China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd. (CAEG) presented the U.S. premiere of an opera and dance theatrical musical production Lady Zhaojun Starring Chinese multi-award Singer Li Yugang and fellow performers from the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, December 2, 2019 at the San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101.
Lady Zhaojun Starring Li Yugang Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Arts & Entertainment Group Ltd.
(San Diego, November 7, 2019) – China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd. (CAEG) presents the US premiere of an opera and dance musical production Lady Zhaojunstarring Chinese multi-award singer Li Yugang. The performances will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, December 2, 2019 at 7:30 pm at the San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101.
Trailer for Lady Zhaojun
Direct from China, this theatrical musical performance features over 50 dancers and singers from the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater, and Hohhot National Performing Arts Group. Produced by the Oriental Jade (Beijing) Culture Media Co., Ltd., the performance is directed by Max Lee from Taiwan, whose works span theater, Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera. The creative team also includes songwriter Vincent Fang and designer Tim Yip, the winner of the Oscar for best art direction and costume design in 2000.
Lady Zhaojun Starring Li Yugang Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Arts & Entertainment Group Ltd.
The winner of several international awards along with “Outstanding Asian Artist Award”, Li Yugang is a legendary figure in China. His following in China and across the world is in the millions and he has performed in Europe, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Canada, United States. In 2009 he brought his solo show “Imperial Splendor” to the Sidney Opera House. Li has connected the enigmatic orient of the past and its traditional “fan chuan” or “nan dan” performance (which is male who plays female role in Peking opera) to the 21st century. He draws deeply on the traditions of Chinese opera, folk music and drama while energizing it with newer innovations. More about Li Yugang: https://www.thailandtatler.com/life/rare-english-interview-with-li-yugang
Lady Zhaojun Starring Li Yugang Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Arts & Entertainment Group Ltd.
Lady Zhaojun is based on the legend of
Wang Zhaojun, an ancient Chinese beauty from the Han Dynasty around 2,000 years
ago. Li portrays the classic image of Zhaojun, who volunteered to marry the
ruler of a powerful nomadic group on the then-border of northern China, to
maintain peace between the two sides. A contemporary interpretation of a
classic story of one of China’s legendary ancient beauties, the performance is
a grand musical that incorporates the music and dance styles of Inner Mongolia
and the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-AD 220), as well as gorgeous costumes and stage
effects, all highlighted by Li’s magically sweet and melodious voice and
graceful acting.
Lady Zhaojun Starring Li Yugang Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Arts & Entertainment Group Ltd.
Lady Zhaojun is a part of CAEG’s Image China
cultural exchange initiative, which seeks to introduce traditional and
contemporary Chinese performing arts to audiences around the world. Since its
inception in 2009, Image China has presented works at performance venues across
the globe, including Lincoln Center in New York, The Kennedy Center in
Washington, D.C., and stages throughout Europe and Australia. Recent
productions include Soaring Wings, Confucius, Dragon Boat Racing, The
Legend of Mulan, and the acclaimed American debut of the Peking Opera star
Zhang Huoding.
Ticket
prices are $31.50 – $146.50 (plus fees) with discounts for students $22-$53
(plus fees) and groups of 10 or more $22-$53 (plus fees).
Devon Hadsell as Caitlyn Caussin in ‘Mean Girls’ Photo Courtesy of Devon Hadsell
We are thrilled to share this interview with equity Broadway performer Devon Hadsell, who plays Caitlyn Caussin in the ensemble of the Broadway mega hit – “Mean Girls“! Devon is also a principal role understudy (Gretchen, Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George). She made her principal debut as Gretchen on July 24th.
I have known Devon since 2015 when she performed as Velma (and I was Director of PR/Marketing) in the regional professional production of West Side Story with San Diego Musical Theatre .
The Broadway production of Mean Girls was created by the team of Tina Fey (Book), Jeff Richmond (Music) and Nell Benjamin, (Lyrics), based on the 2004 Mean Girls film, starring Lindsay Lohan.
SJF: Thanks so much for this interview Devon! I know how busy you’ve been with the ‘Mean Girls‘ whirlwind of multiple nominations, awards, enduring the hectic schedule of eight performances a week, and then some! Let’s begin with you telling us about where you’re from, etc.
DH: I was born in Santa Barbara and moved to Napa when I was 5. I’m the oldest of 3 and have a younger sister and brother.
SJF: When did you first get interested in performing?
DH: My mom said I was singing before I could talk and dancing before I could walk. She put me in my first musical when I was 5 years old. I played Gretel in The Sound of Music at our community kids theatre which was called Broadway Bound Kids!
SJF: Why did you choose performing as a career?
DH: Since I was a kid, I’ve loved being on stage. There’s nothing quite like performing in front of an audience. My mom put me in dancing, singing, and acting lessons starting when I was 5 years old and I never wanted to stop. Nowadays, I do it because I love inspiring people.
SJF: Anything to mention about your college program at Cal State Fullerton ? Positives, challenges?
Devon Hadsell as Kira in ‘Xanadu’ at CSU Fullerton
Devon Hadsell as Tribe Member in ‘Hair’ at CSU Fullerton
Devon Hadsell as Understudy/Ensemble in ‘Marilyn : A New Musical’ at CSU Fullerton
DH: I’m so glad I went to college for performing and that I found Cal State Fullerton. I grew in ways I never would have been able to if it wasn’t for their Musical Theatre BFA program. Because of the showcase that the seniors got to do in New York, I found my amazing bi-coastal agent and got a taste of the city before actually moving here! The biggest challenge was managing classes, shows, rehearsals, AND homework all at once, but because I had to do all that at CSUF, I can manage any schedule thrown my way now!
SJF: What do you think your strengths are as a performer? What are you developing/strengthening?
DH: I think my biggest strengths as a performer are that I’m versatile, I’m great to work with, and I’m a fast learner. I’m constantly improving my technique and ability in all fields of performing as well as building up the proper stamina for getting through 8 shows a week for at least the next year!
SJF: Would you like to obtain Master’s degree in the future?
DH: I think a Master’s degree is something I would definitely be open to because I see myself teaching at the college level one day.
SF: Besides your Broadway debut in Mean Girls, Any National Tours? Highs and Lows of touring?
DH: Highs and Lows: I was in the national tour of The Little Mermaid a couple years ago and I absolutely LOVED it! It’s actually what got me my Equity card and gave me enough money to move to New York! What was hard was always packing and unpacking your suitcase after a week or two, but I really enjoyed visiting so many different cities around the U.S.
SJF: Explain the ‘Mean Girls’ Story in a Nutshell…
DH: Cady Heron is a homeschooled student who moves from Africa with her parents (who are biologists) to a public high school in Chicago, Illinois. She befriends the “Plastics”, the three popular, “mean girls” of the school, and quickly finds herself becoming one of them. In the end, she realizes that it’s okay not to like someone, but that we should always be kind and treat people with dignity.
SJF: Tell us about your interview process- when/where, how competitive it was, how many callbacks? Was Tina Fey present?
Devon Hadsell Recording for “Mean Girls’
Devon Hadsell Backstage at ‘Mean Girls’
Devon Hadsell as Caitlyn Caussin in ‘Mean Girls’
DH: I went to 5 callbacks for this role. At the first audition, there were over 400 girls who attended. For the callbacks, we did a dance combination and eventually had to sing. At the fifth and final callback, they had narrowed it down to 20 girls, and Tina Fey was present. We had to do the dance combo three at a time and then come in and sing and read sides for all the creatives by ourselves. It was the craziest and most amazing experience!
SJF: I can just imagine the stress and tension with the audition and then those multiple callbacks! Wow!
SJF: Tell us about your ‘Mean Girls’ role(s), Understudying? Etc.
DH: I play Caitlyn Caussin, a high school girl in the ensemble. I also get to understudy Gretchen AND all of the roles played by the Broadway star, Kerry Butler, which are Cady’s mom, Regina’s mom, and Ms. Norbury! I actually made my Broadway principal debut as Gretchen on July 24th of this year and it was AMAZING!!! It was so incredible to get to perform in a lead role on a Broadway stage and to know that the producers and members of the company believed in me too. My family also happened to be in town so they got to see me perform in the role as well! It was one of the best experiences of my life!
Devon Hadsell as Caitlyn Caussin in ‘Mean Girls’
SJF: That is so amazing! So thrilled that you made your Broadway principal role debut!
SJF: Any advice for BA, BFA, etc. students and others?
DH: Broadway is hard and the work doesn’t stop once you get there. You have to realize that there will be pros and cons just like any other job. You also have to figure out ways to nurture your passion of performing because there are a lot of hard things you have to deal with in this business. Never give up, always push forward with your goals in mind, and never stop training.
SJF: How has it been adjusting to living in NY- roommate(s)? Safety, etc.
DH: Oh my goodness. I am NOT a fan of New York! Haha. Even with a Broadway contract, I miss California every day… It’s a VERY different way of living and it was a hard adjustment at first. When I first moved to NY, I was living deep in Brooklyn and it took me at least an hour to get into Manhattan for auditions, but it was cheap and I had my own room and a lovely roommate. Now that I’m on Broadway, I was able to move to a studio just outside the city along the water that’s only a 20 minute commute. When you move to New York, you have to get used to a different way of living. You have to deal with public transportation, insanely high prices for everything, people being stressed and in a rush most of the time, everything being dirty, and being cramped in small spaces for a lot of your day. This city is not very glamorous unless you have a lot of money haha.
SJF: Ah! But I love going to NY to see shows when I visit my family in NJ! Despite the humidity, crowds etc.!
SJF: Any pre-show rituals? Post show events?
DH: I always have a pre-show Starbucks next to me as I do my makeup. I also have a little space backstage where I always do my warm-ups. After the show, a lot of us go to a restaurant/bar across the street that just opened up called Haswell Green!
SJF: Do you have (or have you had) fears? Doubts?
DH: Yes! Even once you get to Broadway, you have fears and doubts. EVERYONE is talented so you have to continue to believe that you ALSO have something special to bring to the table with your talent.
SJF: Well said Devon! What Motivates you?
Devon Hadsell
DH: I am very motivated by the fact that my performance has the ability to inspire others. Whether it makes people think about their lives, inspires them to live out their own dream, motivates them to want to change the world, or encourages them to connect with people, I think it’s a gift to have that ability.
SJF: That’s so astute! Hopefully I’ll get to see you perform on Broadway. I’m definitely inspired by your recent success!
SJF: Do you have any spare time hobbies, interests?
DH: I do! I love walks along the water, finding a new coffee shop, seeing other Broadway shows, and playing with puppies and kittens!
SJF: Cool! The last part about the puppies and kittens really brought the ‘AW” out in me!
SJF: Any particular role models in your life?
DH: I have many teachers who have been role models throughout my entire life. They have inspired me with their passion for performing and their love of their art whether it was acting, dancing, or singing. I am fortunate enough to still be in contact with most of them through Facebook and still ask for their advice when I need some guidance.
SJF: What was it like the first time with an audience for ‘Mean Girls’?
DH: It was UNREAL! My adrenaline was so high and everyone in the show was so excited! Our energy was unmatched! It was maybe even a little too heightened haha. It was a blast though. This show is so fun to share with family and friends.
SJF: Spill the beans about Tina!
DH: She’s extremely sweet! And surprisingly, she’s very quiet and reserved unlike her TV personalities. She’s so smart and kind and has such a wonderful and loving dynamic with her family.
DH: It’s all updated with current photos and my resume as well as a couple of videos of me singing and dancing!
SJF: Who are your Idols?
DH: Some of my idols are Michelle Obama, Rachel McAdams, Jennifer Lawrence, Jimmy Fallon, and definitely Tina Fey!
SJF: Top values in life?
DH: My top value in life is kindness. It always makes the world a better place when you can act out of love and kindness than out of fear, hate, or jealousy. It takes a strong person to be kind, but I’ve found it’s always worth the effort.
SJF: Dream Role (besides the one you have now)!
DH: I’d actually love to play the lead in Mean Girls, Cady Heron, one day. I’d also love to play Christine in Phantom of the Opera and Clara in Light in the Piazza.
Devon Hadsell
SJF: If you had to do it all over again…
DH: I honestly wouldn’t do anything different except to make sure I made a little more effort to stay in contact with friends and family. It’s so easy to get caught up in career stuff and forget about the things that really matter.
SJF: What 3 things don’t we know about you?
DH: 1) I am a cancer survivor! When I was 3 1/2 I was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor which is a child’s form of kidney cancer. They removed the tumor along with my right kidney and now I am deemed cancer free! 2) I am extremely organized and tidy and I weirdly think cleaning is fun. 3) I’d love to get into TV/film one day!
SJF: I am glad I asked that question. I would have never known about your surviving cancer at such a young age. Thanks for sharing that. As for the tidyness…interesting tidbit! Regarding TV/film, I have no doubt that you will pursue and be offered those creative endeavors!
SJF: Any difficult decisions throughout your life?
DH: The most difficult decision I ever made was to move to New York. I had no idea what I was doing, but just that I felt like I needed to do it. Needless to say, I am VERY glad I made that leap.
SJF: Thank you so very much Devon, it was such a pleasure to be back in touch and am so excited to hear all about Mean Girls and what’s in store for you in your future!
Meet Max Cadillac. I have known Max professionally for the past five years in San Diego. Our paths have crossed with me providing public relations & marketing, and with him either performing in professional theatre productions, choreographing and/or costuming…and most recently modeling as my photography subject for an action-packed, fun editorial shoot, as Max embarks on his new journey – the sky’s the limit – and seize NYC – a.k.a. The Big Apple!
This past September, our photo shoot (for his new modeling “look book”) with Max took place during the day at a cool park as well as a suburban cul-de-sac and street in the Rancho Penasquitos area of San Diego. Max posed. I snapped away.
Take a gander at Max’s photographic versatility (and read our interview Q &A which follows)!
Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.
Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.
Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.
Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.
Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.
Q & A with Max Cadillac
SJF: Max, please give us the run down…tell us where you have performed professionally
MC: I have a true love for musical theatre and have been working hard throughout my field of choice – performing, choreographing, and costuming in San Diego. I’ve performed with Cygnet Theatre (Pageant, Gypsy), Moonlight Stage Productions (The Wizard of Oz, Music Man, Big Fish), San Diego Musical Theatre (White Christmas, Sound of Music, Cats, West Side Story), and most recently in The Tragedy of Carmen with the San Diego Opera.
SJF: Besides being a dancer, you’re also a choreographer. Where have you been the creator of all things dance?
MC: Over the last year, I have expanded into costuming under the wing of costume designer Janet Pitcher.
SJF: Why NY? Does it have a special meaning for you?
MC: Though I am proud to be a native San Diegian, I’ve always felt like my home town was ‘Broadway to Bloomingdales’ in The Big Apple. My parents and family are from the tri-state area and having growing up bi-coastal going to summer camp in the Poconos, I have always loved New York the most. Not only that, but there are so many more opportunities for theater in New York than Southern California. The fantasy of moving to the city and booking the first audition sounds splendid, but the reality of planning his move to New York has been a long awaited plan since high school.
SJF: Tell us about your performing and where you have studied
MC: The drive to perform has always been there. I have attended performing arts schools since middle school. I first attended Children’s Creative and Performing Arts Academy before transferring to Coronado School of the Arts for high school. It was there I learned his passion could become a career, and I pursued a degree in Theater. I attended a California State University to pursue my degree, but he realized within the first month this was not the right program for me. So within that first semester, I applied, auditioned, and was accepted into AMDA in Los Angeles for musical theatre. It was a program that mainly focused on acting, singing, dancing, and allowing their students to explore many aspects of the performance world on and off stage.
SJF: What was one of your favorite roles?
MC: Everyday is another chance to create and perform, but I really enjoyed my most recent performance as Lillas Pastia in the San Diego Opera’s The Tragedy of Carmen. The creative team wanted to make a whole new vision for the classic opera, so with only six cast members, sets and costumes spanning many different decades, and direction like no one has seen before, It was a true collaboration of artists working together to feature the best of their talents. And although my character did not have any songs or dialogue, I threw myself into the physicality of the character. To quote the lead of Carmen herself, she wrote me a lighthearted opening night letter saying “Thank you for stealing my show. Now own it” and that is exactly what I did. The recreation of a classic role is something I am extremely invested in, always trying to adapt and tell a relatable story for the audience, and one day I hope to originate a role in a musical, play, opera, or film. Any medium that gives actors the freedom to shape and mold a character like that sounds like a dream role to me, and I would even love to write my own musicals and movies in order to ensure true artistic freedom.
SJF: Dream roles?
MC: I have many! Aldolpho from The Drowsy Chaperone, Molina in Kiss of The Spiderwoman, Dr. Frank-N-Furter from Rocky Horror Picture Show, and an all time favorite from the first musical I ever saw on Broadway one day playing Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast.
SJF It’s been a pleasure Max. Anything else you’d like to share?
MC: On a personal note, I’d would like to thank you, Susan for all of your support, love, and laughter working together over the past 5 years and would like to leave your readers with this thought; If you love something, Do Not let it go! Hold onto whatever drives your passion, and love what you do. Theater, like the world can seem very small at times, but never limit yourself within your chosen field and always remember it is much more fulfilling to focus on the journey than the finish line.
SJF: Best wishes on your journey to the BIG APPLE!
Special thanks to Emmy Farese for photoshoot assistance!
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Award-Winning San Diego Musical Theatre ‘glams it up” for their upcoming production of La Cage Aux Folles on Friday, September 25 (preview) with Opening Night on Saturday, September 26th and running through Sunday, October 11th, 2015 at the beautiful historic Spreckels Theatre “on Broadway” in the Gaslamp District of Downtown San Diego.
Book by Harvey Fierstein with Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman.
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES SYNOPSIS
The musical that inspired the movie The Birdcage (starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane), La Cage Aux Folles tells the story of Georges, the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely St. Tropez, and his partner, Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse, Zaza. When Georges’ son brings home his fiancée’s ultra conservative parents to meet the splashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test! La Cage is a glittering and fast stepping extravaganza mixed with a touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves!
San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) “The LOCAL way to see Broadway”, announces the first production of their 2015 season, WEST SIDE STORY, February 13 – March 1, 2015 (press opening on Saturday, February 14) at their new home, the Spreckels Theatre on Broadway in downtown San Diego.
The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre’s finest accomplishments. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and Book by Arthur Laurents.
PRODUCTION TEAM: Director: James Vasquez; Choreography: Randy Slovacek; Musical Director: Don LeMaster; Lighting Designer: Amanda Zieve; Costume Coordinator: Janet Pitcher; Production Manager: Bret Young; Stage Manager: Stanley Cohen.
SDMT West Side Story Production Team: Courtesy Photos, Left to Right: Director James Vasquez; Musical Director Don LeMaster; Choreographer Randy Slovacek
JAMES VASQUEZ (Director) ) is happy to return to San Diego Musical Theatre after directing last year’s CATS at the North Park Theatre. He has directed Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre for the last 5 years, while restaging the original choreography for the last 12 years. Also at the Globe, he directed Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, served as Associate Director of Jane Austen’s Emma – A Musical Romantic Comedy, and provided musical staging for Boeing-Boeing and the 2013 Shakespeare Festival production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He received San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award nominations for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for the world premiere of Harmony, Kansas and the West Coast premiere of [title of show] (Diversionary Theatre) and won the award in 2010 for Sweeney Todd (Cygnet Theatre Company). His other recent directing/choreography credits include Marry Me a Little, Birds of a Feather, Pippin, and Next Fall (Diversionary), and Pageant, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Little Shop of Horrors (Cygnet), as well as developmental workshops at La Jolla Playhouse and Goodspeed Musicals. Mr. Vásquez is co-founder of Daisy 3 Pictures. His film, Ready? OK!, won the Best Film award at Seattle, North Carolina, and San Diego film festivals. Daisy 3’s latest feature film, That’s What She Said, made its world premiere at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. He is a graduate of The Juilliard School of Drama.
RANDY SLOVACEK (Choreographer) returns to San Diego after choreographing the acclaimed SDMT production of Chicago The Musical (San Diego Theater Critics Award nomination) in 2013. His choreography has been seen across the country, from the 11,000 seat Muny Theater in St. Louis to 99 seat off-Broadway theaters in NYC. Credits include choreographing the National touring company of Hello, Dolly! starring Carol Channing; the world premiere of Plane Crazy off-Broadway at the Beckett Theatre; and regional productions of A Chorus Line, They’re Playing Our Song, Sweet Charity, and Chicago the Musical among others. He has contributed choreography for star-studded benefit performances such as Lerner, Loewe, Lane & Friends for the S.T.A.G.E. benefit in Los Angeles; Donna McKechnie In Concert in NYC; One Singular Sensation celebrating the genius of Michael Bennett in Kansas City; and Olivia Newton-John’s Grace and Gratitude concert based on her celebrated CD of the same name. Thanks to husband Michael for love and support.
DON LE MASTER (Musical Director/Conductor) A native of San Diego, Don has been a working musician in the world of theatre for 30 years. He has been the resident musical director for SDMT, since its inception. He has musically directed and conducted many shows: A Christmas Carol, I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change, Cabaret (San Diego Rep), American Rhythm, Boomers (Lamb’s Players), Superstar, Once On This Island, Ragtime and 1776 – Ovation nomination (Performance Riverside), and many others at Moonlight, Cygnet, Starlight, South Bay Cities, North Coast Rep and McCoy Rigby. The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle, honored Don with an Outstanding Musical Direction Craig Noel award for the Full Monty and just recently The Sound of Music. Don performs at Martini’s Above Fourth with the fabulous Ria Carey and a solo gig at The Imperial House. “Without music my life would be a mistake.”
WEST SIDE STORY CAST –
Jacob Caltrider* (Tony); Jessica Soza (Maria); Kikau Alvaro* (Bernardo);
Natalie Nucci* (Anita); Jeffrey Scott Parsons* (Riff)
*Member of Actors Equity Association
SDMT West Side Story Cast;
Top, Left to Right : Jacob Caltrider, Jessica Soza, Kikau Alvaro; Bottom Center: Natalie Nucci, Bottom Right: Jeffrey Scott Parsons
JACOB CALTRIDER* (Tony) is thankful and proud to be making his debut with San Diego Musical Theatre! Selected Credits include: Spring Awakening, Assassins, Parade, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors,Sweeney Todd and The History Boys– Cygnet Theatre; Marry Me A Little, Harmony Kansas, Twist, Yank! and The Daddy Machine – Diversionary Theatre; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and A Christmas Carol – North Coast Repertory Theatre; An American Christmas, Les Misérables, Twelfth Night and The Festival of Christmas – Lamb’s Players; How The Grinch Stole Christmas! and The Rocky Horror Show – The Old Globe.
JESSICA SOZA (Maria) “Jessica Soza’s bell-clear Soprano and natural grace manages to win from the first minute to the viewers.” (Iris Moebius, Broadway World Germany). Having toured Europe last year as MARIA in the International Tour of West Side Story, Jessica is grateful to return home to Southern California and make her U.S. Debut in the role with SDMT. She performed to sold-out houses in Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Israel, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland and London where she made her West End debut. Jessica gives thanks to God and her family for their undying love and support. www.jessicasoza.com
NATALIE NUCCI* (Anita) Broadway/National Tour: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (u/s Christine , Jolene, Muriel); Jesus Christ Superstar (Soul Girl, u/s Mary) Hollywood Bowl: Sondheim 75th Birthday Tribute (West Side Story/Sweeney Todd ), Music Man. Reprise Theatre: Strike Up The Band, Kismet, On The Town, Applause!, The Most Happy Fella, Anything Goes. SDMT: Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie). Welk Resort: West Side Story (Anita), Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie), Man of La Mancha (Aldonza), Chicago (Velma), Anything Goes (Reno). Love to my Family. CSUN’s Peter Grego: you cast me in WSS as Jet and Shark—YOU dared us: “leave our guts on stage”; permanently lighting my fire: thank you.
JEFFREY SCOTT PARSONS* (Riff) “What a pleasure to do one of my favorite musicals with one of my favorite theatre companies.” Jeff is known to San Diego audiences for his portrayals of Phil Davis in White Christmas, Skimbleshanks in Cats (SDMT), Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, Bobby Child in Crazy for You (Moonlight Amphitheatre), as well as his appearances in Romance/Romance and Dames at Sea (NCRT). With Musical Theatre Guild in Los Angeles, he’s been in Triumph of Love, Sweet Smell of Success, and Wonderful Town. He’s a loyal member of AEA and holds a degree from BYU. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreysparsons Love to the fam!
KIKAU ALVARO* (Bernardo) SDMT debut! He is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre at San Diego State University. Favorites: Les Miserables, (Grantaire); Chicago, (The Jury); The Full Monty, (Keno); and the 50th Anniversary production of Flower Drum Song. In addition to performing, Kikau is a director, choreographer, and teacher. Upcoming projects: The Great American Trailer Park Musical (SDSU) and All Shook Up (San Diego Junior Theatre). Proud member of AEA! Thank you to Derrick. Follow Kikau on twitter and instagram: @kikautown.
*Member of Actors Equity Association
ADDITIONAL CAST:
Danielle Airey, Kevin Aquino, Max Cadillac, Hanz Enyeart, Manny Fernandes, Meagan Flint, Jay Gamboa, Devon Hadsell, Siri Hafso, Danny Hansen, Jenny Henkel, Krysty Hernandez, Andrew J. Koslow, Danielle Levas, Jacob Narcy, Joy Newbegin, Leah Roth, RC Sands, Ernest Sauceda, Taylor Simmons, Joshua LaMonte Switzer, Diana Vaden, Eric von Metzke, Andrea Williams and Dan Windham.
SDMT West Side Story “Jets”
SDMT West Side Story “Sharks”
SDMT West Side Story Cast, Director, James Vasquez, Choreographer Randy Slovacek and Costume Coordinator Janet Pitcher
Danielle Airey: Jet Girl
Kevin Aquino: Shark
Max Cadillac: Shark
Hanz Enyeart: A-rab
Manny Fernandez: Lt. Shrank
Megan Flint: Rosalia
Jay Gamboa: Shark
Devon Hadsell: Velma
Siri Hafso: Graziella
Danny Hansen: Snowboy
Jenny Henkel: Jet Girl
Krysty Hernandez: Shark Girl
Andrew J. Koslow: Action
Danielle Levas: Consuelo
Jacob Narcy: Chino
Joy Newbegin: Jet Girl
Leah Roth: Anybody’s
RC Sands: Doc
Ernest Sauceda: Shark
Taylor Simmons: Baby John
Joshua LaMonte Switzer: Diesel
Diana Vaden: Francisca
Erik von Metzke: Glad Hand
Andrea Williams: Shark Girl
Dan Windham: Krupke
TICKET INFORMATION: Single tickets for SDMT’s production of WEST SIDE STORY are $35.00, $45.00, $55.00 and $65.00. Children 16 and under save $10. There are discounts for Seniors and Students. Equity and Actor’s Alliance may purchase up to 2 tickets at half price. Group discounts for parties of 10 or more are available by calling the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. For individual tickets contact the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740 or visit SDMT online at www.sdmt.org.
SCHEDULE: WEST SIDE STORY show times are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: The Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. There is parking in the Spreckels garage and the NBC Building. Both are accessed via Broadway Circle.
For more information and tickets call San Diego Musical Theatre’s Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. The San Diego Musical Theatre Administrative Office is located at 4652 Mercury Street, San Diego, CA 92111. Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Tickets purchased through the Spreckels Box Office are through Ticket Master.
San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) is an award-winning, nonprofit theater company that seeks to bring vibrant musical theatre to the San Diego community. The mission of SDMT is to impact audiences by producing a range of classic and contemporary musical productions that engage and enhance the overall theatre experience. By partnering with professional actors, musicians, and technicians SDMT infuses momentum and energy into one of the only true American art forms. SDMT’s vision is to create an environment where high-quality musical theatre thrives in San Diego for generations to come. San Diego Musical Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
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SDMT Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Principal Cast, 2014: Left to right: Todd DuBail as Bob Wallace, Allison Spratt Pearce as Betty Haynes, Jeffrey Scott Parsons as Phil Davis & Tro Shaw as Judy Haynes. Photo by Ken Jacques
San Diego Musical Theatre’s Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Photo: www.kjphotography.com
San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) www.sdmt.org Presents their highly acclaimed, holiday tradition for the third year in a row, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” December 11-21 at the North Park Theatre. This is SDMT’s final show of the 2014 “Season of Musicals” at the North Park Theatre.
There is one preview on Thursday, December 11. Press Opening Night is Friday, December 12 and the production continues until Sunday, December 21. More info below!
A few interesting facts!:
* 2014 is the 60th anniversary of the film “White Christmas” starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney
* 2014 is the 10th Anniversary of the stage premiere of “White Christmas” in San Francisco in 2004
* San Diego’s Allison Spratt Pearce (SDMT’s Maria in “The Sound of Music”) plays Betty Haynes in SDMT’s IBWC and many in the ensemble and character roles live in San Diego area.
* SDMT’s “You Give, We Give” fundraising campaign: 10% of donations raised at the White Christmas at the North Park Theatre will go to Resounding Joy! The Military Music Therapy program, better known as Semper Sound, which works directly with returning military service members and veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, substance abuse and other physical and psychological diagnoses related to combat stress and trauma.
* There will be a free holiday craft project before the show for the kids at White Christmas matinees on Saturday, December 13 & 20 at 2:00 p.m. or Sunday, December 14 & 21 at 2:00 p.m., Those interested need to call (858-560-5740) to reserve a spot for their child, as space is limited. Children 16 years and younger can take advantage of a $10 ticket discount!
Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaption features seventeen Irving Berlin songs, played by a live 22 piece orchestra! Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former Army Commander. The dazzling score features well known standards including Blue Skies, I Love A Piano, How Deep Is the Ocean and the perennial favorite, White Christmas. White Christmas is back! Make it a holiday tradition in your family!
Production Team: Director: Todd Nielsen; Choreography: Lisa Hopkins; Re-Staging of Choreography: Keenon Hooks; Musical Director: Don LeMaster; Lighting Designer: Matt Novotny; Costume Coordinator: Janet Pitcher; Stage Manager: Kendra Stockton* (Equity).
WHITE CHRISTMAS CAST (* Member of Actors Equity Association):
TODD DUBAIL* (Bob Wallace) is excited to be performing in San Diego again, after moving from here to NYC in 1994. A big thank you to SDMT for making that happen! National tours: Joseph … (Pharaoh, with Patrick Cassidy & Jon Secada), Grease (Danny, with Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker & Fabian), Leader Of The Pack and Jesus Christ Superstar (with Ted Neeley & Carl Anderson). Regional credits include: Starlight Express (Greaseball), Aladdin (Kassim), Cats (Rum Tum Tugger), Little Shop Of Horrors (Orin, et al.), Crazy For You (Lank), All Shook Up (Chad), Guys And Dolls (Sky Masterson), Tarzan (Clayton), Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Hairspray (Corny Collins), The Thing About Men (Sebastian), Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy), Romance, Romance (Alfred/Sam), Into The Woods (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), and Cabaret (Cliff). Thanks to his amazing family, friends and JJS for their love and unwavering support. Mr. DuBail is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
ALLISON SPRATT PEARCE* (Betty Haynes) was last seen at SDMT as Maria in TheSound of Music. Credits include: Broadway-Curtains, Cry Baby and Good Vibrations. National tour: Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Recent: Jane in Emma, Phoebe in As You Like It, Viola in Twelfth Night at The Old Globe, Victoria in Sideways at The La Jolla Playhouse and Debbie in Old Jews Telling Jokes at The Lyceum. Allison has a mid-Atlantic AAA commercial running and coaches privately and with MTCA. She also has a duet group, Basso e Voce for special events. This Spring she will be Eliza in My Fair Lady at Cygnet. BFA-Elon University & MFA-USD/Old Globe. www.AllisonSprattPearce.com
JEFFREY SCOTT PARSONS* (Phil Davis) is grateful White Christmas has become a San Diego tradition! SDMT audiences have seen him as Phil Davis for the past two years as well as Skimbleshanks in Cats earlier this season. Other San Diego credits include Romance/Romance and Dames at Sea (North Coast Rep), Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, Bobby Child in Crazy for You (Moonlight Amphitheatre), and Malcolm in The Full Monty (Welk Resort). As a member of Musical Theatre Guild in Los Angeles he was most recently seen as Agis in Triumph of Love. Member of Actors Equity. Love to the fam and Happy Holidays! www.jeffreyscottparsons
TRO SHAW* (Judy Haynes) is thrilled to be making her SDMT debut in this amazing production. Notable credits include Broadway’s West Side Story (Anybodys); Geffen Playhouse’s Rapture, Blister, Burn (u/s Avery); Norris Center’s White Christmas (Judy Haynes); La Mirada’s Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (Sarah); and Utah Shakes’ The Matchmaker (Minnie Fay). Special thanks to Todd, Erin and Gary for making this an amazing experience. Thanks also to Simon for the limitless support. Ms. Shaw hails from Berkeley, CA and holds a BFA in Acting from Carnegie Mellon University. www.troshaw.com
Additional Cast:
Joy Allen, Jeni Baker, Amy Beth Batchelor, Philip Cobb, William Cobb, Crystal Davidson, Janie d’Avignon, Karla Franko, John Gamboa, Max Gidaley, Siri Hafso, Danny Hansen, Kyle Hawk, April Henry, Ed Hollingsworth, Allison Knight, Andrew Koslow, Danielle Levas, Paul Morgavo, Joy Newbegin, Jeremy Shull, Claire Scheper, Doug Schmitt, Debra Wanger and John Wescott.
TICKET INFORMATION: Single tickets for SDMT’s production of WHITE CHRISTMAS are $42.00, $52.00, $62.00 and $72.00. Children 16 and under save $10. There are discounts for Seniors and Students. Equity and Actor’s Alliance may purchase up to 2 tickets at half price. Group discounts for parties of 10 or more are available by calling the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. For individual tickets contact the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740 or visit SDMT online at www.sdmt.org.
SCHEDULE: WHITE CHRISTMAS show times are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: The North Park Theatre, 2891 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104. There is street parking and a parking structure across the street from the theatre.
For more information and tickets call the San Diego Musical Theatre Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. The San Diego Musical Theatre Administrative Office is located at 4652 Mercury Street, San Diego, CA 92111. Box Office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 1pm-2pm), Monday through Thursday. Open 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Fridays.
