Dream Boy - Footlights

Dream Boy
by
Eric Rosen
Jim Grimsley
based on the novel by
with (in alphabetical order)
Matthew Boehm, Randall Ray Clute,
Kate Connor, Elizabeth Dement, Billy Evans, Jim Hanna*,
Craig Jorczak*, Christopher Maikish*, and Erin McIntosh
Lighting Design
Tim Swiss
Scenic Design
Stephen Gifford***
Costume Design
Allison Dillard
Sound Design
Rebecca Kessin
Properties Design
Michael O’Hara
Dialect Coach
Tuffet Schmelzle
Music Consultant
Gregory Nabours
Marketing/PR
David Elzer/
DEMAND PR
Casting
Jami Rudofsky
Production Stage Manager
Victoria Elizabeth Chediak
Graphic Design
Huntley Woods
Photographer
Matthew Brian Denman
Associate Producer
Mark Giberson
Consulting Producers
Greg Copeland
Christopher Sepulveda
Assistant Director
Ryan Bergmann
Produced by
Rebecca Eisenberg
Directed by
Michael Matthews**
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors
and Stage Managers in the United States.
**The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and
Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
***Member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829.
A MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MICHAEL C. KRICFALUSI
W
expenses we incur for rent on this
theatre, office expenses, storage
and more.
elcome to Celebration
Theatre @ The Lex and our second
production in our new home.
We’re very glad you’ve decided to
join us.
As a company, our members volunteer their time and efforts and
that helps to keep our expenses
lower. All of this however is never
enough to cover everything and
you’ll hear the same thing from
our fellow theatre companies. The
balance is covered through donations, grants and wherever else we
can find the funds. You can help
by becoming one of our donors.
Just go to www.celebrationtheatre.
com and you’ll be able to donate
directly to the theatre.
Many of you may already know
this but for those that don’t, this is
our 33rd season. Given everything
going on with 99-Seat Theatre in
Los Angeles, that’s an achievement we’re very proud of. We
know we wouldn’t have made
it were it not for the generous
support of our patrons and every
single donor.
Ticket sales are one part of covering the cost of the production but
they’re never enough to cover it
in full. Not to mention the regular
We all thank you so much for
being here today and hope you
enjoy the show.
PRODUCTION NOTICES
Dream Boy was originally developed and produced by About Face Theatre, Chicago, Illinois,
Kyle Hall and Eric Rosen, Artistic Directors. The original Chicago production ran June –
August, 1996. The play was revised and expanded at Seven Stages Theatre, Atlanta in June,
1998, and was subsequently produced in an About Face production in September, 1998. The
Chicago production received four Joseph Jefferson citations, including Best Play.
The play has had subsequent productions in San Francisco, Houston, and Chapel Hill.
Dramaturgical support for Dream Boy was provided by Kyle Hall.
SPECIAL THANKS
Celebration Theatre would like to thank the following
for their contributions to the production:
Our Subscribers, Membership Holders and patrons; Our Company Members; Jon Imparato,
Patricia, Cody and Mike and the LGBT Center; Theatre of NOTE; Sarah Bauer and the Blank
Theatre
2
CAST (Alphabetical)
MATTHEW BOEHM
RANDALL RAY CLUTE
KATE CONNOR
ELIZABETH DEMENT
BILLY EVANS
JIM HANNA*
CRAIG JORCZAK*
CHRISTOPHER MAIKISH*
ERIN MCINTOSH
Nathan
Roy
Mrs. Connolly
Mother
Burke
Father
Randy
Narrator
Hannah
UNDERSTUDY CAST (Alphabetical)
NICK BROVENDER
ELLIOTT MAYER*
LIZZY RICH
ALEXIS SIMPSON
SAM SONENSHINE
GARRETT WALTERS
Understudy for Nathan
Understudy for Father
Understudy for Hannah
Understudy for Mrs. Connolly/Mother
Understudy for Burke
Understudy for Randy
PRODUCTION TEAM
ERIC ROSEN
JIM GRIMSLEY
MICHAEL MATTHEWS**
RYAN BERGMANN
VICTORIA ELIZABETH CHEDIAK
STEPHEN GIFFORD***
TIM SWISS
ALLISON DILLARD
REBECCA KESSIN
MICHAEL O’HARA
TUFFET SCHMELZLE
GREGORY NABOURS
MICHAEL C. KRICFALUSI
MICHAEL MATTHEWS
MICHAEL A. SHEPPERD
MICHAEL O’HARA
REBECCA EISENBERG
NATHAN FRIZZELL
REBECCA EISENBERG
MARK GIBERSON
GREG COPELAND
CHRISTOPHER SEPULVEDA
JAMI RUDOFSKY
DAVID ELZER/DEMAND PR
HUNTLEY WOODS
MATTHEW BRIAN DENMAN
Playwright
Novelist
Director
Assistant Director
Production Stage Manager
Scenic Designer
Lighting Designer
Costume Designer
Sound Designer
Properties Designer
Dialect Coach
Music Consultant
Executive Director/Executive Producer
Co-Artistic Director/Executive Producer
Co-Artistic Director/Executive Producer
Managing Director/Executive Producer
Producing Director/Executive Producer
Literary Director/Executive Producer
Producer
Associate Producer
Consulting Producer
Consulting Producer
Casting Director
Publicist
Graphic Designer
Photographer
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors
and Stage Managers in the United States.
**The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and
Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
***Member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829.
3
CAST
Matthew
Boehm
Randall Ray
Clute
Kate
Connor
Elizabeth
Dement
Billy
Evans
Jim
Hanna*
Craig
Jorczak*
Christopher
Maikish*
Erin
McIntosh
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, The Union of Professional
Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
4
UNDERSTUDY CAST
Nick
Brovender
Elliott
Mayer*
Lizzy
Rich
Alexis
Simpson
Sam
Sonenshine
Garrett
Walters
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, The Union of Professional
Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
UPCOMING FROM CELEBRATION THEATRE
The Boy From Oz
by Peter Allen, Nick Enright
and Martin Sherman
Directed by Michael A. Shepperd
The Broadway musical hit
based on the life of Peter Allen.
5
CAST BIOS (Alphabetical Order)
MATTHEW BOEHM (Nathan) Matthew is very excited to work with Celebration Theatre
for the first time. He most recently was seen as a lead in the Lifetime movie Wuthering High
School. Notable theatre credits include Jack in Into The Woods and Matt in The Fantasticks.
When not acting, he enjoys pizza, video games, and pizza. Pizza. A big thanks to his family
for always being so supportive.
RANDALL RAY CLUTE (Roy) Randall is dedicated to spending all of his time in the pur-
suit of a long acting career. Just finishing his first film and starring in his first big play production as a lead in a theatre, Randall hopes to keep playing roles that will touch his audiences
and the people watching him. He is honored to be a part of Dream Boy and working with
Celebration Theatre.
KATE CONNOR (Mrs. Connolly) Stage includes: Celebrity (Actors’ Gang); The Chicago
Conspiracy Trial (Odyssey); The House of Blue Leaves (West Coast Ensemble); The Death
of Frank and Fools (Blue Sphere)... Kate has starred in films in Europe, Africa and the U.S.,
including opposite Eric Stoltz in the award-winning W.W.II feature Fort McCoy which she
also wrote/co-directed. TV credits include: “Mad Men”; “Criminal Minds”; “Heroes”; “Life”;
“Punk’d”; “Lost”... Upcoming films: Late Bloomer (dir. Kevin Pollak) and Shot (dir. Jeremy
Kagan).
ELIZABETH DEMENT (Mother) Los Angeles theater credits include Progressive Chain
Bowling and Chicken City (Actors’ Gang), Master & Margarita and Pathe X (Zoo District), The
Compound Dog (Eclectic Company Theatre). NY theater: Tattoo You (Samuel French OOB
Festival winner). Recent film work: Guest Room (SXSW 2015 selection) and Gunshy (Houston
Comedy Film Festival, best actress nominee). Elizabeth is also a playwright, producer and a
proud faculty member of the San Fernando Valley Life Studies Institute.
BILLY EVANS (Burke) Billy was born in Seattle, Washington where he fell in love with
acting at a young age. At 14, he starred in 4 films premiering at South by Southwest. Since
then, he has been acting in LA, where he has performed in everything from voiceovers to
commercials, and sitcoms to movies. He was a member of Second City’s Teen improv troupe,
starred in the film All Ages Night, and had a guest role on “Modern Family”. This will be his
first professional role in a play. Billy is looking forward to performing for you tonight.
JIM HANNA (Father) Jim is a long time member of The Production Company where he has
earned two LA Weekly lead actor nominations (Equus, Othello) and won the LA Drama Critics Circle Award for lead performance (Equus). TV work includes “Ray Donovan,” “NCIS: Los
Angeles” and “Parks & Recreation.”
CRAIG JORCZAK (Randy) Craig is excited to make his Celebration debut! Recent credits
include The Whale (Cygnet Theatre), Biloxi Blues (Repertory East Playhouse), and The
Awesome 80’s Prom in New York. He is a member of the New York-based theater company
Lesser America, a graduate of NYU Tisch and proud member of Actor’s Equity. Thanks to all
involved and love to family, friends, Alli and Opie.
CHRISTOPHER MAIKISH (Narrator) Christopher is a proud Celebration Theatre com-
pany member, and has performed in TV, film, voiceover, and on stages up and down the West
Coast. Theatre: California Shakespeare Theater, The Blank, Marin Shakespeare Company,
TheatreWorks, Actors Co-Op, and SF Playhouse, among others. TV: “Desperate Housewives”
(ABC). Chris co-founded LA’s new musicals concert series ALittleNewMusic.org. Member:
AEA, SAG-AFTRA, SDC. BMus, Northwestern University. ChristopherMaikish.com. For dream
boy Paul and 15 years. #LAThtr
6
CAST BIOS (cont’d)
ERIN MCINTOSH (Hannah) Recent theater credits include The Car Plays: Interchange (La
Jolla Playhouse), The Whale (Cygnet Theatre), Luigi (Inkwell Theater), My Brother (The Lillian
Theatre), The Last Act of Lilka Kadison (The Falcon Theatre) and The Diary of Anne Frank
(Spotlight Theater - AriZoni nomination, Best Actress). Film/TV: “Awkward” (MTV), The Mooring (Lionsgate), “Married Under 25” (Buzzfeed), and the Ron Howard-produced new media
project The Fourth Door. Visit her online at www.erinmcintoshofficial.com.
UNDERSTUDY BIOS (Alphabetical)
NICK BROVENDER (Understudy for Nathan) Nick Brovender is a writer/actor new
to Los Angeles. Originally from New York, he graduated from Vanderbilt University in May
where he studied Film and Theatre. Since arriving in LA he has produced his play Apply
Here at the Los Angeles Theatre Festival and performed in Fact or Fiction: The AOJ Story in
the North Hollywood Fringe Festival. He is very excited to be a part of Dream Boy, his first
production with Celebration Theatre.
ELLIOTT MAYER (Understudy for Father) Recent transplant from NYC. LA: Defense At-
torney - Angel: A Nightmare in Two Acts; Selected NY: Uncle Vanya - Uncle Vanya; Shylock
- Merchant of Venice; Murray - The Odd Couple. Selected Regional: James - That Championship Season; Jack - Brighton Beach Memoirs. TV: Tyler Perry’s “The Have and the Have Nots”,
“Law and Order”, “Boardwalk Empire”. Soaps: “ATWT”, “OLTL”, “AMC” in which he gamely
suffered traumas or death. Film: A Man Called Bob, Take, Carla (Award of Excellence- Canada
International Film Festival). Proud member of Actors Equity. www.Elliottmayer.net
LIZZY RICH (Understudy for Hannah) Lizzy Rich was born and raised in Los Angeles.
She received her BFA in Theatre Arts from The Boston University School of Theatre and a
classical acting certificate from LAMDA. Other credits include Front Door Open (Greenway
Court), The Dutchman, The Luckiest Girl (ESTLA) , Much Ado About Nothing (San Pedro
Rep), In Search of Dog (ESTLA). She recently assistant directed Watching O.J. for ESTLA.
ALEXIS SIMPSON (Understudy for Mrs. Connolly/Mother) Alexis is a recovering
neuroscientist who would love to chat with you about dopamine gating. TV credits include
“American Crime Story”, “The Brittany Murphy Story”, and “Jimmy Kimmel Live”. She is a
proud member of the ComedySportz main company and the Story Pirates. Thanks to Jami,
Brittney and Gen for the audition, the entire Celebration Theatre for the opportunity, and
Mom, Dad, Kate, and Brenan for their love and support.
SAM SONENSHINE (Understudy for Burke) Sam is originally from New York. He
recently graduated from USC’s undergraduate acting program where he received the David
Dukes Memorial Scholarship. He can be seen in the web series “Class”, the upcoming indie
film World’s a Stage, and the short film The Thing About Us, produced by Jill Soloway. He
recently assistant directed Circle X’s production of ICU.
GARRETT WALTERS (Understudy for Randy) Garrett hails from Frankfort, Kentucky
and is a recent resident of the Los Angeles area. This is his first show at Celebration Theatre.
Garrett holds a B.F.A. in Acting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of
Music (CCM). CCM credits include: Metamorphoses (Hermes, A), A Midsummer Night’s
Dream (Demetrius), and Coram Boy (Aaron). Other theatre credits include: Frankenstein
(William Frankenstein) with Lexington SummerFest and The Foreigner (Ellard Simms) with the
Woodford Theatre.
7
CREW BIOS
ERIC ROSEN (Playwright) Eric was the founding Artistic Director of Chicago’s About Face
Theatre (AFT) from 1995 to 2008, and is a writer, director and producer. Original projects
include Venice (KC Rep, Center Theatre Group-LA, Public Theater-NYC, “Best Musical of
2010”–TIME Magazine, original cast recording-Ghost Light); Wedding Play (Steppenwolf/AFT,
Jefferson nomination); Winesburg, Ohio (Steppenwolf/AFT-Jeff Award, Philadelphia’s Arden
Theatre Company—Barrymore Award, KC Rep); Clay (AFT, Lookingglass Theatre-Chicago,
Center Theatre Group, KC Rep, Lincoln Center/CT3-Drama Desk Nomination, Jeff Award);
and Undone, Whitman and Dream Boy (Jeff Award, several productions across the country).
In addition to Venice, other KC Rep directing credits include: Clay; Winesburg, Ohio; world
premiere of A Christmas Story, The Musical! (a hit musical on Broadway—three Tony nominations, including Best Musical); Cabaret; August: Osage County; The Whipping Man; Pippin;
Death of a Salesman; Romeo and Juliet; Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a criticallyacclaimed production of Ayad Akhtar’s The Who & The What; Hair: Retrospection; Stillwater,
a new workshop musical and; most recently Sunday in the Park with George. Additional
directing credits include productions at Lincoln Center, Center Theatre Group, Steppenwolf,
Goodman, Centerstage, Alliance, Lookingglass, Chicago Shakespeare, Hartford Stage, 5th
Avenue, Prince, Cincinnati, Melbourne (Australia) and workshops at Sundance, O’Neill,
Playwrights Horizons, and the Public Theater. He has developed and produced over 40 world
premieres, including Doug Wright’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning I Am My Own
Wife and work by Mary Zimmerman, Frank Galati, Stephen Flaherty, Moisés Kaufman, David
Cale and The Civilians, among others. He holds a doctorate in performance studies from
Northwestern University and serves on the Board of Directors of Theatre Communications
Group, the national organization of non-profit theatres.
MICHAEL MATTHEWS (Director/Co-Artistic Director/Executive Producer) Los
Angeles: Bootycandy (LA Premiere), Failure; A Love Story (Ovation Award Best Director
(LA Premiere), Sons of the Prophet (LA Premiere), Psyche; a Modern Rock Opera (World
Premiere), Rabbit Hole (La Mirada), Funny Girl (3D Theatricals, Ovation Nomination Best
Director), Peter Pan; The Boy Who Hated Mothers (LA Weekly Nominations Best Director
and Best Production, Play; LA Premiere), Very Still and Hard To See (LA Weekly Nominations
Best Director and Best Production, Play; World Premiere), The Color Purple, The Musical
(Ovation and LA Weekly Awards Best Director and Best Production, Musical), What’s Wrong
With Angry? (Ovation Nominations Best Director and Best Production,Play), Take Me Out
(Ovation Nomination Best Director, NAACP Award Best Director), The Women of Brewster
Place, the Musical (Ovation Nomination Best Director, NAACP Award Best Director, Ovation
Award Best Production, Musical; West Coast Premiere), Stupid Kids (LA Premiere), Beautiful
Thing (Ovation Nominations, Best Director and Best Production, Play), The Bacchae (Ovation
Nominations, Best Director and Best Production, Play), Broadway: Butley (Assistant Director).
Chicago: What’s Wrong With Angry? (Jeff Nominations, Best Director and Best Production),
In The Blood (Jeff Nominations, Best Director and Best Production), Porcelain (Jeff Nomination, Best Director), The Judas Kiss (Chicago Premiere), Being 11 (World Premiere), and...for
colored girls who have considered suicide.... International: The Bacchae (Edinburgh Theatre
Festival, 2010).
8
CREW BIOS (cont’d)
RYAN BERGMANN (Assistant Director) Recent Directing Highlights: Niagara Falls (Theatre of NOTE), Bronies: The Musical (LA Fringe, Best Musical), revolver (Celebration Theatre),
The Real Housekeepers of Studio City (LA Fringe); Recent AD Highlights: Bootycandy (Celebration Theatre), Psyche (The Greenway Theater), Wolves (Celebration Theatre), Justin Love
(Celebration Theatre, LADCC Award, Best Production; World Premiere), A Little Midsummer
Night’s Dream (Los Angeles Rock Opera Company), The Color Purple (Celebration Theatre;
Ovation Award, Best Musical in an Intimate Theatre along with five other Ovation Awards).
Recent Producing Highlights: Push Play 3 (LA Rock Opera), The Next Fairy Tale (Celebration Theatre), BASH’d: A Gay Rap Opera (Celebration Theatre), A Little Midsummer Night’s
Dream (LA Rock Opera), Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera (LA Rock Opera); Ryan is always
excited to work with Celebration Theatre and the superstar Michael Matthews! It’s such a
honor to be working on this piece with such beautiful talent! As always, thanks mom!
VICTORIA ELIZABETH CHEDIAK (Production Stage Manager) Victoria spends most
of her time as an Asst. Stage Manager at the Disneyland Resort. She is super excited to be
doing her first production with Celebration Theatre! Her past work includes: Venice Beach
the Musical; Welcome To My World; Inside Out; 7 Easy Pieces; Gift of the Magi: The Musical;
Psyche (Asst. Stage Manager); Li’l Abner; Cardboard Capital; Girl in the Enchanted Forest;
Comedy of Errors & Shadow Box (Asst. Stage Manager).
STEPHEN GIFFORD (Scenic Designer) Stephen’s design work has been featured at
numerous theatres in the LA area including: Ensemble Theatre Company Santa Barbara, La
Mirada Performing Arts Center/McCoy Rigby, The Colony Theatre, A Noise Within, The Theatre @ Boston Court, The Antaeus Company, International City Theatre, Laguna Playhouse,
The Falcon Theatre, and many more. He has garnered many awards and nominations for
his work including five Ovation Award nominations and was awarded The Bob Z Award for
career achievement in set design by the Los Angeles Drama Critic Circle. www.stephengifforddesign.com.
TIM SWISS (Lighting Designer) Tim is delighted to be designing in Celebration Theatre’s
new home. His previous Celebration Theatre designs include Wolves, The Color Purple, Stupid Kids, and The Bacchae. Tim teaches and designs the lighting for Saddleback College. He
would like to thank the creative team for their excellent collaboration and creativity.
ALLISON DILLARD (Costume Designer) Allison Dillard has an MFA in Costume Design
and Technology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and works as a freelance designer and technician in and around Los Angeles. Recent local design work includes: Bootycandy
(Celebration Theatre), Something Truly Monstrous (Blank Theatre), Failure: A Love Story
(Coeurage Theatre), Into the Woods, Seussical (Milken Schools), The Discord Altar (OperaWorks), Sons of the Prophet (Blank Theatre), James and the Giant Peach (Mirman School),
The Arsonists (Western Stage), The Homosexuals (Celebration Theatre). Her work can be seen
at www.allisondillard.com.
9
CREW BIOS (cont’d)
REBECCA KESSIN (Sound Designer) Recent designs include Bootycandy (Celebration),
The Whiskey Maiden (Theatre of NOTE), If You Can Get to Buffalo (Son of Semele), Niagara Falls (Theatre of NOTE), What the Butler Saw (Associate Design - Mark Taper Forum),
The Why (The Blank), The Max Factor Factor (NoHo Arts Center), Object of Her Affection
(Automata), Woman Parts (Son of Semele), The Homosexuals, revolver (Celebration), Peter
Pan: The Boy Who Hated Mothers (The Blank Theatre), The Black Suits (Assistant Design
- Kirk Douglas), Tribes (Associate Design - La Jolla Playhouse), Wrap Your Heart Around It
(Falcon Theatre), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dancing at Lughnasa, Children of Eden, Hot L
Baltimore, Once On This Island, Cabaret, The Secret Garden, Twelve Angry Jurors, Legally
Blonde, A Christmas Carol (AMDA), Vera Stark, Next Fall, In Motherwords (Associate Design
- The Geffen Playhouse), Clybourne Park (Associate Design - Mark Taper Forum), The Savannah Disputation, On Golden Pond, The All Night Strut!, Educating Rita (The Colony), Gypsy,
Three Tall Women, Crumbs..., Fabulation!, Miss Witherspoon (West Coast Ensemble), Stranger
(Bootleg Theatre - Garland Nomination), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Havok - Garland Nomination), The Miracle Worker (High Street Arts Center - Four Star Award). www.rebeccakessin.
com
MICHAEL O’HARA (Properties Designer/Managing Director/Executive Producer)
Michael saw his first show at Celebration Theatre in 2001 and never left. He has been Resident Properties Designer since 2005. He has been Managing Director since January 2013. Recent design credits include: Rio Hondo (Theatre of NOTE), Bootycandy (Celebration Theatre),
Homefree (The Road Theatre), Chinglish, (East West Players), Failure: A Love Story (Coeurage
Theatre Company). Michael has also worked as a Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager,
Sound Mixer, and Actor around Los Angeles. Many thanks to the cast, crew, and Celebration
family. Thank you for supporting Celebration Theatre.
TUFFET SCHMELZLE (Dialect Coach) Dialect Credits include: A Christmas Carol (Ru-
bicon Theatre); Billy & Ray (Falcon Theatre); American Misfit, A Dinosaur Within & How to
Disappear Completely & Never Be Found (Boston Court); A Christmas Carol (A Noise Within);
The Language Archive (East West Players); What’s Wrong With Angry? (Celebration Theatre);
Peace In Our Time (Antaeus); Onion Creek (Son of Semele); House of the Rising Son (Ensemble Studio Theatre LA); Chinese Massacre (Circle X); Carousel (Reprise!). ACTING: Catch
Tuffet online in the webseries “Tinsel’s Town”. Film/TV Credits: “Desperate Housewives”,
“Without A Trace”; Repo; “Criminal Minds”; “House”; “Cold Case”; “The Unit”; “Gilmore
Girls”. Available for private coachings and group productions. www.DialectGeek.com.
GREGORY NABOURS (Music Consultant) Gregory is happy to be a part of this production.
MICHAEL C. KRICFALUSI (Executive Director/Executive Producer) Michael has
directed, acted, produced or distributed numerous projects for the stage as well as film and
television. He has produced The Color Purple which took home six Ovation awards including Best Production of a Musical in an Intimate Theatre, Take Me Out, The Daddy Machine,
WEHO, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told and Twelve Angry Men. He has appeared onstage
in The Mikvah Monologues at the Wadsworth Theatre, Los Angeles, as well as Twelve Angry
Men, Three Sisters and Blood Wedding in Los Angeles and The Trial Off-Broadway. Besides
the stage, he has acted in, produced and distributed the film Special Needs. Other film and
television credits include Dear J, Deep In The Valley and “The Young and the Restless”. He
is probably most recognized for having been a passenger seated behind Wendie Malick, Jane
Leeves & Valerie Bertinelli in the pilot for “Hot In Cleveland”. Michael currently is the Executive Director of Celebration Theatre as well as the current Board President of the Theatrical
Producers League-Los Angeles for intimate theatre. Special thanks to the management team at
Celebration Theatre for getting our new space ready for curtain as well as to Todd Milliner for
his continued support. A shout out to both his now adult children for making him realize he’s
almost as old as his passport says he is.
10
CREW BIOS (cont’d)
MICHAEL A. SHEPPERD (Co-Artistic Director/Executive Producer) Michael has
spent the last ten years at Celebration Theatre either as a board member or company member
or AD but always as a proponent of diversity and inclusion. As we move toward another 30
plus years for CT, we must continue to push the boundaries of thought and content. We are
very excited that you are here to help us continue our journey. Please continue to support live
theatre not just here, but everywhere.
REBECCA EISENBERG (Producer/Producing Director/Executive Producer) Rebecca
Eisenberg is a Los Angeles based producer and stage manager. With a passion for developing
new works, she has been a part of many award winning world premiere, west coast premiere,
and Los Angeles premiere productions. Some of her recent credits include: Bootycandy (Ovation Recommended), Failure: A Love Story (Ovation Award, Best Direction of a Play, Ovation
nominated for Acting Ensemble and Best Production), Psyche: A Modern Rock Opera, Justin
Love (LADCC Award, Best Production), The Real Housekeepers of Studio City (Best of Hollywood Fringe), Bronies: The Musical (Best Musical and the Golden Elephant Producer/Director
Award at the Hollywood Fringe Festival), Fireman (5 LADCC Awards including Best Production, Ovation Award, Featured Actress in a Play), and Backyard (Ovation Award, Featured
Actor in a Play, Fight Choreography). Rebecca also specializes in special events and benefits.
Her most recent events include the 14th and 15th Annual Les Girls concert to benefit the
National Breast Cancer Coalition, The 24th Annual Ovation Awards, and If All The Sky Were
Paper, an event to benefit US Veterans at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. www.rebeccaeisenberg.
com.
NATHAN FRIZZELL (Literary Director/Executive Producer) As an actor, Nathan’s theatre credits include: Celebration: Four (LA Premiere, LA Weekly nomination, Best Ensemble),
Beautiful Thing (Ticketholder, Garland nominations Best Actor; Ovation nomination, Best
Play), Stupid Kids (LA Weekly Award, Best Ensemble), plus numerous sketch comedy shows
directed by Todd Milliner; Los Angeles: He Asked For It (ElevenEleven Productions/Macha
Theatre), West Side Story (MTLA; The Hudson Theatre); Eisegesis, SpiderMan: Turn On The
Lights, The Exceptional Childhood Center (The Blank Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival);
Regional: Shakespeare In Briefs! (Colorado Shakespeare Festival); Two Gentlemen of Verona
(Swine Palace Theatre); International: The Bacchae (Edinburgh Fringe Festival). As Executive
Producer: Bootycandy (Celebration Theatre). Nathan currently serves as Celebration’s Literary
Director where he produces its new play reading series “Celebrating New Works” and will be
re-introducing the workshop series “CT Tuesdays” in 2016.
MARK GIBERSON (Associate Producer) Mark Giberson is an award-winning journalist
and public relations executive, now retired. He serves on the board of directors of The Barn
Studio of Art, is past president of the Flying Samaritans and is the founder of No Boundaries
Art Workshops®. He also is an active supporter of the Bald Head Island Conservancy, the
Bayshore Discovery Project, and others. A recovering parent of two former teenagers, he is
married and lives in Pasadena.
GREG COPELAND (Consulting Producer) Greg Copeland has over 20 years’ experi-
ence working in the theater, as a producer, fundraiser, executive director and board member,
focusing on new work development at Ojai Playwrights Conference and About Face Theatre
in Chicago, where he produced the 1998 production of Dream Boy (winner of 5 Jefferson
Awards, including Best Production). Greg lives in Los Angeles and works for the American
Film Institute. He received his MFA from Yale School of Drama.
CREW BIOS (cont’d)
CHRISTOPHER SEPULVEDA (Consulting Producer) Currently working on the Tony
award-winning Broadway production of An American in Paris with Apples and Oranges
Studios and the hit Broadway revival of Spring Awakening with Deaf West Theatre (which he
previously produced in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills), Christopher is a film and theatre producer based in Southern California. Other Celebration Theatre producing credits include the
2013 Ovation Award-winning production of The Color Purple (Best Musical) and the 2011
Ovation nominated production of Take Me Out (Best Production). @cjpsepulveda
JAMI RUDOFSKY (Casting Director) Jami Rudofsky is proud to be the Resident Casting
Director for Celebration Theatre. Celebration credits include The Color Purple, The Musical, The Women Of Brewster Place, Take Me Out, The Homosexuals, Haram Iran, Porcelain,
and many more. Most recently she also co-cast, Hit The Wall for LGBT Cultural Arts Center.
Film and Television credits include “Masters of Sex” for Showtime , “Sing It!”, Deserted and
New Breed shooting this March. So honored to be back working with the Celebration Theatre
Family!
DAVID ELZER/DEMAND PR (Marketing/Publicity) David Elzer/DEMAND PR repre-
sents Actors Co-op, Cabrillo Music Theatre, Celebration Theatre, Circle X Theatre Company,
Colony Theatre Company, Independent Shakespeare Co., Laguna Playhouse, La Mirada
Theatre for the Performing Arts, NoHo Arts Center Ensemble, Ojai Playwrights Conference,
Open Fist Theatre Company, Road Theatre Company, Rubicon Theatre Company, Theatre
of NOTE, Theatre Tribe and VS. Theatre Company. He loves working with the very talented
Celebration team and is thrilled they have a new home - thank you for supporting Celebration
and L.A. theater!
A
A MESSAGE FROM LITERARY DIRECTOR NATHAN FRIZZELL
West Hollywood. Beginning in 2013,
Celebrating New Works has produced
readings of more than 15 unpublished
new plays that examine the LGBTQ experience. This year we will bring back
“CT Tuesdays,” Celebration Theatre’s
workshop which assists playwrights as
they take further steps towards a finished draft. And last - but certainly not
least - our “Late Night Series” brings a
variety of original comedy, cabaret and
musical experiences to our stage.
s the nation’s premiere LGBT
theatre company, Celebration Theatre
strives to entertain, to provoke thought,
to understand and challenge those
whose opinions do not align with our
own and to embrace those whom we
count among our number. We aim to
accomplish each of these goals every
time we produce a mainstage show.
But that’s only one part of the story…
I am proud to serve as Celebration’s
Literary Director, where I work closely
with our company, management and
board to find new voices within our
community. Be they playwrights, directors, actors, designers or volunteers,
Celebration Theatre aims to provide an
outlet for those who have something to
share.
In addition to the performances on our
mainstage, we resurrected our new
play reading series “Celebrating New
Works” in association with the City of
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The art (and business) of theatre is
changing every day, and we are
working hard to bring you new and
exciting perspectives. So get involved.
For information on all of Celebration
Theatre’s offerings, join our email list
at www.celebrationtheatre.com. If you
have a story to tell, please reach out to
me at [email protected].
As always, thank you for supporting
Celebration and live theatre, and we
look forward to seeing you at one of our
shows - mainstage and otherwise.
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
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CELEBRATION THEATRE MISSION
Celebration Theatre is a community of artists dedicated to presenting innovative, provocative
and relevant work that examines the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer experience. We endeavor to challenge society’s perception of the community and give a vibrant
voice to its evolving identity.
Celebration Theatre is proud to have received grant support from:
The Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation
City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs
City of West Hollywood, Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission
Los Angeles County Arts Commission
The David Bohnett Foundation
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Liberty Hill Foundation
California Community Foundation
James Irvine Foundation
The Mattel Foundation
The Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation
CELEBRATION SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@celebrationthtr)
CELEBRATION ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMMING
Don’t miss our Celebrating New Works reading series,
Tuesdays throught the year at West Hollywood City Council Chambers.
Donate to Celebration each time you shop at Ralph’s with your Ralph’s Rewards
Card! You must re-enroll to ensure Celebration receives benefits from your purchases.
Celebration’s NPO number is 83663. Sign into your Ralph’s account and provide that
NPO and Celebration can start receiving a contribution from Ralph’s each time you
shop. You MUST renew every year under the terms of the Ralph’s program!!
http://www.ralphs.com/community/Pages/community_contribution.aspx
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CELEBRATION THEATRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cameron Faber (President)
Todd Milliner (Vice-President)
Nicholas Caprio
Larry Dean Harris
Samantha Kern
Michael C. Kricfalusi
Jeremy Mann
Michael Matthews
Michael A. Shepperd
Scott Monson (Honorary)
CELEBRATION ADVISORY BOARD
Denise Grayson
Byron Reed
Mary Reitz
David Tarlow
CELEBRATION THEATRE COMPANY
Erinn Anova
Karnell Matthews
Marcedes Clanton
Michael Matthews, Co-Artistic Director
Elizabeth Higgins Clark
Tracey McAvoy
Parnell Damone Marcano
Daniel Montgomery
Josette DiCarlo
Matthew Scott Montgomery
Chrisanne Eastwood
Michael O’Hara, Managing Director
Rebecca Eisenberg, Producing Director
Christopher Pearson
Nathan Frizzell, Literary Director
Christopher Sepulveda
Todd Gaebe
Michael A. Shepperd, Co-Artistic Director
Mark Giberson
Michael Shutt
Gregory Guy Gorden
Peter James Smith
Michael Taylor Gray
Amy Stoddard
Charls Sedgwick Hall
Stasha Surdyke
Matt Howard
Gina Torrecilla
Samantha Kern
David Tran
Michael C. Kricfalusi, Executive Director
Tommy Vergason
Jeffrey Landman
Isabella Way
Constance Jewell Lopez
Jason Weiss
Christopher Maikish
Brittney S. Wheeler
Gino Marconi
Plus over 500 Associate Company Members who consider Celebration Theatre home.
CELEBRATION INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN
Celebration Theatre would like to thank the following donors
for their support in our recent Indiegogo campaign.
Michelle Akeley
Greg Ayers
Molly Bell
Andrea Bernardi
James Blashaw
Michael Bouson
Richard Bower
Katie Buderwitz
Barbara Bush
Kyle Cadman
Anet & Charlie Carlin
Tim Casto
Sam Clein
Michael Collins
Stephen Smith Collins
Kristin Confer
Quinn Cummings
Kaitlyn Daley
Dan Dean
Kurt DeGroot
Josette Dicarlo
Christian Duhamel
Mary Jo Agresta DuPrey
Erin Eichberg
Paul Elliott
Mary Emery
Stuart Falk
Kama Fletcher
Gregory Franklin
Art Giovanini
Jason Graae
Kim Grace-Brezniak
Jeanie Hackett
Charls Sedgwick Hall
Kevin Harris
Caroline Hazen
Bob Heath
David Hiovich
Peter Hochschild
Israel Jimenez
Tara Karsian
Christine Kellogg
Luke H. Klipp
Susan Lambert
John Lambie
David Mack
Priscilla & Jerold Mann
Janice Markham
Matt Marr
Marco Martinez
Christopher Meyer
Suzy Miller
Daniel Moore
Tom Moore
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Callum John Morris
Mark Nasser
Kenneth Navran
Julien Nitzberg
Richard Norman
Vincent Novak
Rani O’Brien
Paul Peglar
Jon Pickow
Morgan Polikoff
Steven Rada
Mary Reitz
Larry Reitzer
Allan Dennis Rich
Carol Risher
Rich Rose
Glenn Rosenblum
Elizabeth Schmidt
Darren Scott
Christopher Sepulveda
Michael Shipley
Karl Sjogren
Tom Spitz
Steve Susoyev
David Tarlow
Matt Waters
Jason Weiss
Marc Wheeler
Jay Wright
Mark Wyrick
Bennett Yellin
Emily Zetterberg
Martin Zimmerman
Charles Zito
Dale Zurbrick
We apologize if your name
is missing or improperly
acknowledged. Please
contact michaelohara@
celebrationtheatre.com to
correct the error.
CELEBRATION THEATRE DONORS (January 11, 2015-January 10, 2016)
If your name is omitted or listed incorrectly, please contact [email protected]
Angels ($5000-up)
Anonymous
Patrons ($1000-$4999)
Anonymous
Nicholas Caprio
Hamilton-Selway Fine Art
Mr. Alan Mandell
Todd Milliner
& Michael Matthews
Fellows ($500-$999)
James Allen
Anonymous
Kevin Peter Berg
Scott & Brian Monson-Hogan
Donald M. Klein
In memory of: Dick Wagner by
Ken Bennett for their 52 years
together
Associates ($10-$99)
Andrew Antonio
Stephen Bassman
Fred Camerer
William Conti
David Dassey
Philip Dawkins
Todd Gaebe
Michael Garcia and Bert Vosburgh
In memory of: Andrew
Gold
In memory of: Jeff Goldman
Andy & Pol Sandro-Yepes and
family
Partners ($250-$499)
Larry Rubinstein
In Memory of Darren
Christopher Scott
Friends ($100-$249)
Anonymous
Tony Arn
Tod & Craig Beckett-Frank
Gary Booher
Dr. Richard J. Bower
Rick C
Charles & Anet Carlin
CYHTeas.com
In Honor of the Dedicated and
Brilliant Team at Celebration
Theatre
Josette DiCarlo
Paul Head
Bernard Jones
Joseph Keane
Michael Kosiba
Jeremy Lelliott
Damian Lewis
Dennis Lumpkin
Paul Marchegiani
In honor of: Michael
Matthews & Michael A.
Shepperd
Dane Oliver
Rosemary DiMonte
In memory of: Gregg, my first
love
Ted Heyck
Tom Jacobson & Ramone Munoz
Eddie James
William Kaiser
Jim Kelley & Joseph Lund
Rocky LaFleur
Jerold & Priscilla Mann
Dale McIntire
Chris Meyer and Gary Holm
Dennis Nollette
Henry Ong & Matthew Black
Chris Phillips
David Schulz
Brooke Seguin/30MM
SSGLC Project Rainbow
Ron Wasserman
Martin Kim Zimmerman
Mike Page
Ray Paolantonio
In honor of: Christopher
Grant Pearson
Nick Peet
Deborah Puette
In memory of: Rex Walter
Reece
Mark Saltzman & Ron Gutierrez
Michael Seel
Peter James Smith
CELEBRATION THEATRE LEGACY CIRCLE
Dion Antic
Burton Breznick
Martin D. Burley & Bobby Meza
Nicholas Caprio
Greg Copeland
Frederick Dechow
Arthur Dennis & Fred Madjar
Jay Paul Deratany
David Elzer
Cameron Faber
Larry Dean Harris
Elizabeth L. & Mark K. Kogan
Tom Jacobson & Ramone Munoz
Michael C. Kricfalusi
Jeffrey Lambert
Erick H. Long
Jane Lynch
Martin Massman & Chris McKinney
Todd Milliner & Michael Matthews
Scott Monson & Brian Hogan
Dennis Nollette
John L. Rarick & Piotr Izdebski
Timothy Regler
Larry Reitzer & Matt Funes
Calvin Remsberg
Michael A. Shepperd & Hutch Foster
Showtime Television
Ted Skidmore
James E. Smith
William Stoddard
David Tarlow
Billy Tauzin
Thomas E. Warren
Bruce W. Zisterer
The Legacy Circle is made up of patrons who donated and gave over $1,000 each. The
Legacy Circle was closed in 2010 but we recognize and honor those donors who helped
Celebration Theatre in the past. Legacy Circle donors names will always be part of our donor
recognition program
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