DEC 03 DEC 18 - San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
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DEC 03 THROUGH DEC 18 2022 | 2023 SEASON A Play in Two Based on the motion Acts written by picture and on a book by Philip Grecian Jean Shepherd Based on the Warner Bros. Motion Picture by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown & Bob Clark and on the book “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash” by Jean Shepherd Phyllis Momtazee Snelling Nicole & Jay Raftery Show Sponsor Show Sponsors Show Director Sponsor Presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
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Thank you to our Sponsors Our sponsors are the cornerstone for absolutely everything this theatre brings to our community. Their early, generous and ongoing support provides stability and the funding necessary to make professional live theatre thrive in downtown San Luis Obispo. Please join us in thanking the Season Sponsors listed below and all the generous show and program sponsors recognized throughout our season. Vanguard Sponsor Season Sponsors Better Business Financial “Theater is a mirror, a sharp reflection of society.” – YASMINA REZA 3
Artistic Director’s Message Welcome to SLO REP’s annual production of A Christmas Story! This story, beloved by millions because of the classic holiday film released almost 40 years ago, has proven to be one of the most pervasive and ubiquitous parts of the American holiday experience. For nearly four decades, generations of people have made the story of Ralphie’s tumultuous quest for a Red Ryder BB Gun a part of their own, personal celebration of Christmas, family, and childhood. As theatre artists, that’s a tremendous amount of pressure to have on our shoulders. However, as I have discovered over the last 11 years, producing this timeless story is an incredible gift for our actors, technicians, costumers, directors and company. All of us are so grateful to have the opportunity to be an important part of your family’s holiday celebration. Each year that we produce A Christmas Story in this theatre, I’m overwhelmed at the universality and poetry of Jean Shepherd’s story, and the willingness of audiences to absolutely lose themselves in the joy, nostalgia, and human connection that only live theatre, in my opinion, can create. Happy holidays, everyone, and thank you so much for your support! Kevin Harris Managing Artistic Director Ryan Loyd, Rylo Media Design A Christmas Story, 2018
Show Sponsor Phyllis Momtazee Snelling Phyllis Momtazee Snelling has loved living on our beautiful Central Coast for over 25 years. A graduate of Washington University Law School in St. Louis, she spent her career in the development field, as a charitable estate planner and major gifts officer mainly working in university settings. She came to San Luis Obispo in the late 90’s to work with then Cal Poly President Warren Baker as Senior Director of the University’s first Centennial Campaign. She ran that campaign successfully for five years. In 2001, Phyllis married Bill Snelling who, among many other successful business ventures, was the founder of the Bank of Santa Maria and a member of the Board of Directors for Mid-State Bank until 2005. Phyllis and Bill happily traveled the world together for over 20 years, spending half the year at their home in Costa Rica and the other half at home in Shell Beach. Bill passed away in 2017. Phyllis continues to travel extensively and loves spending time with her four children and 10 grandchildren, whom she adores. A theatre major at Smith College before switching to law, Phyllis has always loved theatre and attends as often as she can wherever she travels. In addition to being a generous sponsor and supporter of SLO REP, Phyllis also supports Cal Poly, UCLA, the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo and the French Hospital Foundation. Phyllis is a great proponent of the power of philanthropy and firmly believes that if we all contribute, we can make a huge difference in our community and our world. Playing our role in your real Real estate for wherever you are in life © estate success Dawna Davies | Owner/Broker 805-544-5889 | DaviesCo.com 6 San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
Show Sponsors Jay and Nicole Raftery Jay and Nicole Raftery (along with London and Logan) have been ardent supporters of local theater following their relocation to San Luis Obispo County from the Los Angeles area in 2016. Relocation in that Jay is a South County local dating back to... we will leave it at that. Following the move, London - who had been auditioning and acting in independent movies and commercials - asked if she would still have those opportunities. Her parents explained that “screen” acting in San Luis Obispo was limited, but there would be opportunities to perform on stage. When pressed further by London, they explained - stage acting is a lot like screen - but you perform in front of many people and if you make a mistake - they see it all! London expressed her interest and Jay and London found a local production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory to make their Central Coast theater debut. After that first production, the entire family made supporting local theater and the arts a priority. Nicole very active in the local theater as the Director of Marketing for PCPA- Pacific Conservatory Theatre in Santa Maria, California, and despite her busy schedule she enjoys volunteering behind the bar at SLO REP - particularly when one of her children are gracing the stage. Nicole has two favorite holidays - Christmas and Halloween - and it is her love of Christmas (and this story), that leads to the annual sponsorship of this show. They were elated to find out that their son, Logan, would be making his official SLO REP appearance as Randy (see Logan’s bio on page 18). In Los Angeles, Jay and Nicole both worked in the entertainment business. Jay started his career at Universal Video and Music Distribution and Nicole worked in Consumer Products for Warner Bros. Jay is currently on the Board of Directors for OperaSLO and works in SLO as an attorney specializing in business and real property matters. The Raftery Family, as a whole, enjoys traveling and, well, theater. Thank you for coming to the show!! 2022-2023 Season 7
T he Central Coast Guide to Ever y thing Outside Summer/Fall Issue Out Now TRI-TIP from page 7 carefully climbed over swathes of Trailblazing Trailblazing Tour the water If you want to get a lesson Feature Feature Feature Wind the triple-leafed clusters. respite: the familiar sight of the white Walk on water or two, take a tour, or rent W One and a half hours later, pole on the peak that’s instantly a boat in Morro Bay, visit we hit the top and took in the recognizable to SLO residents. Central Coast Outdoors ind whips across the panorama. Experiencing it at 10 State Park Road or sand, particles pelting T-shirts off, sports bras out, and centralcoastoutdoors.com. with Nora reminded me of why I love hiking so much. There’s sweat rolling off our backs, we gained For Shell Beach tours, visit As private camping experiences like Hipcamps the orange canvas kite flapping in the hands of California a second wind for the final scramble Central Coast Kayaks at nothing like being awestruck to the top. All that was left to do was 1897 Shell Beach Road or grow in popularity and importance, county Kiteboarding owner and instructor and challenged by nature with a centralcoastkayaks.com. Jason Lee, who’s got his back to the friend by your side. Gleaming and meander back down to the car and rules and guidelines lag behind Pismo Beach Pier. THE CENTRAL grinning,COAST we grabbed GUIDE a seat on a TO EVERYTHING OUTSIDE Summer/Fall 2022 junkies finish a sandwich. “You want to go straight mountaintop bench etched with “I’m gonna have weird tan downwind, man,” Lee tells Gabe the words, “End of Trail.” lines. It’s the mark of summer,” Silva, an employee he’s teaching to Well, not yet for us. Nora said. kitesurf on one afternoon in May. Together they situate the kite in 22 9 30 Home 50 Cerro San Luis Obispo Aftermath the right direction, from upwind Here’s where the “challenge” in to downwind, strings reaching up Tri-tip Challenge purists will toward the dunes at Pismo State Tri-tip Challenge reared its head. All the comforts of Bishop Peak, recommend Firestone for the victory Beach and the kite stops thrashing, with its shaded trails, mental and capper. But our favorite is Old SLO settling into silence and a full arc physical maneuvers, and cooling BBQ! It doesn’t matter which one you that takes flight. Silva backs into the breeze disappeared by the time we pick, just make sure the sandwich waves, holding onto the bar attached Kitesurfers hit the water off Pismo Beach to the kite strings with his right arrived at the Cerro San Luis Obispo includes a Central Coast specialty: every spring from March through June Paddle into the blue trailhead. The temperature soared hand and the board with his left. tri-tip (or a meat alternative if that’s by 10 degrees, the trail was blatantly “It’s not that windy yet, but it’s what you prefer). steep, and I could feel the dull pain of starting to get a little bit windier,” STORY BY CAMILLIA LANHAM It took us four hours to cover Jason says. “If you look out there, blisters forming under my feet. three peaks, and we were more PHOTOS BY JAYSON MELLOM To add insult to literal injury, the you can see the whitecaps starting than happy to sit on the patio with to form. That’s what we look for. … demographic on this hike comprised my tri-tip on sourdough, Nora’s And then he’s got to sit down and mountain bikers and trail runners who gluten-free meaty fries and beans get his board on. swiftly skirted past us while I grumpily version, and our strawberry sodas. BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR “That’s the hardest part of kiting.” took frequent breaks. Nora was patient Once Silva gets up, he stays and kind, and helped me keep going. Almost 2 miles later, we got PHOTO BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL No talking, only munching and slurping. Three Central Coast surfboard shapers talk about their path to their craft within 50 meters of the shoreline and cruises the long, flat, windy on the range BY GLEN STARKEY T COURTESY PHOTOS BY JOHN FLAHERTY stretch of Pismo Beach. He’s FEATURES E he Central Coast boasts miles Before you run to REI to pick kayaking,” Flaherty said. Guided cave tours last about about a month into his kitesurfing | Hipcamping of coastline giving residents up a boat and paddle and hit the Central Coast Outdoors guided three hours and the company very surfer remembers that costs about $120 at Costco. Don’t judge him over Fast surf was so difficult, and I already STORY AND PHOTOS BY PETER JOHNSON | Hearst Castle reopening easy access to recreational water, Flaherty has a few ideas for tours take people to the back parts provides all of the equipment as the fi rst time they found If you stick with it, you can buy Times. He was only in third grade. had my process for that, and I KITESURFERS continued page 52 | Roller skating issues opportunities out on the water. you to consider. of the Morro Bay Estuary, through well as a snack and pictures from themselves sliding down the quality boards off the rack at one He kept at surfi ng after his family had already held so many boards | Kitesurfing Kayaking gives you time to not only the channels, and into the dunes by face of a wave. After all the missed of the many local surf shops, but moved back to California to San that I liked under my arm that I the day, according to the website. + enjoy the summer sunshine from your perch above the sea, it also Morro Bay: a perfect spot for beginners Fairbank Point. If it’s low tide, the group will go north into the harbor, Each person must be able to swim, ones and wipeouts, after catching whitewater and going straight eventually, as your skill grows, the next logical step is to have a custom Juan Capistrano. “I was 14 when I shaped my knew how they should feel under my arm and how they should feel California Kiteboarding owner Jason Lee has been kitesurfing in Pismo Beach for K and the minimum age for these TRAILBLAZING allows people to see critters like sea First, she said beginners or fi rst- as far north as the Embarcadero trips is 12 years old. or pearling and faceplanting, if board made specifically for you. fi rst board,” he recalled. “All told, I under my feet. I just trusted that I more than 20 years. otters, harbor seals, and seasonal time kayakers should join a guided, areas of the bay. you keep at it, you eventually Meet three of the local surf scene’s shaped four boards in high school. could do it,” Stoneman said. enney Enney’s ranch in but stuck making a living off grains nature out here and for them to SLO County now has more than OUTDOOR KITCHEN birds, Central Coast Outdoors co- kayaking tour and go to Morro Bay For those looking to go out on Regardless of skill, Flaherty learn what all the fuss is about: most well known shapers. Then I didn’t shape for a long time. He estimates he’s made northern San Luis Obispo and cattle, a lifestyle that’s close to enjoy the rangeland,” Enney said. 70 hosts, on properties ranging owner Virginia Flaherty said. to start. The trips through Central the water without a tour, Flaherty said that everyone should check a paddling into and popping up I was doing competitive surfing and somewhere between 6,000 and County butts up against economically unviable these days. After hosting some retreats, from “cattle ranches, to working GEAR HUB “It’s just so awesome to be Coast Outdoors go into the bay said Tidelands Park, Coleman Park, wind and tides chart—which can be on a clean, glassy face, making a Shane Stoneman— I was working with shapers [who 8,000 boards. At the beginning, the heart of Paso Robles’ wine “With the drought cycle that’s one military visitor made the vineyards, to family owned out there in the middle of this so people aren’t dealing with big or the Marina are good launching found at tideschart.com or other turn, and then riding on Mother designed my boards].” he created templates by copying country. Vines dominate the arid becoming shorter and shorter, it’s suggestion: Why doesn’t he rent preserves and apple orchards” incredible area full of wildlife that ocean waves. points. There are several parking monitoring websites—before they Nature’s free energy. Once you the Renaissance man Later as an adult and after boards that he liked and that he summer landscape east of San harder and harder to grow grain,” out his four campsites to the across 85,000 acres, and they inject you can see as it swims past you,” “It’s great to do a tour at least to lots available and they all have go out so currents don’t become catch the surf bug, it can be a Shane Stoneman is a terrific many years as a competitive knew worked, but he considers Miguel until the grapes give way to Enney said. “And the cattle is public? In 2018, Enney signed $3.2 million per year of spending Flaherty said. “There are very few start because you’ll get an overview great accessibility, she said. overbearing. Kayakers should try lifelong affl iction. singer-songwriter and gifted surfer, he landed in Cayucos. himself “pretty low-tech.” his 850 acres of grain, cattle, and hardly bringing in anything at all.” up as a host on Hipcamp, an app into the economy. places left in California that have and a lay of the land. Then they to go with a buddy, but if not, they For three Central Coast custom painter, but he makes his living “That was when Cole Simler “Other shapers have a wall untouched open space. Veering off from the vista that connects rural landowners For Enney, the pandemic an amazing outdoor scenic area, [can] go out and kayak on their Shell Beach: for intermediate should at least let someone know surfboard shapers, their craft was shaping custom surfboards. His was in town. Remember Cole of beautiful rail templates and “My joke is I’m the defender of the point, a dirt road connects two with campers interested in unique pushed his campsites to 80 percent or advanced kayakers Walk on and it’s super unique.” own. It’s a great way to start a direct extension of their love shaping room is tucked up in the Surfboards? I was getting boards stuff, and mine are the same one rangeland,” said Enney. “Because pads of gravel spaced about 50 outdoor experiences. At the time, occupancy as business went where they’re planning to be and For those looking for an extra of surfing, a natural next step golden hills of Cayucos, a quiet from him, and we were having I did 20 years ago. I used to surf when you come out here, you look yards apart. Each contains a large the concept seemed relatively new “gangbusters.” Priced at $75 per water push, or who want to try something what time they will be back. in their personal evolution to place surrounded by wildlife. beers one day and he said, ‘I’m a ton, so I was able to get a lot of south and see the vineyards come canvas tent with a bed inside, as for the area, he said. night each, he said the sites have new, Flaherty said Shell Beach’s “I would just encourage people become a crucial financial lifeline becoming better surfers by making He started surfi ng at 8 years not going to do your board. You feedback from myself.” right up to my edge.” well as picnic tables, fire pits, and “I looked at it like nobody else Dinosaur Caves or Vista Del Mar are to get out there. It’s just right themselves the perfect surfboard. do your board.’ I was like, ‘Don’t He’s also gotten a lot faster at The retired U.S. Marine colonel, other camping amenities. was doing it,” Enney said. “Every for his family and his ability to old on Oahu, where he attended great open water opportunities. there and easily accessible,” If you’re not a surfer but want fi rst through fi fth grade before his tempt me, man.’ We always had shaping. whose plaid shirt is spotted About five years ago, Enney had time you go camping in California, own and live on the ranch. On the Central Coast Kayaks oversees Flaherty said. to try, rent a board and a wetsuit family returned to California. His this really competitive friendship. “The boards used to take me six with dirt after a day’s work, is the idea to put private campsites they cram you 10 feet away from flip side, they’re also a desperately tours farther south and see if it’s for you. For many interest in surfi ng came from an He let me use his rooms and I hours to do. I was really slow and not exaggerating. A ranch road on his ranch. He thought back someone else and [you have to needed respite for campers who and takes people to were cooped up inside during the Local surfboard see the caves that Launch a kayak fi rst timers—especially in the cold, unforgiving waters and unlikely source. “It’s sort of embarrassing, but went and shaped board No. 5. I never got a board from him again. timid with the tools, and that’s super natural for people starting out. I was winds for more than a mile on his property, up a hill to a vista point to his military days, when he’d stay in canvas tents overseas in reserve it] weeks in advance. And initially the idea was to have the pandemic. are only accessible Park and get your boat in the water from several spots “During COVID, I had parents shapers can tailor a by water. Guides in Morro Bay and Pismo Beach. Central Coast Outdoors co-owner Virginia Flaherty’s recommendations include: erratic surf of the Central Coast— it might not seem as fun as it Fast Times at Ridgemont High came out, and there was the whole ’80s It was really fun.” People learn to shape able to lean on my surfing ability back then to gather customers.” that shows the vineyards and wineries splaying in all directions sometimes beautiful and interesting places. At first, he wanted to host campsites spread apart so you wouldn’t see another one.” whose kids had not been outside assist in the surf performance board zone launch and • Tidelands Park: 339 Embarcadero, Morro Bay • Coleman Park: 101 Coleman Drive, Morro Bay should. If it turns out you like thing. It just seemed like a cool surfboards in one of two ways— Stoneman can create whatever throughout the valley below. service members there as part of In the years since—especially for weeks. I had kids that came out here who didn’t realize there were paddling your butt off, freezing, thing to do. I thought, ‘I want to trial and error or apprenticeship— a client wants—a necessity for a For Enney, growing grapes isn’t the Wounded Warrior Project, a since the start of the pandemic— just for you [22] will take visitors through grottoes, • Morro Bay Marina: 699 Embarcadero #11, Morro Bay • Dinosaur Caves Park: 2701 Price St., Pismo Beach and getting beaten down by be a surfer. That just seems cool.’ though often it’s a combination of Central Coast shaper because of an option. Water restrictions over nonprofit that offers support to Hipcamp and other platforms like it that many stars,” Enney said. “I’m waves, invest in a good wetsuit No one in my family surfed, but I the two. Eventually it comes down the diverse conditions. the Paso Robles Groundwater veterans or active duty soldiers have taken off on the Central Coast, catering to young couples, young • Shell Beach stairway access: along Ocean Avenue BY GLEN STARKEY arches, and kelp Basin prevent him and others from recovering from combat injuries. and across the state and country. families that just want to unplug between Cliff Avenue and Windward but buy an inexpensive foam got a surfboard for Christmas, and to gaining the confidence. “What’s cool about the shapers forests. increasing their irrigation, so he’s all HIPCAMP continued page 32 board like an 8-foot Wavestorm I fell in love with it super quickly.” “I looked at it like, learning to on the Central Coast is we have “I wanted to showcase the According to company data, SUMMER/FALL 2022 Get Outside 9 22 Get Outside SUMMER/FALL 2022 30 Get Outside SUMMER/FALL 2022 50 Get Outside SUMMER/FALL 2022 03 Trailblazing_TriTip.indd 8 6/21/22 4:59 PM GOCover_SurfboardShaper_exterior.indd 01 Fall 2022 64b.indd 1 1 6/24/22 3:15 6/24/22 3:16PM PM 04 GOTrailblazing_KAYAKING/SCUBA Fall 2022 64b.indd 9 SPOTS.indd 9 6/22/22 12:16 6/23/22 4:05 PM PM 09 Cover_SURFBOARD GO SHAPERS_interior.indd 22 Fall 2022 64b.indd 22 1:08 PM 6/23/22 4:40 GO Fall 2022 64b.indd 10 Feature_HIP 30 CAMPING.indd 30 6/23/22 12:49 6/23/22 4:47 PM PM 13 GOFeature_KITESURFING.indd Fall 2022 64b.indd 50 50 6/23/22 1:17 4:57 PM A New Times Media Group Special Publication NewTimesSLO.com · 805-546-8208 FIBER INTERNET HOSTED VOICE Jeff Buckingham Jeff.Buckingham@astound.com 805.545.5100 www.digitalwest.com 8 San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
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Where possibilities become possible Together we can expand the possibilities for your business! Visit us at AmericanRiviera.Bank 805.965.5942 NPR. Local Talk. Great Music. 90.1 SANTA MARIA / SAN LUIS OBISPO 89.5 SANTA BARBARA • 90.9 SANTA YNEZ 95.1 LOMPOC • 91.7 SO MONTERY COUNTY kcbx.org 10 San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
Support Live Theatre Today Did you know that ticket sales cover only a little more than half of what you see on stage? Your generosity can make a difference! Become a donor today and join a community of SLO REP supporters. STAGE MANAGER $100+ PRODUCER $1,000+ • Your name listed in every playbill • All above benefits • An invitation to the Major STAR $250+ Donor Reception and to • All above benefits other special events • Complimentary drink • Concierge ticketing service before coupon at SLO REP bar sales are open to the public • Four (4) complimentary DIRECTOR $500+ tickets to any show • All above benefits • EXECUTIVE PRODUCER $2,500+ • Complimentary SLO REP wine tumbler (to be picked up at theatre) • All previous benefits • Two (2) additional complimentary *According to IRS regulations, tangible benefits, such as tickets to any show complimentary tickets, will be detailed on your donation receipt. Any part of these benefits may be waived, if desired. If your contribution comes from a donor-advised fund or IRA, these benefits are not permitted. ANGEL$5,000+ San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible as • All Executive Producer benefits allowed by law. Federal Tax ID# 95-2556678 plus special custom benefits designed just for you 2022-2023 Season 11
About the Authors Christmas is a recurring topic for Philip Grecian. His authorized stage adaptation of the film A Christmas Story has had well over 1,000 productions, professional and amateur, since its publication in 2000. His stage adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been on the boards for 40 years, and his full stage adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life has been produced multiple times by North American professional theatre companies, while his staged radio version of the same story has been broadcast on both radio and television and continues to be produced in theaters throughout the USA and Canada. A master storyteller, Jean Shepherd (1921-1999) took bits and pieces from his youth in Hammond, Indiana, his adventures in the Army Signal Corps and stories of the obscure and infamous, as fertile sources for his tales. For almost three decades, he told these stories to eager radio audiences, in Cincinnati from 1950 to 1954 and on WOR in New York from 1956 to 1977. In the 1970s, he took his talents to television in a series of humorous narratives for PBS called Jean Shepherd’s America. His most popular and well-known work is the film A Christmas Story (1983), which he co-wrote and narrated. Thank you to our "Toast of the Town" Wine Partner! ninerwine.com 2400 HIGHWAY 46 WEST | PASO ROBLES, CA 12 San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
About the Director Kevin Harris (Lighting/Sound/Prop Design) received his MFA in Directing from the University of Iowa (2007), his BFA in Acting from New York University (1996), and his California Teaching Credential from Chapman University. While at NYU, he spent three years at the Atlantic Theatre Company studying acting under David Mamet, William H. Macy, and Felicity Huffman; he also spent a year at Musical Theatre Works (CAP 21) learning the finer intricacies of “jazz hands”. Favorite roles at the Atlantic include The Russian (Chess), Alan Strang (Equus), Jamie (The Last Five Years), Orsino (12th Night), and Rev. Hale (The Crucible). For several years, Kevin worked as a freelance director in L.O.R.T./Equity theatres across the nation. Favorite shows: The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Comedy of Errors, The Exhibitionists, Militant Language, Woyzeck, Ghost Sonata, The Cherry Orchard, Man of la Mancha, and several original plays which have gone on to be produced at the New York Theatre Workshop, The Public Theatre, The O’Neill, Cherry Lane, and many others. From 1999-2002 he was the Artistic Director of Centerpoint Theatre Group in San Luis Obispo, CA. In 2005, he traveled to the West Bank and Gaza Strip to co-write and direct an original play with Ashtar Theatre, Palestine’s only professional theatre company. The subsequent play, The Era of Whales, has been performed in Gaza, Ramallah, Nablus, Jerusalem, and several international theatre festivals. Kevin has taught at the University of Iowa, University of Chicago, and has led dozens of workshops on A Practical Handbook for the Actor across the country. Kevin feels privileged to be part of bringing live theatre to San Luis Obispo. About the Film A Christmas Story is a 1983 American Christmas comedy film based on the short stories and semi-fictional anecdotes of author and raconteur Jean Shepherd, based on his book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, with some elements derived from Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories. The film has become a holiday classic and is shown on television during the Christmas season, often in a 24-hour marathon. In 2012, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” 2022-2023 Season 13
A Play in Two Based on the motion Acts written by picture and on a book by Philip Grecian Jean Shepherd Based on the Warner Bros. Motion Picture by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown & Bob Clark and on the book “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash” by Jean Shepherd Phyllis Momtazee Snelling Nicole & Jay Raftery Show Sponsor Show Sponsors Show Director Sponsor Presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
Time: Christmas Past Place: Hohman, Indiana There will be one 15 minute intermission Cast of Characters Ralph Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Abbott Ralphie Parker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jude Biggers The Old Man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Mesker Mother. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alicia Klein Randy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Logan Raftery Helen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vivienne Rajcevic Schwartz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pfeiffer Francis Flick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mathias Brown Esther Jane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claire Guyader Scut Farkus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aubrey O’Leary Miss Shields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irene Dahmen Artistic Team Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Harris Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isabel Torres Scenic Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Linfield Assistant Stage Manager/Backstage Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Culman Original Production Costume Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Randal Sumabat Costume Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Selby Lighting/Sound Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Harris Set Dressing & Props. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Linfield Original Production Prop Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlene Premer Set Construction/Painting Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Linfield, Bob Rice, & Valerie Pallai 2022-2023 Season 15
About the Cast Ben Abbott (Ralph) is an actor and playwright based here on the Central Coast. Previously at SLO REP he appeared in Annie (Daddy Warbucks) and Million Dollar Quartet (Sam Phillips.) He’s a PCPA – Pacific Conservatory Theatre Acting graduate and has a BA in Theatre and Performance Studies from UC Berkeley. He’s been a Melodrama regular since 2018 and is currently pursuing his MFA in Playwriting from the Hollins University Playwrights Lab. Jude Biggers (Ralphie) is so delighted to be a part of A Christmas Story! He has been doing theatre since he was 7 and has always had a passion for all things performing. Jude is a freshman at SLO High School and most recently played William Bailey (and other roles) in Radium Girls. When his life is not taken over by theatre, you may see him hanging out with friends, listening to music, and procrastinating homework. He would like to thank his parents for endless support, chauffeuring to rehearsals, and dealing with his crazy schedule. Enjoy the show! Mathias Brown (Flick) is a 12-year-old aspiring actor. He has participated in various ACT camps and classes starting at age 8. While off-stage, he enjoys creative writing and playing Dungeons & Dragons as Dungeon Master. Mathias is passionate about music and practices the piano, ukulele, and saxophone. He is a local Boy Scout and loves camping. He lives with his family in San Luis Obispo, but has also lived in Ecuador and speaks Spanish fluently. Irene Dahmen (Miss Shields) is so thrilled to be in her first SLO REP production! She has done a variety of shows at Santa Maria Civic Theater such as Steel Magnolias, Hairspray, Noises Off, The Full Monty, The 39 Steps, and her latest, Miss Lynch in Grease. She has also performed at Saint Joseph’s Community Theater, playing Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables. Irene adores the theater and is so grateful to be able to share this love with her family, Jim, Ian and Ava. It’s a treasure when they get a chance to do a show together! Irene thanks you for being here and is so excited to perform for you today! 16 San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
About the Cast Pfeiffer Francis (Schwartz) is excited to make her stage debut in this role. In addition to acting in SLO REP’s ACT after school programs, Pfeiffer enjoys water polo, youth symphony, and mountain biking. Thank you to SLO REP and castmates for such a wonderful first experience on stage. Claire Guyader (Esther Jane) is thrilled to be back with SLO REP for her first drama. Other credits include Michael Darling in Peter Pan (PCPA), Michael Banks in Mary Poppins, Jr. (SLO REP), Brigitta/Kurt Von Trapp understudy in The Sound of Music (PCPA), and Fern in Charlotte’s Web, an ACT Staged Reading. You can also see her in this winter’s ACT performance of A Wrinkle in Time as Mrs. Who. When not performing, Claire enjoys soccer, piano, and Rubik’s cubing. She also writes a weekly gardening newsletter that has raised over $5,000 for the SLO County Food Bank. Alicia Klein (Mother) is delighted to be back on the SLO REP stage, reprising one of her favorite roles. She was last seen this summer as Annelle in Steel Magnolias. Previous SLO REP credits include Mary Jane (Mary Jane), Our Town (Mrs. Webb), Enchanted April (Rose), Independence (Jo), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Suzanne), and The House of Blue Leaves (Corinna). She has also performed locally with the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival, and the Cambria Center for the Arts. Love to that summoning bin, Eric, and to Hans and Walden, who will NOT be getting a beebee gun for Hanukkah. Mike Mesker (The Old Man) actually loves dogs and meatloaf and is blasé about turkey. He’s thrilled to tread the boards for the first time since the COVID outbreak. As a long-time veteran of the SLO REP stage you may have previously seen him in The Fantasticks, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Producers, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Foreigner, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Take Me Out, My Fair Lady, and The Full Monty to name a few of his favorites. As always, he sends love and thanks to The Clapper. 2022-2023 Season 17
About the Cast Aubrey O’Leary (Scut Farkus) is thrilled to be in her very first SLO REP show! She is part of her high school’s theater program and was last seen in SLOHS Performing Arts production of Radium Girls as Madame Curie, Dr. Harrison Martland, and Elderly Widow. Previous shows include 24 Hour Musical (Zeke Baylor), Much Ado About Nothing (Balthasar, Antonio), Wizard of Oz (ensemble), and many festive spiels at her synagogue. When Aubrey is not chasing kids around a stage, she can be found spending time with her pets and family. Aubrey has always had a passion for theater and performing and would like to thank her grandfather for annually watching the movie A Christmas Story multiple times a day between Christmas Eve and New Year’s day, which made memorizing lines for this show a lot easier! Logan Raftery (Randy) is a fifth-grader at Old Mission School who is making his debut on the SLO REP stage with this production. He is an experienced actor featured prominently and annually in many Cal Poly short movies. He previously graced the stage in The Great American Melodrama’s Holiday Extravaganza as Tiny Tim. You also may have seen his many contributions to the SLO REP Intermission Show. Logan would like to thank his family, his friends, and his dog, Olive Blue for their unconditional support through this performance! Vivienne Rajcevic (Helen) is thrilled to be making her debut at SLO REP in A Christmas Story! In addition to acting; Viv loves to sing, play piano and take fencing with the San Luis Obispo Highlanders Fencing Club. Viv wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and hopes that Santa brings you everything you wish for! 18 San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
About the Artistic Team Isabel Torres (Stage Manager) is really happy to be back at SLO REP after stage managing Xanadu! Isabel has worked in technical theatre for many years as a light and sound operator, stagehand, and stage manager for shows like Beauty & The Beast, The Mousetrap, Newsies, Mamma Mia, The 39 Steps, and Happiest Show On Earth. Dave Linfield (Scenic Design) designs nearly all of SLO REP’s Mainstage productions. The theatre bug bit David in 1990 when an audition notice for a community theatre production caught his fancy. Over the years, he migrated from performing onstage to working behind the scenes, embracing technical stagecraft as his true calling. Dave’s educational background in graphic design and his work experience in retail display and housing construction have blended together in distinctive ways to fuel his passion for designing and building sets Season Passes Make Don’t Miss The 2022 Great Holiday Gifts! Holiday Extravaganza! 2022-2023 Season 19
Building the Future Thanks to the foresight, generosity and determination of Dr. Bernhard Singsen, SLO REP has established an endowment fund for the future of live theatre in downtown SLO. This fund will grow as we grow, providing security and future funding, Kevin Harris and Dr. Bernhard Singsen ensuring that this organization continues to survive and thrive for years to come. Many thanks to Dr. Singsen for his generous $20,000 seed gift for SLO REP’s “Build the Future” Fund. 20 San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
2022/2023 Season MICHELLE WOLF ALAN CUMMING OCT. 21 NOV. 13 CARLA MORRISON MAY 17,18 & 19 JANE LYNCH OCT. 28 DEC. 18 SEE THE FULL PHENOMENAL LINEUP OF ARTISTS & PURCHASE YOUR SINGLE TICKETS STARTING AUG. 8 AT CALPOLYARTS.ORG!
The Show MUST Go On! Unforgettable Characters. Extraordinary Stories. Since 1947. SLO REP is grateful to all of our generous donors. Each and every gift is important to us! This list recognizes donors who have pledged or contributed $100 or more between July 1, 2022 and November 15, 2022. Season 2022-2023 Donors Diamond Circle ($25,000+) Executive Producers Barbara-Jo Osborne ($2,500+) Valerie Pallai City of San Luis Obispo Libbie Agran Terry Parry The MOCA Foundation The Bostrom Family Gigi & James Roark Emerald Circle ($10,000+) Central Coast Funds Wilda Rosene for Children Marcia Scott Astound Business Solutions Powered bv Digital West Jerry & Sharynn Chirpich Cindy Green & Diane Dekker Clausen John Thomas The Couch Family Kathy Coull Susan & Craig Updegrove Bette Kulp Keith & Wendy George Marty Claus & Chip Visci Catherine & Richard Luckett Gina Kirk Ellie & Jermaine Washington Susan Minker Brendan V. & Kathryn L. Tom Weiss Pam & Mitch Nichter McAdams D. Rosh Wright Fund, a Ann Robinson Fund of The Community Bernhard Singsen Shannon & Douglas Murphy Foundation San Luis Carol MacCurdy & Obispo County Angels ($5,000+) Tom Nuckols JAMBA, Linda Ozawa Directors ($500+) Better Business Olds & Jeff Olds Financial Solutions Craig & Susan Armstrong Jay & Nicole Raftery Janssen Youth & Youth Judy Hemenway & Sports Fund, Held at The George & Jane Roach Jonathan Fellows Community Foundation Joan Gellert Sargen Luanne & Fabrizio Griguoli San Luis Obispo County Michael & Maryellen Simkins Victoria Grostick Karen S. Kolba MD Phyllis Momtazee Snelling William E. & Ingrid Kelly Carol Kiessig Mary-Ann Maloof KSBY Producers ($1,000+) Shannon & Douglas Murphy Jeanne & Lawrence Lovelace American Riviera Bank John Ozanich Larry & Jeanette Meek Gary Lawson & Michael & Christy Palmer Tom Ammon New Times Rotary Club of San Luis Seth & Chris Blackburn Obispo de Tolosa RyLo Media Design, Ryan C. Loyd Carol Burkhart Priscilla & Hal Thilmony Subplot Studio Coastal Peaks Coffee Tom Weiss Jayne & Steve Devencenzi SLO REP is a 501(c)3 non-profit Daniel Freeman All donations listed have been organization. Federal Tax ID# Cricket Handler & pledged or received as of Jerry Boots Nov. 15, 2022 for the 2022-23 season. 95–2556678. All donations are Every effort has been made to tax deductible, as allowed by Toni & Craig Kincaid ensure the accuracy of this list. law, and will be promptly and If you have any questions about gratefully acknowledged. Dianne N. Long your listing, please contact Chris McBride at chris@slorep.org. 22 San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
Stars ($250+) Brian & Erin Clausen Thomas & Linda Stuermer Mary Baiamonte Maureen A Dresp Patty & David Thayer Sharon & John Dobson Audrey Elliott Kenneth & Nancy Elizabeth Frost Thompson Marilyn & Larry Gardner Gail Gresham Sarah Garcia Elyse & Chris Ungar Sharon & Jerry Melson Nancy Grant Mary Blackler & Phil Wagner The Minikel Family Bevelina Hardwick Foundation Deborah & Jim Whitson Donna & Randy Johnson Randall Murray Janice Wolf Paul & Robyn Metchik Nancy & Donald Norton Ray Ramirez & Susan Piel Philip R Morris Gregory Zocher Alaine & Rich Steuk Margaret O’Neill Donna O’Shaughnessy Special Remembrances Bob & Nanette Tarpinian Denise Taylor & Neal Naya & Kaz Pearson In Honor and Appreciation MacDougall Roz Phillips of Jerry & Sharynn Chirpich by Kathy Coull Stage Managers ($100+) Yvonne Ramos & Robert Smidt In Memory of Jules Hock Rebecca & Joseph Judith Resnick Catherine & Richard Luckett Anastasio Virginia Rodgers Karen Bailey In Honor of Burr Nissen Gail Ryff Darlene & Russ Bik by Audrey Elliott Liz Stanley-Salazar Lois & Sonny Brown & John Salazar In Honor of Alaine & Jay Campbell Deb & John Spatafore Richard Steuk Carlyn Christianson Lynn & Jon Sterner by Judy Stark Nov. 10 – Dec. 23, 2022 Marian Theatre • Santa Maria BECOME A SUBSCRIBER FOR THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! PCPA.ORG | (805) 922-8313 2022-2023 Season 23
Capital Campaign Donations It’s time. After many, many years of “flying beneath the radar” on our Capital Campaign, it is time to start sharing our good news! Many, many thanks to these incredibly generous supporters whose early gifts and pledges, and their belief in the future of SLO REP, have brought us more than halfway to our goal! Luminaries Leading Roles Ensemble Cast City of San Luis Obispo Diane Dekker Clausen The Ron Burkhart Fund Anonymous Jim & Jeanette Efird In Memory of Deb Amy Hart & Burnstine Bremner, Stephen Lloyd-Moffett by M. Anne Spence Headliners Steven B. Jobst, M.D. & In Memory of Dorothy The Hughes Charitable DeVries, by Robert DeVries Dr. Jill E. Anderson Foundation Dianne N. Long Mary & John Frey Bette Kulp The MOCA Foundation, Jean & Andrew Mary Bianco Greensfelder Fund, STARS Linda Ozawa Olds Held at The Community Foundation, San Luis Libbie Agran & Jeff Olds Obispo County The Bostrom Family Roy & Linda Rawlings Deborah Adams & Gina Kirk Michael & Maryellen Simkins Michael Howard Catherine and Marty Claus & Chip Visci Jan & Steven Marx Richard Luckett Ellie & Jermaine Washington Shelagh Garren & Brendan V. & Kathryn Alan Pietsch L. McAdams Supporting Roles Pierre Rademaker Design Susan Minker Kathy Coull Doreen Wetzel & Ron Regier Pam & Mitch Nichter Deborah & Robert Stewart Wilda Rosene Jane & George Roach Sharynn & Jerry Chirpich Joan Gellert Sargen Ann Robinson Matthew & Joy Cottle Marcia Scott Lois & Duke Williams Wendy & Keith George In Honor of Richard Memorial Fund, Held at The & Alaine Steuk Community Foundation Carol Kiessig San Luis Obispo County Karen S. Kolba M.D. The Orndorff Family Foundation Dick Morse & Mike Lyons For more information on our Capital Campaign and how you can help build the future of live theatre on the Central Coast, please contact Patty Thayer at (805) 781-3889, ext. 15 or email patty@slorep.org. 24 San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
Leave a Legacy of Live Theatre for the Future Everyone can leave a legacy. Great or small, planned gifts through your financial or estate plans will ensure that the enjoyment and enrichment you’ve experienced at SLO REP is available to our community for years to come. Please join us in a round of applause for these members of SLO REP’s Legacy Society whose foresight and generosity will keep live theatre going strong in downtown San Luis Obispo for years and years to come. Legacy Society Jeff McKeegan & Steven deLuque Pam & Mitch Nichter Kate Hines & Bryce Engstrom Gail Ryff Ray & Jaime Hatler Michael & Maryellen Simkins Brenda & Jules Hock Robert Lahr & Bruce Stuart Lisa Langere Brendan V. & Kathryn L. McAdams Jeanne & Lawrence Lovelace William F. Mooney & Wilbur Wooster Catherine & Richard Luckett To find out more about how you help to build the future of SLO REP through planned giving, please contact Patty Thayer at (805) 781-3889, ext. 15 or patty@slorep.org. Please consider a year-end donation to SLO REP! Ticket sales cover only a little more than half of what you see on stage. YOU make the difference. Your donations help to bring the lights up on every intimate SLO REP performance, connecting audience and actors in a shared emotional experience, teaching us about ourselves and each other, bringing a little understanding to a complicated world. Your year-end gifts — in any amount — are the most important piece of this amazing puzzle called live theatre. Your generous support ensures the continued growth and success of SLO REP, now and into our very exciting future. Three ways to support SLO Repertory Theatre: 1 Join us as an Annual Fund Donor. Your year-end gift supports professional live theatre and vibrant educational programs right here in downtown San Luis Obispo. Donor benefits may include priority seating, complimentary tickets and more! 2 Give More and Owe Less! If you’re 70 ½ or older, a donation to SLO REP can count as your required minimum distribution from your IRA, plus save you money on taxes! (Please consult your tax advisor for details.) 3 Leave a Legacy. Designate a gift to SLO REP in your will or estate plans to support the future of live theatre in our community for years to come. Talk to your financial advisor and call us at (805) 781-3889, ext. 15 for more information. The San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID# 95-2556678. For more information, please contact Patty Thayer at (805) 781-3889, ext. 15 or email patty@slorep.org. 2022-2023 Season 25
AMPLIFYING YOUR BRAND FOR 75 YEARS Design | Print | Mail | Apparel | Web | Promo 805.543.6844 | 2226 Beebee Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 | www.prpco.com 2022-2023 Season 26
Contact Downtown Venue Address Box Office: (805) 786-2440 888 Morro Street boxoffice@slorep.org San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Business Office: (805) 781-3889 Empleo Street Campus Box Office Hours 3533 Empleo Street Wed-Fri 3 pm – 6 pm San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Show Saturdays 3 pm – 5 pm Mailing Address Will Call open 1 hour before PO Box 122 every show San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 Board of Directors Mission Pam Nichter, President SLO REP strengthens theatre’s cultural Ellie Washington, Vice-President influence and enriches the Central Coast by Debbie Stewart, Treasurer producing professional theatre, nurturing Michael Simkins, Secretary & Past President artists and providing theatre education for children and adults. Members Our Belief Jay Beck Susan Minker Jerry Chirpich Jeff Olds Live theatre’s powerful storytelling connects people in ways that open the mind, nourish Diane Clausen Wilda Rosene the soul and illuminate our shared humanity. Keith George Marcia Scott Dianne N. Long Chip Visci Vision Richard Luckett To be a nationally recognized regional theatre that: Staff • Produces professional theatrical Kevin Harris Kerry DiMaggio productions in a state-of-the-art facility. Managing Artistic Education Director • Strengthens the cultural vitality of the Director Central Coast, entertains audiences, Rachel Tietz nurtures artists, and cultivates future Patty Thayer Assistant Education generations of theatre enthusiasts. Director of Director • Creates a strong and sustainable Development & Capital economic impact, attracting Vincent Lemos Campaign residents and visitors to Education Coordinator Chris McBride downtown San Luis Obispo. Penny DellaPelle Director of Marketing Danielle Durbin Our Commitment & Annual Giving Shannon Peters Theatre plays a vital role in our culture and our Suzy Newman Amanda Thayer community and has a responsibility to enact Marketing & Lester Wilson positive change through its work, practices, Development ACT Teaching Artists educational programs and policies. We at Associate SLO REP are committed to diversity, equity Daniel Freeman and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Dave Linfield Sonja Jackson To learn more about our commitment to you, Technical Director/ Shannon Peters our community and to ourselves, visit our Scenic Designer Rylee Terry Diversity, Equity and Inclusion webpage at Amanda Thayer www.slorep.org/about/diversity-and-inclusion Allison Rajcevic Melissa Walker-Scott Land Acknowledgement: San Luis Obispo Volunteer Coordinator Assistant House Repertory Theatre acknowledges with & Front of House Managers respect that the place we work and Carey Blauvelt gather is located on the traditional land Box Office Staff of the Northern Chumash people. SLO REP is a proud member of: Printing: Poor Richard’s Press Artwork: Subplot Studio Photos/Video: RyLo Media Design, Ryan Loyd 27
Bring your kids and grandkids to UP this family-friendly show! NEXT JAN 13-22, 2023 Wilda Rosene Joan Gellert Sargen Bette Kulp Show Sponsor Show Sponsor Show Director Sponsor Presented through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing, Inc.
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