legally blonde the musical program

3 5 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y S E A S O N • W E L L S F A R G O P R E S E N T SC H A R L E S T O N S T A G E A T T H E H I S T O R I C D O C K S T R E E T T H E A T R E

A U G U S T 3 1 - S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 2

LEAD TITLE SPONSOR

“We are pleased to make this grant to the Charleston Stage Company,”said Len Hutchison, Market President for Wells Fargo in Charleston.

“Wells Fargo takes pride in supporting Charleston, as well as the arts in our local communities. Our goal is to help build strong and vibrant communities, improve

the quality of life and make a positive difference.”

MEDIA SPONSOR

As Charleston’s premier source for arts and entertainment reviews, previews and listings in print and online at charlestoncitypaper.com, we are proud to support Charleston Stage Company and their production of Legally Blonde the Musical.

4 | (843) 577-7183 | www.charlestonstage.com

Julian Wiles, Founder and Producing Artistic DirectorMarybeth Clark, Associate Artistic Director

Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil BenjaminBook by Heather Hach

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Motion Picture

Directed by Marybeth ClarkMusical Direction by Sam Henderson • Choreography by Cara Dolan

Scenic Design by J. Kenneth Barnett III • Lighting Design by Paul HartmannCostume Design by Barbara Young • Properties by J. Kenneth Barnett III

Technical Direction by Paul HartmannProduction Stage Management by Chet Craft

TheatreWings Apprentice Assistant Stage Management byRachel Hunsinger and Victor Swatzyna

Original Production by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals, Dori Berinstein, James L. Nederlander, Independent Presenters Network, Roy Furman, Amanda Lipitz, Broadway Asia, Barbara Whitman, FWPM Group, Hendel/

Wiesenfeld, Goldberg/Binder, Stern/Meyer, Lane/Comley, Bartner-Jenkins/Nocciolino and Warren Trepp; Produced in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.

LEGALLY BLONDE is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019

Phone 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Wells Fargo Presents

www.charlestonstage.com | (843) 577-7183 | 5

Charleston Stage is a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American Theatre. Charleston Stage’s productions are made possible in part by grants from the South Carolina Arts Commission, a state agency which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts; the City of Charleston; the County of Charleston; the City of North Charleston; the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism; and contributions from friends like you.

What better way to open our 35th season than with a show that celebrates individuality and the success you can only find by being yourself. I am not sure what our Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Julian Wiles, envisioned for his company 35 years ago, but I doubt it included this much pink! I do know that he laid the foundation and nurtured this unique and wonderful theatre and I am grateful to have a place on the team and to direct Legally Blonde. Legally Blonde is one of those movies that you can’t help but watch every time it comes on, even if you don’t admit it! How can you help but to root for Elle Woods as she stays true to herself, even when it would be easier to give up and become just another stereotype. This movie has made a wonderful transition to the stage. Its upbeat pop score is more like an operetta than a traditional musical and the singing rarely stops. And what a cast! They only pause long enough for costume changes amidst the choreography that combines cheerleading, hip-hop and Irish stepdancing. Almost half the members of the cast are performing with us for the first time. We are also happy to welcome back Vanessa Moyen (Resident Actor from last season) as Elle Woods and our six new Professional Resident Actors (Arielle, Lauren, Scott, Devon, Harrison and Josh). These fine actors as well as a talented ensemble of Charleston performers make up a very exceptional and energetic cast. Every season we are amazed at how many great actors live right here in Charleston, and they join the 100s of actors that have worked with Charleston Stage over the past 35 years. Not only did Julian follow his own dream of building a thriving theatre company for Charleston, but he also built a place for countless actors, designers, technicians and musicians to follow theirs. What more can I say? Omigod You Guys!Happy 35th Anniversary

Marybeth Clark,Associate Artistic Director

Notes From the Director

Special thanks to the Charleston Stage Scene Shop volunteers especially, the Charleston Stage Resident Actors, Mark Davis and the TheatreWings Apprentices. Also, a special thanks to Mark Barber, Dan Enfinger, Miller Motte Technical College and Tom Spain.

Special Thanks


Dock Street Theatre • America’s First Theatre

The Historic Dock Street Theatre, America’s first theatre, was the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances. Originally constructed in 1736 on the corner of Church Street and Dock Street (now Queen Street), the original Dock Street Theatre was probably destroyed by the Great Fire of 1740.

In 1809, the elegant Planter’s Hotel was built on this site. After the Civil War, the Planter’s Hotel fell into disrepair and was slated for demolition. But in

1935, after Milton Pearlstine made the property available to the City of Charleston and at the urging of the mayor and other prominent citizens, the building was selected for a Depression Era WPA (Works Progress Administration) project. At that time, a new performance space modeled on 18th century London playhouses was constructed within the shell of the old Planters Hotel, the hotel’s lobby serving as the lobby of the new theatre. After being closed for two centuries, the Historic Dock Street Theatre re-opened in 1937 and quickly became the centerpiece of the Charleston arts scene. In 2010 following a three year $19 million dollar renovation by the City of Charleston, the Historic Dock Street Theatre once again re-opened to reclaim its place as the jewel in Charleston’s artistic crown. Today the Historic Dock Street Theatre hosts some of Charleston’s finest performing arts organizations, including Spoleto Festival USA.

Charleston Stage, which became the resident professional theatre at the Dock Street Theatre in 1978, produces over 120 performances here. Each season Charleston Stage plays to an audience of more than 42,000 patrons, including more than 20,000 South Carolina students who enjoy special school day performances throughout the year.


Grand Show Curtain

“Window of Wonder”, Charleston Stage’s Grand Show Curtain was created especially for Charleston Stage by nationally acclaimed Charleston artist Jonathan Green. “Window of Wonder” was commissioned by Barbara Burgess and John Dinkelspiel as a generous gift to Charleston Stage in 2010.

Jonathan Green’s “Window of Wonder” prints are for sale at the Box Office. Signed prints are $100.


Charleston Stage Leadership

Julian WilesFounder and Producing Artistic Director

Director, designer and playwright Julian Wiles founded Charleston Stage, Charleston’s resident professional theatre company in 1978. It has since grown into South Carolina’s largest professional theatre and one of the state’s largest arts institutions. Over the past 34 years Wiles has directed and designed more than 200 productions and penned 27 original plays and musicals for the company. Wiles continues to serve as the company’s Producing Artistic Director, heading a staff of 12 full-time theatre professionals.

Mr. Wiles, a South Carolina native, grew up on a cotton farm in Ft. Motte, South Carolina. He attended Clemson University, received a history

degree from the College of Charleston in 1974 and an MFA in Dramatic Art from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1976.

Mr. Wiles has written or adapted 27 original plays and musicals for the company including The Boy Who Stole the Stars, Nevermore: Edgar Allen Poe, the Final Mystery, The Seat of Justice, Denmark Vesey: Insurrection, Gershwin at Folly, Frankenstein, The Modern Prometheus, Helium and most recently Inga Binga.

Julian Wiles is a recipient of the 2010 Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award, the highest honor in the arts which is awarded by the South Carolina Arts Commission.Mr. Wiles is also a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Marybeth ClarkAssociate Artistic Director and Director of Education

Marybeth Clark, Charleston Stage’s Associate Artistic Director and Director of Education, is in her fifteenth season with Charleston Stage. Mrs. Clark has a degree in theatre/performance from the University of South Florida. She worked as an actor in professional theatres throughout the Southeast for ten years before settling in Charleston in 1994 where she was a member of the theatre faculty at Charleston County’s School of the Arts for middle and high school students.

As an actor for Charleston Stage, Mrs. Clark has appeared in Helium, Moon Over Buffalo, You Can’t Take It With You, The Marriage of Bette and Boo, Steel Magnolias and A Christmas Carol. Each summer

Mrs. Clark directs Charleston Stage’s SummerStage Musical Theatre Camp for more than 60 young people. Productions have included Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Seussical the Musical, Disney’s Aladdin, Disney’s High School Musical, Guys and Dolls Jr., Bugsy Malone Jr., Willy Wonka Jr. and Disney’s Alice In Wonderland Jr. Mrs. Clark has directed more than a dozen MainStage and Family Series shows for Charleston Stage, most recently Chicago, A Christmas Carol, Avenue Q and The Wiz.

aThe Cast (In Alphabetical Order)

CHARACTER ACTORKate/Off-Stage Voice/Dana ...........................................................................................Lara AllredChutney/Band Member/Courtney/Student/Perfume Girl ..................Brooke BazemorePatron/Frat Boy/Pforzheimer/Student/Dewey/Boy .............................................. Sean BearCeCe/Stenographer ..............................................................................Sarah Rochelle CallahanLeilani.........................................................................................................................Megan CammerEnid Hoopes ................................................................................................................ Prentice ClarkManager/Band Member/Student/Perfume Girl/Judge ..........................................Sara CoyRufus ............................................................................................................................................. EmeryWarner Huntington III ...............................................................................................Scott Gibbs**Grandmaster Chad/Cheerleader/Student/UPS Kyle/Prison Guard ....Harrison Grant**Lowell/Student/Prison Guard/Carlos/Boy .......................................................... Josh Harris**Vivienne Kensington ...................................................................................................... Beth JonesProfessor Callahan ............................................................................................................. Nat JonesMargot ...........................................................................................................................Arielle Kook**Bruiser ........................................................................................................................................ La MeinFrat Boy/Aaron/Salesman/TV Reporter ................................................ Anthony MassarattoViolinist/Frat Boy/Band Member/Student/Prison Guard ...................... Benjamin McCoyFrat Boy/Padamadan/Nikos ................................................................................... Vinnie MercerPaulette Bonafonte ............................................................................Brittani H. MinnieweatherSerena .............................................................................................................Lauren Monteleone**Elle Woods ...............................................................................................................Vanessa Moyen*Emmett Forrest/Frat Boy ..............................................................................Devon A.A. Norris**Frat Boy/Band Member/Student/Prison Guard/Baliff .....................................Alex PeeplesWaiter/Elle’s Dad/Winthrop/Student/Inmate/Boy ...............................................Ryan PixlerTiffany/Kiki .............................................................................................................Meredith RiddickPilar .................................................................................................................Celeste Margot RiddleBrooke Wyndham/Shandi .................................................................................. Allison SchnakeElle’s Mom/Band Member/Student/Whitney/Client/DA Joyce Riley ..........Emma ScottBand Member/Student/Prison Guard/Boy ......................................................Luke WhitmireGaelen/Salesgirl/Cashier....................................................................................Tyler Ann Wilson

* Guest Actor and Former Charleston Stage Professional Resident Actor** Members of Charleston Stage’s Professional Resident Acting Company

The Orchestra

Conductor/Keyboard 1 ....................................................................................... Sam HendersonKeyboard 2 ......................................................................................................................Trey CooperReeds ....................................................................................................................................Jack PettitTrumpet ............................................................................................................................Dan BellackGuitar .................................................................................................................................. Trey EaddyBass .......................................................................................................................................Brian ReedDrums/Percussion .................................................................................................Ian MacMichael

Musical Numbers (There Will Be a 15 Minute Intermission Between Acts.)

ACT ONE1. Omigod You Guys2. Serious3. Daughter of Delta Nu4. What You Want5. Harvard Variations6. Blood In the Water7. Positive8. Ireland9. Serious Reprise10. Chip On My Shoulder11. So Much Better

ACT TWO1. Whipped Into Shape2. Delta Nu Nu Nu3. Take It Like a Man4. Bend and Snap5. Gay or European?6. Legally Blonde7. Legally Blonde Remix8. Scene of the Crime9. Find My Way/Finale

Cast Biographies (In Alphabetical Order)

Lara Allred (Kate/Off-Stage Voice/Dana)Lara is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She appeared in Charleston Stage’s productions of Joseph and Cabaret. Her other recent performances include Kira in Xanadu (Village Playhouse), Cindy Lou in The Marvelous Wonderettes and Winter Wonderettes (Village Playhouse), Ring of Fire (Village Playhouse), Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker (Footlight Players), Charity in Sweet Charity (Flowertown Players), Laura Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie (Threshold Repertory), Princess Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress (D.C.’s Lazy Susan Dinner Theater), Lily

St. Regis in Annie (Charleston Music Hall) and Angela Normellino in Perfectly Normal People (Footlight).

The Production Staff

Director ..................................................................................................................... Marybeth ClarkMusical Director .................................................................................................... Sam HendersonChoreographer ................................................................................................................ Cara DolanScenic Designer............................................................................................ J. Kenneth Barnett IIILighting Designer ................................................................................................... Paul HartmannCostumer ....................................................................................................................Barbara YoungProperties by ................................................................................................. J. Kenneth Barnett IIITechnical Director .................................................................................................. Paul HartmannProduction Stage Manager ...........................................................................................Chet CraftTheatreWings Apprentice Assistant Stage Manager ............................Rachel Hunsinger and Victor SwatsznaTheatreWings Apprentice Deck Crew ..........................Cody Beasenburg, Grace Benigni, Sophie Kendrick, Ari Levine and Patsy NewittUnion Steward and Light Board Operator...........................................Michael ChristensenUnion Flymen ................................................................ Marty Durham and Melissa JohnsonSound Coordinators .......................................................................... Joey Ferri and Josh HastySupport Sound ................................................................................................................NBS Sound


Brooke Bazemore (Chutney/Band Member/Courtney/Student/Perfume Girl)Brooke is an eleventh grade theatre major at Charleston County School of the Arts. She has been an actor with Charleston Stage since the age of eight and has recently appeared in their production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She is a TheatreWings Apprentice with Charleston Stage in addition to her acting roles. She also performs in the Fort Johnson Players. She has recently been in their productions of Bye Bye Birdie as Mae Peterson and The Sound of Music as the Baroness

Frau Schrader. She is a vocal student of Loretta Haskell.

Sean Bear (Patron/Frat Boy/Pforzheimer/Student/Dewey/Boy)Sean is excited to be joining Charleston Stage for Season 35! Past roles include Brad in The Rocky Horror Show, Jack in Into the Woods, and Inspector Javert in Les Misérables. Sean has also enjoyed portraying Jonathan Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace, Romeo in The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet in Canned Hamlet, a role for which he was named the SCISA Best Male Actor in State. Sean recently graduated from the College of Charleston with a B.S. in Biology and currently resides in Summerville, SC.

Sarah Rochelle Callahan (CeCe/Stenographer)Sarah is a Charleston native and is excited to be doing her sixth show with Charleston Stage! Last year she played June (Squish) in Chicago and she most recently played Cinderella in Sprouts Theatre’s Cinderella. Sarah has been a Sprouts company member for over two years and some past Sprouts roles include the title roles in Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks, Princess Gwendolyn in The Frog Prince, Zif in The Emperor’s New Clothes and The Cat in Pinnocchio. She also played Liesl in Footlight Player’s The Sound of Music and briefly toured with The New Dawn

Singers Inc.

Megan Cammer (Leilani) Megan is excited to be returning this season with Charleston Stage. She is a Charleston native and is a senior at Charleston Southern University where she majors in Communications/Theatre. She has danced competitively since the age of five. Megan also cheered for Charleston Southern. Her past performances with Charleston Stage include Hunyak in Chicago and Tornado/Citizen/Monkey in The Wiz. Recently Megan was seen at Charleston Southern as Foreman in Twelve Angry Jurors and she choreographed and danced in The Grace Project. She is currently

Miss Charleston Southern University 2012. Megan would like to thank the Charleston Stage family for the wonderful opportunity to perform at the Historic Dock Street Theatre and her family and friends for their support.

Prentice Clark (Enid Hoopes)Prentice is a junior at the School of the Arts and is thrilled to be working with Charleston Stage this season. Some previous roles include a piece of dead corn in the 2002 SummerStage production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wendy in Charleston Stage’s Peter Pan, Mrs. Paroo in SOA’s Music Man and Mina Grant in Charleston Stage’s Dracula. She would like to thank her family for the tremendous support and Charleston Stage for all of the incredible opportunities over the past ten years.


Sara Coy (Manager/Band Member/Student/Perfume Girl/Judge)Sara is a proud military brat and Charleston native. A graduate of the University of Central Florida’s legal and criminal justice programs, Sara is thrilled to make her Charleston Stage debut in such an apropos show. Sara has recently appeared in local performances as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Threshold Repertory Theatre) and Goat’s Mother in The Robber Bridegroom (Threshold Repertory Theatre). Sara would like to thank the family, friends and colleagues for their continued enthusiasm and support of the arts, as well as the cast and crew for their

energy and inspiration.

Emery (Rufus)Emery is excited to begin her stage career with Charleston Stage. Though once a homeless puppy, Emery was found and taken to Pet Helpers where she meet her new mom Tyler Ann Wilson. In the past year, Emery has grown to a healthy 90 pounds. In her free time she enjoys running, playing fetch and a cuddle on a Sunday afternoon. She encourages anyone interested in a pet to visit PetHelpers. Your furever friend is waiting.

Scott Gibbs (Warner Huntington III)Scott was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He is thrilled to be returning to the South after spending the last year working with the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, New York. Regionally, he has also worked with the Seaside Repertory Theatre and the Texas Shakespeare Festival. Scott is a proud graduate from Centenary College of Louisiana c/o 2011 with a BA in Theatre Arts. Some of his favorite past roles include: Mr. Bungee (A New Brain), Detective Fix (Around The World In 80 Days) and Macbeth (Macbeth). Scott would like to thank his family,

friends and fellow company members here at Charleston Stage. Scott is a member of Charleston Stage’s 2012-2013 Professional Resident Acting Company.

Harrison Grant (Grandmaster Chad/Male Cheerleader/Student/UPS Kyle/Prison Guard)Harrison is from Titusville, Florida, and is a graduate from the University of Central Florida’s BFA Acting Program. Most recently he appeared in The Lost Colony in Manteo, North Carolina. Other past show credits include Antonio in Twelfth Night, Benny in Rent, Nat in From Sun to Sun and Kenickie in Grease. He has also appeared in shows such as Ragtime and The Pirates of Penzance. Harrison is a member of Charleston Stage’s 2012-2013 Professional Resident Acting Company.

Josh Harris (Lowell/Student/Prison Guard/Carlos/Boy)Josh is thrilled to be returning as a 2nd Year Resident Actor for Charleston Stage’s 2012-2013 season. Josh’s roles with Charleston Stage this past season included: Amos Hart (Chicago), Abram Von Helsing (Dracula), Bob Bradley (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever), Bob Cratchit (A Christmas Carol), Nick/Paul (Alexander...), Nicky/Trekkie/Bad Idea Bear (Avenue Q), Skip (Inga Binga) and Ensemble (The Wiz). Josh is from Sherman, Texas, and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Josh has two degrees in Musical Theatre and Acting/Directing with a minor in Dance. Theatre

credits include: Hysterium (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), Bellhop (Lend


Me a Tenor), Claudius (Hamlet), Hortensio (Taming of the Shrew) and Antonio (Twelfth Night) with the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival. Educational Credits include: Adolph (The Last Night of Ballyhoo), JJ Peachum (The Threepenny Opera), Roger (Grease), Horton (Seussical), Beast (Beauty and the Beast) and Nicely-Nicely (Guys and Dolls).

Beth Jones (Vivienne Kensington)Originally from Ohio, Beth has spent most of her career performing in Orlando. Recently moving to Charleston, she jumped right in at Footlight Players as Philia in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Other Theater Credits include: (Akron, OH) Betty Jean in Winter Wonderettes. (Walt Disney World) Playhouse Disney Live On Stage, Epcot Tree Lighting Ceremony, Mickey’s Twas The Night Before Christmas and Perfectly Princess Tea Party. (Other Orlando Credits) Pippi Longstocking, Berenstain Bears, Junie B. Jones, The Somewhat True Tale Of Robin Hood,

Blue’s Clues Live, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Dottie in Noises Off, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls and Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Beth would like to send love to her family, friends and to her wonderful husband, Cameron, for always being so supportive.

Nat Jones (Professor Callahan)Nat has appeared previously with Charleston Stage as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and as the Wizard in The Wiz. Other regional stage credits include: Xanadu, Mauritius, Glengarry Glen Ross and A Christmas Story with Village Repertory Company; Sheep’s Clothing, Colder Than Here and The Pillowman with Pure Theatre; The Weir with Footlight Players; and Educating Rita with Midtown/Sheri Grace Productions. A freelance advertising designer and writer in his day job, Nat lives with his long-suffering and saintly wife Chris in the far

northern reaches of Mount Pleasant, the part that hasn’t yet been paved over.

Arielle Kook (Margot)Arielle is originally from Columbia, Maryland, but has been a kind of a global nomad, living in Egypt, Israel and Maryland. Arielle recently graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in Theatre and Dance and a concentration in Musical Theatre. Her regional performances have included Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone (Theatre by the Sea) and Brenda in Hairspray (Theatre by the Sea). Her favorite university performances have included Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Rachel in Reckless, Clarice in Servant of Two Masters and Sarah in Falling for

Eve. Arielle is a member of Charleston Stage’s 2012-2013 Professional Resident Acting Company.

La Mein (Bruiser)Originally called La Mein, Bruiser has adopted his stage name in real life. He feels it better reflects his manly ways and is spelled correctly. Bruiser lived at Pet Helpers for a short time after his owner was forced to surrender him. He developed a respiratory infection and was not doing well, but the Charleston Stage staff soon discovered him and moved him to our actor housing. Bruiser has lived for two months with Resident Actor Josh Harris and has regained his health and started a stage career. He is around 8 years olds and is a calm and loving

gentleman. He is currently seeking a furever home and, if you are interested, please contact Marybeth Clark at [email protected]


Anthony Massaratto (Frat Boy/Aaron/Salesman/TV Reporter)Anthony is thrilled to be a part of Legally Blonde the Musical! He is a senior Music and Theatre double major at the College of Charleston. Anthony has been in many productions with Charleston Stage from Oliver! in 2003 to Alexander... Very Bad Day in 2012. Some of his favorite university performances include Tintypes and Letters to Sala. Most recently, he played the roles of Billy in The Musical of Musicals (the Musical) for Piccolo Spoleto. Anthony would like to thank his family and friends, but especially, he would like to thank his Charleston Stage

family for making the past 9 years so spectacular!

Benjamin McCoy (Violinist/Frat Boy/Band Member/Student/Prison Guard)Benjamin began acting in school productions like Aladdin and The Pied Piper in elementary school and has enjoyed it ever since. Joining the Charleston Stage Company as part of the junior acting troupe in 2005, Benjamin has performed in such plays as Beauty and the Beast (Chip), Frankenstein (William Frankenstein), Winnie-the-Pooh (Christopher Robin) and A Christmas Carol (Peter Cratchit). He currently attends Charleston County’s School of the Arts, majoring in theatre,

where he has performed in various productions, including For The Love of Three Oranges (Truffaldibno). He enjoys martial arts, playing music, writing stories and songs, drawing cartoons and surfing.

Vinnie Mercer (Frat Boy/Padamadan/Nikos)Vinnie is from Baltimore, MD, and is a recent college graduate from Charleston Southern with a degree in Psychology. While in school he appeared as Hamlet in Hamlet and Nick in The Guys. He also appeared in musicals as Wally Ferguson in 1940’s Radio Hour and Moon Face Martin in Anything Goes. He also appeared as the Lion in the Charleston Stage production of The Wiz last season. He thanks the Lord for his talents and gifts and his family and friends for their support!

Brittani H. Minnieweather (Paulette Bonafonte)Brittani has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. She has appeared in collegiate, community and regional theatre. Most notably she has worked alongside Ms. Debbie Allen as Happy in Debbie Allen’s Brothers of the Knight and she traveled to Evansville, Indiana, to perform at the Lincoln Amphitheatre. She made her Charleston debut last season at Footlight Players as Vibrata in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. This is her first Charleston Stage production and she is so excited to

be a part of this amazing show!!! Brittani would like to dedicate this performance to her husband, Derek, who always encourages her to keep dreaming!

Lauren Monteleone (Serena)Lauren was born and raised in Hamilton, New Jersey, and is thrilled to be joining Charleston Stage this season! She recently graduated from Shenandoah Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theatre where she performed Val (A Chorus Line), The Who’s Tommy, Ragtime and Comedy of Errors. She was also recently featured in Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre as Bambi (Curtains) and Bird Girl (Seussical). Lauren is a member of Charleston Stage’s 2012-2013 Professional Resident Acting Company.


Vanessa Moyen (Elle Woods)Vanessa grew up in San Jose, California, but is so happy to be returning “home” to Charleston Stage and the Dock. She spent the past season with Charleston Stage as a Resident Actor and was lucky enough to play roles such as Roxie in Chicago and Kate Monster/Lucy in Avenue Q. This summer, Vanessa was a part of the Round Barn Theater’s repertory cast and appeared in State Fair (Eleanor/Ensemble), Plain and Fancy (Hilda Miller) and The Adventures of Tom and Huck (Becky Thatcher). Other regional credits include: Olive in Spelling Bee (Willows

Theatre Company, Summer Theatre in Meredith Village) and Camelot (Summer Theatre in Meredith Village). She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College. Endless love and thanks to Mom and Dad for their incredible love and support. For my Grammy, who nurtured my passion and started it all--”You are my lucky star!”

Devon A.A. Norris (Emmett Forrest/Frat Boy)Devon is from Louisville, Kentucky, and is thrilled to be making his debut with Charleston Stage this season. Devon has just finished his BFA in Musical Theatre and BA in Speech/Theatre Education at Lindenwood University this past May. Devon was just seen in the Regional Premier of Cry Baby as a Wiffle/Drape/Prisoner in St. Louis at New Line Theatre. Some of Devon’s past favorite roles have been: Danny in Baby (Citilites); Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast (Rocky Mountain Rep); the Arbiter in Chess (Rocky Mountain Rep); Leaf

Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Lindenwood & Rocky Mountain Rep); Scarecrow/Hunk in The Wizard of Oz (Overdue Theatre Co.); Ferdinand in The Tempest (St. Charles Shakespeare); and many more. Devon is a member of Charleston Stage’s 2012-2013 Professional Resident Acting Company.

Alex Peeples (Frat Boy/Band Member/Student/Prison Guard/Baliff)Alex was born in Niagra Falls, New York, but has lived in Charleston for the majority of his life. This is his first year with Charleston Stage and he is thrilled to be a part of the company. He is going into his junior year at Charleston County School of the Arts where he is a creative writing major. At age fourteen he won a gold medal at The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, for which the students are honored with a ceremony at Carnegie Hall. He acted in his elementary school drama troupe in the fourth and fifth grade and had the role of Tommy Djilas in the School

of the Arts high school production of The Music Man this past year. He can also be seen frequently at Charleston Riverdogs games, where he works for the locally famous Tony the Peanut Man.

Ryan Pixler (Waiter/Elle’s Dad/Winthrop/Student/Inmate/Boy)Ryan is a 2011 graduate of the College of Charleston with a degree in Theater For Youth. This is Ryan’s Charleston Stage debut. He is currently working as an instructor, assistant director and director at the Musical Theater Center in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Meredith Riddick (Tiffany/Kiki)Meredith is from Charleston, SC, and grew up going to see plays at the Dock Street Theatre, never imagining she would one day be performing on that very stage. She graduated from Clemson University with a B.A. in Communication Studies. Meredith has a background in dance and choral singing, but this is her first musical with a professional theatre. By day, Meredith works in sales at The History Press, a local publishing company. In her spare time, she loves to dance, watch movies, and travel.Celeste Margot Riddle (Pilar)Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Celeste Margot is currently earning her BA in Theatre Performance and Scenic Design. Her regional credits include May in Last Train to Nibroc, Raizel Garncarz in Letters to Sala and Gale in Almost, Maine. She is very excited to be a part of Charleston Stage’s production of Legally Blonde.

Allison Schnake (Brooke Wyndham/Shandi)Allison is very excited to return to Charleston Stage and to have the opportunity to merge her two loves: fitness and theatre! Allison, originally from Lake Charles, LA, was last seen in Charleston Stage’s production of Chicago in which she played Annie (Six) and Hairspray in which she played Amber VonTussle. Other performance credits include Sue in Bash and Marsha in Durang, Durang, and Durang with What If? Productions, Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Connie Wong in A Chorus Line, Luisa in The Fantasticks and Monica in The Medium.

Allison holds a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Arts Administration from the College of Charleston. When not on stage, Allison teaches Zumba fitness classes at Charleston Group Fitness and crunches numbers as the Director of Sales at Charleston Stage.

Emma Scott (Patron/Elle’s Mom/Band Member/Student/Whitney/Bookish Client/DA Joyce Riley)Chicagoan Emma Scott is thrilled to be returning to the stage after a much-too-long hiatus spent directing, choreographing, costuming and just about every other job backstage at area theaters. This is Emma’s first production with Charleston Stage, but hopefully not her last! Most recently, Emma has had roles in South Pacific with the Footlight Players, and Sweet Charity and Into The Woods with the Flowertown Players. Look for Emma’s work this fall as choreographer for Pinewood Prep

School’s How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and as director, choreographer and costumer for Forever Plaid with the Flowertown Players. Emma would like to thank all of her friends and family that have been so supportive of her theater endeavors.

Luke Whitmire (Band Member/Student/Prison Guard/Boy)Luke is a senior at Charleston Southern University double majoring in Communications/Theatre and Religion. With Charleston Stage, you may have recently seen Luke as Young Ebenezer and the Ghost of Christmas Future in A Christmas Carol, Ethan in Helium and Mullins in The Original Peter Pan. Other favorite acting credits include: Scooter Thomas in Scooter Thomas Makes it to the Top of the World, Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, Naphtali in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Sasha/Ensemble in Fiddler on the Roof. He wouldn’t be


here without the love of his family and friends, or the support and inspiration of his best friend. He would also like to thank Marybeth Clark and Julian Wiles for their direction and encouragement. Most of all, he thanks Jesus Christ for his talents both on and off stage.

Tyler Ann Wilson (Gaelen/Salesgirl/Cashier)Tyler Ann is thrilled to be in her 3rd season with Charleston Stage! You may have recently seen her as Go-To-Hell-Kitty in Charleston Stage’s production of Chicago. A native to Charleston, she preformed throughout high school: Millie Dilmount (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Charleston Youth Company), Evelyn Nesbit (Ragtime, West Ashley) and Fastrada (Pippin, West Ashley). She graduated from College of Charleston in 2010 and was the captain of the college’s nationally ranked dance team The Cougarettes. Currently, she is a math teacher

and cheerleading coach at Wando High School. I would like to thank all involved with Charleston Stage for the opportunities to keep performing, mom and dad for the constant support, PetHelpers for my fur-child, and Brad and Emery (Rufus) for calming me during the madness.


Who We Are

Administrative StaffFounder and Producing Artistic DirectorJulian Wiles [email protected]

Associate Artistic Director &Director of EducationMarybeth [email protected]

Director of DevelopmentKerri [email protected]

Director of MarketingBeth [email protected]

Director of FinanceJudy [email protected]

Director of SalesAllison [email protected]

Resident Music Director andDirector of Music EducationSam [email protected]

Grants CoordinatorBetty [email protected]

Executive Assistant to the ProducingArtistic DirectorBrian J. [email protected]

Production StaffProduction ManagerJ. Kenneth Barnett [email protected]

Production Stage ManagerChet [email protected]

Technical Director/Lighting DesignerPaul [email protected]

Sound CoordinatorJosh HastyCostumer In ResidenceBarbara [email protected]


Contact Us

Classrooms and Rehearsal Studios The Plaza at East Cooper629 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite 7Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464P: (843) 856-3822

Scene & Costume Shop19 Warren StreetCharleston, SC 29403 P: (843) 577-0868 F: (843) 577-9869

The Historic Dock Street Theatreand Administrative Offices135 Church StreetCharleston, SC 29401P: (843) 577-5967 F: (843) 577-5422

Mailing AddressCharleston StageP.O. Box 356Charleston, SC 29402

By Email: [email protected]

2012-13 Charleston Stage Board of Trustees

OfficersMrs. Jennifer MurraySouth Carolina Bankand Trust President

Mr. Dave MarleyWells Fargo Private Bank Vice President Mrs. Suzanne LynchLowcountry Housing Trust Treasurer Mr. Joshua WhitleySmyth Whitley, LLC Governance Chair / Secretary

TrusteesMrs. Natalie BluesteinBluestein & DouglasDirector’s Circle Co-chair

Mrs. Jeanne CondonMerrill Lynch

Mrs. Marie-Louise RamsdaleRamsdale Law FirmDirector’s Circle Co-chair

Ms. Rachael RoseTristan

Mr. Gregory C. RothschildThe Carolinas Financial Network

Mr. Halsey SchreierSmith Moore Leatherwood LLP

Mr. Chris SouthCommunity Volunteer

Mr. Gary WhiteFirst Citizens Bank


2012-13 Sponsors/Hosts/Business Members

Show SponsorsBlueCross BlueShield of South CarolinaMrs. Katherine GlennMr. and Mrs. William B. HewittPublix Super Markets CharitiesWells FargoThe Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation

Media SponsorCharleston City Paper

Family Series SponsorPiggly Wiggly Carolina Company

Annual Gala SponsorsGala Table Sponsor:Wells Fargo

Next Stage DonorsMr. and Mrs. John and Jill ChalstyDr. Celeste and Mr. Charles PatrickMs. Susan Pearlstine and Mrs. Jan LipovThe Jerry and Anita Zucker Family Foundation Inc.

Education SponsorsEnterprise HoldingsThe Mark Elliott Motley FoundationPearlstine Family Fund of Coastal Community Foundation of SCSouth Carolina Electric & Gas Company

Director’s Circle Reception HostsElliott Davis, LLCDixon Hughes Goodman LLP

Actors FundThe Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund

Business MembersPlatinum Business Members: Appalachian SpringsJohn C. Dunnan GalleryEast Shore Athletic Club

Gold Business Members: East Bay Meeting HouseHandsome PropertiesPlastic Surgery of the Carolinas Southern Lumber and Millwork Corporation

Silver Business Member:Dunes West Golf ClubDurlach AssociatesFirst Citizens BankTD Bank

Brooke Bazemore ..................School of the ArtsCody Beasenburg ..................School of the ArtsGrace Benigni ..........................School of the ArtsAnna Book ...............................Academic MagnetSam Book .................................Academic MagnetLydia Chadwick ..................Wando High SchoolSam Chase ................................School of the ArtsPrentice Clark ..........................School of the ArtsSarah Grace Cuthbert Wando High SchoolKatherine Fair ..................................... Porter GuadEleanor Harrison ....................School of the ArtsRachel Hunsinger ..................School of the ArtsStuart James ...........................School of the ArtsEmily Kahn-Perry ...............Wando High SchoolAnna Kalik ................................School of the ArtsSophie Kendrick .....................School of the ArtsSydney Laribo .............................Pine Wood PrepEmily Leplante ........................School of the ArtsAbby LeRoy ..............................School of the ArtsAri Levine ..................................School of the ArtsSydney Mack ..........................School of the ArtsBen McCoy ...............................School of the ArtsEva McLaurin ....................................Home SchoolAaron Morgan.....................Wando High SchoolNikita Narodnitskiy ...............School of the ArtsPatsy Newitt.............................School of the ArtsElizabeth Norton ............................... Porter GaudCooper Nugent.......................School of the ArtsRay Nugent ..............................School of the ArtsCorey Popowski......................School of the ArtsRylee Puckhaber ....................School of the ArtsMaddy Seabrook....................School of the ArtsTimothy Shaw .........................School of the ArtsCory Stegelin .......................Wando High SchoolVictor Swatzyna......................School of the Arts

2012-13 TheatreWings Apprentices

The TheatreWings High School Apprentice Programis a FREE intense, hands-on, pre-professionaltheatre training program for students in grades9-12. For more information contact Josh Harris, TheatreWings Coordinator, at (843) 856-3822 or [email protected].


Mr. and Mrs. Nico Berlijn Natalie and Scott BluesteinNancy BushDennis DrewMr. and Mrs. William B. Hewitt

Elisabeth and Spencer LynchMr. and Mrs. James Wesley Martin (Beatty)Joanne and Morgan MortonMr. and Mrs. Joseph Odierna

Jill and John ChalstyJoyce and Charlie DarbyTim and Libby EbleMr. Ned Ginsburg and Mrs. Jocelyn CateBrandon and Katherine Guest

Members as of August 20, 2012

Director’s Circle Platinum Members

Director’s Circle Gold Members

Director’s Circle is a group of Charlestonians who wish to promote the growing professionalism, creativity and excellence of Charleston Stage performances and arts education programs. Members provide support for professional actors and musicians from across the U.S. and underwrite its extensive arts education programs, which reach over 20,000 Lowcountry youth each season. For more information, please contact the Development Office at (843) 856-5316.

Lisa and Joe RiceRinne and Bob SadeDr. and Mrs. Chris TountasGary White, First Citizen Bank

Cecil and Pam KearseDave Marley, Wells FargoCeleste and Charles PatrickRed Apple Cheese LLCClaire and Joe Schady

Michael Shewan and Pat PatrickTed and Susan SoderlundMrs. Maurice ThompsonTristan Restaurant

Nella G. BarkleySarah and Michael BookJean F. CarltonDrs. Jon and Hayley CarterMr. and Mrs. Stuart CassThomas and Alma ClymerJeanne Condon; Merrill LynchCox IndustriesRandy and Elaine CuthbertsonBelk DaughtridgeDixon Hughes Goodman LLPNancy and Ralph EdwardsElliott Davis, LLCJane and Don FurtadoPete and Kathy Gaynor

Katherine GlennDr. Ann HanlonChristina S. HomerLeane KeyEd and Gina KozekDanny Jones and Douglas McCoyGeorgette C. McKenzieValerie B. Morris, CofCJennifer and Sean MurrayBarb and Bob NicolaiD. NortonDr. and Mrs. John PalmsMarie-Louise Ramsdale and Tom Ross

Director’s Circle Silver MembersDorothy and Jack RhodesDebbie and Greg RothschildLynn RutledgeHalsey and Meg SchreierCatherine and Christopher SouthW. Cecil and Charline StricklinFerdinand and Nancy TedescoTiger Lily FloristPaul and Jennifer VannattaMary Ellen and Charlie WayJoshua and Cowles WhitleyMatt and Beth Yaun

Director’s Circle

Benefactors($25,000 +)The Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial FundPiggly Wiggly Carolina Company The Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation

Angels($10,000 - $24,999)City of CharlestonThe Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley FoundationMr. and Mrs. William B. HewittPearlstine Family Fund of Coastal Community Foundation of SCFred Pittman Fund of Coastal Community Foundation of SCSouth Carolina Arts CommissionWells FargoThe Jerry and Anita Zucker Family Foundation Inc.

Grantors($5,000 - $9,999)Blue Cross Blue Shield of SCCharleston CountyKatherine GlennThe Mark Elliott Motley FoundationDave Marley, Wells FargoPublix Super Markets Charities Inc.

Executive Producer($2,500 - $4,999)Natalie and Scott BluesteinJean F. CarltonJeanne Condon; Merrill LynchDixon Hughes Goodman LLPElliott Davis, LLCEnterprise Holdings FoundationJennifer and Sean MurrayDebbie and Greg RothschildSouth Carolina Electric & Gas CompanyHalsey and Meg SchreierCatherine and Christopher SouthJoshua and Cowles WhitleySouth Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Producers($1,000 - $2,499)Mr. and Mrs. Nico Berlijn Nella G. BarkleySarah and Michael BookNancy BushDrs. Jon and Hayley CarterMr. and Mrs. Stuart CassJill and John ChalstyThomas and Alma ClymerCox IndustriesRandy and Elaine CuthbertsonJoyce and Charlie DarbyBelk DaughtridgeDennis DrewDurlach AssociatesEast Bay Meeting HouseTim and Libby EbleNancy and Ralph EdwardsFirst Citizens Bank and TrustJane and Don FurtadoPete and Kathy GaynorMr. Ned Ginsburg and Mrs. Jocelyn CateBrandon and Katherine GuestHandsome PropertiesDr. Ann HanlonChristina S. HomerCecil and Pam KearseLeane KeyEd and Gina KozekLutheran Homes of South CarolinaPaul and Suzanne LynchElisabeth and Spencer LynchMr. and Mrs. James Wesley Martin (Beatty)Danny Jones and Douglas McCoyGeorgette C. McKenzieValerie B. Morris, CofCJoanne and Morgan MortonBarb and Bob NicolaiD. NortonMr. and Mrs. Joseph OdiernaDr. and Mrs. John PalmsCeleste and Charles Patrick Plastic Surgery of the CarolinasMarie-Louise Ramsdale and Tom RossRed Apple Cheese; LLCDorothy and Jack RhodesLisa and Joe Rice

2012-13 Charleston Stage Contributors

Contributions to Charleston Stage directly support our vast arts education initiatives that reach over 20,000 Lowcountry youth annually. Year round, students participate in Charleston Stage’s in-school outreach enrichment workshops, TheatreWings Apprentice Program for high school students, after school acting classes, and low-cost and free special school-day matinees. This funding also provides scholarships for underprivileged youth. All contributions to Charleston Stage are fully tax-deductible. For more information, please contact the Development Office at (843) 856-5316.

The following contributors have made donations to Charleston Stage between May 1, 2012 - August 20, 2012:

M. Lynn RutledgeRinne and Bob SadeClaire and Joe SchadyMichael Shewan and Pat PatrickTed and Susan SoderlundSouthern Lumber and Millwork CorporationW. Cecil and Charline StricklinTD BankFerdinand and Nancy TedescoMrs. Maurice ThompsonTiger Lily FloristDr. and Mrs. Chris TountasTristan RestaurantPaul and Jennifer VannattaMary Ellen and Charlie WayGary White, First Citizens BankMatt and Beth Yaun Supporting Players($500 - $999)Charleston Musical Heritage ProductionsCatherine Couch-CasascoDunes West Golf ClubSummit Place of Daniel IslandBarbara Young

Patrons($250 - $499)Sam and Pat GilnerIn Memory of John MahalaTrident United Way Friends(up to $249)James ConnollyJane DouglasDiane EttingerPatricia GatensRonald Ron HackerLynn HarringtonGeorge HaskinsJessica HazelMrs Phyllis McCoySarah Ellis McKayDavid MilliMarybeth MullaneyRobin PoliakoffPeter SnidermanPatricia SteeleRon SweedaCameron White

November 30 - December 16, 2012Dock Street Theatre

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE AT CHARLESTONSTAGE.COM OR CALL (843) 577-7183, M-F 1PM-5PM.

Coming Up Next!

2012-13 Season Tickets Now On Sale!Madeline’s Christmas, Dec. 8 - 16, 2012The Secret Garden, Jan. 25 - Feb. 3, 2013A Woman Called Truth, Feb. 15 - Mar. 3, 2013

Boeing-Boeing, Mar. 8 - 24, 2013Anything Goes, Apr. 5 - 27, 2013A Year With Frog and Toad, Apr. 20 & 27, 2013

October 19 - November 4, 2012Dock Street Theatre

From the master of the macabre comes the haunting

tale of Edgar Allan Poe’s own mysterious death and

disappearance. With scenes from such tantalizing Poe

tales as The Pit and the Pendulum and The Masque of the

Red Death, Nevermore takes us to 1827 Sullivans Island,

where young Edgar Allan Poe served in the army at Ft.

Moultrie and penned such classics as The Gold Bug.

New Charleston Stage andBulldog Tours Poe Package! VisitCharlestonStage.com For Details!

Single Tickets Go On Sale September 24!Adults: Seniors: Students:$34.50 - $48.50 $32.50 - $48.50 $22.50 - $48.50

Written and Directed by Julian WilesBased On the Life and Works of Edgar Allan PoeNew York Casting by Cindi Rush Casting

The only thing little Ralphie Parker wants for Christmas

is a Daisy Brand Red Ryder BB rifle. The only things

standing in his way are his no-nonsense “You’ll shoot

your eye out” parents, a freezing flagpole and the mis-

haps and misadventures that plague poor ten-year-old

Ralphie.

Single Tickets Go On Sale September 24!Adults: Seniors: Students:$34.50 - $48.50 $32.50 - $48.50 $22.50 - $48.50

By Philip GrecianBased On the Motion Picture A Christmas StoryDirected by Julian Wiles

Holiday Gift Ideas: Share the Magicof Live Theatre During the Holidays With a $50 or $100 Gift Certificate!

legally blonde the musical program

Documents

s t r e e t t h e

s e p t e

e s t o n s t

r y s e

v e r s

r g o p r e s e n t

t t h e h i s t o r

s o n w e