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1 table of contents Sweeney Todd LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR Attend the Tale of Sweeney Todd……………2 FEATURE Cast and Crew………….………………………..4 About the Cast & Crew….……………………..7 About the Production Team………………….22 TAKE YOUR PLACE IN THE SPOTLIGHT Up Next at ACT…………………………......…..28
note from the director 2 Each and every cast is different and all for various reasons. For me, this is one of the most difficult musicals to perform well, being Sondheim’s magnum opus. And, in being one of his best, it begs of us all to deliver the same caliber of expertise in every moment and facet of each performance—both on and off stage, to honor this composer’s talents and his memory. Though each actor was challenged to find something new or revealing about who their character was/is, their independent discoveries of how their secrets interplayed and diffused one another’s reality was a joy to watch evolve. The characters themselves direct and command the stage…the content heavy and ultimately morosely ironic, delivers life lessons in large and unpalatable slices of Mrs. Lovett’s pies. At its core, this is the epic tale of love found, lost, wasted and exploited on levels one should never aspire to reach and yet, here we are…trapped in Todd’s world of endlessly revolving emotive doors. Those of you who know this show, or think you know this show may be tempted to parse its technical and emotional imbalances…but be careful not to miss its basic and primal approach to the human condition. What we sew, we reap. What we covet and garner by deceitfully seductive ways, we eventually lose… and what we value, we are most apt to eventually waste, while frittering away its value, transfixed in some obsessive and obtuse opposite pursuit. This show, while superficially laced with both implied and demonstrative gore, invites unabashed gawking, for as the opening ballad tells you... “Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd”. Attend—meaning to care for, to be present…to
3 note from the director assist in. The ballad itself, inducts you into its collective madness, while it introduces you to this man’s soulless journey. His lullaby of desperate lamentations and regrets tempts you to partake—if only cerebrally—in his sins, trading his public shadows for your private ones. This cast, divine as it is, dances with the dark and ever cleverness of the debauched and provides both awkward humor and perverse resolution to ordinary obstacles and unnerving consequences. To wit, I cannot thank this cast and crew enough for their God-given talents, patience through process and joy in final execution and expression. Join with me in celebrating their glorious accomplishments…honor their time and tenacity with your attention to detail and nuance. And as we enter this season of thanks and gratitude, know that mine is greater having traversed this mysterious mountebank’s evolution with them. My great, good gratitude to this community and this government for supporting all live performing arts, the cultural influence it gifts us all and the opportunity for its citizenry to celebrate and share their talents with family and friends within such grandiose and historic walls as these. Respectfully Submitted,
cast and crew 4 PRODUCTION TEAM Director……………………………………………………………...T.A. POWELL Lighting Designer Set Design Projection Design Music Director…………………………………………………..….DANIEL SELF Sound Design Music Direction Intern…………………………………..…..THEO SCHRAMM Stage Manager...……………………………….…………...RACHEL WHITSEL Stage Crew…...………………………………………...ZACHARY CAPPIELLO ABEL CLARK TARYN WILLIAMS PAIGE BAUGHER Choreography………………….……………………..………….EVA ELARBEE Hair & Makeup Sound Engineer……………………………………………………...ASHER HILL Projection Design & Video Production Costumes…………………………………………………....MARY DELAPLANE THE DRESS UP BOX Scenic Artistry…………………...……………………………...JEREMY MILLER Production Assistant...………………………...…………...JEANNIE THOMAS Technical Director………………………………………......STEPHEN VERNER Assistant Technical Director……………………………………….ALEX BETTS Administration….………………………………………………....LYNN GREEN Box Office Management….………………..…………….ZARIA GHOLSTON Rehearsal Assistant………………………………………HALLIE MCCOLLUM
5 cast and crew CAST Sweeney Todd………………………………WASHINGTON ISAAC HOLMES Mrs. Lovett…………………………………………….LISA CESNIK FERGUSON Anthony Hope……………………………………..………..TANNER DZIEDZIC Johanna………………………………………………….....MADELEINE BAKER Tobias Ragg……………………………………………………..LOGAN BONO Judge Turpin…………………………………………………….…..DON SMITH The Beadle……………………………………………..………..RYAN ROBERTS Beggar Woman……..………………………………...KENDALL KOOKOGEY Adolfo Pirelli……………………………………………………..DALLAS BONO Jonas Fogg……………………………………………………..GRAHAM FENN Understudy (Johanna)………………………………………..CHIARA BONO Understudy (Mrs. Lovett)……...…………………………….HALLIE POTENZA DANCE CORE CHIARA BONO NATHAN ORCK EVAN ORR CHRISTINE CESTARO NICOLE PARKER MILA CESTARO TRENT PARTIN KATIE COLLINS RIO CRANE ANDY PLEMMONS KAITLIN DEAN WILL POGUE HALLIE POTENZA NILAH DELETTO AMELIA PRIEST AUDIE DENNIS CHAMBERLAIN SMITH GRAHAM FENN JESSICA SPIRES CAMERON HARTNESS SAVANNAH JACKSON MARGARET STEWART MARA MERSHON BEKAH WESLEY JAMES WEST JOSIE MORETTI SAVANNAH MOYER
cast and crew 6 ENSEMBLE soloist indicated by ** CHIARA BONO** ELIZABETH-GRACE MITCHELL WILLIAM CARSON** JOSIE MORETTI CHRISTINE CESTARO** SAVANNAH MOYER** MILA CESTARO** NATHAN ORCK** KATIE COLLINS** NICOLE PARKER** RIO CRANE** TRENT PARTIN** KAITLIN DEAN** ANDY PLEMMONS** NILAH DELETTO** WILL POGUE** AUDIE DENNIS HALLIE POTENZA** JACK DEWOLF AMELIA PRIEST GRAHAM FENN** MARY SMITH KEVIN GREEN** CHAMBERLAIN SMITH RIN GUNN** THALIA SMOOT** CAMERON HARTNESS** JESSICA SPIRES** SAVANNAH JACKSON MARGARET STEWART MICHAEL JAOUI** BEKAH WESLET** MELINDA JONES JAMES WEST BRISSA LOPEZ** ABIGAIL SUAREZ JUNE MAZUR EZRA HILL MARA MERSHON** ORCHESTRA Anny Chung VIOLIN, Jesse Matthews VIOLIN, Karen Jennings VIOLIN Lorraine Franco VIOLIN, Jonathan Davis VIOLA, Roselyn Attipoe VIOLA, Will Taylor CELLO, Lee Carmon REED 1, Whitney Holley, REED 2, Braxton Thompson REED3, Elizebeth Tong, REED5, James Bush TRUMPET, Todd Curless TRUMPET, Karen Castleberry HORN, Bonnie Lockwood HORN, Michael Brewer TROMBONE, Alan Bunn KEYBOARD, Henry Pattiva PERCUSSION Conductor - Daniel E. Self | Music Direction Intern - Theo Schramm
7 biographies Madeleine Jane Moon Over Buffalo and Sir Baker (Johanna) Danvers in Jekyll and Hyde. Dallas Madeleine is a has also been seen in Athens with recent UGA Honors OYSP as Edna Turnblad in College graduate Hairspray, The Third Hermit in the with a Bachelor’s True Story of Cinderella, Luigi in in speech Puccini’s Opera Il Tabarro, and pathology. Along the Narrator in Menotti’s Old Maid with her twelve years of classical and the Thief. Dallas has ballet training, Madeleine has performed over 40 leading roles in been performing in musicals since opera and musical theater all the age of six. Her most recent over the United States in has appearances include Winnie appeared in concert with several Foster in Tuck Everlasting, Emma symphony orchestras and recital Carew in Jekyll and Hyde, and venues. Dallas has sung leading Ariel in The Little Mermaid. She has roles with the New York Grand also appeared in Titanic the Opera in Carnegie Hall and Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Lincoln Center. He is the Artistic Love and Murder, Beauty and the Director of the Collective Artists Beast, My Son Pinocchio, Workshop and will be conducting Seussical, Honk!, The Aristocats, Little Women in the Spring with the Hello! My Baby, The Nutcracker company. Dallas runs a large Ballet, and many other voice studio where he not only productions. In addition to teaches vocal technique, but performing and serving as dance specializes in coaching students captain, Madeleine has worked on building confidence, and as a choreographer and as a overcoming self-doubt. Dallas is teacher for private ballet lessons. married to Kendall Kookogey and When not rehearsing, she is found is super proud of his daughter shopping with her momma, Chiara and his son, Logan arranging movie nights with her (Tobias). Dallas would like to thank friends, or cheering on The Dawgs. Terry Powell for once again Madeleine Jane is delighted to be putting him in a ridiculous role back on the stage and where no one will ever be able to performing with this talented cast take him seriously again. at the Morton Theatre! Chiara Bono Dallas Bono (Pirelli) (Ensemble, Dance is making his third Core, Johanna MainStage Understudy, Soloist appearance with in Fogg’s Asylum) is ACT. Most a Sophomore in recently, Dallas High School this performed the role year. She has of George Hay in performed with ACT in Leaving
biographies 8 Iowa, ensemble in Tuck teen division of the American Everlasting, ensemble and dancer Ninja Warrior sport. He is an avid in Jekyll and Hyde, and soloist in rock climber (indoors over mats, ACT’s Live Art. Most recently where he won’t die), likes to play Chiara has appeared in concert tennis and pickle ball, and he at ATHfest, Porchfest, and the collects basketball cards. Logan Bishop Fall Festival with the has dreams of being on the Collective Artists Workshop. She American Ninja Warrior TV show, has sung the part of Oaken in and making it to either Broadway Frozen, the Ancestor in Moana, or the Opera stage. Logan is and a Mersister in The Little happy to once again be Mermaid with Oconee County performing with his entire family in Schools. Chiara also loves the this production. backstage. She has run lights and sound on multiple occasions for Oconee County School shows, William Carson and has also worked with (Ensemble, costume goddess, Mistress Mary Policeman) William Deleplane. Chiara is mommy to a Carson is a bunny named Sunflower. Chiara is National Art Honor singing with her whole family in Society Member, this production. International Thespian Society Member and 2014 Walnut Grove Logan Bono High School (WGHS) Honors (Tobias Ragg) is a Graduate. His introduction to the 14 year old high performing arts was as a member school freshman. of WGHS Stage Warriors. As a Logan’s ACT high school Junior and Senior he credits include enrolled in several advanced Hugo in Tuck performing arts classes at The Everlasting, Georgia Ensemble Theatre and ensemble in Jekyll and Hyde, Conservatory in Roswell, Georgia. ensemble in Titanic, and Little After numerous high school and Brother in Leaving Iowa. He’s community theatre performances performed the roles of Tevye in he transferred his skills over to Fiddler on the Roof jr., Sebastien in Athens Creative Theatre (A.C.T.) The Little Mermaid, and Maui in where he continues performing to Moana with Oconee Schools. date. His first production with Most recently, Logan has A.C.T. was Mary Poppins in 2015 appeared in concert at ATHfest, and most recent performance Porchfest, and the Bishop Fall was Jekyll & Hyde in 2022. He’s Festival with the Collective Artists performed at Quinn Hall and The Workshop. In addition to singing Morton Theatre with A.C.T. and and acting, Logan is currently A.M.T.O. either on stage or as one ranked #15 in the world in the of the orchestra percussionists.
9 biographies Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber Katie Collins of Fleet Street is his 10th (Ensemble, Dance production at A.C.T. and A.M.T.O. Core, Quintet which he immensely enjoys. Soloist) She has been performing most of her life on Christine Cestaro multiple types of (Ensemble, Dance stages. From Core, Vocal community theater as a child to Soloist) Christine is local venues and bars. happy to be back She is classically trained in both with ACT for her vocal and instrumental talents. 5th performance. She continues to thrive to be a She’s especially part in all things performing arts. grateful for the honor of being the first voice you hear. (Thanks, Terry and Daniel!) When not on stage The World Is A Stage. with ACT, Chris is studying voice with Dallas Bono or performing improv with Flying Squid Comedy. Rio Crane She also studies and performs with (Ensemble, Dance the newly formed Collective Artists Core, Vocal Soloist) Workshop and is excited to watch In one way or that community grow. Christine another, Rio has works as a preschool teacher and always been has 3 amazing and talented fascinated with children, Caleb, Ryan, and Mila, music. Between who inspire her to try new things drumming for various bands, and support her in every crazy producing instrumentals, and thing she tries. coming up with ridiculous dance moves, he is always trying to find new ways to expand his musical Mila Cestaro horizons. Upon hearing that A.C.T. (Ensemble, Dance was in shortage of men to fill the Core, Vocal roles in Jekyll and Hyde last year, Soloist) Mila he took a chance with musical Cestaro is a junior theater and found it to be an in high school who incredibly fulfilling experience. has been acting Now he's back for his second for 10 years production with A.C.T., sharing the appearing in over 25 plays and the stage with a lovely cast and musicals. She has been involved in crew that he is honored to ACT productions of Camelot and perform with. Jekyll and Hyde. In her free time she is an artist.
biographies 10 Kaitlin Dean Audie Dennis (Ensemble, Dance (Ensemble, Dance Core, Vocal Soloist) Core) Audie is an Kaitlin is returning artist, podcaster, for her second and dancer.She show with ACT! fell in love with Having a love for theater from a music and young age thanks musicals, Sweeney Todd was one to her father who always played of her dreams to be a part of. show tunes on car rides. She Thanks to Terry, Daniel, and all of started acting at the age of four ACT that dream has become a and quickly picked up dancing reality. and singing as well. In her personal life audie creates wall murals to brighten people's lives Nilah DeLetto and make the world a more (Ensemble, Dance interesting place. She also runs a Core, Soloist in true crime and oddities podcast Fogg’s Asylum) spreading light to victims’ names. Nilah first fell in love In her free time she enjoys loving with Sondheim on her cats and creating digital after watching Tim art pieces. Burton's Sweeney Todd. She is beyond honored to be a part of this spectacular show Jack DeWolf along with this wonderful cast of (Ensemble) Jack is talented performers. She enjoys all an 18 year old things creative from reading and senior at Cedar writing to baking and embroidery. Shoals High School. She lives in a log cabin with her He plans on dog, cat, and husband in attending Oglethorpe County. She is Columbus State thankful for all of her family, University next year to peruse a friends, and coworkers who have degree in theatre education. come to support our local Jack is a member of the community and her love of International Thespian Society and theater. This is her second is a current National Honor rank in production with ACT and she the society. That’s equivalent to looks forward to putting on more 1,200 hours dedicated to theatre shows with them in the future. in his 3 years of high school and one more year to go! In his free time, Jack enjoys writing songs, recording his own music, and spending time with friends.
11 biographies Tanner Dziedzic Graham plans to get a masters (Anthony Hope) degree in Biomanufacturing and Tanner Dziedzic is Bioprocessing to better produce excited to be fuels like diesel from biological performing in one sources such as algae, as well as of his dream shows bioremediation of pollutants in the with Athens environment. Creative Theatre. Tanner is from Macon, GA and has recently graduated from UGA Lisa Cesnik with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Ferguson (Mrs. Other shows that he has been Lovett) Lisa Cesnik involved in throughout college Ferguson is a are Jekyll & Hyde with Town & theatre Gown, Something Rotten with professional and Theatre Macon, and several UGA SDC Member, with operas. Tanner is also active in 35 years of Athens community music events experience producing, directing, such as Hendershot’s Open Mic acting and teaching regionally. In Nights. Georgia, she has directed a dozen productions at the Springer Opera House and twice that Graham Fenn many at Gordon State College (Ensemble, Dance where she is the Theatre Director Core, Vocal and tenured Professor. She Soloist) Graham earned her baccalaureate Fenn (Jonas Fogg, degree in Theatre from Ball State Ensemble) Is a University, her MFA in Theatre from biological University of Georgia and is engineering currently working toward her student at the University of certification in Fundraising Georgia. Graham enjoys Management from the Eli Lilly spending time with friends, hosting School of Philanthropy at Indiana parties, and gardening in his University. In Georgia she is hometown of Monroe Georgia. working toward her Certification He has been acting his entire life, at Georgia Film Academy. and worked a lot with OnStage Walton before he went to Athens. Graham’s first show in Athens was Lisa became a working actor at ACT’s Jekyll and Hyde, where he the age of 17, when she received played the title characters, but her first paycheck from Puppets has had several notable roles and Players, the Children’s such as Leaf Coneybear in Theatre touring arm of Indiana Spelling Bee, The Cheshire Cat in University Purdue University at Alice in wonderland, and Captain Indianapolis (IUPUI). She has Hook in Peter Pan. Professionally, explored every genre of theatre -
biographies 12 developing new works, musical is to foster an environment where theatre, museum theatre, touring everyone has an opportunity to for young audiences and invest themselves in the producing Shakespeare Festivals. transformative power of She founded and ran Rose of performing arts. Athens Theatre, Inc. as Producing Artistic Director from 2006-2015. Her artistic mission is to utilize the Kevin Greene - power of the performing arts to lift (Ensemble, Rear up every voice. Admiral, Vocal Soloist) Kevin is delighted to make Lisa counts herself fortunate to his debut with ACT! have studied with Martha Jacobs Kevin retired to (Author of A Meisner Legacy Winterville in 2019, [2012]) from 1994 to 1996, and her leaving Concord, acting training is firmly rooted in New Hampshire, where he was a the Neighborhood Playhouse Middle School Chorus Director Technique. She is well-versed in and music-directed over two the somewhat Spolinesque dozen student theater techniques of Augusto Boal, productions in the school and having studied with him in 2000, community. He was also a first and then again at the Brecht tenor and music section leader in Forum in NYC in 2002, Most the Concord Chorale. In recently she did a weekend retirement, Kevin is enjoying workshop in 2019 with Julian Boal, Athens’ cultural offerings, singing Augusto's son. in the Athens Chamber Chorus, building hardwood furniture and guitars, hiking in the southern In 2019, she presented at the Appalachian Mountains, and Teaching Matters Conference at traveling and camping with his Gordon State College—Learning wife Angela. Differences and the “Neurodiverse”. In 2022, she presented at the Civic Learning & Rinn Gunn Democratic Engagement (Ensemble, Soloist conference in Minneapolis, in Trio) Rin Gunn is sharing discoveries that were a 24-year-old unearthed during the Oral History choral scholar, project she co-created, called Historic Athens tour EMERGENCE, which highlighted guide, voice and student reflections of their music teacher, experiences of Gordon State and helper. Originally from College during integration in the Gwinnett County, Rin grew up 60's and 70's. As an actor, director attending choral conferences at and educator, her highest calling the Classic Center and became
13 biographies an Athens resident in May of 2023. time Ezra enjoys reading comics, With a music degree from playing guitar, and spending time Piedmont University, Rin’s passion with his two younger brothers. He lies in using the arts to heal would like to thank all of the communities; Rin is planning for talented people with ACT for all of graduate school, choosing their support and encouragement between musicology, over the years. anthropology, and sociology. Washington Isaac Outside of the theatre, Rin can be Holmes (Sweeney found directing Athens Todd) Washington community chorus, hanging out Isaac, baritone, with their cats Pumpkin and was born in Noodle, and biking the Firefly and Augusta, Georgia Greenway trails. and raised in the New Hope Community of Graniteville, South Cameron Hartness Carolina. He dedicates his (Ensemble, Dance performances to his father, Booker Core) Cameron T. Holmes, Sr. for without his Hartness is a high inspiration, love and generosity, school English his participation in this production teacher and would not have been possible. lifelong musical theater enthusiast. Making her return to the stage for Holmes has studied voice at the the first time in 6 years, Cameron is University of South Carolina, the excited to find a new family in the University of Michigan and the Athens Creative Theatre. University of Georgia Cameron would like to thank her most recently studying with Dr. family, friends, and school Gregory Broughton. community for their support! Holmes has appeared in various Ezra Hill performance media: opera--Il (Ensemble) Ezra is Tabarro with Dallas Bono, Le a fifth grade Nozze di Figaro; oratorio--Messiah, student at Athens Bach's St. John Passion; musical Montessori School, theater--Disney's Beauty and the and is very excited Beast, Jekyll and Hyde; solo recital to be a part of the and ensembles, dance and Sweeney Todd drama--The Tempest, Antigone ensemble. He is a regular actor in directed by Dr. Don Cleary. ACT programs and productions, having most recently appeared in Tuck Everlasting as the Toad and Special thanks to the production Alien Invasion! as Jared. In his free
biographies 14 team, especially Terry, Daniel, - and has loved them all. He's Rachel and Rio; to Dallas, Kendall, performed in high school Chiara and Logan. productions of Beauty and the Beast, Arsenic and Old Lace, and You're a Good Man Charlie "Well, I've come home to find you Brown, but this is his first non-high waiting. Home, and we're school production and his first together, and we'll do wonders, production of any kind in over won't we?" fifteen years. Savannah Melinda Jones Jackson - (Ensemble) Born to Savannah is a sing. From her first recent graduate solo singing “Zip-a- from the University dee-doo-day” for of Georgia her preschool excited to be graduation, making her stage Meilnda has debut in Athens! Originally from always been comfortable singing the Chattanooga area, Savannah for an audience. Throughout was involved in local theater for a school she sang with choirs and number of years. Some of her choruses. Her natural “Broadway favorite productions include The style” of singing makes her a good Hunchback of Notre Dame, fit for karaoke and theatre, which Pippin, Shrek, and Mary Poppins. she enjoys. She also sings with the When not on stage, you can find Athens Choral Society. She sings her walking on the greenway, because she is happy and always losing at strategy based board greets people with a smile and a games, or watching terrible reality song. Singing is who she is; as TV. natural as breathing. Michael Jaoui Kendall Marie (Ensemble, Kookogey - Quintet Soloist) (Beggar Woman) Michael Jaoui is Kendall has an Athens-based enjoyed her writer (non- (characters’?) slow professional), fall from grace actor (non- atACT over the professional), singer (non- past 4 years, starting with the professional), and cat-owner strong-willed, intelligent, yet (professional). He's lived in three of beloved character ofAnna (The the four corners of the U.S. - I'll get King and I), to the alluring, to you one day, Pacific Northwest! magical wood nymph Nimue
15 biographies (Camelot), to the recent professional credits include drunk,conceited, rich old Lady “Mrs. Phelps” in Matilda, “Blue Beaconsfield (Jekyll & Hyde) to Dog” in Go, Dog, Go! and finally the half-crazed, “Thumbelina” in Thumbelina. destitute,traumatized Beggar Aside from acting, she is a Woman! seasoned director. Notable credits include “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” a Before her time with ACT, Kendall 2022 GA ThesCon show, “The sang leading roles in Mozart’s Addams Family” and “Rabbit Marriage of Figaro, Hole”. When she's not in rehearsal Puccini’s La Boheme, Strauss’ she enjoys reading and thrifting! operetta Die Fledermaus, and Follow her on Instagram Warren Martin’s The True Story of @brissanlopez Cinderella. She has also been the featured soprano soloist in Verdi’s June Mazur Requiem, Orff’s Carmina (Ensemble) June Burana, and Beethoven’s Mazur is a native Symphony No. 9. In her free time, Atlantan who when she isn’t keeping things returned to live in GA 16 years ago. running smoothly at St. Gregory She has 2 the Great Episcopal Church, she wonderful sons Ubers her son all over the and 2 adorable grandchildren Southeast US for Ninja Warrior living in Dallas, TX. In 2008, her training and competitions. acting began as Frau Schmidt in “The Sound of Music” and then Mother Superior in “Nunsense” She is so grateful to have been a with ACT. She has gone on to be part of such a magnificent in numerous musicals, musical Sweeney Todd cast! Her revues, plays, and AMTO musical concerts. Before retirement, June greatest joy though has been to, spent 35 years on another stage once again, share the stage with as a flight attendant with Delta Air her entire family (Dallas, Lines. Her thanks go to all who Chiara, and Logan)! made this show possible and especially to Terry and Daniel for continuing to allow her to play in Brissa Lopez the theatre with them! Please sit (Ensemble, back and enjoy the show!! Quintet Soloist) Brissa Lopez holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Brenau University. Her
biographies 16 Mara Mershon renewed love of theater and (Ensemble, Dance dance. There, she had the Core, Soloist in Trio) pleasure to work with some Mara is so excited wonderful people, including a to be making her dance partner who stole her ACT debut! Raised heart. She formerly appeared in in Roswell, productions of Nunsense (Sister Georgia, she is Mary Amnesia), 9 to 5 (Missy Hart), currently a sophomore at The and Cabaret (ensemble). University of Georgia studying Theatre and Journalism. Favorite roles include Martha in Cheaper She’d like to thank her friends, by the Dozen, Roxie in Chicago, family, and long-suffering and Little Sally in Urinetown. In her roommates (sorry for that audition free time, she plays the guitar and song choice, AJ!) for tolerating it ukulele and is active in UGA’s all. And of course, her boyfriend musical theatre organization Rio, her dear Red Rat girls (Jessica, NextAct where she serves as the Kaitlin, Lauren, & Margaret), and Associate Artistic Director. Enjoy the fantastic cast and crew of the show! Sweeney Todd! Special thanks to Terry, Daniel, Rachel, Eva, and Mistress Mary for making it Josie Moretti happen. (Ensemble, Dance Core) Josie is excited to be Nathan Orck making her Athens (Ensemble, Dance Creative Theater Core, Vocal Soloist) debut. She has a Nathan is a theater background in enthusiast who is dance and choral music, and her excited to be previous stage credits include performing with Antigone, Spamalot, and ACT for the first Footloose. time. He has previously served as a member of set and wardrobe crews for Town & Gown on Savannah Moyer productions like A Gentleman's (Ensemble, Dance Guide to Love and Murder, Sister Core, Vocal Soloist) Act, and Much Ado About Savannah is a Nothing, but this will be the first product design time that he has acted (or sung!) artist and illustrator. onstage in Athens. In his She first performed professional life, Nathan works at with ACT in last the Athens-Clarke County year’s production of Jekyll & Elections Office where he Hyde, where she found a processes voter registrations and
17 biographies generally assists voters. When he Trent Partin isn't working or at the theater, (Ensemble, Dance Nathan enjoys spending time with Core, Vocal his dearest friends, playing Soloist, Soloist in Stardew Valley, and relaxing with Quintet) Trent is his cat, Jax. incredibly proud to be joining the ACT cast and Evan Orr (Ensemble, Dance Core) crew for the first time in, “Sweeny Evan is an Athens Technical Todd.” With a rich history in College graduate in Applied performing arts, including UGA Electrical Science. Evan has been Men’s Glee Club, UGA Opera, performing with various theater and various high school and All- groups since the age of 15. His State productions, Trent has most recent appearances include enjoyed returning to the stage this Wadsworth in Clue and Kenickie season. He would like to thank his Murdoch in Grease. He has also family and friends for their support appeared in Mamma Mia, Little and hope everyone enjoys the Shop of Horrors, Macbeth, Legally show! Blonde among other shows. When not rehearsing, she is found cooking new dishes, practicing Andy Plemmons guitar, or rooting for Georgia. (Ensemble, Dance Evan is happy to be back on Core, Soloist in stage and performing with a Fogg’s Asylum) talented cast at the Morton Andy is the school Theatre library media specialist at David C. Barrow Nicole Parker Elementary where he plays (Ensemble, Dance characters on a daily basis through the pages of a book. He Core, Vocal Soloist) Nicole Parker grew “I’m what you was most recently seen as Bunsen up in Peachtree City, Georgia and face when you & Mr. Jacobi in Brightstone’s Newsies. His other roles have currently resides in Monroe, Georgia. face in the included Constable Joe in ACT’s Tuck Everlasting, Etches/Pitman in Nicole is a classically trained lyric Mezzo Soprano. She has mirror. ACT’s Titanic the Musical, the entire D’ysquith family in Town & performed with the Shorter Gown’s A Gentleman’s Guide to University Opera in the roles of Long as you Love and Murder, and the mayor Malika in Lakmé and Dorabella in of munchkin city in his high Così fan tutte. This is her first live I will still school’s production of The Wizard appearance in an Athens of Oz. In his spare time, he is a Creative Theatre Production. be here.” Disney fanatic and Halloween and Christmas decoration
biographies 18 enthusiast. Murder, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, and Lady Beaconsfield in Jekyll and Hyde. She has lived in Will Pogue Athens for 5 years now and is (Ensemble, Dance working as a vocal coach in Core, Vocal conjunction with her position at Soloist) Will Pogue UGA. In her free time she enjoys is so excited to be cuddling her cat Chubbs, playing a part of Sweeney Dungeons and Dragons, and Todd. It has always visiting her three beautiful nieces. been a dream of his to perform this musical on stage. He currently works for Best Amelia Priest buy as the Geek Squad Manager. (Ensemble, Dance He has played multiple Core) Amelia is a instruments over the years, barista at a small including trumpet, baritone, and town coffee shop. trombone. He went to the This is her first University of Georgia and was part appearance for of both the Redcoat Band and Athens Creative the UGA trombone choir during Theater. It is not her first time on his time there. He has played in stage however, she was a street multiple bands around the area urchin in The Little Shop of Horrors, and led Classic City Band as then a storyteller in Once on This president from 2017-2022. He has Island. Her favorite role however is played in multiple production for Alice in The Addams Family! She is ACT as a trombonist and has incredibly excited for you to recently been joining the group watch the horror before you and on stage as a singer. hopes you have a scary good time! Hallie Potenza (Ensemble, Dance Ryan Roberts (The Core, Soloist in Beadle) Ryan is Trio, Soloist in super excited to Quintet. be making his Understudy for return to the stage Mrs. Lovett) Hallie with Athens is thrilled to be Creative Theatre. back with ACT in Sweeney Todd! Past roles from She has previously worked with many years ago include Wilson ACT as a vocal coach for the King from Annie Get Your Gun, Max and I, in AMTO productions, Live from The Sound of Music, Roger Art 2021, and Camelot. Previous from Grease & Abner Dillon from roles include Phoebe in A 42nd Street. In his spare time, Ryan Gentleman's Guide to Love and enjoys traveling and spending
19 biographies time with his family and friends. Chamberlain Smith Love to his dad and all his family (Ensemble, Dance and friends for their love and Core) Chamberlain support. His high school drama last stepped foot teacher, Mr. G also holds a on the Morton special place in his heart for being Theatre stage with his inspiration to get involved with ACT in A Christmas the theater to begin with. This Story, The Musical one's for you Mom! six years ago during her senior year of college. She is thrilled to be making her return in the Don R. Smith ensemble of Sweeney Todd (Judge Turpin) Don alongside such a talented cast. is thrilled to cross When not performing, you can off yet another find her around campus or on the bucket list role with sidelines working as a staff this performance photographer for the University of of Sweeney Todd. Georgia, reading a new book, or Don was last seen spending time with her cats. on the Morton Stage as John Utterson in Jekyll and Hyde. Don has performed for the last 30 years Mary Smith on stages all over the southeast, (Ensemble) Mary is more recently with Town & Gown delighted to return Players. Some of his favorite roles to community include: Sidney Bruhl in theatre after a DeathTrap, Lawrence in Dirty long hiatus. She Rotten Scoundrels, Pilate in Jesus enthusiastically Christ Superstar, the Narrator/ played Mad Mysterious Man in Into the Woods, Ophelia in the Forsyth County Cladwell in Urinetown, the Little Theatre’s Shakespeare spoof. Musical, and too many more to She most recently appeared as mention. He would like to thank Eva in the Town and Gown Players Terry, Rachel, and Daniel for this production of Five Blue Haired amazing opportunity to perform Ladies. at ACT as well as this wonderful cast. Many thanks to Alan and the kids, as well as my family and Mary is an active member of friends for their continued support. OLLI@UGA and enjoys attending classes and social events. She is a strong supporter of the OLLI Friends of Opera Group. She enjoyed portraying the tragic sorceress Medea in several events and looking forward to more. Who doesn’t love a dramatic costume!
biographies 20 Thalia Smoot Margaret Stewart (Ensemble, Vocal (Ensemble, Dance Soloist) Thalia Core) Margaret is Smoot has been a history PhD singing since she student at could talk. Thalia University of was born in China Georgia from and grew up Bradenton, FL. She overseas where she learned to received her bachelors in theatre love the theater. She has been and history from Rollins College. acting in plays since she was 5 This is her third performance with years old. Her previous roles ACT, her prior roles as ensemble in include playing Matilda at Arts! Jekyll and Hyde, and Molly in The Oglethorpe Matilda, Glinda in The Mousetrap. In the past she has Wizard of Oz and Ariel in A performed in Shrek The Musical, Musical Mashup. While at her Beauty and The Beast, and It’s A international school in Vietnam Wonderful Life (OCA Theatre she played Belle in Beauty and Company) in Orlando, Florida. the Beast and Baby Face in Bugsy She has loved every second Malone. When Thalia isn’t acting working on this production, and to she enjoys singing in her school be able to sing such iconic and choir, taking voice lessons, writing beloved music. songs and playing the ukulele. Bekah Wesley Jessica Spires (Ensemble, Dance (Ensemble, Dance Core, Vocal Core, Vocal Soloist) Soloist) Bekah is Jessica Spires is a the drama 4th-year student at teacher at the University of George Walton Georgia, pursuing Academy in a Landscape Monroe, GA. Currently she is Architecture major with minors in directing the One Act Horticulture and Historical Competition show at GWA, as Preservation. She is excited to be well as directing the middle a part of the Athens Create school students in a show. She Theatre family of Sweeny Todd. obtained her bachelor's degrees After studying dance for nine in Music and Theatre from years, Jessica landed her first role Georgia Southern University. She as a Who in Seussical the Musical. has directed The Drowsy Her favorite roles so far are Nana Chaperone at On Stage in Tuck Everlasting and Nellie in Playhouse as well as music Jekyll and Hyde. directed 9 to 5: the Musical there this past summer. When not behind the scenes, Bekah loves
21 biographies performing on the stage. Some of James West her favorite roles include Roz Keith (Ensemble) James, (9 to 5: the Musical), Mrs. Bradman , would like to first (Blithe Spirit), and Lois (Wonder of and foremost the World). Bekah loves thank his best continuing to further her friend and partner performing arts education by in crime, Katie taking voice lessons from Bill Reed for always Whitefield and taking workshops being by my side throughout with the Collective Artists everything. You are my rock and I Workshop (CAW). In her limited love you to the moon and back. free time, Bekah enjoys reading, Next I'd like to thank my fellow playing video games, and cast members and the crew for lounging with her puppy, Iris. She welcoming me into the world of can't thank her parents and theatre and for their support and boyfriend enough for always guidance. The director, Terry, who encouraging her to follow her has been amazing through this dreams and achieve her goals. entire process. Lastly, all my friends and family who have come to see the show, I hope you enjoy it and you laugh as much as I did while in rehearsal. LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL THEATRE? Consider becoming a member of Friends of Athens Creative Theatre (FACT). FACT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation es- tablished in 1978 to help support Athens Creative Theatre through fund raising initiatives, raising community awareness, and financially supporting theatrical programs and productions. The efforts of FACT help to further bolster ACT’s role in enriching the cul- tural experiences of our community. Visit friends-of-act.org to find out more about FACT and how you can help support the arts.
production team 22 MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM T.A POWELL | DIRECTOR, LIGHTING, SET DESIGN, PROJECTION DESIGN T.A. Powell is the Program Specialist for Athens Creative Theatre and has been at the helm of this ACC government sponsored theatrical program for almost two decades. Her background — as a published playwright, author, lighting designer, professional stage manager and director — speaks to her participation in the Athens theatre community for almost 25 years. This kind of valued tenure and leadership skills enables her to bring an excellence to both main stage, second stage, and the children’s programs ACT presents each summer. As executive managing and artistic director, she has produced countless productions from main stage musicals to summer theatre performance camps. She achieved major state award status for innovative programming through the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) in several categories, including therapeutic for her Monologues and More for the Cognitively Challenged, TEEN ENCORE Theatre Practicum programs, as well as the Senior Reader’s Theatre Program for our older citizenry, and continues to engage Athens’ youth with new programs such as the oral History Reenactment Camp. DANIEL SELF | MUSIC DIRECTOR Daniel is a performing arts professional, music arranger, and freelancer based in Athens, GA. In his professional life he spends much of his time working on theatrical productions and educational programming for Athens Clarke-County Leisure Services where he is the Program Leader for Athens Creative Theatre. Daniel is an active music director for theatre and has musical directed a number of works in his time with ACT. His recent collaborations include projects with both the Classic City Band and HEART Music. His performance work centers primarily around pit orchestra and chamber music bringing his skills as an accomplished keyboard player and woodwind doubler into play. Daniel is also a published arranger of music for woodwind ensemble with a special interest in bringing popular music into the chamber ensemble repertoire. In his free time he enjoys studying watercolor painting, spending time with his partner and their dog Walter, and gaming with friends.
23 production team RACHEL WHITSEL | STAGE MANAGER Rachel is a working stage manager and theatre professional who moonlights in hotel hospitality during the day. A graduate of the University of Georgia and native to Athens, she currently serves as the part time theatre equipment technician for ACC Leisure Services and has been working for Athens Creative Theatre for the last 10 years. Credits include Young Frankenstein, Mary Poppins, She Kills Monsters, and most recently: Jekyll and Hyde. She has also stage managed for Baptist Collegiate Ministries and The UGA Department of Theatre. Special thanks to Terry, Daniel, her doggo Jasmine and caffeine for their constant support. Enjoy the show. JEANNIE THOMAS | PROJECTION ASSISTANT (she/her) - is an MFA Theatre student at UGA, specializing in Dramatic Media. She has performed with ACT in 2018’s Newsies as Spot Conlon and in Live Art '22, and she has worked backstage at many ACT productions. Her recent work behind the scenes has included film work on The Vitruvian Theory (Thalian Blackfriars), St. Nicholas (UGA), and The Mountaintop (UGA), projections for Gem of the Ocean (UGA), and stage crew on Camelot (ACT). Jeannie’s work has also been produced onstage, as she was the sound designer and one of three playwrights on UGA’s 2021 production of Alcestis.. EVA ELARBEE | CHOREOGRAPHY | HAIR AND MAKEUP Eva Elarbee is an Athens native who has grown up working on ACT productions. Previously, she has helped her mother, Mary, with costumes and has worked as a summer camp counselor. She is thrilled at this opportunity to choreograph her first show with ACT and has absolutely loved dancing with this talented cast! During the day, Eva works as a dance teacher at the Joan Mann Dance Studio in Watkinsville and restores vintage clothing. She hopes you have as much fun watching the show as we did rehearsing it for you! MARY DELAPLANE | COSTUMES Mary has been designing, curating, and providing costume rentals for local theatrical and historical organizations in and around Athens for more than 20 years. She decided to go into the costume rental business after volunteering her services for a number of years in support of some of her For more information visit favorite local organizations. As her business grew she soon became the community’s “go-to” costumer with a massive www.facebook.com/RespirOpera/ inventory of more than 10,000 carefully curated costume pieces in stock at or call 706-614-9798 to schedule an audition her shop in High Shoals. Mary’s work appears regularly on the ACT stage. You
production team 24 can see more of her work at www.thedress-upbox.com. ZARIA GHOLSTON | BOX OFFICE MANAGER Hailing from Commerce, GA – just 30 minutes away from Athens – Zaria Gholston is the Box Office Manager of the Morton Theatre and the newest addition to their staff. Zaria is a 2019 graduate of Georgia College & State University (GSCU) and has a degree in Mass Communication. Since her graduation, Zaria has served throughout the Athens community in various capacities, from being Office, Classifieds, and Distribution Manager at Flagpole Magazine for four years, to serving on the Board of Directors for the Morton Theatre Corporation in various positions for three years. Through these local, life-changing endeavors, Miss Gholston has expanded not only her professional, and leadership skills but also her love for “The Classic City,” a place she remembers visiting frequently as a child. A lover of all things artsy, Zaria’s new journey at the Morton Theatre is sure to fuel her toward more success in her budding career and future. THEO SCHRAMM | MUSIC DIRECTION INTERN Theodora Anne Schramm is a vocalist based in Athens, Ga. She is currently a fifth-year vocal performance major studying under Dr. Petrongelli. During her time at the University of Georgia she has been a part of several choral ensembles including UGA’s Women’s Glee and Hodgson Singers. She has been a part of three musicals produced by local Athens based community theaters with her largest role being Sir Sagramore in Camelot with Athens Creative Theatre. She has been a part of the ensemble for three UGA operas productions including, The Barber of Seville, Cosi fan tutte, and Faust. Her most recent opera production was a student-produced adaptation of Lewis Carol’s “Alice in Wonderland” where she played the mouse. Currently she serves as the tenor section leader for Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville and Johns Creek Chorale Society. JEREMY MILLER | SCENIC ARTIST Jeremy has been working with Athens theatre’s since 2009. Prior to that, he worked all around Habersham County/NE Georgia, Atlanta, and at the Highlands Playhouse in North Carolina. He works and designs with the Morton Theatre and Athens Creative Theatre, but has been seen on stage with a few Town and Gown, ACT and many of Rose of Athens Theatre productions. Jeremy has self-published two children's books and is working on a third. He is working to release an audio book of his first book, Firefly Night, in the future.
25 production team ASHER HILL | SOUND ENGINEER, PROJECTION DESIGN Asher was born and raised in Athens, GA, attended Cedar Shoals High School before moving to New Hampshire in 2013. As a teenager, Asher participated in a number of ACT productions as an actor, assuming roles including Prince Eric, the Sultan and the Tin Soldier, among others. From 2013 to 2017, Asher attended Lyndon State College, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business and Industry with a focus on Production. During this time, He found opportunities through the Northeast Kingdom Community Orchestra as Orchestra Manager, Columbia United Methodist Church as Youth Music Instructor, as well as many Audio Engineering internships through the school and local businesses While studying at Lyndon, Asher had access to the school’s state of the art recording studio, which he used to learn recording, mixing and mastering techniques, both under the instruction of his professors, and during his free time with his bandmates. After graduating, Asher moved back to Athens, and began accruing gear to assemble his own home studio which afforded him the opportunity to work with a wide range of local artists, from Rap and Hip Hop artists, local singer songwriters, Rock and Metal bands and acoustic groups, to some well known music groups including Kishi Bashi and The Athens Tango Project. In 2018, Asher began contracting at the Morton Theatre as an audio and lighting engineer. Asher now works as the Assistant Technical Director at the Morton, as well as the Technical Director at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Outside of his professional life, Asher enjoys tabletop games, playing guitar, making videos, cooking, and writing fiction. STEPHEN VERNER| TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Stephen began his career in professional audiovisual production almost 25 years ago, earning his Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in audio production from Georgia State University. While in school he sang with the University Singers during their 94’ tour of London and 96’ performance at New York’s Avery-Fischer Hall, and performed as a tenor sax player in the Wind Ensemble. On the production side, he earned the opportunity to intern at Bobby Brown's then recording studio Bosstown in Atlanta. However, it was the world-renowned venue Spivey Hall that gave Stephen his first big break into the production and design world. He spent just over 3 seasons there as the Assistant Production Manager and Lighting Designer sharpening his craft with artists such as Grammy winner Bela Fleck, jazz legend Sonny Rollins, and American opera singer Renée Fleming. Stephen went on to enhance his career as a Technical Director and Lighting
production team 26 Designer for the School of Dance at the University of Georgia. There he had the pleasure of designing lighting for a variety of dance genres including modern, ballet, and ballroom; working with artists from Cirque Du Solei and designing at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. From this solid foundation in the early years of his career, Stephen went on to work produce events in a variety of venues from outdoor events, churches, and corporate seminars and trade shows. His talents have earned him collaborative opportunities with Grammy-Award winning Christian band Casting Crowns and R&B, gospel artist Montell Jordan, as well as with other entertainers and leaders in business and government. Along the way, Stephen managed to earn a Master of Arts degree from Wheaton College in Intercultural Studies and Leadership, and even lived for just under a year in Florence, Italy. He has a passion for the art of production and a keen understanding of the business of it as well. But it is his desire to help others grow and learn and go on to be successful that ultimately drives him. Drawing on his years of experience and hundreds of successful productions, for the last 5 years he has served the city of Athens as the Technical Director for the historic Morton Theatre. Currently he is in the process of writing a book to help young people develop into powerhouse production professionals. LYNN GREEN | ADMINISTRATION Facility Supervisor, Lynn Battle Green serves as the Managing Director of the Morton Theatre and oversees both the Morton and Athens Creative Theatre. The graduate of the University of Georgia has a degree in Drama and Theatre with an emphasis in playwriting. The theatre-trained actress performed for both UGA Theatre and the Black Theatrical Ensemble where she gained experience not only as an actress, but also a production director, stage manager, and PR coordinator. Lynn’s professional experience includes social, corporate, and civic special event management, including a stint as a supervisor of hospitality staff in the Skysuites at the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium for football and the 1996 Centennial Olympic soccer matches. Her resume includes conducting youth summer and afterschool programming with the City of Decatur. Lynn is also a certified wedding coordinator having managed ceremonies independently and on staff at Vines Botanical Gardens. For over two decades Mrs. Green has served at the Morton Theatre in many capacities including actor, volunteer coordinator, Morton Theatre Corporation board member, interim Arts Division Administrator, and as a member of the Theatre staff for 21 years. She was promoted to the Director position in 2013 and represents the facility and on several community boards and committees and as a guest lecturer.
up next 28 BLUE STOCKINGS By Jessica Swale 1896 Girton College, Cambridge, the first college in Britain to admit women. The Girton girls study ferociously and match their male peers grade for grade. Yet, when the men graduate, the women leave with nothing but the stigma of being a “blue stocking” - an unnatural educated woman. They are denied degrees and go home unqualified and unmarriageable. Auditions for Blue Stockings will be held January 9th and 10th, 2024. Auditions will consist of cold reading from the script only and are open to actors ages 13+ of any ability level. For a detailed list of characters visit accgov.com/act and download the audition info for Blue Stockings Performances will be March 7th-9th, 2024 at Quinn Hall (Memorial Park). OH, KAY! IN CONCERT Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. Book by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodenhouse This 1926 romp, which served as an inspiration for Nice Work If You Can Get It, skewers the upper class in an uproarious Prohibition story of bootleggers, society matrons, and new love. Oh, Kay! In Concert will be holding auditions for lead roles February 5th and 6th, 2024. No auditions are required for ensemble/chorus and instrumentalists with sign ups beginning in January of 2024. For full audition information and a list of available characters visit accgov.com/act and download the audition info for Oh, Kay! In Concert Performances will be held April 5th and 6th at the Morton Theatre in downtown Athens.
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