Theatre! We’ve had a very interesting year to say the least, and we’ve made the best of our current situation. With health and safety at the forefront, this group of actors has worked had to bring you “Songs for a New World!” We’ve worn our masks, had multiple delays, gone through gallons of hand sanitizer, and now… here we are! Special Thanks goes out to the following people who go above and beyond to help this theatre come alive! Sam Heigle, Adam Hay, Alan Becker, Brent Manning, Josh Attaway, Bev Barnes, Brian Morgan, Beth Armstrong, Doug McAbee, Mervin Tay, Keith King, Dave Poteet, Wendy Lambert, Bob Long, Phil Greenwald, Michelle Shelton, Roxanne Lloyd, Ed Doney, Allister Baca, and Candace Fish. Thank you and enjoy the show!

Logan Fish FROM THE DIRECTOR

I have adored this show since its original recording in 1995. There is typically a song that I relate to in any given moment. Over the last year, I, along with nearly everyone I know, was faced with the task of making many difficult decisions. When talks of the next Poteet show began, I knew this show would hit everyone right where they needed it. Thankfully, Poteet staff agreed and gave me a chance to put my translation of this beautifully and inspiring piece on stage. While the difficult decisions of today’s world continue to fly at us quickly, I am hopeful that Songs for a New World can offer a respite, even if just for one moment. Thank you to the staff at St. Luke’s and Poteet Theatre for allowing me this opportunity, it is truly a project. Thank you to my dream production team, without whom this show would not have happened. Thank you to my cast for trusting me, and each other. Thank you to my family and my partner for believing in me and reminding me of my purpose, and supporting me in all my wild ideas.

Abby Redmon St. Luke’s Poteet Theatre Production of

Music and Lyrics by JASON ROBERT BROWN

Originally Produced by the WPA Theatre, New York City, 1995 (Kyle Renick, Artistic Director)

Original Orchestration by Brian Besterman and Jason Robert Brown

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

CREATIVE TEAM

Stage Director – Abby Redmon Producer – Logan Fish Stage Manager – Lauren Hiemstra Music Director – Jordan Andrews Costume Director – Kristy Johnson Props Director – Crystal Berstch Tech Crew Director – Suzanne Ritchal Lighting Design – Katy Wagner and Sam Heigle Sound Techs – George Kamp and Allister Baca Dance Captain – Ashleigh Robinson

Show Dates: March 12-14, 2021 www.stlukesokc.org/arts MUSICAL NUMBERS

Opening Sequence: The New World On the Deck of A Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492 Just One Step I’m Not Afraid of Anything The River Won’t Flow Transition I Stars and The Moon She Cries The Steam Train The World Was Dancing Surabaya-Santa Christmas Lullaby King of the World I’d Give It All for You Transition II The Flagmaker, 1775 Flying Home Final Transition Hear My Song CAST BIOS Kate McDaniel (Woman I) City University. OTHER CREDITS: M.M. Kate McDaniel is returning from Oklahoma City to the stage after a long University, B.A. Musical Theatre from hiatus (20 years!!). She is Piedmont College, Top 24 in the 2020 so excited to be a part of National Music Theatre Competition. such a ridiculously talented Learn more about who Cheyanne Marie is cast, and is so grateful for the support of at www.cheyannemarie.com! her family! Austin Lewis (Man II) Maurice Simmons (Man I) Austin Lewis is thrilled to MAURICE QUINTEL finally be performing for SIMMONS, is thrilled to live audiences again. Mask be back at Poteet Theatre or no mask, it’s good to be after six years. You may on stage again. Austin is have remembered him currently finishing his Masters in Music at in Peter Pan and Disney Magic. Other Oklahoma City University where has has credits include: A Christmas Carol, performed in and A Little Les Miserables (LYRIC THEATRE); The Night Music, as well as Spring Awakening Polar Express Train Ride Experience which will perform this April. Other (RAIL EVENTS); A In The Sun credits include Raoul in Phantom of the (JEWEL BOX THEATRE); (UCO/ Opera, Jesus in Godspell, Bert in Mary OKC REPERTORY THEATRE); , Poppins, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, and much more. (UPSTAGE THEATRE); (UCO/BROADWAY TONIGHT Elena Gage (Ensemble) SERIES); Ghost the Musical, The Elena Avery Gage hails Producers, (POLLARD from Baltimore, MD. THEATRE ) FILM: Basket Case She landed in OKC to (AVERSION MEDIA). He would like to pursue her Master’s thank everyone from the cast and crew for degree in Musical Theatre making this a wonderful, safe and healthy from OKCU, graduating in 2018. She experience. He would also like to thank studied voice under the direction of Dr. his love, Cam, his friends and family for Bill Christensen and coached by Jan their constant love and support. Thank McDaniel. She also holds a Bachelor’s you for being here. Much love and please degree from William Carey University in enjoy “Songs For A New World”. Hattiesburg, MS where she studied voice under the direction of Dr. Connie Roberts Cheyanne Osaria Marie and coached by Brandon Hayes. Previous (Woman II) credits include Little Shop or Horrors, On Cheyanne Marie is grateful the Town, Freaky Friday, and Hairspray. to make her Poteet She would like to thank the entire cast, Theatre debut. REGIONAL the directorial staff, her family, her dog, THEATRE: , Lyric Dobby, for being incredibly patient Theatre of Oklahoma; Hunchback of with her while she works and rehearses, Notre Dame, Studio of Performing and her boyfriend Patrick who’s been Arts; Christmas Canteen, Aurora Theatre. supporting her non-stop while on military OTHER THEATRE: A Funny Thing deployment during both the rehearsal Happened On The Way To The Forum, process and performances. Merrily We Roll Along, 9 to 5, North Georgia Theatre; , Sweet Charity, Piedmont College; Sideshow, Oklahoma CAST BIOS CONT. Ashleigh Robinson Wesley Hodges (Ensemble) (Ensemble) Ashleigh Robinson is joyful A native of , to return to the stage with Wesley Hodges is currently Poteet in SFaNW. Ashleigh in his first year pursuing a grew up in Edmond and Master’s of Music degree graduated from OCU 2019. She now in Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City teaches middle school in OKCPS. She University. Hodges has been involved is the reigning Miss Oklahoma City and in a wide variety of musicals and operas advocates for all ability inclusion. She’d stretching from Phantom of the Opera like to thank the church, cast, & creative and to Turandot and for this opportunity, as well as her family, The Mikado.Recent roles being Billy friends, and AGB for their support. Bigelow in Carousel, Curtis Jackson in Sister Act, and Sam Carmichael in Ty Robbins (Ensemble) Mamma Mia! Songs for a New World Ty Robbins (Chorus) is a is his first production in Oklahoma and BFA acting sophomore at his first since COVID-19 shut down the Oklahoma City University. country and theatres everywhere. He is He is from New Orleans, thankful to his fellow cast members and LA. Ty is thankful for this the production staff for making this a opportunity to share music with the wonderful experience and thankful to community during this time. Credits: Poteet Theatre for giving the opportunity Theatre OCU Showcase: Ken, Red; to make art again. Vanya, Uncle Vanya; Swing, Measure for Measure. Theatre Baton Rouge: , ; Ensemble, OKLAHOMA!; Shaw, Footloose; Riff Raff, Rocky Horror. Runnels Theatre Workshop: Hale, The Crucible. This is his Potee Theatre debut. PRODUCTION STAFF BIOS Abby Redmon (Director) Lauren Hiemstra (Stage Abby has a B.M. from the Manager) University of Central Oklahoma Born and raised in Oklahoma where she was trained in both City she is a ’19 graduate classical and contemporary of the University of Central styles. Abby has performed Oklahoma with a BFA in Design in major repertory theatres as and Technology. She was well as numerous community theatres. Abby is the UCO Props Master (2017-2019) and is the thrilled to be back at Poteet directing Songs current Resident Stage Manager/Props Master/ for a New World, which has been a dream and Covid Compliance Officer for Painted Sky show since it first opened in 1995. Previous Opera. Her credits include: Cosi Fan Tutte, Poteet productions directed by Abby include, My Fair Lady, Chicago, The Secret Garden, La Meet Me in St. Louis, Shrek! Jr., and Willy Tragedie de Carmen, Glory Denied, Barber Wonka, Jr. of Seville, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Little Women the Musical, Willy Wonka Jr., Shrek Jr. Abby has played in diverse roles ranging and so much more. She is eternally grateful for from Opera to Richard O’Brien. Some of her Poteet and St. Luke’s stepping out during this favorite roles include Lilly St. Regis (), pandemic and pushing to help keep arts in the Janet / Magenta (The Rocky Horror Show), community. She wants to thank her coworkers, Rizzo (Grease), Paulette (Grease 2), Catherine family and friends for always helping to Keep (Pippin), Amy (Company), Sister Margarita Art Alive, especially her Best Pal for life, Preston. (), Arlene MacNally (Baby), Carpe Diem! Helen (Laugher on the 23rd Floor), Various (Birth), Amber / Various (As Bees in Honey Crystal Bertsch (Properties Drown), Various (6 Women with Brain Death, Master/Scenic Painter) or Expi Crystal has been doing costumes and props for Jordan Andrews (Music numerous shows over the past Director) 10 years. She loves having Jordan M. Andrews was a creative outlet and feels born and raised in Omaha, privileged that Poteet Theatre has entrusted Nebraska. He works as a her with the opportunity to be Props Director. performer, private vocal She’d like to thank Lauren Hiemstra for sharing coach/teacher, music director, her knowledge about technical theatre. and OCU staff accompanist. He recently graduated with his second master’s degree Kristy Johnson, Costume from Oklahoma City University. During his Director time there, he was involved with the OKCU Kristy grew up sewing with her Jazz Ensemble, music directed the OKCU’s mom and dad. Yes, dad. Her male a capella group “ The Ahhx Chords”, dad manufactures fish nets, and performed and assisted in several of the so at 14 she started sewing school’s shows as a pianist and on stage. He on a commercial sewing has also been seen as a performer and music machine. She studied to be a teacher, but director for The City - OKC, Opera on always loved clothes, design, being creative, Tap - OKC, Ignition Arts, Fresh Paint, Upstage and problem solving. When her daughter got Theatre, Painted Sky Opera, Cincinnati Opera, involved in theatre, she wanted to volunteer Kismet Studio and Performing Arts, Poteet and discovered she had a knack for costumes. Theatre, and more. Upcoming: Painted Sky - In the last six years, she has costumed 36 As One (Hannah Before - cover); Painted Sky - I shows at community theaters and schools. Pagliacci (Silvio - cover/chorus). Her favorite costumed shows are the musicals MM Opera Performance ’20; MM “Ragtime”; “”; and “How to Vocal Coaching ’17; BA Music ‘15 www. Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, jordanmandrews.com the play “Fences”, and the opera “Iolanthe”. She spends her days helping young people get ready for employment and college. She loves opportunities to work with artists of all kinds, and the role costumes play in the telling these beautiful stories. PRODUCTION STAFF BIOS CONT.

Katy Wagner, Lighting George Kamp, Sound Director George Kamp is a sophomore Katy is a high school at Edmond Memorial High homeschooled student. She School, and is our sound tech. serves on the audio-visual team He works on his own as an for St. Luke’s Edmond. She independent artist/producer enjoys learning new technical as he follows his passion for aspects of theatre productions and is excited music. George will be joining us in future to help with the lighting design. Her favorite productions as support staff and a sound lighting gel color is Lee 170 Deep Lavender. engineer.

Suzanne Ritchal, Madeline Wagner, Spotlight Tech Crew Director Madeline Wagner is a middle Suzanne has been delighted school homeschooled student. to be part of Songs for a New She loves historical fashion, World. In addition to being especially Victorian styles of a St. Luke’s member and the 1800s. She is thrilled to lifelong lover of theater, she be helping on the tech crew! holds a Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Madeline wants to try the acting side of her City University in Theatre Performance next production! Triple Threat as well as a Masters in Speech Language Pathology from University of Oklahoma. Suzanne has directed multiple shows for local theaters as well as taught classes for acting, performance, dialect coaching, and swing dance. Special thanks to Logan and the St. Luke’s family for allowing me to have the opportunity to share in this summer’s production. It has been such an honor and I have been blessed by these kids in unfathomable ways! My cup overfloweth, indeed.

Logan Fish, Production Manager/Artistic Director Logan is the St. Luke’s Edmond Director of Hospitality. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in brass performance from Florida State University, and two Master of Fine Arts degrees from the University of Oklahoma. Logan is excited for this opportunity to produce Songs for a New World with such an amazing cast and staff. The long hours of rehearsals and hard work are worth every second when you see the new friendships and sense of community this creates within a church. Logan has previously experienced musical theatre as a pit musician and ensemble member, and now as a producer, set builder, painter, sound/light tech, executive director, box office administrator, and volunteer organizer! He loves every second of it! Good luck to everyone in the cast; and thank you to everyone in the audience for supporting us! Logan lives in Edmond Oklahoma with his wife Candace Fish. Their duo became a trio in December with the arrival of their first child, Jonah! Downtown Campus Edmond Campus Asbury Campus 222 NW 15th St. 900 N. Sooner Rd. 1320 SW 38th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Edmond, OK 73034 Oklahoma City, OK 73119 (405) 232-1371 (405) 285-2002 (405) 632-3378