TIME WILL TELL

Jesters presents
TIME WILL TELL
February 13 & 14, 2016
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
Having been at this for 6 seasons, our Jesters acting company now
shows up on the first day of rehearsal with strong, vivid, sometimes
mutually exclusive ideas for plots, characters, and songs they want to
perform. Together, during 20 rehearsals over the course of six months,
we meld and shape these ideas into an original musical play. This year,
we decided to take a stab at a murder mystery (pun intended). Knowing
that this year is the 100th anniversary of the founding of this church, we
decided to look back to 1915, a time when Highland Park, Southern
Methodist University, and this very church were just coming into being and
the world at large was filled with possibilities and challenges. Henry Ford’s
assembly line had just produced its millionth car. America was becoming
the industrial giant of the world, and was soon to contribute its might to
The War to End All Wars. Scott Joplin’s ragtime was all the rage, raising the
profile of African-Americans who were moving north to work in the great
factories. Suffragettes were actively campaigning for gender equality.
Immigrants were bringing new ideas, new languages, and new ways of living
to the young country. John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Charlie Chaplin,
Babe Ruth, and Helen Keller were the celebrities of the day. Dame Agatha
Christie was just beginning her storied career as the world’s greatest
writer of murder mysteries. It is in HER spirit that we present our play this
evening: a murder mystery set in a young America struggling to take its
place in the larger world, and struggling to make a place for all of its
citizens - no matter their gender, their ethnicity, or their talents. How will it
turn out? TIME WILL TELL.
CREW LIST
Director…...................................................................Lisa Lee Schmidt
Associate Director ............................................................Mark C. Guerra
Assistant Director/ Film Director.....................................Ruben Carrazana
Musical Director...............................................................Sara Kazanski
Composer and Arranger.................................................George Gagliardi
Choreographer.........................................................................Lela Bell
Costume Designers..............................Sarah Eubank and Shirley Harrison
Set Designers……………...........………Simon Lewis and Ruben Carrazana
Jesters Coordinator for HPUMC.................................................Liz Irwin
Production Manager...............................................................Mac Lower
Light and Technical Direction.......................................David Marchbanks
Slide and Video Operator....................................................James Bailey
Sound Operator............................................................Madeline McKee
Musicians........................................................................................
George Gagliardi, David Yonley, Phil Menshu, John Simon, & Sara Kazanski
Set Painters.........................................................................................
Maria Lewis, Kathryn Gee, Nancy Loehr, Jan Waggoner, & Ley Waggoner
rehearsal support & backstage crew
Allen Anderson, Doug Anderson, Kim Anderson, E.J. Burke, Laura
Coleman, Sarah Eubank, Ceci Gladbach, Shirley Harrison, Maggie Ingels,
Simon Lewis, Sylvia Luedtke, Mark McAnelly, Stephanie Newland,
Casmir Osuague, Sue Ringle, Shirley Spitler, Stan Spitler, Becca Whaley,
& Franklin Zuniga
JESTERS CAST (in order of appearance)
Elaine Scialo...............................................................................Elena
Allison Eliott..............................................................................Rachel
Cormac Currin............................................................................Charlie
Jessica Hallet Smith..............................................................Coco Jones
Shannon Harrison.......................................................................Stacey
Patricia Gibson...........................................................Aunt Sara, grouch
Rev. Paul Rasmussen.................................................Uncle Paul, grouch
Jason Carty..............................................Scott Joplin, famous composer
Joseph O’Neal............................................................Electrician / Butler
Nancy Appelman........................................Amelia Earhart, aspiring pilot
Austin Davenport..................................................Bob Sayer, the nephew
Leah Battalora.......................................Gloria Swanson, aspiring actress
Cindy Johnston.....................................................Agatha Christie, writer
Andrea Parton..............................................Mrs. Rene Sayer, the heiress
John Huff................................William P. Christopher III, the new husband
Chaz Curiel...............................................Harlan Sanders (of KFC fame)
Emily Himes.......................................................Maid at Sayer mansion
Reese Gould............................................Butler at Sayer mansion / Boxer
Katie Passmore........................................Helen Keller, writer and activist
Jeremy Criswell...............................................Phillip Keller, her brother
Nicholas Ensminger........................................Charlie Chaplin, comedian
Constance Lewis......................................................Lillian Gish, actress
Michael Susens......................................................Henry Ford, inventor
John McKinley..........................................John D. Rockefeller, millionaire
Christi Davenport............................................Margaret Carnegie, heiress
Justin Waters...............................................Jay Sayer, the other nephew
Matthew Kwasniak..........................................................Masked Marvel
John Farley..................................Reverend Sensabaugh, church founder
Abby Munn....................................................Mrs. Sensabaugh, his wife
Scott Spitler.................................................Babe Ruth, Red Sox pitcher
Chris Thompson..................Olaf Henricksen, Red Sox outfielder / Referee
Jake Eubank............................................Pinch Thomas, Red Sox catcher
Jack Hopkins................................................Jack Barry, Red Sox infielder
Dean Leffler............................................Dutch Leonard, Red Sox pitcher
Chrissie Allison..................................Miss Mary Brackenridge, suffragette
Erin Anderson....................................Miss Annette Finnegan, suffragette
Jason Edward Carter............................................Monsieur Hercule Poirot
SPECIAL THANKS
SPECIAL THANKS TO...
• SMU first year dance majors, SMU theater department, Theater
Three, Lake Hill Prepatory, Dallas Costume Shoppe, Behind
Every Door
• The Jesters families and friends for all of their amazing help with
the set, costumes and props, in addition to their love and support
of the program.
• Our ticket sellers and ushers
• The Fellowship Sunday school class
• Songs and lyrics composed by John Farley, John Huff, George
Gagliardi, and Sara Kazanski
• Additional musical arrangements by George Gagliardi
• Program artwork by Austin Davenport
• Kent Roberts for all of the background & church history he provided us.
• Barb Wynn for her assistance in helping us locate some obscure props.
• Boxing film video & editing by James Bedrich
• Intermission film video & editing by George Strong
HISTORY OF JESTERS
The concept of theater with those who have special needs was first
introduced to Highland Park United Methodist Church by church member
Sue Ringle, whose nephew has performed with a Jesters theater troupe in
Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Since then the HPUMC Jesters troupe has successfully planned,
practiced and preformed 5 original musical shows including Dave’s
Circle of Friends (’10-‘11), Movin’ On: A Family Tale of Squirrels, Police
and Magic (’11-’12), Slim Chance in Boot Heel (‘12-‘13), Paradise Island
(‘13-‘14), and Invasion from the Stars (‘14-‘15). This year marks the
6th season of Jesters.
All ticket sales and contributions will support Jesters and the Special
Needs Ministry at HPUMC.
SCENE order
ACT 1
Scene 1: Elena’s Bedroom, 2015
Scene 2: Guests arrive at the Sayer mansion, New Year’s Eve 1915
Scene 3: The Waltz
Scene 4: The Boxing Movie
Scene 5: Ragtime, Balloons, and Murder
Intermission
ACT 2
Scene 1: Song writing in Elena’s Bedroom, 2015
Scene 2: Perot is on the case, 1915
Scene 3: It wasn’t me!
Scene 4: Finale
ACTOR BIOGRAPHIES
CHRISSIE ALLISON / Miss Mary Brackenridge
This is Chrissie’s second season with Jesters. Originally hailing
from New York, she now calls Texas home. Upon arrival in Texas she
easily mastered the fine art of saying “y’all.” When she is not acting,
Chrissie attends My Possibilities in Plano.
ERIN ANDERSON / Miss Annette Finnegan
Erin is one of the Jesters originals and this is her sixth season
with the troupe. Her favorite performance is Paradise Island, in
which she played a member of the Haggard Family. When Erin is
not acting or dancing, she enjoys writing stories. Her favorite thing about Jesters is the acting. She has always liked the theater and the movies.
NANCY APPELMAN / Amelia Earhart
Nancy has been with Jesters for four years. Her favorite role is a
three way tie between acting as the Bear Tamer in Slim Chance
in Boot Heel, a Mermaid in Paradise Island, and the Costume
Designer in Invasion from the Stars. During the week, Nancy attends My
Possibilities and enjoys Equest, swimming, and YoungLife. Her favorite thing
about Jesters is being on stage in the spot light.
LEAH BATTALORA / Gloria Swanson
This is Leah’s third year with Jesters. Her favorite performance
was last year’s Invasion from the Stars, in which she played an
Alien. When she is not acting, Leah attends the Notre Dame
School of Dallas and volunteers at the Frontier Flight Museum and Howdy
Homemade. She loves to ride horses and participates in the Equest Equestrian
program. Leah’s favorite thing about participating in Jesters is meeting and
performing with new friends.
JASON EDWARD CARTER / Monsieur Hercule Poirot
Jason is one of the Jesters originals. His favorite past
performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel, where he played
Alonzo. When he is not acting with Jesters, he is acting at
My Possibilities or working as a waiter at Olive Garden. His favorite thing about
Jesters is that he enjoys playing the different roles.
JASON CARTY / Mr. Scott Joplin
This is Jason’s second year with Jesters. His favorite past
performance was as Captain Yuri in Invasion from the Stars. When
he is not acting, Jason enjoys reading books and talking about
sports. The thing he enjoys most about Jesters is that it is a fun social activity.
JEREMY CRISWELL / Mr. Phillip Keller
This is Jeremy’s sixth season with the Jesters troupe. He has loved
each performance so much that he cannot pick a favorite. When
he is not acting, Jeremy works for Dean Foods and volunteers
with Best Buddies. His favorite thing about Jesters is making new friends and
putting on a new play each year.
CHAZ CURIEL / Mr. Harlan Sanders
This is Chaz’s first season with Jesters. When he is not acting, he
is a student at El Centro College on the Bill J. Priest campus and
enjoys playing basketball and baseball. His favorite thing about
Jesters is that at Jesters he feels like he can goof off and he does not have
to be serious.
CORMAC CURRIN / Charlie
Cormac is one of the Jesters originals. His favorite past
performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel, in which he played
the Jokester. When he is not acting, Cormac attends the DISD
18+ program and participates in Special Olympics. His favorite thing about
Jesters is acting!
AUSTIN DAVENPORT / Nephew Bob Sayer
This is Austin’s sixth season with the Jesters troupe. His favorite
past role was as Allen the Rabbit in Movin’ On. When he is not
acting, Austin works as a mail room clerk at Baker Botts Law
Firm. His favorite things about Jesters are greeting his friends on Saturday
morning, dancing and singing.
CHRISTINA HOCKEL DAVENPORT / Margaret Carnegie
Christina, “Christi”, is a Jesters original. Her favorite past
performance was as the alien, Zelda, in last year’s production of
Invasion From the Stars. When she is not acting, Christi works
as a teachers’ aid at St. Thomas Aquinas Lower School, as a grocery store
courtesy clerk and as a homemaker. Her favorite things about Jesters are “when
everybody gets together to act, sing, and dance, meeting new people, seeing all
my old friends...and the cast party!”
NICHOLAS ENSMINGER / Charlie Chaplin
Nicholas is one of the Jesters originals and this is his
sixth performance with the troupe. His favorite past performance
is Slim Chance in Boot Heel, in which he played one of the
Amigos. When he is not acting, Nicholas is a student at Notre Dame School
of Dallas and enjoys juggling. His favorite things about participating in Jesters
are being able to perform in front of an audience and of course the friends and
volunteers, especially the girls.
JAKE EUBANK / Red Sox catcher: Pinch Thomas
Jake is a Jesters original and this is his sixth season. His
favorite past performance was being a Squirrel in Movin’ On.
When he is not acting, Jake enjoys swimming and being at the
farm. He enjoys being a part of Jesters because it gives him the opportunity to
make people laugh.
JOHN FARLEY / Reverend Sensabaugh
This is John’s sixth season with the Jesters troupe. His
favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel, in which
he played a Cowboy. When he is not acting, he attends My
Possibilities and enjoys practicing art and voice acting. His favorite things
about Jesters are singing, friendship and practicing acting.
PATRICIA GIBSON / Aunt Sara
Patricia was the very first Jesters cast member to sign up and this
is her sixth season. Her favorite role was as the Grandmother in
Movin’ On. Her favorite things about Jesters are all her friends
and the volunteers. “It is great seeing them year after year.”
REESE GOULD / Butler / Boxer
Reese made his debut with Jesters in 2011. His favorite past
performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel, in which he played
the Wanted Cowboy. When Reese is not acting, his life is full with
work, church involvement, and family life.
SHANNON HARRISON / Stacey
Shannon has been a part of the Jesters troupe for five years. Her
favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel, in
which she played the Angry Farmer. When she is not acting,
Shannon works part–time at the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library and
audits classes at TAMU–Commerce. She also enjoys dancing, singing and
acting in her spare time. Her favorite thing about Jesters is making friends.
EMILY HIMES / Maid
Emily is one of the Jesters originals and this is her
sixth season. Her favorite past performance is Movin’ On, in
which she played a news reporter. When she is not acting, Emily
attends Connecting Point of Park Cities. The things she likes best about Jesters
are learning about acting and being around all the nice people involved.
JACK HOPKINS / Red Sox infielder: Jack Barry
This is Jack’s sixth season with the Jesters troupe. His
favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel, in which
he played a Cowboy. When he is not acting, Jack does volunteer
work and co-teaches a Sunday School class. He also enjoys bowling, dancing and
anything theatrical. His favorite things about participating in Jesters are
the chance to be with friends and to play different characters. He also loves
the audience!
JOHN HUFF / Uncle William P. Christopher III
John is one of the Jesters originals. His favorite past
performance is a tie between Movin’ On, in which he played
Henry and Slim Chance in Boot Heel, in which he played the
Performance Troupe Leader. When he is not acting, John works as a volunteer at
the Children’s Aquarium and collects transforming figures. He loves coming
to Jesters because he feels it is one of the only places where he can truly
be himself.
CINDY JOHNSTON / Agatha Christie
This is Cindy’s sixth season with the Jesters troupe. Her favorite
past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel, where she played
Sandy. When she is not acting, Cindy works as an office assistant
at Locke, Lord LLP. She loves the friendships she has made in Jesters.
MATTHEW KWASNIAK / The Masked Marvel
Matthew is a Jesters original and this is his sixth season. His
favorite performance was last year’s Invasion from the Stars,
in which he played the Assistant Director, Mo. When he is not
acting, Matthew attends the vocational program at the Notre Dame School of
Dallas. He also enjoys making his own films, and attending the Joey Travolta
Inclusion Films camp in California. Matthew’s favorite things about Jesters are
enjoying learning to act and hearing the audience.
DEAN LEFFLER / Red Sox pitcher: Dutch Leonard
This is Dean’s fifth season with Jesters. One of Dean’s favorite
roles was as the Judge in Slim Chance in Boot Heel. When he
is not acting, Dean is involved with Mosaic of Dallas. Dean’s
favorite things about Jesters are getting into costume and playing fun and
different characters.
CONSTANCE LEWIS / Lillian Gish
Constance is a Jesters original and this is her sixth season. Some
of her favorite past roles were as a lawyer in Slim Chance in Boot
Heel, a detective in Paradise Island and as a movie extra named
Susan in Invasion from the Stars. When she is not acting, Constance attends
job training at the Notre Dame School’s post-grad program and enjoys exercise,
playing computer games and reading books. Her favorite things about Jesters
are gaining confidence through acting, being appreciated by people, and having
a group of friends; actors and volunteers, who have become like a family to her.
JOHN MCKINLEY / Mr. John D. Rockefeller
John has been a Jesters actor for four years. He has enjoyed all of
his past performances so much that he cannot pick a favorite. When
he is not acting, John enjoys reading, golfing, and playing guitar.
His favorite thing about Jesters is looking forward to playing a new character
each year.
ABBY MUNN / Mrs. Sensabaugh
This is Abby’s sixth season with the Jesters troupe. She loves
all the Jesters performances she has been a part of, but her
favorite role was when she played Roxie and sang “We are
Chickens” with her friend Cindy Johnston in the play Slim Chance in Boot
Heel. When she is not acting, she works at Guardian Pharmacy Services and at
Kohl’s Department Store. She enjoys Jesters because, “I am able to pursue my
passion of theater and do it with a wonderful circle of friends!”
JOSEPH O’NEAL / Electrician / Butler
This is Joseph’s second performance with Jesters. Last season
he played a Sound Man in Invasion from the Stars. Joseph
attends the Highland Park High School Transition Program and is
currently serving as an intern with HPUMC. His favorite thing about Jesters is
watching his friends do such a good job.
ANDREA ABIGAIL PARTON / Mrs. Rene Sayer
This is Andrea’s first season with Jesters. When she is not acting,
she works as the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) Chapter
Leader for DFW and enjoys horseback riding and photography.
Her favorite thing about participating in Jesters is working with the other cast
members to develop an original storyline.
KATIE PASSMORE / Helen Keller
This is Katie’s second performance with Jesters. Last season she
played a robot in Invasion from the Stars. Katie is a senior at
Pearce High School and her favorite thing about Jesters is being
surrounded by friends and awesome volunteers.
ELAINE SCIALO (LAINEY) / Elena
This is Elaine’s fouth season with Jesters. Her most recent
favorite performance is Invasion from the Stars, in which she
played the actress Rachel Berry. Elaine is currently a Hipster at My
Possibilities in Plano and volunteers at the Child Development Academy.
She also enjoys attending YoungLife, hanging out with friends and making
YouTube videos in her spare time. Her favorite things about Jesters are
practicing her dances and performing for family and friends from YoungLife.
JESSICA HALLETT SMITH / Coco Jones
Jessica is one of the Jesters originals and this is her sixth
season. Her favorite past roles are as the Detective in
Movin’ On, as a Lady Pirate in Paradise Island and as the Music
Director in Invasion from the Stars. When she is not acting, Jessica works on
the kitchen staff at The Hockaday School and is a Staff Assistant at Happy
Happs, after school program. She also volunteers in the Volunteer Office of
the George W. Bush Library and Museum. Her favorite thing about participating
in Jesters is everyone coming together with good ideas for the play each year.
SCOTT SPITLER / Red Sox pitcher: Babe Ruth
Scott is one of the Jesters originals and this is his sixth season.
His favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel where
he played both the cow and a cowboy/townsman. When he is not
acting, Scott does contract work for the Citizens Development Center assembling and sorting materials. His favorite things about participating in Jesters
are getting to act, sing and dance.
MICHAEL SUSENS / Mr. Henry Ford
Michael has been a Jesters actor for three seasons. His favorite
role was when he played Colonel Stronghold in Invasion from
the Stars. Michael is a senior at Highland Park High School and
enjoys model railroading when he is not acting. His favorite thing about Jesters
is that it is his chance to shine.
CHRIS THOMPSON / Red Sox outfielder: Olaf Henricksen/ Referee
Chris is a Jesters original and this is his sixth season. His
favorite Jesters performance is Invasion from the Stars, in
which he played an actor who played an astronaut named Major
Tom. When he is not acting, Chris attends My Possibilities, volunteers at The
Salvation Army and plays the cello. His favorite thing about Jesters is dancing.
JUSTIN WATERS / Nephew Jay Sayer
This is Justin’s fifth season with Jesters. His favorite past
performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel, where he played Slim
Chance. His favorite part of Jesters is making and having friends.
autographs
autographs
3300 MOCKINGBIRD LANE • DALLAS, TEXAS 75205 • HPUMC.ORG
The Feast
A welcoming weekly worship service for those with special needs, their
families and friends, and all who have a heart for special needs.
Sundays at 5:00 pm.
Kingdom Singers
Our new special needs choir for all ages where we sing, play
instruments and dance to beautiful music. Rehearsals are Sundays at
4:00 pm with performances at The Feast.
CrossWalk
A class that offers participants a chance to grow in their faith, while
enjoying fellowship. Multiple classroom settings accommodate
individuals of all ages, interests, and abilities. Sundays at 9:30 am.
Jesters
A theatrical performance opportunity for teens (16+) and adults
with special needs with rehearsals from September to February,
concluding in a two-night performance. We hope you enjoyed the show!
Night OWLS (Out With Loving Sitters)
A respite program for families who have children with special needs and
their siblings (to age 13). Held the first and third Friday of the month.
“With one mind and one voice we glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 15:6
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT OUR MINISTRY & SERVING OPPORTUNTIES:
Cheryl Vandiver • 214.523.2209 • [email protected] • hpumc.org/specialneeds