directed by ryan holihan - footlights · 2016-11-28 · she is currently a freshman at csulb, and...

by Charles DickensAdapted by Gregory Cohen, ‘Phie Mura,

Ryan Holihan

Directed by Ryan Holihan

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

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

Coming soon...

Established in 1929, Long Beach Playhouse is recognized as the first performing arts organization in Long Beach with over 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.

The Mainstageat Long Beach Playhouse

The DirectorRyan HolihanRyan Holihan received his Bachelors Degree in Theater from California State University, Fullerton and his Masters of Fine Arts Degree from The Professional Directors Training Program at Ohio University. Born and raised in Southern California he attended the Orange County School of the Arts for musical theater and started his professional career as a young actor on local stages and in film and television. Favorite Directing credits include; Noises Off, Cloud 9, Dog Sees God, Brighton Beach Memoirs, An Ideal Husband, The Secret Garden and Bus Stop. Film credits (acting) include roles in The Addams Family, Addams Family Values, Ed Wood, Apollo 13, and Airheads. Television credits (acting) include roles on Saved By the Bell, The Wonder Years, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Ellen, Doogie Howser M.D., and Unhappily Ever After as well as many local and national commercials. For more information visit; www.ryanholihan.com

Behind the Scenes

Stage ManagerWilhelm Peters

LBP credits include Pygmalion, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Real Thing, Hay Fever, Murder On the Nile. Wilhelm is happy to be backstage at the Playhouse, once again. Other credits include The Wedding Singer, Pippin, Sextape & Other Stories, Macabaret, Proof, Hay Fever and The Clean House. Merry Crimbo! Team WPJC.

Set DesignLight DesignSound DesignCostume DesignScenic PainterProp Master/DesignerBoard OperatorPhotographyPromotional DesignCostume Shop

Andrew VonderschmittDonny JacksonSean GrayDonna FritscheDrew OteroLarry MuraDominic MishlerMike Hardy Daisy Ramirez-GutierrezRosy Anselmo, Abertha Montgomery, Rebecca Roth, Jill Soloway, Analidia Lopez

Behind the Scenes

Director’s Notes

The SettingDickensian Times, London

The Parlor of a Family on Christmas Eve

There are two Christmas stories that most of the western Christian culture knows by heart. The first, of course, is from the bible and is a story of a saviors birth. The second was first published as a novella in 1843 and is the story of a bitter old miser’s transformation, or rebirth, into a kinder and gentler man. Each of these stories give us essentially the same thing. Hope for a better tomorrow. While we can all only strive to live up to a savior’s life and inspiration, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens gives us the story of a man, like us all, who is capable of changing from a greedy and miserable person one day, to a man who is generous and good the next…because he chooses it.

When I was asked to direct this production, I had to answer the question “why do we tell this story every year and what is it’s function?” My answer is this. We tell this story because it is necessary to know that we can always be better. We tell this story because no matter how old we get, it is never to late to do better. We tell this story because our children need to hear that it is never too late to give and receive the gifts of hope and generosity. After a particularly divisive election season, it couldn’t come at a better time.

In this particular adaptation I pondered exactly who was telling the story. I hope that you find the answer as hopeful as the reborn spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge himself. Happy Holidays and I wish you all love and light.

Ryan HolihanDirector

There will be one 15 minute Intermission

Lisa J. Salas (SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT)Lisa J Salas is thrilled to be back on stage and performing at Long Beach Playhouse! This is Lisa’s 3rd production of A Christmas Carol. Other favorite past productions include Three Sisters, Company, Crimes of the Heart, As You Like It, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Lisa would like to thank her incredibly talented son, Zack, and his lovely wife, Staysha for all their love and support.

Emily Graham (SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PAST)Emily is very excited for her first performance at LBP. She is currently a freshman at CSULB, and is double majoring in film & psychology. She hopes to eventually become a feature film editor, and a psych doctorate would just look super cool on her resume someday. She thanks her mom, dads, brother, and best friend for putting up with her puns.

Courtney Riel Owens (MRS. CRATCHIT)This is Courtney’s second production with LBP. She recently played Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Courtney has been blessed to have been in dance and theatre her entire life. She lives in Long Beach with her husband and their two little girls. I love you Devin! A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. -Proverbs 17:22

Meet

The Cast(in order of appearance)

Oren Artstein (TINY TIM)Oren is thrilled to return to the Long Beach Playhouse for the second time in A Christmas Carol. Other roles include various animals in school productions of Disney’s Jungle Book, Junglemania, and Seussical the Musical. Oren is a 5th grader at Minnie Gant Elementary in Long Beach. He enjoys reading, basketball, and Minecraft.

Samuel Borrowdale (PETER CRATCHIT) Samuel Borrowdale is excited to make his debut at the Long Beach Playhouse in A Christmas Carol. He most recently played Officer Brophy in Arsenic and Old Lace, and a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz. These plays were performed at school. Samuel is looking forward to working with this amazing cast this year. Samuel would like to thank his parents, Jill and Ken Borrowdale, and his drama teacher, Mrs. Pat Spievak.

Austin James (BOB CRATCHIT)Austin studied Film and Theatre at Loyola Marymount University. Some of his favorite, recent roles include: Clopin in LBP’s Marat/Sade, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown’s Schroeder, Fiddler on the Roof’s Perchik,and Bye-Bye Birdie’s Albert Peterson. As always Austin enjoys and appreciates the love and support of his beautiful wife Carole and his Mom, Dad, and brother, Adam. “A Merry Christmas to us all, my dears!”

Carmel Artstein (FAN SCROOGE)Carmel is excited to take on new roles (Fan! Little Fan! You’ve grown!) in her third production of A Christmas Carol at the Long Beach Playhouse. She has also appeared in multiple school plays, and is a regular participant at the Long Beach Playhouse Summer Youth Musical Theatre Conservatory. Carmel is a 7th grader at Stanford Middle School in Long Beach. She enjoys reading, drawing, painting, skating, and cycling.

Meet


Tyler Frost (FRED HOLLOWELL)Tyler is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Carol, a show he has always wanted to do! He hopes this play fills you with love & beauty. Tyler is a graduate of Marquette University with a degree in Theatre Arts & English Literature. He was last seen in Noel Coward’s Hay Fever at Theatre Palisades as Simon Bliss. So much love to back home!

Anthony Baratta (FEZZIWIG)Anthony is ecstatic to be making his debut at Long Beach Playhouse, and feels incredibly blessed to be working with this superstar cast. He has been a very active member of the Southern California Theatre Community where his credits include, A Few Good Men (Sam Weinberg), Guys & Dolls (Nicely Nicely), Arsenic & Old Lace (Teddy Brewster), and The Merchant of Venice (Salerio).

Sabrina Sonner (JANET HOLLOWELL)Sabrina is thrilled to be making her Long Beach Playhouse debut! Favorite roles include Angelique in The Imaginary Invalid, Miss Casewell in The Mousetrap, and Emily Brent in And Then There Were None. She is currently a sophomore at the University of Southern California pursuing degrees in Theatre Acting and Marketing.

Meet


David Clark Hutchison (JACOB MARLEY)Mr. Hutchison debuts at LBP in A Christmas Carol. He recently appeared as Renfield in Dracula, and the Duke in Big River at the Manhattan Beach Community Church Theater. Other recent roles include Hucklebee in The Fantasticks! at Irvine Valley College, and Malvolio in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at the Camino Real Playhouse in 2013.

Rick Kopps (EBENEZER SCROOGE)Rick Kopps last appeared at LBP as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol in 2013. He also appeared, in the Studio, as Deflores in The Changeling, and on the Mainstage as Inspector Lord in Spider’s Web. He took part in plays with the Rude Guerrilla theater company in Santa Ana, and several productions with the Monkey Wrench Collective theater group in Fullerton. Rick has also appeared at the Open Stage West in Los Angeles, Theater Out in Santa Ana, STAGEStheatre in Fullerton, and Chapman University in Orange.

Andrew Vonderschmitt Executive & Producing Artistic Director

Madison Mooney Business & Operations Manager

Sean Gray Technical Director &Production Manager

Donna Fritsche Costume Shop Manager & Resident Costume Designer

Larry MuraProperties Master

Alex ShewchukPatron Services Manager

Stephen OlearVolunteer Coordinator

Evan BattleKellee CullinghamLottie FrickAngela KozikNatasha LopezFront of House Staff

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TreasurerDan Ryan

President Tony Diaz

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.

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 A Christmas Carol! Many thanks.

Vice President Jane Nunn

SecretaryHalley Hardy

Cheryl Avirom, Kysa Cohen, Carl DaSilva, Gaurav Datta, Bart DeLio, Emily Holman, Tom Long, Anna Kate Mohler,

Roxanne Patmor, Ray Smith, Miguel Solario

THE STAFF

Legacy CircleMary Lou BusbyPeggy HolmesJoan A. Ryan

Honorary Producers ($1,000 and Up!)

Craig & Julie DanleyRoxanne Patmor

Cynthia RustaniusDr. Ronald &

Miriam SommerMarlene Temple and The Temple Family Charitable

Foundation

Executive Producer ($500-$999)Kaye Briegel

Pamela CincolaLouis Euzarrage

Haberbush FamilyPhyllis Nofts & Evie Ray

Pat & Ray Smith

Director ($250-$499)Dorwin Family

Carolyn & Anthony Endres

Harriet Whitmyer & Danial Golson

Steve & Judie GratchMartin Fiebert & Margo Kasdan

Meg & Peter KohnGeraldine Fuentes

William & Polly RidgewayDan Rodgers

John H. SullivanJohanna & Robert Tramazzo

Patty Williams

Starring Role ($150-$249)

Tony & Cyndy DiazRon & Paula Duffaut

Mal GroffWilliam McDonald

Beverly O’NeillJerry Barba & Stephen Olear

Harold & Betty OlsonGeorge & Beverle Ray

Dan & Deb RyanSam Tanng

Vonderschmitt Family

Ensemble Cast ($50-$149)Jill Aversa

Carl daSilvaDan & Jeri Davini

Bart DeLioMichael & Marie Downs

David & Joanne FeldmanJoseph Vanderhost &

Kristi FischerKaren Flaig

Pamela FloresFloyd & Annie Gills

Richard & Alvena GrahamMike & Halley Hardy

Stephen Harvey & Venetia LaiCarol Hobaugh

Sharon HollanderDr. Glen & Joyce Howard

Linda & Kent HuberJudith JohnsenBetty Karnette

Sam & Donna KellyMelvin & Susan Lefkowitz

Long Beach RegularsTom & Irina Long

Nancy LewisJoseph MacDonald

Legacy Circle Starring Role 2016 MEMBERS & DONORS

The 4th Annual LBP Holiday Giving TreeIt is because of generous supporters such as yourself that the Playhouse has been able to continue to offer such diverse and superior programming during the past 85 years. How can you

contribute to the Playhouse this holiday season?

Give a gift to the Holiday Giving Tree! Celebrate the holidays by giving a gift to the Playhouse when you are at the

Playhouse during the run of Christmas Carol.

Please give what you can - and share our cause with your friends and family. And above all, continue to patronize the Playhouse whether as a single ticket buyer, a season ticket

holder, or member.

The LBP Holiday Tree Wish ListBring in one of these items during our run of

A Christmas Carol

Paper and plastic warePrinter Ink- Canon 240, HP 92/93, HP 951Wireless keyboard and mouseLowe’s Gift Cards Jo-Ann’s Gift Cards Sew Vac Gift CardsA case of gaff tape Desktop computer for staff officeStaples Gift Cards Copy Paper and Office Supplies Laptop for Backstage (Mac preferred) Stamps

All donors names will appear in 2017 programs. (While the Playhouse appreciates all gifts we can only accept

new items at this time so please no used items.)

Many Thanks to our Honorary Producer

Marlene Temple and The Temple Family Charitable Foundation

directed by ryan holihan - footlights · 2016-11-28 · she is currently a freshman at csulb, and...

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