proudly presents · 2021. 8. 2. · lyrics by marshall barer book by jay thompson, dean fuller...

O N C E U P O N A M AT T R E S S

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P R O U D L Y P R E S E N T S

@rvcstarlighttheatre

@rvcstarlight

@rvc_starlight


BOX OFFICE

815.921.2160RVCStarlight.com

Music byMARY RODGERS

Book byJAY THOMPSON, DEAN FULLER and MARSHALL BARER

Lyrics byMARSHALL BARER

AUG4-14


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This was a tough one! Not this show, per se, this was a fun adventure, but this season. Wow! We started this season on a path we couldn’t see, wearing masks and distancing. We were told by the powers that be in December that we should probably cancel Starlight AGAIN because of Covid. We converted the season to a drive-in (which would have taken place in parking lot 1), chose new shows for the drive-in (the ones you are witnessing), but were rerouted in March right back here at the Bengt Sjostrom Theatre! So, as far as this adventure is concerned...we got a late start. But that is not at all an indication of what you’re going to see!

This is the first show that I have directed twice; the first time being with middle schoolers from the CAPA program over at West Middle School. It is a very fond memory, but the production was, quite obviously, much different than the one you’re about to see, though I am still fortunately working with Brandon Mechler, who designed the set for me in 2014 and is Technical Director here and now. One of the most memorable aspects of the middle school production, however, was that Queen Aggravain was played by the incomparable Shyna Marizeliz Janét Cruz, who left us and this world much too soon. I have often thought about her throughout this process, and her fellow classmates, especially those who were in my first sixth grade class like she was. Some of them are out here participating in Starlight even this year, for which I feel exceedingly fortunate. I know Janét would agree.

This cast has worked HARD. The dance, choreographed by the talented Hannah Sleger, and the music, directed by Mark Miller are difficult, but they have risen to the challenge. The show, written in the 1950s, can sometimes be a struggle to put together in these times with modern sensibilities and attention spans, but this cast has EXPLORED in order to create fresh, truthful characters that honor the show, but bring about a modern truth to the whole thing.

I can’t mention this show without flexing that Carmen Turner’s second set design with us here at Starlight is thrilling! She has been a joy to work with. While Brandon and the crew have had an ordeal to make this and all of the shows work within this time crunch, they have also created pieces here that are a-typical for starlight, showing their carpentry prowess along the way! The costumes designed by Alex are stunning, and their creation by Bethany, Vickie, and the team is a work of art in itself!

We’re excited, grateful, and humbled to have you with us here tonight (or today, “Hi, Matinee audience!). We have a new sound system for you to hear, a new parking lot to make your walk a bit easier, and new rigging to spruce up the place! So, sit back, take a look around, and breathe in this fresh, Starlight air; we’ve got a show for you now, and a season for you later! We have never felt so excited to say, “Welcome to Starlight”!

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Starlight receivesfunding from


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Associate Producers ......................................................................... Tim & Cathy Martin, Linda & Jaxon Oshita

Producer & Direction by ...................................................................................................Christopher D. Brady

Choreography by ..................................................................................................................... Hannah Sleger

Music Direction by ........................................................................................................................ Mark Miller

Assistant Direction by ..............................................................................................................Theresa Garner

Scenic Design by ...................................................................................................................... Carmen Turner

Costume Design by ..................................................................................................Alex Christopher McIntyre

Lighting Design by ....................................................................................................................Jim McDowell

Sound Design by ....................................................................................................................... Cierra Conrad

Technical Direction by ..........................................................................................................Brandon Mechler

Stage Management by .............................................................................................................Mary Peterson

In the Bengt Sjostrom TheatreAugust 4 - 14, 2021 at 8 p.m., August 7, 2021 at 2 p.m.

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS is presented byarrangement with Concord Theatricals

www.concordtheatricals.com

Based on a Conception of JEROME ROBBINSMusic by by

MARY RODGERS

Lyrics by

MARSHALL BARERBook by

JAY THOMPSON, DEAN FULLER & MARSHALL BARER


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SYNOPSIS

ACT ONEA fictional medieval kingdom is ruled by the devious Queen Aggravain and the mute King Sextimus the Silent. King Sextimus suffers from a curse that can only be reversed “when the mouse devours the hawk.” The Minstrel sings of the Princess and the Pea (“Many Moons Ago”), but reveals the story to be fake, though he knows the true tale because he was there when it happened. The princess in the story is not the first princess tested to see if she is worthy of marrying Prince Dauntless the Drab—she is the thirteenth princess. The day the Minstrel arrives, the Queen, alongside her confidante, the Wizard, is testing Princess #12 with an unfair quiz. To the Queen’s delight, the princess misses the last question: “What was the middle name of the daughter-in-law of the best friend of the blacksmith who forged the sword that killed the Beast?” and is given a rubber chicken by Sir Studley. The populace of the castle complains about an unjust law levied by Queen Aggravain: “Throughout the land no one may wed, ‘till Dauntless shares his wedding bed.” However, every petitioning princess is sent away after failing unfair tests devised by the Queen. It seems that no one is good enough to marry Prince Dauntless (“An Opening for A Princess”).

The crisis escalates when the leading knight of the realm, Sir Harry, discovers that his girlfriend, Lady Larken, is pregnant. Though Lady Larken says that she will run away so he will never have to face embarrassment and the loss of his station, Sir Harry “decides” (with help from Larken) that he will set out to find a princess himself (“In a Little While”). He petitions the Queen who immediately says no, but when Dauntless manages to speak up and beg, she gives in.

The Minstrel tells us that in the original story, the princess arrived at the castle on a stormy night (Many Moons Ago - Reprise), but it is not night at all-and the princess only looked as though she went through a storm. Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, a brash and unrefined princess from the marshlands, was so eager to arrive that she swam the castle moat. She immediately charms Dauntless, Studley, and the knights and most of the kingdom (“Shy”). However, she also earns the utter loathing of the evil Queen, who vows to stop her.

The King discovers Larken’s pregnancy and pantomimes this to his confidantes, the Minstrel and the Jester. He tells them to not say a word, but they both are more worried about the King letting it slip, because even though he’s mute, he can still communicate (“The Minstrel, the Jester, and I”). Later, the Queen, assisted by the Wizard, designs a test for Winnifred based on something they are sure she hasn’t got at all—sensitivity. They will place a tiny pea beneath twenty thick downy mattresses. If Winnifred is unable to sleep due to the pea, then she will be sensitive enough to marry Dauntless (“Sensitivity”).

Meanwhile, Winnifred tells Dauntless and the ladies in waiting about her home in the swamp (“The Swamps of Home”) and meets the King, and they immediately like each other. Then, after spilling a vase of flowers, Winnifred is caught cleaning the mess by Lady Larken who mistakes her for a chambermaid. Soon Harry gets mad at Larken for her mistake and they get in a fight. Larken vows that she will run far far away where she will never see him again.

The King, the Minstrel and the Jester catch Larken trying to run away, and they try to stop her but in the end decide to help her escape to Normandy (“Normandy”). Later that night, the Queen throws a ball so Winnifred can dance the most exhausting dance in the world, “The Spanish Panic”. The Queen hopes that Winnifred will tire herself, but the plan fails. Winnifred is the last one standing as everyone collapses from exhaustion at the dance’s climax. She asks Dauntless to try to give her a clue as to what the test might be, but he’s not sure. He

brings out a huge barbell that one of the princesses was asked to lift, but even he cannot lift it. Winnifred does and Dauntless admits that he loves her. Winnifred mentions that her nickname is Fred and Dauntless sings of his love for her as she practices numerous tasks she might have to do for the test, including singing, dancing, wrestling, acting, playing the Minstrel’s lute, pantomiming and drinking herself unconscious (“Song of Love”)


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SYNOPSIS CONTINUED

ACT TWO

Later that night the Queen leads the knights and ladies as they carry the twenty mattresses to Fred’s room (“Quiet”), and she catches the Minstrel, the Jester, the King, and Larken (disguised in Dauntless’ clothes) running away. The Minstrel tries to protect Larken by saying he was escaping with Larken against her will. The Queen declares that the Minstrel will be banished by daybreak. Fred and Dauntless study for the test, and Fred convinces Larken to fix things with Harry. Larken leaves to find Harry, Dauntless bids Fred goodnight, and now she is left alone. While studying a fairytale, she complains about how other fairy tale princesses had it easy and how she wants to live happily ever after (“Happily Ever After”), but her Happily Ever After is something that she needs to accomplish herself, so she chooses to study for the test that night. King Sextimus has a man to man talk with Dauntless about the birds and the bees completely in pantomime (“Man to Man Talk”). The Jester and Minstrel trick the Wizard into telling them of the test and the Jester reminisces about his father’s dancing days (“Very Soft Shoes”).

Sir Harry and Lady Larken run into each other and they confess that their love is stronger than ever (“Yesterday I Loved You”). When Fred is finally ready for bed, the Queen brings in various people, including the Nightingale of Samarkand, to sing her to sleep (“Nightingale Lullaby”) but Winnifred is kept wide awake. It seems that there is some “lump” under the mattresses that is keeping her from relaxing. She starts counting sheep.

Dauntless dresses in his finest to see Winnifred pass the test, but the Queen tells him to his great disappointment that the test has already happened and what it was. Dauntless is heartbroken until Winnifred drowsily stumbles into the throne room while still counting sheep. Everyone is ecstatic that Winnifred has passed but the Queen insists that Dauntless shouldn’t throw himself away on Winnifred. Dauntless has had enough of his mother’s attempts to control his life and finally yells, “I told you to shut up!”. The curse on King Sextimus is lifted (the “mouse”- Dauntless, has metaphorically devoured the “hawk”- Queen Aggravain). Aggravain discovers that she cannot talk and the King can, albeit, maybe he shouldn’t, so Dauntless and Winnifred are free to be married. The King forces the Queen to hop, skip, and jump around the room to everyone’s amusement, and with this, she is forced to step down; he also proves that he no longer will be an easy mark in his frivolous games of “tag”.

Finally the real reason why Winnifred passed the test is revealed. After learning about the test, the King, Minstrel, and Jester stuffed the mattresses full of pointy items. All the items are removed by the Minstrel & Jester in the finale (“Finale”). After the items are removed Winnifred still has trouble sleeping until Dauntless takes the pea out from under the mattress, when she then falls asleep almost immediately. Everyone, in classic fairy-tale tradition, lives happily ever after.

ABOUT LEOLA ARNOLD Leola Arnold, long-time music teacher and cultural sponsor in our community, died in 1968 leaving her estate to Rock Valley College under the supervision of the Trust Officers of the Illinois National Bank. In her will she stipulated that the college shall continue to offer to the community musical activities involving as large a segment of the community as possible.

The Leola Arnold Memorial School of Music was established to offer classes and private instruction to students of all ages in the arts. Dance, music, and art classes are offered for students from the age of four years through adulthood. In addition, activities are presented that involved the community. The “Starlight Musicals” are an example of this type of activity.


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MUSICAL SYNOPSIS

ACT ONE

Overture ........................................................................................................... Orchestra

Many Moons Ago ................................................................................................. Minstrel

An Opening for a Princess ................................... Prince Dauntless, Lady Larken, Ensemble

In a Little While ............................................................................... Sir Harry, Lady Larken

In a Little While (reprise) ................................................................. Sir Harry, Lady Larken

On a Stormy Night ............................................................................................... Minstrel

Shy ........................................................................Princess Winnifred, Knights and Ladies

The Minstrel, the Jester, and I ............................................ Minstrel, Jester, King Sextimus

Sensitivity..................................................................................Queen Aggravain, Wizard

The Swamps of Home ................... Princess Winnifred, Prince Dauntless, Ladies-in-Waiting

Normandy ............................................................. Minstrel, Jester, Larken, King Sextimus

Spanish Panic ....................................................................................Orchestra, Ensemble

Song of Love .............................................Prince Dauntless, Princess Winnifred, Ensemble

ACT TWO

Entr’acte ........................................................................................................... Orchestra

Quiet .................................................................................... Queen Aggravain, Ensemble

Happily Ever After ................................................................................Princess Winnifred

Man to Man Talk .............................................................. Prince Dauntless, King Sextimus

Very Soft Shoes ....................................................................................................... Jester

Yesterday I Loved You ..................................................................... Sir Harry, Lady Larken

Nightingale Lullaby ..................................................................Nightingale of Samarkand

Finale ........................................................................................................................................... Prince Dauntless, Princess Winnifred, Queen Aggravain, King Sextimus, Ensemble


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CAST OF CHARACTERSPrincess Winnifred the Woebegone ..............................................................Evandia PenixPrince Dauntless ......................................................................................................CalebQueen Aggravain ........................................................................................Kathy StevensMinstrel ......................................................................................................Marcus TobiasJester ........................................................................................................ Aaron HenningKing Sextimus the Silent ......................................................................................Jack HillLady Larken ........................................................................................... Myriah SaundersSir Harry ................................................................................................... Andrew AshleyWizard ...................................................................................................... Douglas RappaLady Rowena with the laugh ........................................................................... Faith HoodLady Lucille .....................................................................................................Ellie LaeschPantomime Princess/Lady Merrill ................................................................Allison WilsonPantomime Queen/Lady Beatrice/Emily ..................................................Alexyn CervantesPrincess No. 12/Lady ?/Lady Mabelle ......................................................... Emma GawaranPantomime Prince/Sir Studley ...............................................................Salvatore Mendez Sir Luce ............................................................................................Guillermo HernandezKnight #3/Harold ....................................................................................... Josh PonsonesKnight #4 .................................................................................................... Nathan SeveyKnight #5/Nightingale of Samarkand ............................................................Kayla Jordan

PIT ORCHESTRAMark Miller ........................................................................................... Piano/ConductorElla Yates ................................................................................................................ FluteNevagay Abel ..................................................................................................... ClarinetAllison White ............................................................................................... Bass ClarinetTeresa Walters .............................................................................................. French HornSue Funk ...................................................................................................... French HornZach Maine ........................................................................................................ TrumpetKris Worden ....................................................................................................... TrumpetChristian Rodriguez ......................................................................................... TromboneJoseph Kriz ............................................................................................................ GuitarNadia Jensen ........................................................................................... Keyboard/HarpSara Leib ................................................................................................................ ViolinMarquelle Cnota ..................................................................................................... ViolinSalvatore Galluzzo .................................................................................................. ViolinTeresa Wilmot ......................................................................................................... ViolaVerónica Soria Martínez ........................................................................................... ViolaAmaya Livingston .................................................................................................... CelloAlex Johnson ........................................................................................................... BassGeorge Espino ................................................................................................ PercussionNathan Reyes ................................................................................................... Drum Set


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ANDREW ASHLEY(Sir Harry) This is Andrew’s third season (Not counting the season that never was) at Starlight, and he is so very excited to be back in

the theatre. His previous starlight credits include Mamma Mia (ensemble) Madagascar (Marty the Zebra) Little Mermaid (ensemble). Andrew is a BFA Musical theatre major at Rockford University. His most recent credit from RU is Legally Blonde (Warner). Andrew is beyond thankful for the opportunity to perform and pursue what he loves, and he wouldn’t be able to do it without his wonderful and supportive family.

CHRISTOPHER D. BRADY (Director)Chris is excited to have had the chance to direct this show again as this highlights his first time

directing a show for the second time! Proud to be the Producing Artistic Director here at Starlight, he would like to thank all the wonderful people who actually make this stuff happen here, especially all of the terrific volunteers, this beautiful cast and crew, stage managers, designers, artists, Hannah, Mark, and Brandon. Chris received his education from the American Musical and Dramatics Academy in NYC, but most importantly, from all of these dedicated people on and off the stage, his rocking team, and his beautiful wife, Erin Irene, alongside his fantastic kids, Ophelia and Imogen. We miss you, Shyna Janet, Ron, David, and Betsy.

ALEXYN CERVANTES (Pantomime Queen/Lady Beatrice/Emily)is thrilled to be a part of her first season with Starlight! She is from

Janesville, WI and has been doing theatre for over a decade. Some of her favorite past shows include: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Audrey), BEAUTY & THE BEAST (Belle), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Flounder), INTO THE WOODS (The Witch), and SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL (The Cat in the Hat). She would like to thank the cast and crew for this opportunity and for putting on this amazing show!

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS BIOSJENNA CHRIST (Assistant Stage Manager)This is Jenna’s 5th year of theater, and second year with starlight. She has previously been both on

and backstage with Belvidere High School, and was backstage for Starlight’s West Side Story in 2019. She is so very excited and thankful to be back in the space she loves so much surrounded by the most talented and loving groups of people. “Enjoy the beautiful show, and stay safe!”

CIERRA CONRAD (Sound Designer) Cierra is excited to be returning as the Sound Designer and Engineer at Starlight! Cierra has just

graduated at Bradley University with a Bachelor’s in Theatre Production with an emphasis on Technical Direction. She is very excited to be back for the fabulous 2021 season! Cierra thanks her friends, Hannah, Brent, and fiance Evan for their never ending support.

THERESA GARNER (Assistant Director)Theresa is thrilled to be able to be involved with such a talented cast on the directing team! It has been

a joy to watch the process as this amazing group of people worked and created something amazing! This is Theresa’s first time behind the table here at Starlight, but has most recently been seen as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and as Christine Colgate in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Theresa would like to thank Chris for this opportunity, her husband, Marshall, for being so supportive, and for the cast for all of their hard work!.

EMMA GAWARAN (Princess #12, Lady ?/Lady Mabelle) Emma is excited to be back on stage in Starlight’s production of Once

Upon a Mattress! Her last time on stage was Starlight’s productions of “Anything Goes” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” in 2018. When Emma is not on stage you will likely find her playing video


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ONCE UPON A MATTRESS BIOSgames, making music, or working. She would like to thank her friends, family, and boyfriend for all their support in her musical endeavors and her busy schedule. With much love, she hopes you enjoy the show!

GRACE HAHN-VARONA (Assistant Stage Manager) This is Grace’s first full season here at Starlight. They participated in Harlem High

School’s theater program throughout high-school, some shows include MASH and Sister Act. They are very excited to be back in in-person theater and hope you all enjoy the show!!

AARON HENNING (Jester) Aaron is ecstatic to be a part of this production. After Covid and missing out on the previous season, he is more than ready to get

back to doing what he loves. He wants to thank Chris Brady for this wonderful opportunity, and everyone who has supported him along the way.

GUILLERMO HERNANDEZ (Sir Luce/Prince Dauntless Standby)Guillermo is weird, strange, and barely an amalgamation of a

person. Scared of not only his future but also the internet and the impending water crisis. Once Upon a Mattress will be Guillermo’s third Starlight show. You can catch him again this season in Pinkalicious as Peter!

JACK HILL (King Sextimus) Jack is excited to tackle the challenge of this role. He’s been performing with Starlight since 2007, and is excited

to be on stage for the first time since then with a couple of people he hasn’t done a show with since then. He’s excited to share the stage with a former student of his, excited to have the opportunity to work again with several others he has done several shows with, and excited to work with Chris again. You could say he’s just excited. Maybe Sextimus is a good role for him. Thanks and love go out to his wife of over 35 years, his incredibly talented kids, and to you, the audience. Soli Deo Gloria.

FAITH HOOD (Lady Rowena with the laugh/Winnifred Standby) Faith is so excited to return for her third season at Starlight! She is a Theater

and Classical Civilizations double major at Loyola University Chicago with minors in Musical Theater and Dance. Most recently, Faith has been seen in the world premier of Sandra Delgado’s The Boys and the Nuns. She would like to thank the incredible directing team and cast for making this such a great experience!

KAYLA JORDAN (Knight #5/Nightingale of Samarkand) Kayla is so excited for her first season at Starlight as an actor! After joining the

family on crew, Kayla fell in love with Starlight’s atmosphere and can’t wait for you to see the show! You may recognize her from several shows at Belvidere High School; she has her high school directors to thank for where she is today! Soon to be a UIC Music Business student, Kayla cherishes everything that Starlight has done for her, and won’t ever forget this experience! Enjoy the show!

ELLIE LAESCH (Lady Lucille/Larken Stand-By/Dance Captain) This is Ellie’s ninth summer with Starlight Theatre and golly gee whiz, is

she happy to be back. During quarantine, Ellie pursued acting in the socially distanced form of Dungeons & Dragons. The last show she was seen in was the [usual] Suspects’ Urinetown in 2019 as Hope Cladwell. “I hope you all enjoy this pea-utiful production! Stay safe and socially distanced!”

ALEX CHRISTOPHER MCINTYRE (Costume Designer) Alex Christopher McIntyre has designed costumes for Starlight and many other

surrounding area theaters. He is very excited to finally have live productions back and hopes you enjoy the show. Thank you to all the hard working staff and volunteers.


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ONCE UPON A MATTRESS BIOSSALVATORE MENDEZ (Pantomime Prince/Sir Studley) Salvatore is extremely excited about performing in his first Starlight season. He is

currently a rising senior at Grand Canyon University where he is majoring in (Finance and Economics). While at GCU he has performed in Henry V (Orléans) and joined the improv comedy team, the Cantalopes.

MARK MILLER (Music Director) Mark Miller is so excited to spend his first “summer under the stars” as the music director of Once Upon a Mattress,

complete with a full pit orchestra! He has also worked as music director or pianist for shows at Timber Lake Playhouse, North Central College, Belvidere HS, and Winnebago HS. Mark has been the choral director at Belvidere High School since 2017, and he has also enjoyed singing with the Nielsen Chorale. Before moving to Belvidere, Mark spent over a year living near Tegucigalpa, Honduras as a volunteer English teacher and caretaker at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. He would like to thank Chris for this opportunity; his family, friends, and Mychall for their consistent love and support; and our incredible cast, pit orchestra, and creative team for placing so much trust in the new guy.

EVANDIA PENIX (Winnifred, the Woe-be-gone) Evandia is a student at Rock Valley College and is studying to be an actress/musician. She has

a dream of one day performing on Broadway and on screen. This is her third season at Starlight and she wants to thank the directing team for giving her this opportunity! She also thanks her family and friends for their constant support! And she thanks everyone for coming to the show and hopes that you enjoy this amazing master-PEAS!

MARY PETERSON (Stage Manager) Mary is grateful to be back for her 7th year at Starlight. She would like to thank Starlight’s wonderful staff

and incredible volunteers who make coming back every summer worthwhile. She would like to give

a special shout out to the box office, the costume shop, and day crew for the ridiculous amount of hard work they do. She is beyond honored to get to work alongside the incredible creative teams and casts who build these beautiful shows. She would not survive without her ASMs, some of the best in the biz, and the backstage crews. She is so grateful for their hard work, understanding and willingness to learn. To her family and friends: Thank you always for the unending love, support, and caffeine. Last, but the absolute opposite of least, she would like to thank her grandparents, Bill and Loretto Peterson, the most encouraging and kind people the world has to offer. She feels incredibly honored to learn, live, and be loved by them.

JOSHUA PONSONES (Knight #3/Sir Harold/Harry Standby) Josh is so excited to return to the stage for his second summer season at Starlight (third

if you count Virtual) and continue to call the stage his second home. He has been previously seen on the stage in A Christmas Story (Ensemble), Twelfth Night (Sea Captain), The Addams Family (Lurch), West Side Story (Indio), and A Charlie Brown Christmas (Pigpen). Josh also works in the scene shop during the day, building sets and serving looks. Josh is currently transferring from RVC to Rockford University to finish his education with a BFA in Acting/Directing. He would like to give his love to his family, friends, and everyone involved at Starlight.

DOUGLAS RAPPA (The Wizard) Douglas has performed, directed & volunteered in local community theaters and murder mystery dinners for almost 20 years.

Some of his favorite musicals include The Phantom of the Opera, Peter Pan, Spamalot, The Producers, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz & West Side Story. He is also the recipient of the “Outstanding Performance in a Musical” award for his role in BCT’s WINNING entry of Ring of Fire during the 2014 Illinois Theatre Association’s State Championship. Douglas would like to thank Jesus, his wife, his family, the cast, the crew & all who support community theater! God Bless!


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KATHY STEVENS (Queen Aggravain)Kathy is thrilled to be a part of this unique Starlight season, last seen on this stage in the role of Judas in

Jesus Christ Superstar. Kathy has been a part of the area arts scene for many years. Her credits include work with New American Theater, Clock Tower Dinner Theatre, soloist with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, touring the Midwest as lead singer of the rock band The Torpedoes, Starlight Theatre, Studio Theatre, dozens of television commercials, and numerous private performances. This one is for Percy, Mia, Ben, and Marguerite!

CALEB STAEHR (Prince Dauntless) is the band and choir teacher at Rockford Lutheran School and principal musician at St. Paul

Lutheran Church in Rockford. Staehr’s background in acting includes serving in such roles as Will Parker (Oklahoma!), Captain Bluebeard (A Pirate’s Life for Me), Albert Peterson (Bye Bye Birdie), and Old Behrman (The Last Leaf). This is Staehr’s first season with Starlight Theatre, and he is so grateful for the opportunity to re-enter the theater community!

MARCUS TOBIAS (The Minstrel)Marcus is so excited to be back on the stage again. He would like to thank the Production Team for

casting him this season, And his family & friends for their love and support. Let’s have fun cause lord knows we need it.

ALLISON WILSON (Pantomime Princess/Lady Merrill/Dance Captain) Allison Wilson is going to be a sophomore at NIU in the fall and

is studying Biology. This is her 4th season with Starlight! Some of her favorite past credits include Jo in Little Women and Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act, both at Guilford High School. She is so happy to finally be coming back to the Starlight stage after a year off (thanks to you know what). She wants to thank all of her friends, family and everyone who made this show possible! She hopes you enjoy it!

MYRIAH SAUNDERS (Lady Larken) Myriah is thrilled to be performing in her second season with Starlight! She danced her way through Shrek and Dirty

Rotten Scoundrels in Starlight’s 2018 season, and has not been on a stage since. In the past Myriah has been seen on stage with Christian Youth Theater, Christian Life High School, and Gateway Performing Arts. Shout out to the rest of the Saunders bunch!

NATHAN SEVEY(Knight #4) “My name is Nathan Sevey, I am sixteen years old and so happy to be a part of my first Starlight show. When I am not

doing theater I enjoy running, listening to music, and brain teasers. I would like to thank my parents for helping me to get to and from practices this year, and my acting teacher Mrs. Wolf for all she’s taught me as well as helping me with my audition.”

HANNAH SLEGER(Choreographer) is ecstatic to be getting back into live theatre, creating and teaching choreography this year.

This is her ninth production she’s choreographed for Starlight Theatre, as well as choreographing three productions for RVC’s former Studio Theatre, and numerous other productions for other local theatre groups and high schools in the last 15 years of being a Choreographer in the Rockford area. Dance has been a big part of Hannah’s life since she was three years old, and so has Starlight Theatre since she’s been twelve years old, making it a home away from home. Hannah extends an immense amount of gratitude to Chris Brady for believing and supporting her abilities, pushing her and allowing her to grow, and continuously giving her opportunities in many areas, here at Starlight - you are a joy to work with, my friend. That gratitude also extends to her fellow fabulous production team members - Theresa, Mark, Alex, Mary, Brandon, Carmen, Jenna, and Grace; her two AMAZING dance captains - Elle and Allison; and to this outstanding cast of Mattress. She dedicates her work on this production to her late mother, Victoria Sleger - who, back in 2001, directed Hannah in her high school senior year production of Once Upon A Mattress.

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS BIOS


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PIT ORCHESTRA BIOSNEVAGAY ABEL ClarinetNevagay is playing in her fifth show at Starlight and thrilled to have the opportunity this year.

She also plays with the Beloit College Concert and Jazz bands on alto saxophone. Her day job is as the VIce President of Engineering at Quantum Design and head coach of the Auburn High School Scholastic Bowl Team. Best of luck to all the casts and crews!

MARQUELLE CNOTA ViolinMarquelle Cnota (Violin) is excited to travel back in time to re-visit her good friends Prince Dauntless

and Princess Fred on this impromptu summer musical journey. It’s been 25 years since she last visited her comfy seat in their kingdom, and we all know that after the 18 months we’ve just had, it’ll be nice to catch up with old friends! So sit back and enjoy our 2021 Happily, Happily, Happily Ever After!

GEORGE ESPINO PercussionThis is George’s second Starlight show, and he hopes to be part of many more in seasons to come!

When not in the orchestra pit George can be found teaching the great students at West Middle School, playing in the Rockford Wind Ensemble, or having a meal at one of Rockford’s great restaurants.

SUE FUNK French HornSue Funk graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in music education. She worked at Interlochen Arts Camp, where she

was a part of their summer musical programs, and performed in several shows. She has been a music teacher in RPS for over 10 years and is currently the Orchestra and Choir teacher at Lincoln Middle School. She is the music director for Main Street Players of Boone County, and is excited for their musical this year, The Sound of Music. This is her 2nd show with Starlight, and is so happy to be a part of this amazing show!

SALVATORE GALLUZZO ViolinSalvatore is going into his Junior year at University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign pursuing a

Major in Biology along with a Minor in Chemistry, and a Minor in Business. He is excited to be able to play in the pit for Once Upon a Mattress, this will be his 4th show in the pit and his 2nd time playing for Once Upon a Mattress, having played it once through his high school. Enjoy the show!

NADIA JENSEN Keyboard/Harp Nadia is a senior at Belvidere High School this year. This is her first time being in a show at

Starlight and she is excited to have been given the opportunity to work with so many talented people.

ALEX JOHNSON BassYa like jazz? Alex does.

JOSEPH KRIZ GuitarJoseph Kriz is very happy to have been a part of Starlight orchestras since 2008. The jazzy guitar part for Mattress is fun to play. Joseph

also plays guitar and bass for church in Beloit, and does some recreational flying out of Poplar Grove airport. Thanks Jean!

SARA LEIB ViolinSara is excited to return to the pit this summer as she celebrates the 50th anniversary of her first Starlight pit orchestra experience

(Oliver!, 1971). Sara has performed in numerous musical groups in the Rockford area. She is currently a member of the Rock Valley College and Community Orchestra and the Rock Valley Summer Festival Orchestra. Playing at Starlight has always been a highlight. She is thankful to all of you and the many others who have helped this community gem sparkle for over a half century.


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most happy the summers she gets to participate in this gem of Rockford. Lifelong participation in the arts and in learning offers us a way to connect with each other & our community. Thanks to RVC, Starlight, Chris & Mark for making my summer! She wishes to thank her husband, who goes above and beyond in his support of her passion…and can often be seen toting her horn.

ALLISON WHITE, Bass ClarinetAllison is a clarinetist and third year music education major at the University of Illinois at Urbana-

Champaign. She started playing in pit orchestras while at Belvidere High School and has performed in many other orchestras and bands since - most recently with the Rockford Concert Band and the Marching Illini! She would like to thank her past music educators, friends, and family for supporting her through her music and higher-education journeys. She loves this show and is super excited to be a part of it!

TERESA WILMOT, ViolaTeresa Wilmot first played in the pit in 1977 for The Sound of Music. After several years’ intermission in the 80’s and 90’s she returned for

Annie in 1999, with her cellist daughter, Erin Dajka. Now a senior citizen, she enjoys working with younger players.

KRIS WORDEN, TrumpetKris Worden began playing trumpet in 7th grade, with a primary focus on jazz. He went on

to play lead trumpet in the NIU jazz orchestra. Kris is going to school to become a physical therapist, enjoys spending his time researching and learning new things.

ELLA YATES, FluteElla Yates is excited to be a part of the pit at Starlight! This is the first time she’s been in the pit, but she has been in band through her high

school. She’s thrilled to be a part of the return of live theatre at Starlight!

AMAYA LIVINGSTON, CelloAmaya is a cellist. She has been playing the cello for almost 6 years. This is her first time playing

in the pit at Starlight. She goes to Rock Valley College and is going for a music major!

ZACH MAINE TrumpetZach has been a member of the pit orchestra since 2014’s The Sound of Music and has been in at least one show a year since. A native

of Iowa, Zach has been involved in playing music since he was 5 years old. He picked up a trumpet in 4th grade and the rest is history. You can check out some arrangements of his on YouTube!

NATHAN REYES PercussionNathaniel Reyes is so excited to perform in the Starlight pit orchestra for his first time this

year. He is twenty years old, enjoys playing drums for various types of gigs, and likes to go hiking in his free time. Enjoy the show!

CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ TromboneThis is Christian Rodriguez’s first time being a part of Starlight and a pit. He’s a trombonist at

Belvidere High School. He is very thankful for the chance given to him here, and hopes to continue to make music in the future.

VERONICA SORIA-MARTINEZ ViolaBorn in Spain and living in Rockford, Veronica enjoys playing viola and some violin, making and

teaching art, and spending time with her family.

TERESA WALTERS French HornRVC offers so many wonderful programs, gives us many opportunities, and allows us to

participate in great intergenerational programs. Starlight is one of those programs, and Teresa is

PIT ORCHESTRA BIOS


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OUR FRIENDS

OUR STARSConstellation

$1000Roof-Raiser

$500+Star

$200+Angel$150+

Benefactor$125+

Patron$100+

Sponsor$75+

Contributor$50+

Supporter$25+

Invitation for 2 to Monday nightTechnical rehearsals in June

Name in program & waived exchange fees

Invitation for 2 for a special evening artistic discussion with the season director & artistic team

Early access to season & single tickets

Souvenir show posters signedby casts (all shows)

Souvenir show poster signedby cast (show of your choice)

Option to purchase a number of season tickets in preferred seating area -level determines number of tickets

Recognition in program as anAssociate Producer for theproduction of your choice

Invitation for 2 to theFriends’ Reception wherethe season will be announced

Invitation to attend selectedrehearsals of the play you arehelping to produce

20tickets

10tickets

6tickets

5tickets

4tickets

3tickets

2tickets

1ticket


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OUR FRIENDS

OUR STARSConstellation

$1000Roof-Raiser

$500+Star

$200+Angel$150+

Benefactor$125+

Patron$100+

Sponsor$75+

Contributor$50+

Supporter$25+

Invitation for 2 to Monday nightTechnical rehearsals in June

Name in program & waived exchange fees

Invitation for 2 for a special evening artistic discussion with the season director & artistic team

Early access to season & single tickets

Souvenir show posters signedby casts (all shows)

Souvenir show poster signedby cast (show of your choice)

Option to purchase a number of season tickets in preferred seating area -level determines number of tickets

Recognition in program as anAssociate Producer for theproduction of your choice

Invitation for 2 to theFriends’ Reception wherethe season will be announced

Invitation to attend selectedrehearsals of the play you arehelping to produce

20tickets

10tickets

6tickets

5tickets

4tickets

3tickets

2tickets

1ticket


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STARLIGHT SHAKESStarlight Shakes, building off of the success and thrills of previous years, is now poised to bring you, MacBeth! Gritty, bloody (sometimes), powerful, the story of MacBeth is always thrilling, especially when it’s outdoors in October on the Ray Castle Stage! So bring your chairs, blankets, food, and intrigue for what will surely be one of the most stunning nights of your year! Oh, and this is a “pay what you think it’s worth” event, so no advanced ticket sales are needed!

Save the Date: October 15 - 17, and 22 - 24

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS CREW Jehona Bexheti • Mychall Cornejo • Adam Hagedorn • Valerie Hagedorn

Liam Johnson • Lindsay Johnson • Dominic Reyes

Erinn Rossol • Tim Sullivan • Ansonny Valle


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PRODUCTION STAFFCollege President Dr. Howard Spearman

Executive Producer Ron Geary

Producer & Director Christopher D. Brady

Guest Director(s) Richard Raether Gentleman’s Guide

Technical Director Brandon Mechler

Scenic Designers Brandon Mechler Charlie Brown & Little Shop

Carmen Turner Gentleman’s Guide & Mattress

Choreographers Mychall Cornejo Gentleman’s Guide & Charlie Brown

Hannah Sleger Mattress

Amanda Jensen Little Shop

Music Directors Jodi Beach Gentleman’s Guide

Lisa Miller Charlie Brown

Mark Miller Mattress

Cassandra Johnson Little Shop

Costume Designer Alex Christopher McIntyre Full Season

Costume Shop Manager Vicki Benson

Costume Shop Assistants Bethany Nelson - Patterner Toni Baumann - Patterner Emily Compton Dori Marsh Jonathan Lane

Stage Managers Hannah Greenberg Gentleman’s Guide

Lily Perez Charlie Brown

Mary Peterson Mattress & Little Shop

Box Office Manager Theresa Garner

Box Office Assistants Sage Plapp Celeste Rodriguez Katelyn Ackland Emma Gawaran

Master Carpenter Carmen Turner

Set and Prop Construction Jehona Bexheti Hannah Bolstad Danny Dobrowolski Keelee Shae Salvatore Mendez Guillermo Hernandez Asher Moran Joshua Ponsones Max Taylor Gabrielle Tifft Tim Sullivan Maddi Smith

Charge Artist Hannah Sleger Full Season

Sound Designer Cierra Conrad Full Season

Lighting Designers Jim McDowell Gentleman’s Guide & Mattress

Gabrielle Tifft Charlie Brown & Little Shop

Master Electrician(s) Gabbrielle Tifft Hannah Bolstad

Season Graphic Designer-Poster/Cover Design Aaron Johnson

VOLUNTEERS

Assistant Directors Katherine Zieman Charlie Brown

Theresa Garner Mattress

David Zimmerman Little Shop

Rebecca Jensen Little Shop

Assistant Stage Managers Mary Peterson Lily Perez Hannah Greenberg Jessica Spencer Autumn Dancy Grace Hahn-Varona Jenna Christ Hannah Bolstad Noella Bonsol

Sound Engineers/Assistants Autumn Dancy Hannah Bolstad Charlotte Kirschbaum Maddi Smith

Volunteer Costume Shop Assistants Barb Coffman Barb Johansen Barb Clay Sandy Nice Lady

Volunteer Box Office Assistants Catherine I. Martin Kim Dickinson

Volunteer Set and Prop Construction Tim Martin Bernie Sehr Keizo Osuga Matt Thomas White Renee Voegeli


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PRODUCTION STAFF BIOSKATELYN ACKLAND (Box Office Assistant) has always been in love with music and art. Katelyn loves working to touch the lives of people in positive ways. In the Fall, she is excited to begin the Dental Hygiene program at Rock Valley College and will play clarinet in the NIU Sinfonia. She is thankful and excited to work with so many kind Starlight theater staff and patrons, and hopes that you enjoy the performance!

VICKI BENSON (Costume Shop Manager) “It is great to be writing this to you, the audience, since for many months we were not sure if we would ever see you again! Our reunion of costume shop staff actually just occurred in March, 2021 and we are so excited to be back together again! In my 7 years, I could never have imagined that we would be affected so deeply by a pandemic! We are working hard to bring you into this wonderful world of theatre through the costumes you will see before you. We love what we do and we hope you will feel that joy through each piece worn by the actors on stage!”

JEHONA BEXHETI (Set & Prop Construction) After a year of being gone, Jehona is excited to finally be back and see everyone back in action. From building to staying up late and painting the sets, everything was all worth it in the end. She hopes you all enjoy the shows, AND THE SETS!!

HANNAH BOLSTAD (Master Electrician/Set & Prop Construction) Hannah is super excited to get back out onto the theatre scene, after years of being stuck at home. She recently started college at Columbia College in Chicago, and has since then light designed, and assisted on a couple shows there! She is a theatre lighting technician major and can’t wait to get back into the swing of things with all her friends again here at Starlight!

CHRISTOPHER D. BRADY (Producing Artistic Director)A long-time member of the Starlight Theatre family, father and husband to the greatest family imaginable, and hopeful Prius-Dweller, Christopher is honored to continue his tenure as the Producing

Artistic Director here at his first theatre home, Starlight. As an actor in almost 90 productions here, Christopher remembers his first show ”Cinderella” (Coachman) and “Western Star” (chorus) quite fondly. Since his start, however, he studied at the American Musical and Dramatics Academy in NYC, and has performed in NYC, Timberlake Playhouse, Artists Ensemble, (usual) Suspects, Starlight Shakes, and in Starlight’s Starlittle Series. Not knowing whether or not there would be a season this year was difficult, but he is truly thankful to be back with you all sharing the evenings under the stars! Christopher would like to give a huge thank you to all of the Starlight volunteers and the community of artists here in Rockford; you give our city so much value, and to you, the audience, for joining us on these flights of fancy and expression! Above all, all the love he has belongs to his beautiful family, Erin, Ophelia, and Imogen.

BARB CLAY (Costume Shop Volunteer) Has sewn costumes for schools and theatre in this area for many years. She is excited to be back working with the Starlight costume crew and hopes you enjoy the show

BARB COFFMAN (Costume Shop Volunteer) This is Varv’s third season and she is thrilled to be back volunteering in the costume shop! Barb also enjoys assisting Victoria Benson with Rosie’s Birthday Club. She hopes you enjoy this season!

EMILY COMPTON (Costume Shop Assistant) This is Emily’s fourth season at Starlight and she is very excited to be back! She previously has volunteered doing makeup and is now working with costumes as a student worker. She thanks her friends and family for supporting her and encouraging her throughout her time at Starlight!

KIM DICKINSON (Volunteer Box Office Assistant) is returning for her fourth year volunteering at Starlight. She will do anything that is needed around the office - except for ticket sales! Thanks to everyone for being so nice!


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PRODUCTION STAFF BIOSDANNY DOBROWOLSKI (Set & Prop Construction) Danny is back to kick @&% and dish out good vibes. They’re living it up in the big city but venture back to see all our sweet faces. They’ve put blood, sweat, and tears into building these sets. They hope you enjoy the shows as much as they enjoyed building them!

THERESA GARNER (Box Office Manager) Theresa Garner is so happy to be able to serve the Starlight community as the Box Office Manager! She loves the opportunity to work with such amazing people and have the chance to get to know the patrons and friends of Starlight who have made it what it is today. I hope you enjoy the shows!

EMMA CLAIRE GAWARAN (Box Office Assistant) is excited for her first year in the box office! This is her third season at Starlight and loves every second of it. Other than the box office, you can find Emma on stage this season in Once Upon A Mattress and Pinkalicious. She hopes you enjoy the shows!

GUILLERMO HERNANDEZ (Set & Prop Construction) Guillermo is excited to start working on the crew! He is working on his second summer at Starlight! You can also see him in Once Upon a Mattress and Pinkalicious!

JONATHAN LANE (Costume Shop Assistant) began volunteering at Starlight in 2017 and is excited to start his first season working in the costume shop! He would like to thank his friends and family for being supportive of his creativity.

DORI MARSH (Costume Shop Assistant) Has worked in the costume shop for 4 years and is completing her final semester at Rock Valley College this fall. ALongside her love for building costumes and creating prosthetics for Shrek: the Musical, in her free time, she digitally designs stickers!

CATHERENE I. MARTIN (Volunteer Box Office Assistant) has been a box office volunteer for the past four (plus) years. She has been appearing on the Starlight stage since 1993 and appeared 2019 in Mamma Mia and Madagascar.

She loves hanging out at Starlight with her friends and family and calls this her ultimate summer camp!

TIM MARTIN (Set & Prop Construction) has been cutting wood and hammering nails at Starlight for the past four years. A retired electrical engineer, he enjoys spending time in the yard and helping his four granddaughters invest wisely! He is steadily working on his goal of reading a biography for each of the US Presidents.

BRANDON MECHLER (Technical Director) Is excited to be back at Starlight Theatre! He has been a part of Starlight Theatre since 2007 as a volunteer for stage crew. Since then, he has been in numerous different roles including Light Board Programmer, Master Carpenter and now Technical Director. He would like to thank Chris for this opportunity and making his first theatre experience in 2007 so enjoyable to start him down this career! He also wants to thank his wife, Daisy, for being so supportive throughout this journey!

SALVATORE MENDEZ (Set & Prop Construction) Salvatore is thrilled to be a part of the Starlight day crew and has learned a lot in his first year with the scene shop. Salvatore is also performing in two productions this summer and has found it eye-opening to see all the work that goes into a production behind the scenes to make everything aesthetically pleasing.

ASHER MORAN (Set & Prop Construction) After a year of solitary confinement with his rats, Asher Moran is happy to finish his third year at Starlight.

BETHANY NELSON (Costume Shop Patterner) is back working her 5th year in the costume shop at Starlight and she couldn’t be more ecstatic! She is blessed to be doing what she loves every day and couldn’t do it without Chris, Vickie, Alex, Carmen and her family. Bethany is also thrilled to be costume designing her first Starlight show - PINKALICIOUS! She hopes you are as happy as her that Starlight is back, and she hopes you enjoy a season under the stars!


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PRODUCTION STAFF BIOSSAGE PLAPP (Box Office Assistant) has had a lovely time in the Box Office this season. She’s enjoyed having the chance to work with all the wonderful patrons and her coworkers. Her main focus right now is on her communications major, and she also works as a music reviewer. Her busy life has kept her from the stage, but she wants to jump back into it soon.

JOSHUA PONSONES (Set & Prop Construction) Josh is thrilled to return to living in Starlight’s pit for his third season on stage and in the shop. He hopes you enjoy his work on the sets, as well as his performances in Once Upon a Mattress and Little Shop of Horrors.

BERNIE SEHR (Set & Prop Construction) is back rooting around in the basement braving the cold and the heat, polar vortex, snow, and rain trying to make lumber fit together well enough to be turned into beautiful scenes by the artist/painters. 2019 season’s sets seemed to fit together and hold up, so they let him try it again this season. He would like to thank the rest of the crew for their incredible patience.

CELESTE RODRIGUEZ (Box Office Assistant) Celeste has had an awesome time working in the Box Office for the last two years! She has enjoyed working in this type of environment because she can be around such creative people! Her recent goals are to continue pursuing her dream of being an x-ray technician, but also being able to gain and rent out properties. Her love for the stage has never left and she hopes with upcoming shows, she’ll be able to be a part of a production again.

KEELEE SHAE (Set & Prop Construction) Keelee is happy to be a part of the starlight family and hopes you all enjoy the shows! She is an aspiring artist and you can support her art on Instagram! @keeleeshae

HANNAH SLEGER (Scenic Charge Artist) Hannah is excited to be back for her sixth(ish) season as Scenic Charge Artist, and to be back at the theatre with a paintbrush in hand after this last year. Outside of Starlight Theatre, Hannah has painted sets for Artists’ Ensemble, The Usual

Suspects, Bonzi Productions, and a whole slew of high school productions. When she’s not spending time in the shed out back behind the theatre, painting drops, you can find her in rehearsals for this season’s Once Upon a Mattress as the choreographer. Hannah sends the biggest of gratitude to Brandon Mechler and Carmen Turner for their continuous and fabulous hard work, and for designing such beautiful sets for her to paint; to the student workers and painting volunteers for making her life a whole heck of a lot easier; and to her dad, Jon Sleger, for putting a paintbrush in her hand as a kid and showing her the ways of scenic painting.

MADDI SMITH (Set & Prop Construction) Maddi is very excited to be back for her third season at Starlight! Maddi recently graduated summa cum laude from DePaul University with her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and minors in History and Sports Communication. At DePaul, she spent two years as the President and Artistic and Technical Director of the DePaul Theatre Union and as President of the DePaul Acaversity a capella group. This season, she is A2 for all five shows and spends her spare time volunteering (and being a general menace) in the scene shop and is extremely glad to be back at her favorite place with her favorite people. She would like to thank Chris and Brandon for welcoming her back again this year and all of her Starlight friends that have become family.

TIM SULLIVAN (Set & Prop Construction) Tim is excited to be back and helping to make Starlight happen after far too long of a break. He just finished school at the University of Iowa and got his degree in Civil Engineering, but is around to be a part of at least one more summer. He hopes you enjoy all the shows!

MAX TAYLOR (Set & Prop Construction) Max is super excited to be back out at starlight! This will be season 14 for Max, and he would like to thank his mom for always pushing to do more.

GABRIELLE TIFT (Master Electrician/Set & Prop Construction) Gabrielle is so excited to be back at Starlight for her fourth season. She just finished her sophomore year at Carthage


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College as a Technical-Direction Theatre major with two minors in Costume Design and Dance. Gabrielle is a member of Alpha Psi Omega, Alpha Lambda Delta, and the National Dance Education Organization. You may have seen some of her light design work here on the Starlight stage in CINDERELLA AFTER THE BALL (2018), MADAGASCAR (2019), and A CHRISTMAS STORY (2019). She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support as well as Chris Brady and Brandon Mechler for this opportunity.

CARMEN TURNER (Master Carpenter) Having discovered quickly in her youth that being on stage was not the place for her, Carmen is happy to have found a channel for her creativity behind the scenes at Starlight. She thanks her husband and children for their patience with her crazy schedule and finds it weird writing about herself in the third person.

RENEE VOEGELI (Volunteer Set & Prop Construction) Renee abandoned Starlight for the film department but is glad they have been welcomed back with open arms. They’ve missed their coworkers, building sets and props, and sawdust in their lungs. They hope you enjoy the show, and appreciate the pure pound of work it took to create!

MATT THOMAS WHITE (Set & Prop Construction) is delighted to be a part of Starlight’s 54th season and is happily returning for his seventh year as a volunteer. He works backstage on set designs. Matt would love to thank his many friends, family and relatives for their most joyous love and support. Delight is the word. Many blessings and enjoy the show!

PRODUCTION STAFF BIOS


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FRIENDS OF STARLIGHT DONATIONS

CONSTELLATIONS ($1,000+)Rich & Diane KryzanskiLyn & Roger Becknell Jim & Carol CoxJohn & Connie Heins Tim & Cathy MartinLinda & Jaxon Oshita Barbara Reams Keith Syfert & Linda Miller Gene & Maggie Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Russ Stoneback John WaltersGale Miller

ROOF-RAISERS ($500+)Dave Mark Michael & Nancy DagefoerdeJohn & Susan DeGuideLois Cannell RamonKen & Martha Reinert

STARS ($200+)Joanna & Michael CermakDoug, Jan, & Kristie Clark Michael Cyrs--Savant Capital ManagementEd & Debbie GoelzDon & Elaine Johnson Janet & Tim Keating David & Beverly Klintworth Greg & Barb Lee Cathy & Kevin McDermottAllan & Beverly Merfeld Sam & Deb Overton Jay & Kristine QuinnJoe & Mary Jo RossFlorence Sandberg Thomas & Karen Schiller Brad & Valerie Schreiner Eugene Swanson Jack & Linda WattsKen & Mary WolowiecFred MillerRobbin NelsonJack & Sue CrandallCharles LindstromDennis and Shawna Bartimmocia Karen Grover

ANGELS ($150+)Jeff & Kelli Aaby-Stovall Brent & Susie Bernardi Mike & Kathy CrandallJudy DiehlJohn & Robin HovisDennis & Paula Olson Bill & Peg Reilly Jim & Sandy StammJudith NicholsDonald S. Holt Joel & Lynnette Danzl-Tauer

BENEFACTORS ($125John & Anna BorchersArmer Swanson Sue JansonDeb & Keith Iverson William ZartmanJeff & Dawn BarteauJeff & April Bold Ron & Lorree Brey Dale & Kim DickinsonRobb & Becky Edwards Lee & Lynn FoeckingDr. & Mrs. Alvin L. Francik Sandra GoetzChristina HiltropJohn & Cindy Maville John & Denise McMorrow Ray & Jo Marie PaulIn Memory of Lou SuitDolores M. WitteThe Pauli Family

PATRONS ($100+)The Dooley FamilyRob & Lauria JohnsonJacki Minnihan In Memory of Ralph Allen JohnsonAnonymous Bill & Kathy Scarpaci Mary Kay and Peter ThomasRod & Ginger Shives Rita Hogan Ward & Judy HaselhorstRuthann Gaston In Memory of Jane and Ken BrownMary Beth Kling Elizabeth HolmertzRichard MantelloSusan CusterBev MooreRobin RoegnerPeter KefferNancy AtanasoffConstance KramerEdward LadenburgerIn Memory of Louis & Marcy Trojniar Mel & Shirley FreundTom and Cathy HuberRon & Barb Jacobson John & Beth Johnson Mr. & Mrs. John KlineIn Loving Memory of Betty MummaBarry & Debbie NelsonDuane & Karen NeuendorfRandy & Deb SchaeferGil & Kathy SchimmolerRich and Sheryl SilvestriniThe Sinsabaugh FamilyMr. & Mrs. Barton Wilcox Lee & Gail Zook The Branom Family

Donations received as of July 15, 2021


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SPONSORS ($75+)Elizabeth WardMr. & Mrs. Richard J. Adams Phil AdkinsTerry & Mary AndersonJudy BartonRick & Bonnie BartonRon Brooks & George Lerret Sharon Bullis In Memory of Richard J. ElliottAnn & John KerwitzJohn & Barb Majernik Dietmar and Susan PuetzBill & Mariann Reilly Barb & Greg Small Dr. & Mrs. Brian F. Soltys, D.D.SLorelle & Robert Wandell Jean & Tom LenhartRise & Pierce Barker IIIWife “Lee” and son Gary SullivanDavid and Lori McGirkLinda BuschBetty Amick John & Denise Balsley James & Karen Brei John & Anne Ciaccio Don & Shirley HackerDr. Don & Judy HolderDoris & Ken MotznyBob & Sharon Reitsch Liz & Brent SchultzDr. Brenton B. Soltys, D.D.S.Ruth Steffen John & Glendia Strandin In Memory of Evelyn JungerbergLizbeth Whelpley Tom & Gail YanikAnna & Kevin MeenanMr & Mrs. Bradley BallLinda Kimel

CONTRIBUTORS ($50+)Bill & Marlene BeckMike & Marlene BukowskiGloria Burton Marilyn CalvinChristine EstesIn Memory of Leonard Friedlander who loved TheatreTom & Becky HarveyLarry & Suzanne HoppsCarolyn LuczakFrank LyfordDaniel L. McCullough In Memory of Gene SeelePaul & Amy SeilerBruce & Nancy ShindelSancee SieboldMrs. Ruthie L. WilsonAlice WorkingerMark & Mary Madaus Loren and Roberta NielsenGary and Ginny HuntKaren Shifo

SUPPORTERS ($25+)Janet & Richard LundinAnonymous Anonymous Marge RansickJim & Kathy RaschLawrence M. BauerLinda CarlsonAnonymous Michael & Nancy DriscollMrs. Ruth EsvangChris & Bill GissalAdrian GrubbDick & Carol KnowlesCharles and Michele LippertJeanne LongDarlene RiddleApril Rottman Sherri RudyJudy SchellenbergerTravis SmallKarl & Ellen SteiskalCarl SwansonMary WeldenDiana WiemerMary HornJanice KlimekMarilyn RothermelSusan BarbianJanet RauchRuth AtwoodJessica BonangEllen AndersonIn Memory of Sandy ConnellDarwin HolzmeyerArdis BuftonDon and Deanna ThunbergBob and Karen KammerStephanie GorhamNancy HoeyAnne Preston

FRIENDS OF STARLIGHT DONATIONS CONTINUED


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1st SEASON - 1967 Directed by David Meisenholder • Finian’s Rainbow

2nd SEASON - 1968 Directed by Donald Colucci • Patience • Waiting for Godot

3rd SEASON - 1969 Directed by John Pearce • Oklahoma!

4th SEASON - 1970 Directed by Ted Bacino • Man of LaMancha

5th SEASON - 1971 Directed by Ted Bacino • Oliver • Fiddler on the Roof

6th SEASON - 1972 Directed by Ted Bacino • 1776 • The King and I

7th SEASON - 1973 Directed by Ted Bacino • My Fair Lady • Promises, Promises

8th SEASON - 1974 Directed by Ted Bacino • How to Succeed… • No, No Nanette

9th SEASON - 1975 Directed by Ted Bacino • Godspell • Jesus Christ Superstar

10th SEASON - 1976 Directed by Kirk Denmark • Of Thee I Sing • A Little Night Music Directed by Jim Smith • Once Upon a Mattress

11th SEASON - 1977 Directed by Jim Crow • The Sound of Music • The Music Man

12th SEASON - 1978 Directed by Jim Crow • Camelot • Showboat

STARLIGHT THEATRE HISTORY 13th SEASON - 1979 Directed by Jim Crow • West Side Story • Hello Dolly!

14th SEASON - 1980 Directed by Jim Crow • Carnival • Funny Girl

15th SEASON - 1981 Directed by Neil Thackaberry • The Wizard of Oz • H.M.S. Pinafore

16th SEASON - 1982 Directed by Dominic Missimi • Grease Directed by Neil Thackaberry • Jacques Brel is Alive & Well & Living in Paris • South Pacific

17th SEASON - 1983 Directed by Dominic Missimi • Man of La Mancha Directed by Neil Thackaberry • Pirates of Penzance • Guys and Dolls

18th SEASON - 1984 Directed by Neil Thackaberry • Carousel • My Fair Lady Directed by Victoria Bussert • George M!

19th SEASON - 1985 Directed by Rod & Ginny MacDonald • Cabaret Directed by Thom Sobota • Oklahoma! Directed by Mike Webb • Evita

20th SEASON - 1986 Directed by Mike Webb • Barnum Directed by Leslie Robins • Music Man Directed by Mike Webb • Fiddler on the Roof

21st SEASON - 1987 Directed by Mike Webb • Peter Pan • 1776 • Candide

22nd SEASON - 1988 Directed by Mike Webb • Camelot • Annie Get Your Gun • 42nd Street

23rdSEASON - 1989 Directed by Mike Webb • Oliver! • Jesus Christ Superstar • Anything Goes

24th SEASON - 1990 Directed by Mike Webb • The King & I • The Student Prince • My One and Only

25th SEASON - 1991 Directed by Mike Webb • West Side Story • Shenandoah • A Chorus Line

26th SEASON - 1992 Directed by Mike Webb • Hello, Dolly! • Big River • Into the Woods

27th SEASON - 1993 Directed by Mike Webb • Kiss Me Kate • Rags • City of Angels

28th SEASON - 1994 Directed by Mike Webb • Meet Me in St. Louis • My Fair Lady • Evita

29th SEASON - 1995 Directed by Mike Webb • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers • The New Pirates of Penzance • Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

30th SEASON - 1996 Directed by Mike Webb • Bye Bye Birdie • Pippin • Crazy for You • Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat


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STARLIGHT THEATRE HISTORY CONTINUED

31st SEASON - 1997 Directed by Mike Webb • Guys & Dolls • Children of Eden • The Sound of Music

32nd SEASON - 1998 Directed by Mike Webb • The Secret Garden • Cinderella • Western Star

33rd SEASON - 1999 Directed by Mike Webb • Annie • Once On the Island • Fiddler on the Roof

34th SEASON - 2000 Directed by Mike Webb • Godspell • A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum • Hans Christian Anderson

35th SEASON - 2001 Directed by Mike Webb • The Music Man • Grease • Rebels

36th SEASON - 2002 Directed by Mike Webb • South Pacific • Honk! • 42nd Street

37th SEASON - 2003 Directed by Mike Webb • Big River • Just So! • Children of Eden

38th SEASON - 2004 Directed by Mike Webb • Showboat • You’re A Good Man • Charlie Brown • Hot Mikado • Seussical The Musical

39th SEASON - 2005 Directed by Mike Webb • Oklahoma! • Jesus Christ Superstar • Disney’s Beauty & the Beast • Chess

40th SEASON - 2006 Directed by Mike Webb • Cats • State Fair • Miss Saigon • Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

41st SEASON - 2007 Directed by Mike Webb • Peter Pan • Disney’s Geppetto & Son • Jekyll & Hyde • Ragtime

42nd SEASON - 2008 Directed by Mike Webb • Jonah • The Wiz • Little Shop of Horrors • Thoroughly Modern Millie

43rd SEASON - 2009 Directed by Mike Webb • David the King • Evita • The King and I • The Producers

44th SEASON - 2010 Directed by Mike Webb • Chicago • Aida • Rent • Annie

45th SEASON - 2011 Directed by Mike Webb • The Phantom of the Opera • After Dark • The Drowsy Chaperone • Hairspray

46th SEASON - 2012 Directed by Mike Webb Sweeney Todd • Little Women • Into the Woods • 9 to 5

47th SEASON - 2013 Directed by Mike Webb • Starlight Express • Xanadu • The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee • Les Misérables

48th SEASON - 2014 Directed by Mike Webb • The Sound of Music • Tintypes • Honk! • Monty Python’s Spamalot • Angel

49th SEASON - 2015 Directed by Mike Webb • Mary Poppins • The Last Five Years • Memphis • Young Frankenstein

50th SEASON - 2016 Directed by Mike Webb • Chitty Chitty Bang Bang • Jesus Christ Superstar • The Phantom of the Opera • Children of Eden

51st SEASON - 2017 Directed by Christopher D.Brady • Disney’s Beauty & the Beast • Peter & the Starcatcher • Sister Act • Godspell

52nd SEASON - 2018 Directed by Christopher D.Brady • Shrek • Jane Eyre • Dirty Rotten $coundrel$ • Anything Goes

53rd SEASON - 2019 Directed by Christopher D. Brady • Mamma Mia! • West Side Story • Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Directed by Hannah R. Sleger • The Addams Family

54th SEASON - 2021 Directed by Richard Raether • A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder Directed by Christopher D. Brady • You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown• Once Upon A Mattress • Little Shop Of Horrors


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FOR YOUR INFORMATIONASSISTED LISTENING DEVICESCan be checked out from the box office for use during performances. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are available one hour prior to the show.

REFRESHMENTSAre available in the concession stands on both sides of the upper seating section and on the west side of the theatre on the lower level. Concessions can be purchased before the performance and during intermission.

RESTROOMSCan be found on both sides of the upper seating section - women’s on the west side, men’s on the east side - and on the west side of the lower level (both).

SMOKINGIs not permitted at Rock Valley College except in designated areas. There are no designated areas in the theatre.

WHEELCHAIR SEATINGExists in several seating areas of the theatre. Please notify the box office in advance of the performance so we may better serve you.

RECORDING ANDTAKING PHOTOSAre NOT permitted during the production. Use of such devices is a violation of copyright law. Patrons found to be recording will be asked to delete their captures or be escorted from the theatre.

DONATIONS OF OLD CLOTHING AND FURNITUREAre gratefully accepted by Rock Valley College’s Theatre Program. Call (815) 921-2160 to arrange a donation.

COSTUME RENTALSThe costumes which appear in Starlight Theatre productions are designed and constructed by our costume shop. They are available for rental at modest fees.Contact Vickie Benson at (815) 921-2167

VOLUNTEERSAre needed for Starlight Theatre in order for us to function! We welcome your help regardless of your skill level. Call us at (815) 921-2160 to put yourself on a volunteer list or visit our facebook page and follow the volunteer link to sign up!

EXCHANGESTickets may be exchanged for a different time of the same performance. Tickets must be physically returned to the box office a minimum of 24 hours before the original performance time.

GROUP RATESGroups of 20 or more can receive a discount. Contact the Box Office for more information.

BOX OFFICE INFOBOX OFFICE HOURS10am - 4pm Tuesday - Friday and one hour before each performance.

CONTACTFor reservations, call (815) 921-2160. Write: Box Office, Rock Valley College, 3301 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61114. Fax to: (815) 921-2169. On-Line: www.RVCStarlight.com.

TICKETSAll seats are reserved. Individual ticket prices are: Adults - $25, Students/Seniors/Teachers/Military/RVC Employees - $21, and Children - $10.


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Our success at Starlight Theatre depends heavily on the time our volunteers are willing to commit to the

support of our program. We understand how the power of a performance goes beyond the storytelling on

stage, and is made greater by the experience you have while you are here. Are you greeted like part of the

family? Is the theatre clean and beautiful? Are concessions available with at reasonable prices? We rely on our

volunteers, our family, to perform many of these tasks, and they do a tremendous job! Their only reward is

a chance to see part of the play, an occasional cup of coffee, an infrequent pat on the back, and the intrinsic

reward of being part of a family that has enriched the lives of others. If an opportunity to be a part of our

family of volunteers interest you, here are some of the positions and what is involved therein.

HOUSE MANAGERS are responsible for directing the crew of ushers (during Starlight season,

they recruit the crew of 12 ushers for the show). They count the ticket stubs and report the count for each

performance. They oversee and participate in the post-show cleanup They report any problems to our staff.

House Managers arrive an hour before the show, and are usually free to go about twenty minutes after the

show ends..

USHERS are responsible for taking tickets from the patrons, distributing programs, helping patrons find

their seats, and helping pick up after the performance. Ushers arrive about an hour before the show, and are

free to go about twenty minutes after the show.

CONCESSIONAIRES are responsible for preparing the concession stands and food items

before the show, selling the food before the show and during intermission, and cleaning the stands after

intermission. Concessionaires arrive one or two hours before the show, and are free to leave about twenty

minutes after intermission.

BACKSTAGE CREW are responsible for moving set pieces on and off the stage, operating

spotlights, and/or flying set pieces in and out

CARPENTERS assist the set construction process during daytime hours and work closely with the

Scenic Designer and Technical Director.

BOX OFFICE PERSONNEL are responsible for selling tickets during daytime hours or hours of

show. Box office personnel will be trained throughout the year

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our Facebook page and sign up via the link

ORcall the box office at (815) 921-2160 and

have them add you to the list.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSRVC President Dr. Howard Spearman

Ron Geary

RVC Board of Trustees

Erin, Ophelia, and Imogen Brady

Daisy Mechler

John, Henry, Noah, and Iris Turner

The Amazingly Hard-Working staffhere at Starlight Theatre

The diligently hard-working staffhere at RVC

Brittany Freiberg &the RVC Foundation

RVC Marketing Department

RVC Mass Comm

RVC POM Staff

RVC IT Staff

Catherene Martin

Timothy Martin

Bernie Sehr

Barb Coffman

Matt Thomas White

Keizo Osuga

Renee Voegeli

Nick Korneski

Andrew Blevins State Farm Agent

Tim & Karla Dorgan

Belvidere North High School

All of our volunteers here atthe show around us all!

Janet Kjellstrom

Mike Thomason

Jeff Hendry

Dean Coryell

All of our Friends of Starlight

NAT Legacy Collection

In memory of Mr. Richard Nordlof

We pride ourselves on offering an affordable theatre experience in a clean environment.

In addition, Starlight Theatre is home to many different woodland creatures and garbage can be very harmful to their health. In order to ensure that the theatre is a clean

environment, please make sure to dispose of your trash in the proper receptacles

throughout the theatre.

Thank you for your continuedpatronage and support!

P L E A S E H E L P K E E P

B R I G H T !

starlightT H E A T R E


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Savage Gardens:The Carnivorous Plant DisplayThe real and imaginary world of carnivorous plantsJune 26–NOVEMBER 7, 2021

Explore the captivating world of carnivorous plants!

Immerse yourself in this unique world, and experience larger-than-life interactive sculptures that will give you a “bug's eye” view of these unique flora. The display features dozens of species, including Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, trumpet plants, butterworts, sundews, and more. Since many carnivorous plants are quite small, there are feature areas to get a close-up view of these amazingly adapted plants.

Regular admission rates apply to this exhibit. Conservatory guests are encouraged to pre-purchase admission tickets prior to visiting.

Admission Rates (Residents/Non-Res): Adults ($7/$9); Seniors 62+ ($5/$7); Veterans ($5/$7); Ages 5–17 ($5/$7); Ages 3–4 ($3/$4); Ages 2 and under (Free)

To purchase tickets and view events and activities schedule, visit nicholasconservatory.com

Garden Gate Gift Store

Visit the Garden Gate Gift Store for unique gifts, decor, and carnivorous plant-themed items!

*Delivery within 5 miles of NCG

Shop online at ncggardengate.comCurbside pick-up and delivery available!*

We welcome the opportunity to assist guests with disabilities. Call or text for info.

nicholasconservatory.com1354 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL815-987-8858

A facility of


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Our StarLittle this summer is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents (what!?)! Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with

pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe–a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. Alas PINKALICIOUS needs a way out of her pink predicament, and joined by her family,

especially her secretly pink-loving brother, Peter, they find unity and appreciation in the quirks that define us all! Enjoy this as a single show with your family or as an addition to your Starlight

season. Either way, you will have done it right, as this show is going to be aspectacular adventure for kids from 3 to 103!

P R O U D L Y P R E S E N T S


@rvcstarlight

@rvc_starlight


BOX OFFICE

815.921.2160RockValeyCollege.edu/Starlight

Book byELIZABETH KANN & VICTORIA KANN

Music byJOHN GREGOR

Lyrics byJOHN GREGOR, ELIZABETH KANN

& VICTORIA KANN

Based on the book “Pinkalicious” by ELIZABETH KANN& VICTORIA KANN

AUG12-14

proudly presents · 2021. 8. 2. · lyrics by marshall barer book by jay thompson, dean fuller...

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