CofC Stages proudly presents

Dracula
A New Adaptation by Kate Hamill

Directed by Evan Parry

Scenic Designer Jonathan Wentz	Costume Designer Lily Lombardi	Lighting Designer Alex Jones	Sound Designer Amelia Hawke Tebalt
Technical Director JD Stallings	Costume Shop Manager Tyler Akeo		Stage Manager        Rose Goblet

November 13-20
Simons Center Black Box Theatre

Jump to:| Production Team | Acknowledgments | Cast and Production Team Biographies

Cast

Dr. Van Helsing | LG Wylie

Mina Harker | Emma Bennett

Lucy Westenra | Jenna Bush

Marilla | Ky Daisey

Drusilla | Ngaa Magombedze

Renfield | Eva Veres

Miller/Merchant | Emma Piazza

Maid | Amber Dunton

Dracula | Chris Warzynski

Jonathan Hacker | Jake Cisson

Doctor George Seward | Jacob Rye

Swing/Ensemble (Understudy for Drusilla, Lucy, Van Helsing) | Madelyn LaBarge

Swing/Ensemble (Understudy for Mina, Marilla, Renfield) | Madeline Hall

Swing/Ensemble (Understudy for Dracula, Jonathan, Seward) | Drake Carney

This production is performed in two acts with one ten-minute intermission. 

Please be advised that this production uses theatrical haze, fog, and strobe lighting effects. It also features adult language, sexual content, and graphic depictions of violence including blood, homicide, infanticide, and suicidal ideation. 

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Dept. of Theatre & Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Production Manager: Miles Boinest
Intimacy Choreographer: Laura Rikard
Assistant Intimacy Choreographer: Nakeisha Daniel
Stage Management Advisor: Caleb S. Garner
Assistant Director: Aidan Wunderley
Assistant Technical Director: Isabella Gardner

Assistant Scenic Designer (Research and Properties): Kelsey Beckett
Assistant Scenic Designer (Painting): Tovah Levenson
Scenic Charges: Tovah Levenson, Jonathan Wentz
Scenic Artists: Kelsey Beckett, Lauren Brackbill
Carpenters: Students of THTR 209: Stagecraft class
Properties Charges: Kelsey Beckett
Properties Artisans: Tovah Levenson, Jonathan Wentz
Properties Room Manager: Riley Taylor
Scene Shop Foreperson: Eli Salas
Scene Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Kelsey Beckett, Cheyenne Comitz, Isabella Gardner, Stephen Hand. Olivia Maness, Jacob Rye, Aidan Wunderley

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Hair and Makeup Design: Lily Lombardi
Hair and Makeup Artist: Jenna Williamson
Pattern Maker: Tyler Akeo
Sewing & Alterations: Cam Gulledge, Laila Hall, Isaac LeFave,and students of Costumes 1.
Wardrobe Crew: Zoe Jocassee Barber, Bailey Beasenburg, Natalie Holland, Jenna Williamson
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding):  Ashlyn Denham, Alyssa Guardino, Lily Lombardi, Evy Massey, Jenna Williamson

Lighting Design Advisor: Lauren Duffie
Head Electrician(s): Abby Israel and Reed Reed
Electrics Peer Mentor: Bootsie Baldwin
Electricians: AK Dennis, Amber Dunton, Lily Hollis, Hannah Moore, Lucas Peine, Eli Salas, Chris Warzynski, Aidan Wunderley
Light Board Programmer: Hannah Moore
Light Board Operator: Brandi Smalls
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Hannah Moore, Chris Warzynski
Sound Design Advisor: Caleb S. Garner
Sound Board Operator: Becca Jordan

CofC Stages Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity: Jake Cisson, Madelyn LaBarge, Kaylee Phillips
Office Assistant: Emma Bennett
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Acknowledgements 

Special Thanks: Tim Agee, Claire Arnold, Ambernice Tolliver, Ellen Swick

Thank you to all of our donors!

Become an Impact Sponsor
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers opportunities to become an Impact Sponsor. Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2022-2023 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
BENEFACTOR $2,500+ (for incoming student scholarship)
Add your name here!

GUARDIAN $750 (Clarence Student Award)
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Evelynn Putnam
Anonymous donors

Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – legacy gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington & Robert Lukey – legacy gift
Michael & Susan Master – legacy gift

Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:
PRODUCER $1000+
Karl & Charlene Bunch, Valerie Morris, Emma Simmons, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

ADVOCATE $750-999
Ceili Hesselgrave, Tap & Jean Johnson, Susan Kattwinkel, Janine McCabe, Matt & Gretchen McLaine, Evelynn Putnam, Mindy Setltzer & Bob Lovinger, Janine & Jonathan Wentz

STAR $500-749
Michael & Susan Master, Susan Morrison

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander, Donnetta Grays, Erin Mack, Jay Messeroff, James McKenna, Hailee Selby, Laura Turner, Renaissance Charitable Foundation

FAN $100-249
Sandra Gardner, Elena and Ted Mitchell, Jeff Perry, Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Chris Burgess, Henderson Cole, Carmella Della-Peruta, Irina Gigova, Maegan Gudridge, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Todd McNerney, Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Erin Percy, Eli Salas, Anna Stephenson, Joseph Willingham

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Cast and Production Team Biographies 

Zoe Barber is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Costume Design) and Historic Preservation. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. Her design work was featured earlier this semester in CofC Stage’s dance concert What Comes Next.

Kris Barrick is a freshman majoring in Theatre (Theatre Studies) and doubling minoring in studio art and religious studies. This is their first time working on a main stage show at CofC and they look forward to working on more shows in the future! They will serve as sound designer for Center Stage’s Arkansaw Bear in January.

Bailey Beasenburg is a junior majoring in Theatre (Costume Design). This is their first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Kelsey Beckett is a senior majoring in Theatre (Scenic/Lighting). This is her third mainstage show as properties charge and second as an assistant scenic designer. In the past, Kelsey worked on Pippin and Die Fledermaus and is excited for her work to be seen in the upcoming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Kelsey had so much fun working on this show and being able to work with this amazing team of designers, actors, and crew!

Emma Bennett is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance). This is her first mainstage performance and she couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with this wonderful group of people! Emma will be seen in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui and will also serve as assistant director for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in the spring.

Jenna Bush is a junior majoring in Biology with a minor in Theatre. Mainstage credits include Die Fledermaus, Pippin, In Love and Warcraft, and Becoming We. Center Stage credits include Too Much Light… and Firebringer. She can be seen next semester in CofC’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Thank you to the entire team for their hard work and positivity during this process. An additional thanks to her family and friends for their unwavering love and support.

Drake Carney is a junior at the college majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a certificate in Musical Theatre and minoring in French. This is his third main stage production, having formerly performed in the ensemble of Die Fledermaus and as Pippin in Pippin. He most recently served as the music director for The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals with Center Stage, and will be seen next in CofC Stages’ production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in the spring.

Jake Cisson is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a minor in Business Administration. Their previous credits with the college include The Importance of Being Earnest and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Jake is the proud caretaker of Maggie, a golden retriever who also appeared in Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Ky Daisey is a Senior at The College and has spent their time with CofC Mainstage so far serving in technical roles and assistant directing Men on Boats (2023). Aside from that, they have directed for Center Stage and performed in The Importance of Being Earnest (2024) and The Void’s production of Succulents (2022). They would like to thank their dear friends and cast mates, especially assistant director Aidan Wunderley for building such a beautiful, sunny family!

AK Dennis is a freshman majoring in Theatre (Performance). This is her first time involved with a mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Amber Dunton is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (performance) with a certificate in Musical Theatre and a minor in Arts Management. Her credits with the College include In Love and Death and Die Fledermaus. She also wrote Overturned for The Pages Festival.

Isabella Gardner is a senior Theatre and Arts Management double major. Previous mainstage credits include Men on Boats and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Center Stage credits include The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Dead Man’s Cell Phone. She is also proud to be the Founding Co-Artistic director of the Center Stage Fringe Festival.

Rose Goblet is a senior majoring in Theatre. This is their third main stage show, the previous being assistant stage manager in Pippin and light board operator in The importance of being Earnest. This is their first time stage managing for a mainstage show at College of Charleston. Rose is so proud of their cast and can’t wait for it to hit the stage!

Madeline Hall is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a certificate in Music Theatre. She is very excited to be acting in her first mainstage show! Maddy is also the Assistant Artistic Director of Center Stage. She is grateful to have worked with this interesting script and talented group of people. She would like to thank her parents for always believing in her.

Natalie Holland is a junior majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a double minor in French and Linguistics. This is her first time working on a crew for a mainstage show!

Alex Jones is a Senior majoring in Theatre (Design and Technology). They are also the Technical Director for Center Stage. Recent technical credits at the college include: Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet (Assistant Lighting Designer), and Men On Boats (Lighting Designer), for which they won the KCACTF National Lighting Design Award and received a Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center Fellowship. You can see Alex’s work again in the Spring in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Alex wants to thank their mentor Lauren Duffie for everything she does and her support throughout this process.

Becca Jordan is a sophomore majoring in Theatre. This is her first mainstage show and first time running sound for a show at the College of Charleston. Becca is excited to run more shows in the future and is incredibly grateful for the cast and crew. Thank you for all the support!

Madelyn LaBarge is a Junior at the College of Charleston. She is majoring in Theatre Performance with a minor in Arts Management. Previous mainstage credits include Lucetta in Two Gentlemen of Verona and assistant stage manager in Pippin. She would like to thank her grandfather for her love of theatre and her parents for their endless support.

Tovah Levenson is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Scenic Design) and Classics. This is their first mainstage show as a paint charge and assistant designer for the College of Charleston. They are so excited for future shows as incredible as this one and cannot wait to see the final production.

Lily Lombardi is a senior majoring in Theatre (Costume Design). She served as Assistant Costume Designer on Die Fledermaus.

Ngaa Magombedze is a junior double majoring in Theatre and International Studies. She appeared in last year’s production of Pippin.

Emma Piazza is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance) and Arts Management. Previous credits include The Pages Festival and Director’s Showcase. She also served as assistant director for Die Fledermaus.

Jacob Rye is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) and minoring in Biology. This is his CofC mainstage debut. He has appeared in several Center Stage productions including Firebringer, The Bacchae, and Dead Man’s Cell Phone. You may also see him and his dramaturgical work in this spring’s upcoming production of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. Jacob is grateful to have been a part of a team of dedicated, collaborative, and brilliant individuals.

Brandi Smalls is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance). Previous credits include Home, The Importance of Being Earnest, Men on Boats, and Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet.

Amelia Hawke Tebalt is a junior majoring in Arts Management (Music Industry) and minoring in Theatre. This is her second main stage show at the College of Charleston. Last season, she designed and composed for The Importance of Being Earnest, and will be the Sound Designer and Composer for The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui this season.

Katherine Vidonic is a freshman double majoring in Theatre and Arts Management. This is her first time working on a mainstage production at CofC. She is so thankful for the opportunity to work with this talented cast and crew. Katherine will serve as stage manager for Center Stage’s play Arkansaw Bear in January.

Eva Véres is a senior majoring in Theater (Performance) and minoring in Italian and Religious Studies. She worked on the Fall 2023 mainstage production Pippin as the Makeup Designer/Artist. In Spring 2024 she performed in the mainstage production of The Pages Festival.

Chris Warzynski (Dracula) is a senior majoring in (Performance and Lighting/Scenic Design). This is the sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston that Chris has been a part of and they are thrilled to be working with this ensemble. Chris recently designed lighting for Home and will be seen in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui in February. Chris would like to thank their grandparents.

Jenna Williamson is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Theatre (Costume Design).

Aidan Wunderley is a senior Theatre major (Performance). This is Aidan’s first time serving as assistant director on the mainstage. Center Stage directing credits include As I Was, Not As I Am, and Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. Aidan is thrilled to work on this horrifying play and would like to thank Evan Parry for the opportunity to sink their fangs into this script.

LG Wylie is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance). This is the fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston that LG has been a part of. Recent credits include Men on Boats and The Importance of Being Earnest. She will also be seen in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui in February. LG has loved acting with this amazingly talented group of people and can’t wait to work with them again! “Sturdy as crouched valleys, proud as hard-baked earth, there is nothing more natural than a woman who knows the worth of making the choice to raise her voice.” -Amanda Gorman

CofC Stages proudly presents

What Comes Next

Artistic Director:

Gretchen McLaine

	Stage Manager Mollie Davis	Lighting Designer Lauren Duffie
	Costume Shop Manager Tyler Akeo	Technical Directors JD Stallings and Evie Palmisano

October 19-20
Sottile Theatre

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Jump to: Production Team | Acknowledgments | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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Dance Pieces and Program Notes

Bein El Qasrein – Palace Walk 

Choreographers: Beena Austin and Christine Bonaparte

Costume Designer: Evy Massey 

Music Composer: Yousry Sharif

Music edited by: Beena Austin

Dancers: Libby Drotar, Ashley Gargani, Jen Griffaton, Elishia Jennings, Ally Keschinger, Sophie Ketchum, Lili Mueller, Lilliana Myers, Ana Plucar, Lauren Summerville, Katelyn Ventura and Ava Woods.

Understudies: Quinn Abram and Avery Young.    

~Palace Walk takes you on a journey of What Comes Next: from dramatic Wings and Veils through rich Arabic rhythms into a soft waltz and finally to a percussion duet between the drummer and the dancers.

When You’re Gone

Choreographer: Madison Vaughan

Costume Designer: 

Original Lighting Designer: Heaven Egan

Music:  “When You’re Gone” composed by Message to Bears 

Dancers: Emily Falcone, Camilla Linkin, Madison Jackson, Kaelyn Kear  

Understudies: Amara Alexander, Mia Dye

~“I wish I could change, but I’ll probably just stay the same. But you should believe me, our dreams are all the same.” – Current Joys 

Animated Frescoes Pas de Quatre from The Little Humpbacked Horse

Choreographer: Arthur Saint-Leon

Restaged by Olga Wise

Costume Designer: Zoe Jocassee Barber

Music: Cezare Pugni

Dancers: Maria Stewart, Kailee Rafalko, Mackenzie Walker, Katie Mullins

Understudy: Mackenzie Hayes

~The Little Humpbacked Horse is based on a folk tale by Russian author, Peter Yershov. The story follows Ivanushka, a young man who is helped by a little humpbacked horse on his journey to win the hand of the Tsar Maiden. During the Soviet era, this ballet underwent many transformations and the majority of the original choreography was lost. Animated Frescoes is one of the few surviving excerpts from the original ballet. I chose this piece to share this little-known gem of 19th-century choreography with today’s audience before it might be lost forever.

 

Assembled in the USA 

Choreographer: Laurel Van Beusecum

Costume Designer: Evy Massey

Music: “Shoo Fly Pie And Apple Pan Dowdy,” performed by June Christy and Stan Keton and written by Guy Wood and Sammy Gallop. “Runyonland,” performed by Edward Strauss and the Guys and Dolls Orchestra (1992), written by Frank Loesser. “Sweet Charity: Rich Man’s Frug,” performed by Fred Wener and the Sweet Charity Original Broadway Orchestra, written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields. “Fame,” performed by Irene Cara and written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore. “Le Jazz Hot,” performed by Julie Andrews and the Victor/Victoria Company,  written by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse

Dancers: Emily Acome, Lucy Addicks, Aimee Alston, Emily Carson, Lexi Debo, Mia Dye, Eliza Farley, Lindsey Ferguson, Alyssa Guardino, Mackenzie Hayes, Elena Lauzun, Emily Monahan, Abby Percy, Tabbi Rapp, Halle White, Avery Zolnoski 

Understudies: Ashley Dietze and Chloe Stankiewicz

~“Jazz does not belong to one race or culture. It’s a gift that America gave the world.”- Ahmad Alaadeen

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10 MINUTE INTERMISSION

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Table Talk

Choreographer: Clarence Brooks (with assistance from the dancers)
Rehearsal Director: Pamela O’Briant

Costume Designer: Zoe Jocassee Barber

Music: Gandhi’s Love, Russell Gunn

Dancers: Ave Blanchette, Jillian Epstein, Ayushi Gaur, Jen Griffaton, Katie Mullins, Sarah Santucci, Mackenzie Walker, Olivia Wilkinson

Understudies: Ellie Sonne, Emmie Kiser, Ella Downs

~The movement for this contemporary ballet was drawn from multiple common phrases that use the word “table”. In my heart and mind, colloquialisms like “set the table”, “bring it to the table”,”round table”, etc. are metaphors for equality, equity, and commonality.

 

Unplugged

Choreographer: Charlie Maybee

Costume Designer: Zoe Jocassee Barber

Dancers: Bella Cipriano, Sydney Feinberg, Kennedy Miller, Abby Percy, Tabitha Rapp

Understudy: Lilliana Myers

~The inspiration for this piece was a back-to-basics approach to tap dance that treats the tap ensemble as an “a capella” band.

 

In Small Packages (2007)

Choreographer: Kristin Alexander

Costume Coordinator: Janine McCabe

Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G, BWV 1048: I-III by Johann Sebastian Bach

Dancers: Lucy Addicks, Aimee Alston, Leila Crane, Jillian Epstein, Emily Falcone, Elishia Jennings

Understudies: Alexis Colvin, Sarah Santucci, Olivia Wilkinson

~The best things come in small packages.

 

Vibrio

Choreographer: Gretchen McLaine
Original Costume Designer: Flynn Valentine 

Music: “The Legend of Mother Swan”; composed and performed by The Hu
Dancers: Hayden Horton, Madison Vaughan
Understudies: Eliza Farley, Ashley Gargani

~Inspired by Steven Johnson’s book The Ghost Map, which explains how London’s cholera epidemic of 1854 led to a greater scientific understanding of epidemiology, this dance uses water as a metaphor to explore the transmission of both diseases and ideas- and how these powerful yet unseen interactions affect the modern world. 

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Production Manager: Miles Boinest
Assistant Technical Director: Sam Meier
Stage Management Advisor: Susan Kattwinkel

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Pattern Maker: Tyler Akeo
Sewing & Alterations: Ashlyn Denham, Alyssa Guardino, Lily Lombardi, Evy Massey, Jenna Williamson, the students of Intro to Costuming
Wardrobe Crew: Keira Chanthavongsor, Hayden Cohen, Or Levy
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre & Dance with support from donor funding): Ashlyn Denham, Alyssa Guardino, Lily Lombardi, Evy Masey, Jenna Wiliamson

Lighting Design Assistants: Abby Israel, Hannah Moore
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre & Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Hannah Moore, Chris Warzynski
Assistant Stage Manager: Em Hutto
Run Crew: Cate Coelho, Emily Coleman, Hannah Mills

Sottile Theatre Director of Operations: Victoria Leatherman
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity: Jake Cisson, Maddie LaBarge, Kaylee Phillips
Office Assistant: Emma Bennett
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Thank you to all of our donors!

Become an Impact Sponsor
Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2024-2025 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
BENEFACTOR $2,500+ (for incoming student scholarship)
Add your name here!

GUARDIAN $750 (Clarence Student Award)
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Evelynn Putnam
Anonymous donors

Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – legacy gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington & Robert Lukey – legacy gift
Michael & Susan Master – legacy gift

Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:
PRODUCER $1000+
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Valerie Morris
Emma Simmons
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

ADVOCATE $750-999
Ceili Hesselgrave
Tap & Jean Johnson
Susan Kattwinkel
Janine McCabe
Matt & Gretchen McLaine
Seltzer & Bob Lovinger
Janine & Jonathan Wentz

STAR $500-749
Michael & Susan Master
Susan Morrison

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander
Donnetta Grays
Erin Mack
Janice & Jay Messeroff
James McKenna
Hailee Selby
Laura Turner
Renaissance Charitable Foundation

FAN $100-249
Malcolm Baldwin
Sandra Garner
Elena & Ted Mitchell
Jeff Perry
Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Chris Burgess, Henderson Cole, Carmella Della-Peruta, Irina Gigova, Maegan Gudridge, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Todd McNerney, Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Erin Percy, Eli Salas, Anna Stephenson, Joseph Willingham

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Cast and Production Team Biographies

Clarence Brooks (he/they), a Baltimore native, has performed with 80-plus dance companies and is currently a freelance artist with five companies. A former associate professor, published author, and the recipient of several honors, fellowships, and awards, Clarence holds two dance degrees, four somatic certifications, and sits on the boards of several non-profit dance organizations.

Quinn Abram is a freshman majoring in International Business with a minor in Spanish from Longmont, Colorado. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Emily Acome is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Dance from Richmond, Virginia. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Lucy Addicks is a freshman from Knoxville, TN. She is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Dance on a pre-health track. She is very excited to perform in her first mainstage production with the College. 

Amara Alexander is a sophomore double majoring in Biology and Dance from Potomac, Maryland. This is her third mainstage performance at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Kristin Alexander is an Associate Professor of Dance at the College of Charleston. She is the Artistic Director of Annex Dance Company. Last spring Kristin served as the Artistic Director of the student dance concert Pathways, and looks forward to taking on that role again next semester for Moved by Memories. 

Aimee Alston is a sophomore double majoring in Marine Biology and Dance from Franklin, Massachusetts. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Beena Austin is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance. She has studied, performed, and presented cultural dances of the Arab world, folkloric and modern dances from Egypt and the Gulf countries to the Levant region and the North African Maghreb region. She teaches Indian and Arabic dance at the College of Charleston, as well as private lessons and group classes in Mount Pleasant and West Ashley.

Zoe Barber is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Costume Design) and Historic Preservation and Community Planning from the College of Charleston. This is the first time her work will be seen in a mainstage show at the college.

Avé-Ella Blanchette is a senior double majoring in Dance and Special Education from Nashua, New Hampshire. This is her sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Emily Carson is a senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communications from Pinehurst, North Carolina. This is her second mainstage performance with the department and was last seen in Pathways.

Bella Cipriano is a senior majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) and a minor in Psychology from Fort Mill, South Carolina.  This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways. 

Alexis Colvin is a junior from Long Island, NY, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Dance. She is excited to perform in her first show with the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Leila Crane is a senior from Habersham, Georgia majoring in English (Writing, Rhetoric, and Publications) and minoring in dance. This is her fifth performance with the College. She choreographed for last spring’s Pathways dance concert. 

Mollie Davis is a senior double majoring in Psychology and Theatre. Her previous stage management work was last seen in Pippin last season. She is excited to work on her first dance concert with CofC. 

Lexi DeBo is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Communication from Greenville, SC. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Ashlyn Denham is a senior majoring in Theatre (Costume Design) from Charleston, WV. Her costume design work was last seen in last spring’s Pathways dance concert. 

Ella Downs is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Marketing from Kennett Square, PA. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Libby Drotar is a freshman double majoring in Sociology and Dance from Norfolk, VA. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Mia Dye is a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Dance from Hampton, NH. This is her first mainstage performance. 

Jillian Epstein is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and History from Asheville, North Carolina. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Emily Falcone is a senior double majoring in Psychology and Dance from Smithfield, Rhode Island. This is her sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways. 

Eliza Farley is a freshman majoring in Communications from Hingham, MA. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Sydney Feinberg is a freshman majoring in Dance from Summerville, SC. This is her first mainstage performance with the College of Charleston.

Lindsey Ferguson is a junior double majoring in Psychology and Dance from Greenville, SC. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Ashley Gargani is a sophomore majoring in Communications and Dance with a concentration in choreography/performance. She is originally from Long Island, NY, and this is her second mainstage performance. She was last seen in Pathways.

Ayushi Gaur is a junior double majoring in Marine Biology and Dance from Memphis, Tennessee. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain. 

Jen Griffaton is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Music from Columbus, Ohio. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Alyssa Guardino is a senior double majoring in Dance and Elementary Education from Newburgh New York. This is her sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain..

Mackenzie Hayes is a freshman majoring in Dance and Political Science from Greenville, SC. This is her first mainstage show with the College of Charleston. 

Hayden Horton is a sophomore from Barnwell, South Carolina. She is a double major in Business Administration and Dance. This is her second mainstage performance with the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Abby Israel is a junior majoring in Theatre (Lighting Design) from Memphis, TN. Her latest design work was featured in the Pathways dance concert in Spring of 2024. 

Madison Jackson is a senior majoring in Psychology from Greenville, South Carolina. This is her third mainstage production with the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Becoming We. 

Elishia Jennings is a junior double majoring in Dance and Computer Science. She is from Charleston, South Carolina. This is her second mainstage show with the Department of Theatre and Dance

Kaelyn Kear is a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Dance. She is from Hilton Head Island, SC. This is her fourth mainstage performance with the College and was last seen in Shifting Perspectives. 

Ally Keschinger is a senior majoring in Dance and Psychology and minoring in Crime, Law, and Society from Irmo, South Carolina. This is her 5th mainstage production with the College. She was last seen in Pathways.

Sophie Ketchum is a junior majoring in Dance and minoring in Studio Art from Nashville, Tennessee. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Emmie Kiser is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Education from Rock Hill, South Carolina. This is her second mainstage show with the department. 

Elena Lauzun is a freshman majoring in International Studies with a minor in Dance, from Ithaca, NY. This is her first performance at the College of Charleston. 

Camilla Linkin is a junior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership for Sustainability, alongside a Dance minor from Greenville, South Carolina. This is her third mainstage production, last seen in Pathways.

Charlie Maybee is a choreographer, musician, educator, and writer currently based in Charleston, South Carolina where he is an Adjunct Lecturer at the College of Charleston (CofC). He holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Illinois with a certificate in Criticism and Interpretive Theory. He has worked consistently in higher education since 2015 specializing in tap and modern dance technique classes, overseeing dance research projects, and providing musical accompaniment for dance classes on drums, guitar, and piano. In 2014, he founded the Polymath Performance Project, through which he created interdisciplinary performances with tap dance as its artistic center. 

Gretchen McLaine is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the College of Charleston. She holds degrees from Winthrop University (BA), American University (MA), Marywood University (PhD), and advanced Labanotation certifications from the Dance Notation Bureau. Her areas of research include dance history, Labanotation, and kinesiology. Dr. McLaine has served on the Board of Directors for the National Dance Education Organization and the American College Dance Association and is currently an Assistant Editor for the Journal of Dance Education. 

Kennedy Miller is a freshman majoring in Dance and minoring in Marketing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Emily Monahan is a senior majoring in English with a minor in Dance from Landrum, South Carolina. This is her fifth mainstage show with the College, and was last seen in Pathways.

Hannah Moore is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Lighting Design) from Conway, SC. This is her first time as an assistant designer of a mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Lily Mueller is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Scenic/Lighting Design). This is her second production with the college. She was last seen in Pathways.

Katie Mullins is a senior majoring in Public Health and minoring in Healthcare and Medical Services Management from Summerville, SC. This is her third mainstage production at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Lilliana Myers is a junior majoring in Economics and Political Science and minoring in Dance and Spanish from Wilmington, NC. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Pamela O’Briant is in her 13th year as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance. In addition to teaching Ballet technique, beginning Modern and Dance Appreciation, Pamela is a certified Pilates and Gyrotonic instructor. 

Abby Percy is a sophomore majoring in Dance and Political Science and minoring in Writing, Rhetoric, and Publications from Madison, AL. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Ana S. Plucar is a sophomore majoring in Dance with a minor in Arts Management from Plymouth, Minnesota. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Kailee Rafalko is a senior double majoring in Dance and Communications from Hackettstown, NJ. This is her sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain. 

Tabitha Rapp is a Sophomore double majoring in Dance and Exercise Science from Wilmington, NC. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways. 

Sarah Santucci is a freshman from Doylestown, Pa. She plans to double major in Dance and Special Education and is honored to be performing in her first mainstage production at the College of Charleston. 

Ellie Sonne is a freshman majoring in Dance from Cameron, South Carolina. This is her first mainstage show with the College of Charleston. 

Chloe Stankiewicz is a sophomore majoring in Exercise Science from Greenville, SC. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Maria Stewart is a junior majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) and a minor in Geology from Clemson, SC. This is her fourth mainstage show and was last seen in After the Rain.

Lauren Summerville is a junior double majoring in Classics and English and minoring in Dance from Cary, North Carolina. This is her third performance with the department.  

Madison Vaughan is a senior from Harford County, Maryland. She is majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) and minoring in Business Administration. Her choreography premiered in Pathways last spring and was selected for inclusion in What Comes Next. 

Laurel Van Beusecum is an Adjunct Lecturer with the Department of Theatre and Dance, is a native of Western North Carolina and holds an M.F.A. in Dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and a B.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography from The University of Alabama. She has enjoyed numerous performance and choreographic opportunities including dancing with the Second Avenue Dance Company in NYC and taking stage at Radio City Music Hall. Teaching in higher education since 2013, she challenges her students to explore the valuable, universal language dance offers through both technique and lecture base courses. Laurel has enjoyed choreographing for both dance and musical theatre productions during her time at the college. 

Katelyn Ventura is a sophomore majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Dance from Aiken, South Carolina. This is her second performance with the College.

Mackenzie Walker is a sophomore majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) from Columbia, South Carolina. This is her third performance with the College. She was last seen in Pathways.

Olivia Wilkinson is a sophomore majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) and minoring in Arts Management from Austin, Texas. This is her third performance with the College.

Olga Wise is a graduate of the Bolshoi Choreographic Institute in Moscow, Russia. This is her sixth year as an adjunct lecturer at the College of Charleston, where she teaches ballet and pointe technique courses. In addition to teaching at the College, Olga and her husband are Co-Artistic Directors of the Robert Ivey Ballet.

Halle White is a senior double majoring in Arts Management and Dance with a concentration in Performance/Choreography. This is her sixth dance concert at the College.  

Ava Woods is a senior majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) from Parkville, Maryland. This is her seventh mainstage performance with the College and was last seen in Pathways.

Avery Young is a sophomore majoring in Dance from Oklahoma City, OK. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Avery Zolnoski is a freshman majoring in Marketing and minoring in Dance from Middletown, New Jersey. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

CofC Stages proudly presents

Home
by Samm-Art Williams

Directed by Gary DeWitt Marshall

Scenic Designer Jonathan Wentz	Costume Design Concept Stef Amezcua Barrientos	Lighting Designer Chris Warzynski	Sound Designer Caleb S. Garner
Technical Director JD Stallings	Costume Shop Manager Tyler Akeo		Stage Manager Alexandria Prioleau

                        September 27-October 5
Simons Center Black Box Theatre 

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Jump to: Production Team | Acknowledgments | Director’s and Dramaturgical Note | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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Cast
(Actor | Character Name)

Anthony McCutcheon | Cephus Miles

Journey Townsend | Woman 1

Brandi Smalls | Woman 2

Benji Gray-Miller | Cephus understudy

Gray Crews | Women understudy

Setting

Time: Late 1950’s-present

Place: Cross Roads, North Carolina, a prison in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a very large American city.

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Dept. of Theatre & Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Assistant Directors: Genese Gee-Schmidtke
Production Manager: Miles Boinest
Stage Management Advisor: Miles Boinest

Scenic Design Advisor: Jonathan Wentz
Scenic Charge: Jonathan Wentz
Scenic Artists: Kelsey Beckett, Tovah Levenson
Carpenters: Mark Furlow, Stephen Hand and students of THTR 209: Stagecraft class
Properties Charges: Janine McCabe, Jonathan Wentz
Properties Room Manager: Riley Taylor
Scene Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Kelsey Beckett, Cheyenne Comitz, Isabella Gardner, Olivia Maness, Jacob Rye, Aidan Wunderley

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Pattern Maker: Tyler Akeo
Sewing & Alterations: Alyssa Guardino, Ashlyn Denham, Cam Gulledge, Laila Hall, Lily Lombardi, Isaac LeFave, Evy Massey, Jenna Williamson
Wardrobe Crew: Gray Crews and Benji Gray Miller
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding):  Ashlyn Denham, Alyssa Guardino, Lily Lombardi, Evy Massey, Jenna Williamson

Lighting Design Advisor: Lauren Duffie
Head Electrician(s): Abby Israel and Hannah Moore
Electrics Peer Mentor: Alex Jones
Electricians: Lucas Peine, Lily Hollis, Em Hutto, Ella Charette, Amber Dunton, Kris Barrick, AK Dennis, Aidan Wunderley, Olivia Maness, Madison Stacy, Bootsie Baldwin
Light Board Programmers: Lily Mueller
Light Board Operator: Lucas Peine
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Chris Warzynski, Hannah Moore
Sound Design Advisor: Caleb S. Garner
Run Crew: Benji Gray-Miller
Sound Board Operator: Alex Leary

CofC Stages Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity: Jake Cisson, Madelyn LaBarge, Kaylee Phillips
Office Assistant: Emma Bennett
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Special Thanks

 

Thank you to all of our donors!

Become an Impact Sponsor
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers opportunities to become an Impact Sponsor. Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2022-2023 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
BENEFACTOR $2,500+ (for incoming student scholarship)
Add your name here!

GUARDIAN $750 (Clarence Student Award)
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Evelynn Putnam
Anonymous donors

Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – legacy gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington & Robert Lukey – legacy gift
Michael & Susan Master – legacy gift

Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:
PRODUCER $1000+
Karl & Charlene Bunch, Valerie Morris, Emma Simmons, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

ADVOCATE $750-999
Ceili Hesselgrave, Tap & Jean Johnson, Susan Kattwinkel, Janine McCabe, Matt & Gretchen McLaine, Evelynn Putnam, Mindy Setltzer & Bob Lovinger, Janine & Jonathan Wentz

STAR $500-749
Michael & Susan Master, Susan Morrison

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander, Donnetta Grays, Erin Mack, Jay Messeroff, James McKenna, Hailee Selby, Laura Turner, Renaissance Charitable Foundation

FAN $100-249
Sandra Gardner, Elena and Ted Mitchell, Jeff Perry, Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Chris Burgess, Henderson Cole, Carmella Della-Peruta, Irina Gigova, Maegan Gudridge, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Todd McNerney, Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Erin Percy, Eli Salas, Anna Stephenson, Joseph Willingham

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Director’s Note

 

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Cast and Production Team Biographies

Guest Artist, Anthony McCutchen (Cephus Miles) is a Masters in Education alumnus of the College of Charleston. He’s an elementary school teacher at Charleston Development Academy but has been performing as a local actor and singer in the community for many years. He’s thrilled to join the College of Charleston Department of Theatre and Dance family to help tell such an amazing story.

Caleb Garner (Sound Designer) is a lighting and sound designer based in Charleston, SC. A North Carolina native, he received his BA and BFA from Catawba College in Salisbury, NC, and his MFA from The University of Southern Mississippi. Caleb’s designs – ranging from concerts and ballets to musicals and straight plays – have earned him eight design awards, including second place at the National Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington, DC. Caleb has been a featured designer from New York to Mississippi, designing in the Northeast, Midwest, East Coast and the South. Caleb is the resident lighting designer of the Charleston Stage Company.

Gray Crews (Women Understudy) is a freshman here at The College, double majoring in Theatre and Marine Biology. Gray Irene was born and proudly raised in North Augusta, South Carolina. This is her first time working with the College of Charleston’s theatre department and she is excited to continue exploring theater at The College and is looking forward to future productions!

Benji Gray-Miller (Cephus Understudy) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Performance from Hampton, SC. This is his 1st mainstage show at the College of Charleston. They were last seen in Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind with Center Stage. 

Alexandria Prioleau (Stage Manager) is a senior majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Performance. This is her second time stage-managing at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in The Pages Festival.

Brandi Smalls (Woman 2) is a senior majoring in Theatre (performance) from Charleston,SC. This is her 6th and final MainStage show at the College of Charleston before she graduates.

Journey Townsend (Woman 1) is in her second year at College of Charleston. This is her first MainStage production, and she is so grateful for the opportunity to work with such amazing people.

Chris Warzynski (Lighting Designer) is a Senior majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Scenic/Lighting and Performance. Chris last designed Pippin at the College, their previous works with CofC Stages were assisting on the designs of Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet, Everybody, The Magic Flute, and Die Fledermaus. Over the Summer, Chris worked with Unbound Ballet to bring the show The Anthology to life at The Citadel. Chris will soon be seen as Dracula in CofC Stages upcoming production of Dracula: a Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really. Chris would like to thank their grandparents for not evicting them.

The Stelle di Domani series showcases the students, faculty, and alumni of College of Charleston’s award-winning Department of Theatre and Dance during the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. We’re pleased to offer the 17th season of Stelle di Domani at the College of Charleston!

Buy tickets to all Stelle di Domani events here!

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The Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to announce our offerings for Stelle di Domani 2024! Our annual contribution to the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Stelle di Domani showcases the work of students, faculty, and alumni and features theatre, dance, and staged readings.

Featuring contributions from Center Stage and Annex Dance Company, Stelle di Domani 2023 hopes to offer something for everyone! Check out this year’s schedule and find ticket links and show descriptions below.

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Deathtrap by Ira Levin

Comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a dry spell resulting in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college—a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway smash. Deathtrap provides twists and turns of devilish cleverness and offers hilariously sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be spellbound until the final moment. Presented by College of Charleston’s student theatre organization Center Stage.

Performances: Saturday, May 25th at 7:30pm; Sunday, May 26th at 2pm and 7:30pm; Monday, May 27th 7:30pm; Tuesday, May 28th at 5:00pm.
Venue: Chapel Theatre
Address: 172 Calhoun St
Admission: $16 (general admission); $12 (students and seniors) plus ticket surcharge
Runtime: 90 Minutes

Buy tickets to Deathtrap here.

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Staged Readings from the 15th Annual Todd McNerney Playwriting Contest

Staged readings of the Todd McNerney 15th Annual National Playwriting contest finalists. Previous winning plays have come from notable playwrights including Caridad Svich (lifetime Obie award winner), Sheila Cowley, Arthur M. Jolly, James Still, William Missouri Downs, and Donnetta Lavinia Grays. Free admission.

Readings: Tuesday, May 28th and Wednesday, May 29th at 4pm (runner-up); Thursday, May 30th and Friday, May 31st at 4pm (winner)
Venue: Calhoun Street Annex (adjacent to the Chapel Theatre)
Address: 172 Calhoun Street
Admission: Free
Runtime: 90-120 minutes

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Musical Theatre Revue

Join us for a sensational evening of musical enchantment hosted by department alumnus Clyde Moser at Stelle Di Domani in Piccolo Spoleto! Save the date for Friday, May 31st at 7pm as the Chapel Theatre comes alive with the magic of musical theatre. Get ready to sing along to your favorite tunes in a dynamic musical revue featuring the incredible talents of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This event promises to be a celebration of community and the enduring allure of Broadway. See you there!

Performances: Friday, May 31st at 7pm
Venue: Chapel Theatre
Address: 172 Calhoun Street
Admission: Admission: $16 (general admission); $12 (students and seniors) plus ticket surcharge
Runtime: 60 minutes without intermission

Buy tickets to Musical Theatre Review here.

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Under the Lights

This perennial Piccolo favorite highlights original College of Charleston student works. A series of ten-minute plays written by and performed by CofC students, Under the Lights features winners of the Franklin B. Ashley Playwriting Award, the Todd McNerney Student Playwriting Award, the David Lee Nelson Hope Award and The Pages Festival.

Performances: Sunday, June 2nd at 7pm and Monday, June 3rd at 7pm
Venue: Chapel Theatre
Address: 172 Calhoun Street
Admission: $10 (general admission) plus ticket surcharge
Runtime: 60 minutes without intermission

Buy tickets to Under the Lights here.

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In Love and Death

William Shakespeare is still regarded by many as one of the world’s greatest playwrights, if not the greatest. His plays continue to mesmerize audiences well over 400 years after his death. Shakespeare was an artist of the people, depicting conflict, love, birth, and death in equal measure and with incomparable beauty. College of Charleston current and past Theatre students will collaborate in a dynamic and fast-paced series of scenes from Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies and histories. College of Charleston Professors Paul Rolfes and Evan Parry co-direct this exciting production with a company of outstanding talent from the Department of Theatre and Dance’s past and present. Presented in collaboration with the Charleston Library Society.

Performances: Wednesday, June 5th at 6pm and Thursday, June 6th at 2pm. A special free al fresco performance will occur as part of Second Sunday at 2pm on June 9th on the steps of the Charleston Library Society at 164 King Street.
Venue: Chapel Theatre (June 5th and 6th); Charleston Library Society (June 9th)
Address: 172 Calhoun Street (June 5th and 6th); 164 King Street (June 9th)
Admission: $16 (general), $12 (students and seniors) plus ticket surcharge; free admission for Sunday, June 9th performance
Runtime: 75 minutes with no intermission

Buy tickets to In Love and Death here.

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It’s Itself

Annex Dance Company presents It’s Itself, an evening-length work straddling themes of the spiritual world and the human world and questioning if something exists, just because it exists. Created in collaboration with visual artist and College of Charleston Studio Art Department faculty member Susan Klein, the choreography and art share the performance space, allowing for connection, interaction, and manipulation of human and inanimate objects. It’s Itself is performed by students and company members as a culmination of the annual residency with the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Performances: Friday June 7th at 7pm; Saturday June 8th at 2pm and 6pm
Venue: Chapel Theatre
Address: 172 Calhoun St.
Admission: $16 (general admission); $12 (students and seniors) plus ticket surcharge
Runtime: 45 minutes without intermission

Buy tickets to It’s Itself here.

CofC Stages proudly presents

The Importance of Being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde

Directed by Todd McNerney

Scenic Designer Madison Berry	Costume Designer Mattison Gaillard	Lighting Designer Bootsie Baldwin	Sound Designer & Composer Amelia Hawke Tebalt
Technical Director JD Stallings	Costume Shop Manager Ellen Swick		Stage Manager Kate Yarbray

April 12-21, 2024
Chapel Theatre, 172 Calhoun Street

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Jump to: Production Team | Acknowledgments | Director’s and Dramaturgical Note | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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Cast
(Actor | Character Name)

N. Gore | Lane
L.G.Wylie | Algernon Moncrief
B. Smalls | Jack Worthing
M. Davenport | Lady Bracknell
J. Cisson | Gwendolyn Fairfax
S. Rhodes | Cecily Cardew
B. Alston | Miss Prism
K. Daisey | Dr. Chausable, D.D.
R. Taylor | Merriman

Setting

Time: 1895

Act I – Algernon Moncrieff’s flat in Half Moon Street, London
Act II – Garden of The Manor House, Hertfordshire
Act III – Drawing Room, The Manor House, Hertfordshire

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Dept. of Theatre & Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Assistant Directors: Bristol Barnes, Randolph Howell
Assistant Technical Director: Eli Salas
Assistant Stage Manager: Alexandria Foster
Stage Management Advisor: Susan Kattwinkel

Scenic Design Advisor: Jonathan Wentz
Scenic Charge: Madison Berry
Scenic Artists: Kelsey Beckett, Alexandria Foster, Madelein Hanson, Tovah Levenson
Carpenters: Audrey Black, Lauren Evans and students of THTR 209: Stagecraft class
Properties Charges: Caroline Drinnon, Stephen Hand
Properties Room Manager: Riley Taylor
Scene Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Arsalan Baig, Bristol Barnes, Madison Berry, Cheyenne Comitz, Alexandria Foster, Isabella Gardner, Olivia Maness, Jacob Rye, Eli Salas, Aidan Wunderley

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Hair & Make-up Design: Students of Advanced Hair and Makeup Class
Costume Research Assistant: Mira Turkewitz
Sewing & Alterations: Alyssa Guardino, Evy Massey, Eva Razzi, Jenna Williamson, Lindsay Ward and Students of Intro to Costuming
Wardrobe Crew: Eva Razzi, Nic Hochstetler, Lindsay Ward
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Brandon Alston, Zoe Barber, Ashlyn Denham, Mattison Gaillard, Ava Woods

Lighting Design Advisor: Lauren Duffie
Head Electrician: Alex Jones
Assistant Head Electrician: Hannah Moore
Electricians: Ky Daisey, Isabella Gardner, Abby Israel, Olivia Maness, Riley Milligan, Hannah Moore, Sydney Noelle, Reed Reed, Eli Salas
Light Board Programmers: Reed Reed, Chris Warzynski
Light Board Operator: Rose Goblet
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Chris Warzynski
Sound Design Advisor: Caleb S. Garner
Run Crew: Natalia Ramirez

CofC Stages Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity: Jake Cisson, Kaylee Phillips, Tippy Trombly
Office Assistant: Ngaa Magombedze
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Special Thanks

CofC Opera, Charleston Stage, High Output, School of the Arts, Interim Dean Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Professor Jacob Steere-Williams, Carolyna Ramirez and the George Street Box Office Staff

---

Thank you to all of our donors!

Become an Impact Sponsor
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers opportunities to become an Impact Sponsor. Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2022-2023 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
BENEFACTOR $2,500+ (for incoming student scholarship)
Add your name here!

GUARDIAN $750 (Clarence Student Award)
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Tap & Jean Johnson
Valerie Morris
Evelynn Putnam
Nancy & Sam Stafford
Chester & Arlene Williams
Anonymous (2)

Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – legacy gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington & Robert Lukey – legacy gift
Michael & Susan Master – legacy gift

Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:
PRODUCER $1000+
Karl & Charlene Bunch, Anthony Laneve, Valerie Morris, Emma Simmons,
Chester & Arlene Williams

ADVOCATE $750-999
Tap & Jean Johnson, Susan Kattwinkel, Janine McCabe, Matt & Gretchen McLaine,
Evelynn Putnam, Nancy & Sam Stafford

STAR $500-749
Leslie Dyke, Michael & Susan Master

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander, Sandra Garner, Janice & Jay Messeroff, Laura Turner,
Jonathan & Janine Wentz

FAN $100-249
Rebecca Boone, Glenda Byars, Todd McNerney, Elena and Ted Mitchell, Sam Rhodes,
Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Caroline Baker, Charley Bernstein,
Mary Berry, Shelby North, Chris Burgess, Carmella Della-Peruta, Maegan Gudridge,
Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Kerri Needle, Bari Perales, Erin Percy,
Eli Salas, Hailee Selby, Claire Steffens, Anna Stephenson, Joseph Willingham

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Director’s Note

How does one craft a comedy around seriousness? Oscar Wilde’s classic,
The Importance of Being Earnest has proven to do so.

earnest* adjective
1 : serious and zealous in intention, purpose, or effect
2 : showing depth and sincerity of feeling
Synonyms: resolute, serious, intent, sincere, thoughtful
*note – the spelling of the adjective is different from the spelling of the name, Ernest

Wilde’s life, his education, and his thoughts on art are all reflected in his creative works.
Specifically, his plays focus on and are framed by the Victorian period and its social
practices. They have entertained audiences for well over 100 years with their witty
dialogue and their explorations of the universal behaviors of men and women. To a
degree, they explore the secrets people carry, the hypocritical societal expectations we
often have, and the merit of the Victorian utilitarian ideal.

The Importance of Being Earnest (A Trivial Comedy for Serious People) as the subtitle
suggests is silly and trivial on its surface. It skewers a world in which people often take
trivial matters seriously and serious matters trivially. A world in which how someone
behaves, who their family is, or where they are from is more important than who they
are. Its universal appeal lies in the recognizable ways every society reflects similar
values. Our serious world often values trivial things, and as a consequence we regularly
try to portray ourselves in a socially acceptable or approved manner. Seen in this light, it
suggests that many of our behaviors are performative in nature and a direct response to
those trivial societal expectations. And if that is so, do we then take our experiences and
ourselves too seriously?

I believe Wilde thinks so. He offers us to consider that while trivialness may be the
norm, it is earnestness that is truly most vital (as the final line of the play informs us),
particularly in the singularly most significant instance … in affairs of the heart.

— Todd McNerney

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Cast and Production Team Biographies

Brandon Alston (Miss Prism) is a senior majoring in Theatre (Costume Design and Technology). This is his 4th mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Bootsie Baldwin is a junior double majoring in Computer Science and Computing in the Arts (Theatre concentration) and minoring in Mathematics. Bootsie is thrilled to be designing their first mainstage show! Some of her previous technical work at the College includes Die Fledermaus (Head Electrician), Men on Boats (Head Electrician), The Bacchae (Lighting Designer), Firebringer (Lighting Designer), and Becoming We (Lighting Designer). Bootsie would like to thank their mentor Lauren Duffie for everything she does.

Bristol Barnes is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance & Scenic/Lighting Design) with a minor in Film Studies. They are so happy to have served as Assistant Director on their last mainstage show as a student at CofC. Her previous directorial credits include a staged reading of Hurricane Diane by Madeleine George (Center Stage) and Proof by David Auburn (Center Stage). She has also served as scenic designer on Two Gentlemen of Verona (Mainstage), Firebringer (Center Stage), and Pippin (Mainstage). She would like to thank Todd McNerney for allowing her to continuously annoy him on almost an absurd amount of projects at this point, and also for teaching her about 75% of what she knows about directing (the rest can be attributed to Evan Parry and learning from her mistakes through trial and error). She also earnestly thanks you for being an audience member, for theatre could not exist without you. 

Madison Berry is a senior at the College of Charleston majoring in Theatre with a double concentration in Performance and Scenic Design. Recent design work for the mainstage includes Pippin (Projection Designer), Men on Boats (Scenic Designer), Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet (Assistant Scenic Designer) and Violet (Properties Lead). She has been awarded the 2023 Randy Lutz Allied Design & Tech National Finalist for her properties design (Violet) by The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Her work has also been seen in the community in Daniel and the Kings (Assistant Properties Designer) and Piccolo Spoleto’s Stelle di Domani 2023 production of There’s Always Tomorrow (Director). She would like to thank Jonathan Wentz and JD Stallings for being amazing mentors.

Jake Cisson is a junior majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a minor in Business Administration. This is their 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston. They were last seen in Two Gentlemen of Verona as an understudy and won a “Diva” award for their work on this production. Jake is also the proud owner of Maggie, the canine actor who appeared in Two Gentlemen of Verona as the beloved Crab. Jake states that “this has been such an enriching and educational experience that has helped me grow as both a performer and a person.”

Kylie “Ky” Daisey is a Junior at The College and has spent her time with CofC Mainstage so far filling tech roles and assistant directing Men on Boats last Fall. Aside from that, she’s been hard at work directing for Center Stage. You may have seen her last year in The Void’s production of Succulents. She is so grateful to be part of the amazing ensemble that put this show together and is so excited to continue working with them! 

Michael Davenport is a Senior at the College of Charleston double majoring in Studio Arts (Painting Concentration) and Arts Management. This is his first Mainstage show, and he has previously been seen in Centerstage’s The Bacchae as Dionysus as well as in the Fall 2023 Director’s Showcase.

Caroline Drinnon is a sophomore majoring in Theatre with a minor in Film Studies. This is her first time working on a Mainstage production at the College of Charleston, however, you may have seen her scenic design in Center Stage’s Fall 2023 production of As I Was, Not As I Am by August Hakvaag. She would like to thank her co-props head Stephen Hand for all of his time and hard work!

Mattison Gaillard is a senior majoring in Theatre (Costume Design and Technology) with a minor in Spanish. She is so excited to be working as the costume designer for her first MainStage show at the College of Charleston. She previously designed the piece Le Corsaire for the department’s Fall 2023 dance concert After the Rain.

Nora Gore is Senior majoring in Theatre Performance and History with a minor in Classics. This is her second mainstage show at the College. She was previously seen in the Fall 2020 production of How the Vote Was Won, as well as Center Stage’s Swing of the Sea and the Piccolo Spoleto production of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. She has also been the dramaturg for several mainstage productions including Cabaret, Violet, and Men on Boats. She would like to thank Todd McNerney for giving her this opportunity and for helping her become a better performer. And she would also like to thank the lovely cast and crew for making her last show the most memorable one! 

Stephen Hand is a junior majoring in History, with a minor in theatre and Russian studies from Washington DC. This is his 2nd mainstage production at CofC, having previously been seen in Everybody his freshman year, as well as an actor in the directors showcase last year. He would like to thank Caroline Drinnon, the Co-props head for all her hard work, especially with Photoshop!

Randy Howell is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance concentration) and is from Philly. This is their 3rd mainstage show at the College of Charleston. They last served as Dramaturg for Pippin.  

Sam Rhodes is ecstatic to be working with Professor McNerney in this high heeled trivial comedy. Originally from Columbia, SC, Sam is currently a junior studying Theater at the college. This is his 4th Mainstage production at the CofC. He would like to thank his family (even Asa) and Allison for the love and support. He really hopes you enjoy the show; this cast and crew is amazing!

Brandi Smalls is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) from Charleston,SC. This is her 5th mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Riley Taylor is a junior double majoring in Arts Management and Theatre from Greenville, SC. This will be her first mainstage production at the college and would like to thank Todd McNerney, the cast, and the crew for creating a fun and safe environment to express yourself. 

Amelia Hawke Tebalt is a sophomore majoring in Arts Management, with a Music Industry concentration and a minor in Theatre, from Seneca, SC. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

LG Wylie is a junior majoring in Theatre (Performance) and minoring in Religious Studies. She has previously been seen in the Mainstage production of Men On Boats and Center Stage’s The Bacchae and Hurricane Diane. She is so grateful to have worked with such an amazing cast and crew on this show and cherishes each and every person involved. Special thanks to her coworker, Hailee, for always running lines with her during the dead hours at work! Happy Bunburying!

Kate Yarbray is a junior majoring in Theatre (Performance and Lighting Technology) and minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies and Creative Writing (Poetry). This is her fourth mainstage production, but first time stage managing for the department. She was last seen as Catherine in the mainstage production of Pippin, and Chorn in the Center Stage production of Firebringer. She admires Todd McNerney for his unrivaled determination, and she’d like to thank him for always having her back. Finally, she’d like to thank her roommate for proofreading every piece of paperwork she created during this production. 

CofC Stages in the College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present its season finale, The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People. Written by Oscar Wilde, this clever play skewers the social niceties of the upper class while exploring the pitfalls of all the ways we perform our own identities. 

The story follows protagonists Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff as they explore love, family, and just how far they can stretch the truth in late Victorian England. 

The production is directed by theatre professor Todd McNerney. He explains that “Oscar Wilde’s plays, while focused on and framed by the Victorian period and its social practices, have entertained audiences for over 100 years with their witty dialogue and their explorations of the universal behaviors of men and women.” 

He further notes that “None have done so more effectively or as humorously than The Importance of Being Earnest. Silly and trivial on its surface, its humor still resonates with how man- (and woman-)kind can take themselves too seriously in all matters, except perhaps the most important — love.” 

Theatre students comprise the cast and crew. The show’s designers include students from the College’s School of the Arts: Madison Berry (scenic design), Mattison Gaillard (costume design), Bootsie Baldwin (lighting design) and Amelia Hawke Tebalt (sound design). Theatre major Kate Yarbray serves as stage manager.

DETAILS: Performances of The Importance of Being Earnest will take place at the Chapel Theatre (172 Calhoun St.). between April 12-21. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. on April 12, 13, 15 and 17-20; and 2:00 p.m. matinees are on April 14, 20 and 21. 

Individual tickets are $25; $20 for seniors (65+), military/veterans, and children (18 & under); and $12 for CofC students, faculty and staff. 

To purchase tickets online:

Ticket link for public

Ticket link for students

Ticket link for faculty and staff

Or buy tickets at the George Street Box Office by calling (843) 953-4726 or emailing gsbo@cofc.edu. 

Pathways

Artistic Director  Kristin Alexander
Costume Designer Ashlyn Denham		Head Lighting Designer Heaven Egan
Technical Director JD Stallings	Costume Shop Manager Ellen Swick		Stage Manager Aidan Wunderley

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March 23 and 24, 2023
Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street

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Jump to: Production Team | Acknowledgements | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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Dance Pieces and Program Notes

Sicilian Serenade: Dreams in the Big City
Choreography: Gianna Trimboli
Music: Johnny Mercer, Franco Migliacci, Leslie Bricusse, and Anthony Newley; edited by Halle White
Lighting Design: Alex Jones

Performed by Aidan Baumann, Camille Cabrera, Lexi DeBo, Madison Fisher, Katie Higens, Sophie Ketchum, Camilla Linkin, Tabitha Rapp (understudies: Bella Cipriano, Libbie Krey, Chloe Stankiewicz)

Behold the vibrant canvas of a soul unbounded by limits. The relentless spirit of a starving artist living out their dreams. 

blood, breath, butterfly net
Choreography: Ayushi Gaur
Music: Ayushi Gaur; violin performance by Emily Russell
Lighting Design: Heaven Egan

Performed by Jillian Epstein, Katie Mullins, Mackenzie Walker, Sophia Wirta (understudy: Ella Downs)

Despite our consistent efforts to separate ourselves from nature, human life has no intrinsic value beyond any other life form we share this home with. We catch them in our nets, treating our family members as resources to be exploited. Yet there is a larger net, all life forms intricately woven together, and what we do to any thread, we do to our own. After we drive ourselves to extinction, life will regenerate, just as it has done before.

Metsässä
Choreography: Ana S. Plucar
Music: Kukka Lehto, Tero Pennanen, and Sylvan Grey
Lighting Design: Abby Israel

Performed by Amara Alexander, Madison Fisher, Elishia Jennings, Emily Monahan, Abby Percy (understudies: Emily Acome, Dinah Reiss, Chloe Whitley)

I often find myself completely lost walking the same path day in and day out. Dedicated to the space and time between Hemlock Ln and 39th Ave.

When You’re Gone
Choreography: Madison Vaughan
Music: Jerome Alexander
Lighting Design: Heaven Egan

Performed by Elli Batchelor, Maya Everett-Wilson, Lindsey Ferguson, Madison Jackson (understudies: Emily Carson, Sophia Wirta)

“I wish I could change, but I’ll probably just stay the same. But you should believe me, our dreams are all the same.” – Current Joys 

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10 Minute Intermission

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Invictus
Choreography: Halle White
Music: Phoebe Bridgers, Rob Moose, Labrinth, Sam Levinson, Timothy Mckenzie and Zendaya Coleman; edited by Halle White
Lighting Design: Bea Lemaster

Performed by Camille Cabrera (understudy: Abby Percy)

Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from pole to pole. I thank whatever gods may be for my unconquerable soul. – William Ernest Henley

Transfiguration
Choreography :Lauryn Gadson
Music: Ivan Jackson, Han Seong Ho; edited by Lauryn Gadson
Lighting Design: Heaven Egan

Performed by Alejandra Casco, Ashley Gargani, Ally Keschinger, Sophie Ketchum, Libbie Krey, Abby Mosher, Sidney Shanahan (understudies: Sophia Ford, Indy Tobias)

Transfiguration: a complete change in appearance. Glorifying: to carry a glow, to become more beautiful, a spiritual change.

Changeling
Choreography by Leila Crane
Music by Florence Welch, Jack Antonoff; edited by Halle White
Lighting Design : Heaven Egan

Performed by Avé-Ella Blanchette, Corrina Castillo, Jillian Epstein, Jen Griffaton, Mackenzie Walker, Olivia Wilkinson, Ava Woods (understudies: Aimee Alston, Lexi DeBo)

But a woman is a changeling, always shifting shape
Just when you think you have it figured out
Something new begins to take

The View from the Top
Choreography by Maya Everett-Wilson
Music by Jesse Novack and Brad Oberhofer
Lighting Design by Reed Reed

Performed by Emily Carlson, Emily Falcone, Lindsey Ferguson, Madison Jackson, Camilla Linkin, Tabitha Rapp, Cheyanne Stankiewicz, Madison Vaughan (understudies: Sophia Ford, Chloe Stankiewicz)

I did not know I had grown up, till I put my feet in the dirt, the curls in my hair rounding in circles, sitting with my childhood best friends, and watched a group of little girls play in the field we used to. They touched the grass with the same childlike enthusiasm that bubbled through my veins, it now leaks out from the corners of my eyes. Her curls are prettier than mine, they have less kinks.  – 43.8073 N 71.8404 W

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Production Coordinator: Ellen Swick
Choreography Mentors: Charlie Maybee, Gretchen McLaine, Pam O’Briant, Laurel Van Beusecum
Assistant Technical Director: Eli Salas
Assistant Stage Manager: Chana Driggers
Stage Management Advisor: Susan Kattwinkel

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Assistant Costume Designer: Eva Razzi
Sewing & Alterations: Alyssa Guardino, Evy Massey, Eva Razzi, Lindsay Ward, Jenna Williamson, and the students of Intro to Costuming
Wardrobe Crew: Alejandra Casco, Avé-Ella Blanchette, Ally Keschinger
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre & Dance with support from donor funding): Brandon Alston, Zoe Barber, Ashlyn Denham, Mattison Gaillard, Ava Woods
Scenic Design Advisor: Jonathan Wentz

Lighting Design Advisor: Lauren Duffie
Lighting Designers: Heaven Egan, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Bea Lemaster, Reed Reed
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre & Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Chris Warzynski
Light Board Programmer and Operator: Heaven Egan
Sound Board Operator: Phoenix Brown
Run Crew: Madison Fisher, Maddy Hall
Camera Operator: Ally Thumpston

Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity: Kaylee Phillips, Tippy Trombly, Jake Cisson
Office Assistant: Ngaa Magombedze
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Thank you to all of our donors!

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Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:
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STAR $500-749
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DIRECTOR $250-499
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PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Caroline Baker, Charley Bernstein, Mary Berry, Laura C. Bayless, Chris Burgess, Carmella Della-Peruta, Maegan Gudridge, Stephen & Allegra Litvin, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Bari Perales, Erin Percy, James Rozier, Eli Salas, Hailee Selby, Claire Steffens, Anna Stephenson, Laura Turner, Joseph Willingham

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Cast and Production Team Biographies

Emily Acome – Emily Acome is a freshman double majoring in Dance and Psychology from Richmond, Virginia.  This is her 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston.  She was last seen in After the Rain.

Amara Alexander- Amara Alexander is a freshman double majoring in Biology and Dance from Potomac, Maryland. This is her 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain.

Aimee Alston- Aimee Alston is a freshman majoring in Dance and Marine Biology from Franklin, Massachusetts. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.  

Elli Batchelor- Elli Batchelor is a junior majoring in English with a concentration in Literature & Film and minoring in Medical Humanities from Greenville, SC. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Becoming We. 

Aidan Baumann- Aidan Baumann is a Senior at the College majoring in Dance and minoring in Business Administration from Philadelphia, PA. This is her 7th mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen as a showgirl in Pippin, the Musical. 

Avé-Ella Blanchette- Avé-Ella Blanchette is a junior double majoring in Dance and Special Education from Nashua, New Hampshire. This is her fifth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain.

Camille Cabrera- Camille Cabrera is a senior double majoring in Dance and Exercise Science from Columbia, SC. This is her 5th mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Shifting Perspectives. 

Emily Carson- Emily Carson is a freshman double majoring in Political Science and Communications with a dance minor, from Pinehurst, North Carolina. This is her 1st mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Alejandra Casco- Alejandra Casco is a senior majoring in Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography, and minoring in Arts Management from Summerville, South Carolina. This is her 7th mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain.

Corrina Castillo- Corrina Castillo is a sophomore majoring in Communications with a double minor in Dance and Spanish from Long Island, New York. This is her 3rd mainstream show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain.

Bella Cipriano – Bella Cipriano is a junior majoring in Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography and minoring in Psychology from Fort Mill, South Carolina. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Leila Crane- Leila Crane is a junior double majoring in English and Dance from Habersham, Georgia. This is her fifth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain.

Lexi DeBo- Lexi DeBo is a freshman double majoring in Dance and Communication from Greenville, SC. This is her 2nd mainstream show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain. 

Ashlyn Denham – Ashlyn Denham is a junior in Theatre with a concentration in Costume Design from Charleston, WV. Her costume design work was last seen in After the Rain and she was an assistant costume designer on Die Fledermaus.

Ella Downs- Ella Downs is a freshman majoring in Dance from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. This is her 2nd mainstream show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain. 

Chana Driggers-  Chana Driggers is a freshman majoring in theatre with a concentration in scenic/lighting design and technology from Summerville, SC. This is her first time as assistant stage manager for a mainstage show at the College of Charleston

Heaven Egan- Heaven Egan is a senior from El Paso Texas majoring in theatre design and technology with a concentration in lighting design.  This is her second time designing for a dance concert with the College of Charleston. She last designed for Becoming We. 

Jillian Epstein – Jillian Epstein is a freshman majoring in History and Dance from Asheville, North Carolina. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Maya Everett-Wilson – Maya Everett-Wilson is a senior majoring in Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography and a minor in women and gender studies from Natick Massachusetts. This is their 7th mainstage show at the College of Charleston and was last seen in After the Rain. 

Emily Falcone – Emily Falcone is a Junior double majoring in Psychology and Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography from Smithfield, Rhode Island. This is her 5th mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Lindsey Ferguson – Lindsey Ferguson is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Dance from Greenville, South Carolina. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Madison Fisher- Madison Fisher is a junior majoring in Dance (Performance and Choreography) and minoring in Finance from Ocean Township, New Jersey. This is her 6th mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Sophia Ford – Sophia Ford is a Freshman majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Bedminster, New Jersey. This is her 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston She was last seen in After The Rain.

Lauryn Gadson- Lauryn Gadson is a Senior majoring in Theatre with a Concentration in Performance from Charleston, SC. This is her 7th mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain.

Ashley Gargani- Ashley Gargani is a Freshman majoring in Communications and Dance (Concentration in Performance/Choreography) from Long Island NY. This is her 1st mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Ayushi Gaur – Ayushi Gaur is a sophomore majoring in Marine Biology and Dance from Memphis, Tennessee. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain.

Jen Griffaton – Jen Griffaton is a freshman majoring in Music and Dance from Columbus, Ohio. This is her 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Katie Higens- Katie Higens is a senior majoring in Dance and Biology from Denver, Colorado. This is her sixth main stage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Becoming We.

Abby Israel is a sophomore at the College majoring in Theatre (scenic/lighting design). This is her seventh production with the college.

Madison Jackson-  Madison Jackson is a Junior majoring in Psychology from Greenville, South Carolina. This is her 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Becoming We.

Elishia Jennings – Elishia Jennings is a Sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Dance from Goose Creek, SC. This is her first main stage show at the College of Charleston. 

Alex Jones – Alex Jones is a Junior majoring in Theatre (Design and Technology). They are also the Technical Director for Center Stage Recent technical credits at the college include: Two Gentlemen of Verona (Head Electrician), Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet (Associate Lighting Designer), and Men On Boats (Lighting Designer.) Alex wants to thank their mentor Lauren Duffie for everything she does.

Ally Keschinger- Ally Keschinger is a Junior majoring in Dance and Psychology and a minor in Crime, Law, and Society from Irmo, South Carolina. This is her 4th Mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Sophie Ketchum- Sophie Ketchum is a Sophomore majoring in Dance and minoring in Studio Art from Nashville, Tennessee. This is her 4th Mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain. 

Libbie Krey- Libbie Krey is a Sophomore majoring in Marketing from Richmond, Virginia. This is her 3rd Mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Bea Lemaster – Bea Lemaster is a Senior majoring in Theatre Studies from Boiling Springs, South Carolina. This is Bea’s first time doing lighting design, and they were most recently seen onstage as Dr. Blind in Die Fledermaus (dir. by Peter Spearman). They are the President of Center Stage and also work as a teaching artist with PURE Theatre. 

Camilla Linkin- Camilla Linkin is a Sophomore majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership for Sustainability from Greenville, South Carolina. This is her 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Becoming We. 

Emily Monahan- Emily Monahan is a junior majoring in English and minoring in Dance from Landrum, South Carolina. This is her 4th mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Abby Mosher – Abby Mosher is a junior majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Biology from Scarborough, Maine. This is her 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Wanderlust.

Katie Mullins – Katie Mullins is a sophomore majoring in Public Health and minoring in Health Care and Medical Services Management from Summerville, South Carolina. This is her 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Abby Percy- Abby Percy is a freshman majoring in dance and political science from Huntsville, Alabama. This is her 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Ana S. Plucar- Ana S. Plucar is a freshman majoring in Dance from Plymouth, Minnesota. This is her 2nd mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain. 

Tabitha Rapp – Tabitha Rapp is a freshman majoring in Dance (Performance and Choreography) and Exercise Science from Wilmington, North Carolina. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain. 

Eva Razzi Eva Razzi is a junior majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Costume Design and minoring in French from Pawleys Island, South Carolina. This is her first time as an assistant costume designer for a mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Reed Reed – Reed Reed is a junior majoring in Computing in the Arts from Simpsonville, SC. This is their lighting design debut in a Mainstage production. 

Dinah Reiss- Dinah Reiss is a freshman majoring in Biology from Huntsville, Alabama. This is her 1st mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Sidney Shanahan- Sidney Shanahan is a senior majoring in Dance (Performance and Choreography) and Business Administration and minoring in Spanish, from Shelton, CT. This is her 7th mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Becoming We. 

Cheyanne Stankiewicz- Cheyanne Stankiewicz is a junior majoring in Marketing and minoring in Arts Management from Greenville, SC. This is her 5th mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen performing in After the Rain.

Chloe Stankiewicz- Chloe Stankiewicz is a Freshman majoring in Exercise Science from Greenville, South Carolina. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain.

Indy Tobias – Indy Tobias is a Junior majoring in Public Health with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health from Lancaster, South Carolina. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Gianna Trimboli – Gianna is a Senior majoring in Theatre and Dance with a Concentration in Performance. She is from Rochester, NY and this is her 8th MainStage production at the College of Charleston. She was last seen as Fastrada in Pippin the musical. 

Madison Vaughan- Madison Vaughan is a Junior majoring in Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography and minoring in Business Administration. She is from Harford MD. This is her 4th mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Mackenzie Walker is a freshman Dance major with a concentration in performance and choreography from Columbia, South Carolina. This is her second performance with the department.

Halle White – Halle White is a Junior double majoring in Arts Management and Dance with a concentration in Performance and Choreography. This is her sixth Mainstage production at the College of Charleston, and her second time staging student choreography in the Sottile Theatre. Her previous work, Not My Responsibility, was showcased in the Spring 2023 dance concert Becoming We. 

Chloe Whitley- Chloe Whitley is a freshman majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Dance from Mount Pleasant South Carolina. This is her 2nd mainstage production at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Olivia Wilkinson- Olivia Wilkinson is a Freshman majoring in Dance with a concentration in Performance and Choreography. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain. 

Sophia Wirta- Sophia Wirta is a sophomore majoring in Dance from Bangor, Maine. This is her third MainStage production at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After The Rain. 

Ava Woods- Ava Woods is a Junior majoring in Dance with a concentration in Performance and Choreography from Parkville, Maryland. This is her 6th mainstage production at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Aidan Wunderley – Aidan Wunderley is a Junior at the College of Charleston, majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Performance. This has been Aidan’s first time stage managing a Mainstage show at the college. Aidan was last seen in Men On Boats and last stage managed Center Stage’s production of Firebringer.

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CofC Stages at the College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents its annual exhibition of student-choreographed work in Pathways, its spring dance concert offering.

Associate Professor of Dance Kristin Alexander serves as the concert’s artistic director. Pathways will feature eight new dance pieces choreographed by dance majors.

Performances will take place in the Sottile Theatre on Saturday, March and Sunday, March 24^th.

“The common pathway of being a major in our department strengthens their support for one another through the creative process, but the individuality of their investigation of this theme has led to a diverse concert of work,” shares Alexander. The concert is comprised of more than 40 dancers and features a variety of styles, including modern, contemporary ballet, jazz, and hip hop.

“Although all of the choreographers are majors in the Department of Theatre and Dance, they range from freshman to seniors, from different parts of the country, pursuing various double majors and minors.”

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DETAILS: Performances of Pathways at the Sottile Theatre (44 George St.) are Saturday, March 23^rd at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 24^th at 2:00pm.

Individual tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for seniors (60+), military/veteran, and youth under 18; and $12 for CofC students, faculty, and staff. Individual ticket prices for other shows in the CofC Stages season vary by show. Purchase tickets online at go.cofc.edu/cofcstages or contact the George Street Box Office by emailing gsbo@cofc.edu or calling (843) 953-4726.

Purchase tickets online by using one of the following links:

General audience

CofC student tickets

CofC faculty/staff tickets

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2023-2024 CofC Stages Season

Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus
After the Rain (faculty-choreographed dance concert)
In Love and Warcraft by Madhuri Shekar (staged reading)
Pippin by Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson
The Pages Festival: Staged Readings of Student-Written Works
Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II (co-production with Department of Music/CofC Opera)
Pathways (student-choreographed dance concert)
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Visit go.cofc.edu/cofcstages to learn about all eight productions that center on the theme “Expectations and Explorations”

CofC Stages, CofC Opera and The Charleston Symphony proudly present

Die Fledermaus

by Johann Strauss II

Director Peter Spearman	Associate Director Saundra DeAthos-Meers		Music Director Wojciech Milewski
Scenic Designer Jonathan Wentz	Costume Designer Janine McCabe	Lighting Designer Lauren Duffie	Sound Designer Miles Boinest
Technical Director JD Stallings	Costume Shop Manager Ellen Swick	Stage Manager Bambi Barr	Choreographer Kristin Alexander

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February 24-25, 2023
Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street

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Jump to: Program | Production Team | Acknowledgments | Director’s Note | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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          Cast

In order of Vocal Appearance (Saturday/Sunday)

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Julia Boughter/Lauren Funkhouser | Adele	Delaney Faile/Meleana Cabales | Prince Orlofsky
Chloe Henderson/Abigail Erin Oldstrom | Rosalinda	Adeleine Dibble | Ivan
Brett Hunter/Jonathan Gragg | Alfred	Xandra Smith | Waiter #1
Seth Younglove/Vincent Bolchoz | Eisenstein	Colin Covington | Waiter #2
Queen Hamilton II/Bea Lemaster | Dr. Blind	Noah Anderson | Frosch
Jimmy Cyganek/Devon Brunson | Frank	Drake Carney, Amber Dunton, Laila Dye-Sharpe, Emmalyn Gilbreth, Queen Hamilton II, Isaac Hill, Maralin Russell, Abby Weeks | Ensemble
Logan Smith/Zachary Butler | Falke
Molly O’Connor/Jenna Bush | Ida

Charleston Symphony Musicians 

Conductor  Wojciech Milewski	Violin 1 Yuriy Bekker, Alexander Boissonnault, Karel Abo, Brian Allen, Karen Mendes	Violin 2 Micah Gangwer, Asako Kremer, Mayumi Nakamura, Corey Mike	Viola Sadie Nichols, Marshall McArthur, Rachel Gangwe	Oboe Kelly Mozeik
Cello Najette Abouelhadi, Tanja Bechtler	Clarinet Charlie Messersmith	Bass Christian Hales	Bassoon Jordan Brokken	Flute Jessica Hull-Dambaugh
Horn Brandon Nichols, Anne Holmi	Trumpet Antonio Marti	Harp Andrea Mumm	Timpani Beth Albert	Percussion Ryan Leveille

Program

Act I	Act II	Act III
No.1 Introduction (Alfred/Adele)	No.6 Introduction (Ensemble)	No.12 Entr’acte
No.2 Trio (Eisenstein, Rosalinda, Dr. Blind)	No.7 Aria (Prince Orlofsky)	No. 13 Melodrama
No.3 Duet (Falke, Eisenstein)	No.8 Ensemble and Couplet (Orlofksy, Falke, Adele, Eisenstein)	No. 14 Couplets (Adele, Ida, Frank)
No.4 Trio (Rosalinda, Eisenstein, Adele)	No.9 Watch Duet (Eisenstein, Rosalinda)	No. 15 (Rosalinda
No.5 Finale (Alfred, Rosalinda, Frank)	No.10 Czardas (Rosalinda)
	No.11 Finale (Full Ensemble)

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Opera Program Director: Saundra DeAthos-Meers
Opera Program Assistant Director: Amanda Castellone
Production Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Rehearsal Pianist: Lorna Barker
Assistant Director: Emma Piazza
Assistant Stage Manager: Emma Bennett
Dramaturg: Madeline Hansen

Scenic Design Advisor: Jonathan Wentz
Assistant Scenic Designer: Kelsey Beckett
Scenic Charge: Alexandria Foster
Scenic Artists: Kelsey Beckett, Ella Moore, Jonathan Wentz
Carpenters and Painters: Brandon Alston, Audrey Black, Lauren Evans and students of Stagecraft class
Properties Charge: Kelsey Beckett
Properties Room Manager: Riley Taylor
Scene Shop Staff (students hired by the Department of Theatre & Dance with support from donor funding): Arslan Baig, Bristol Barnes, Madison Berry, Cheyenne Comitz, Alexandria Foster, Isabella Gardner, Olivia Maness, Jacob Rye, Eli Salas and Aidan Wunderley

Assistant Costume Designers: Stef Amezcua Barrientos, Ashlyn Denham, Lily Lombardi
Make-up Designer and Artist: Stef Amezcua Barrientos
Hair and Wig Artist: Janine McCabe
Wig Styling & Ensemble Make-Up Design: Students of Advanced Makeup and Hair Design class
Sewing & Alterations: Molly Belle, Savannah Blake, Alyssa Guardino, Evy Massey, Eva Razzi, Lindsay Ward, Jenna Williamson and students of Intro to Costuming class
Wardrobe Crew: Camille Cabrera, Cam Gulledge, Brasia Jones, Robby Sewell
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre & Dance with support from donor funding): Brandon Alston, Zoe Barber, Ashlyn Denham, Mattison Gaillard, Ava Woods

Assistant Lighting Designers: Abby Israel, Ngaa Magombedze, Chris Warzynski
Head Electricians: Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel
Electricians: Bristol Barnes, Madison Berry, Vincent Bolchoz, Julia Boughter,
Meleana Cabales, Lauren Funkhouser, Isabella Garner, Sydney Getter,
Queen Hamilton, Alex Jones, Riley Milligan, Hannah Moore, Elise Normand,
Molly O’Connor, Erin Oldstrom, Reed Reed, Jacob Rye, Chris Warzynski,
Aidan Wunderley, Seth Younglove
Light Board Programmer and Operator: Abby Israel
Follow Spot Coordinator: Chris Warzynski
Follow Spot Operators: : Sydney Getter, Riley Milligan, Reed Reed, Ally Thumpston
Electric Shop Staff
Electric Shop Staff (students hired by the Department of Theatre & Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel Alex Jones, Chris Warzynski
Sound Board Operator: Bambi Barr
Fly Rail Operators: Shane Hanley, Ben Hudd

Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel, Jake Cisson, Kaylee Phillips, Chris Warzynski
Videography: Richard Almes, Unimedia Productions
Marketing/Social Media:  Kaylee Phillips, Tippy Trombly, Jake Cisson
Office Assistant: Ngaa Magombedze
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Special Thanks:

Bethel United Methodist Church, Molly Belle, Savannah Blake, Edward Hart, School of the Arts Interim Dean Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Mark Swick, Sottile Theatre Staff

Thank you to our CofC Opera and CofC Stages Donors!

Presenting Sponsor
Tap and Jean Johnson

$1,000+
David M. Savard
Nancy Henderson
Michael & Susan Master
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Susan Morrison
Ray & Linda Manning
Anthony Laneve
Deborah Potter
Julian Wiles, Jr. & Jenny Hane
Chester & Arlene Williams

$500-$999
Ceili Hesselgrave
Gretchen & Matt McLaine
Valerie Morris
Evelynn Putnam
Mindelle Seltzer & Bob Lovinger
Nancy & Sam Stafford
Laurel & Justin Van Beusecum
Susan Kattwinkel
Janine McCabe
Leslie Dyke
Polly & George Kosko
Marjorie Clark
Susan & Michael Master
Jonathan & Janine Wentz

Up to $499
Lauren Funkhouser
Sandra Garner
Donetta L. Grays
Erin Mack
Susan & James McKenna
Janice & Jay Messeroff
Jillian & Michael Smallwood
Laura Turner
Andrea & Louis Weinstein
Kristin Alexander
Rebecca Boone
Glenda Byars
Todd McNerney
Elena & Ted Mitchell
Jeff Perry
Sam Rhodes
Emma Simmons
Caroline Baker
Mary Beth Berry
Shelby North
Bari Perales
Jean Robinson
Claire Steffens
Amanda Castellone
Marian Greely
Robert Covington
Elena Vaouli
Andrew Whitehead

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Thank you to all of our Department of Theatre and Dance donors!

Become an Impact Sponsor
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers opportunities to become an Impact Sponsor. Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2022-2023 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
BENEFACTOR $2,500+ (for incoming student scholarship)
Add your name here!

GUARDIAN $750 (Clarence Student Award)
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Tap & Jean Johnson
Valerie Morris
Evelynn Putnam
Sam & Nancy Stafford
Chester & Arlene Williams
Anonymous (5)

Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – legacy gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington & Robert Lukey – legacy gift
Michael & Susan Master – legacy gift

Become a Season Sponsor
We need your help to support our students and our season in an effort to rebuild the funds that allow us to produce quality performances in a unique experiential learning environment. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences.

We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:
PRODUCER $1000+
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Jenny Hane & Julian Wiles
Anthony Laneve
Chester & Arlene Williams

ADVOCATE $750-999
Tap & Jean Johnson
Janine McCabe
Matt & Gretchen McLaine
Valerie Morris
Evelynn Putnam
Nancy & Sam Stafford
Justin & Laurel van Beusecum
Jonathan & Janine Wentz

STAR $500-749
Leslie Dyke
Michael & Susan Master

DIRECTOR $250-499
Sandra Garner
Janice and Jay Messeroff
Stellar Stitches Fashion Show
Laura Turner

FAN $100-249
Kristin Alexander, Stacey Alston, Rebecca Boone, Glenda Byars, Todd McNerney, Elena & Ted Mitchell, Sam Rhodes, Emma Simmons, Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Caroline Baker, Mary Beth Berry, Shelby North, Bari Perales, Claire Steffens, Andrew Whitehead

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Director’s Note

Drink more water? Maybe!
Drink more champagne? Tempting!
Never trust a friend? Sheesh! Too dark!

What is Strauss trying to tell us? How does he want us to feel?

I have heard the argument that Die Fledermaus is an operetta without a message or theme. Perhaps the copious champagne obscures it, but I think there is at the very least a seed at the center of this show, and it is fun. Fun abounds. Our production celebrates the fun in this tale of soft revenge.

As the father of two young boys, I spend a lot of time engaging with children’s media, and I am struck at the similarities that I see between my kids’ favorite books and the world that Strauss has created. The characters are clear and uncomplicated. Mischief flourishes. The stakes are low. Forgiveness comes quickly. Of course, it is also loaded with enough (too much?) innuendo and double entendre to delight all audiences.

With a puerile spirit of fun, we invite you to escape with us, if only for a little while.

—Peter Spearman

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Cast and Production Team Bios (In Alphabetical Order)

Noah Anderson (Frosch) [he/him] is making his opera debut as a senior double majoring in Theatre (Performance) and History. He has also been seen in Cabaret as Cliff Bradshaw, Two Gentlemen of Verona as Sir Eglamour, Grunt in Firebringer, the Messengers in The Bacchae and Lewis in Pippin. He would like to thank everyone who made this show possible, especially THE Dr. Peter Spearman for encouraging him to go outside his comfort zone and making his last performance at the college a memorable one. 

Bambi Barr (Stage Manager) is a recent CofC graduate, majoring in Theatre Performance and Biology, that has worked on Les Contes d’Hoffmann and L’elisir d’amore as an assistant stage manager and served as stage manager for Charleston Opera Theatre’s Unshakeable. Bambi would like to thank Dr. DeAthos-Meers for taking her under her wing and allowing her to learn, grow and flourish! Thank you for letting me help your wonderful ideas come to life! 

Stef Amezcua Barrientos (Assistant Costume Designer) is the lead for hair and makeup backstage. Stef is a senior Theatre major with a concentration in costume design and a minor in Arts Management. Previously she worked on After the Rain and Center Stage’s Firebringer.

Kelsey Beckett (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a junior at the college majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Scenic Design and an Arts management minor. Previously she served as assistant scenic designer for Firebringer and properties charge for Pippin. She would like to thank her mentor, Jonathan Wentz, and director, Dr. Spearman, for their support and help throughout this process. 

Emma Bennett (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman Theatre Performance major, and with this being her first time serving as assistant stage manager she would like to thank Bambi for taking care of her during this new experience and everyone’s constant support. Emma was last seen in Center Stage’s 2023 Rocky Horror shadowcast and is so excited for her future involvement with the department here at the College! 

Vincent Bolchoz (Eisenstein/Ensemble) is a transfer student at College of Charleston majoring in Music (Vocal Performance). Vincent spent several years in South Florida attending the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Professional Training Program and performing in multiple amateur and professional touring shows at the Maltz. He made his opera debut last year in the ensemble for Charleston Opera Theatre’s production of Don Giovanni followed by L’elisir d’amore. Other credits include the College of Charleston’s production of Les Contes d’Hoffmann as Spalanzani. This summer Vincent will be performing at the Berlin Opera Academy as Don Curzio/Basilio in Le Nozze di Figaro.

Julia Boughter (Adele/Ensemble) is a freshman Vocal Performance major. She last sang with CofC opera in the scenes program, L’amour et la Mort. She would like to thank Dr. DeAthos-Meers for being a fantastic teacher and her family for their constant support and encouragement.

Devon Brunson (Frank/Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his mainstage College of Charleston debut in Die Fledermaus. Devon is a freshman majoring in Music (Vocal Performance) and Finance. Recent credits include Les Miserables (Enjolras), The Phantom of the Opera (Phantom), Spongebob the Musical (Patrick), and Daniel and The Kings (Abednego). 

Jenna Bush (Ida/Ensemble) is a sophomore majoring in Biology with a minor in Theatre. She has been recently seen in CofC’s production of Pippin (ensemble, Fastrada US), In Love and Warcraft (Kitty), and Center Stage’s Firebringer (Zazzalil). Other recent credits include: Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett), Our Town (Emily), and The Theory of Relativity (Caroline). She would like to thank Dr. Spearman for encouraging her to audition along with Dr. DeAthos, Wojciech, and the entire team for being so kind and welcoming!

Meleana Cabales (Orlofsky/Ensemble) is a senior in the Honors College majoring in Music (Vocal Performance) and minoring in Arts Management. Previous performances with CofC Opera include The Tales of Hoffmann (Nicklausse), Die Zauberflöte (Second Lady), and Le nozze di Figaro (Chorus).

Drake Carney (Ensemble) is a Sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance + Musical Theatre) and minoring in both French & Japanese Studies. He was last seen in the CofC Stages production of Pippin as Pippin, and is a former member of CofC’s Broadway Ensemble. He would like to thank the creative team behind Die Fledermaus for making his first opera at CofC a great experience. 

Jimmy Cyganek (Frank/Ensemble) is a junior in the Honors College double majoring in Vocal Performance and Computing in the Arts. He’s also a Baritone in the choir of the French Huguenot Church and in the Charleston Men’s Chorus, where he is a recipient of their season scholarship. Recent performances include College of Charleston Opera’s L’amour et la Mort, and Charleston Opera Theater’s L’elisir d’amore. He is looking forward to playing the Giant in CofC’s Children’s Opera production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Colin Covington (Ensemble/Server) is a freshman at the College of Charleston studying Vocal Performance. He is excited to be involved in his first Opera production. He would like to thank Peter Spearman for his energy and direction throughout this process as well as the entire cast for making his first opera a memorable experience. 

Ashlyn Denham (Assistant Costume Designer) is a junior at the College of Charleston majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Costume Design. Previously, she worked on After the Rain.

Addy Dibble (Ivan/Ensemble) is a sophomore and very excited to be a part of her second opera production at the College of Charleston. She would like to thank Dr. Deathos-Meers, Peter Spearman, and fellow cast and crew for making this production such a memorable experience! 

Amber Dunton (Ensemble) is a freshman Theatre major (performance) with an arts management minor at the College of Charleston. She is also in the musical theatre certificate program. Previously, she was a playwright for the College’s mainstage short play festival The Pages Festival (Overturned).

Delaney Faile (Orlofsky/Ensemble) is a senior in the Honors College majoring in Arts Management with a minor in Theatre. Previous CofC credits include In Love and Warcraft (Ensemble), The Bacchae (Agave), Violet (Ensemble, Violet u/s), The Tales of Hoffman (Andres/Cochinelle), and The Cake (Jen). She would like to thank Dr. Deathos-Meers and Peter Spearman for their support and her fellow castmates for making her final show at the College a wonderful experience. 

Lauren Funkhouser (Adele/Ensemble) is a junior majoring in music (vocal performance) and double minoring in French and German. Her previous performance experiences at CofC include The Tales of Hoffmann (Olympia) and The Magic Flute (Queen of the Night). Other performance experience outside of CofC include Charleston Opera Theater’s L’elisir d’amore (Adina cover/chorus), Berlin Opera Academy’s Die Zauberflöte (Papagena/Die Königin der Nacht cover), and Russian Opera Workshop’s Eugene Onegin (Tatyana Role Study). Lauren also attended Music Academy of the West as a studio artist in the summer of 2022. 

Emmalyn Gilbreth (Ensemble) is a Freshman in the Honors College majoring in English and Music with a minor in Philosophy. Before performing in Die Fledermaus she was a part of the CofC Opera Scenes program, L’amour et la Mort. She would like to thank Professor Templeton and the faculty and students of the CofC Music School for their unwavering support and kindness throughout her entire first year of college.

Jonathan Gragg (Alfred/Ensemble) is a Senior at the College of Charleston studying Vocal Performance. Most recently with the college he has had the privilege of portraying the roles of Monostatos in The Magic Flute and Franz in The Tales of Hoffmann. Grateful for these opportunities, he has enjoyed all the more bringing to life the character of Alfred. He is ever-thankful to those who have shaped his vocal and artistic journey, including the wonderful Dr. Saundra Deathos-Meers and many more of the CofC Music Faculty and friends. He humbly appreciates the chance to share his passion for music on the stage. Prosit!

Christopher Hamilton II (Ensemble) is a sophomore at the College of Charleston. This is his first opera and would like to thank Peter Spearman and Wojciech Milewski along with all of the people contributing toward this CofC production for the great work they put into this memorable experience.

Queen Hamilton II (Dr. Blind/Ensemble) is a senior majoring in Music (Composition/Theory). Most recently she was seen in As I Was, Not As I Am (Laurel) by August Hakvaag and CofC Opera’s L’Amour et la Mort. Other credits range from acting to crew work to music directing. She would like to thank everyone who came to support her and watched her journey from a petrified, shy, and nervous mess to the person and performer she is now. Special shoutout to Todd McNerney, Dr. Lorna Barker, Dr. Saundra DeAthos-Meers, and her mom for helping her to develop the confidence she needed. 

Chloe Henderson (Rosalinda/Ensemble) is a senior majoring in Music (Vocal Performance). Her previous credits include two shows with Charleston Opera Theatre: Don Giovanni (ensemble) and L’elisir d’amore (ensemble), and three shows at CofC: Le nozze di Figaro (chorus), The Magic Flute (spirit), and The Tales of Hoffman (Giulietta/ensemble). She would like to thank Dr. DeAthos-Meers for being the most wonderful voice teacher and she would also like to thank Dr. Spearman, Professor Milewski, the cast, and all her friends and family for being so encouraging and supportive. This will be her last show here at CofC and she is grateful to work with such an amazing and talented group of people! 

Isaac Hill (Ensemble) is a sophomore music major studying cello and voice performance and composition. Recent performances include Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore with Charleston Opera Theatre, Mendelssohn’s Psalm 42 with the SC Bach Society, and the CofC Orchestra Fall Concert. He would like to thank Dr. DeAthos-Meers for her support and encouragement as he starts to perform on the opera stage.

Brett Hunter (Alfred/Ensemble) is a freshman at the College of Charleston majoring in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance. Die Fledermaus will serve as Brett’s first mainstage production with the College. Recent credits include Les Misérables (Marius Pontemercy), The Phantom of the Opera (Raoul de Changy), and Daniel and the Kings (Meshach). This upcoming summer Brett will perform Carmen (Chorus) at the Music Academy of the West, attending as a Studio Artist. 

Abby Israel (Assistant Lighting Designer/Co-Head Electrician/Lighting Board Operator) is a sophomore at the College majoring in Theatre (scenic/lighting design). This is her sixth production with the college. 

Bea Lemaster (Dr.Blind/Ensemble) is a Senior at the college majoring in Theatre. Bea is very active in the theatre department and is the President and Artistic Director of the student theatre organization Center Stage. Bea also works as a Teaching Artist with PURE Theatre, working to bring Theatre to public schools in Charleston that might not have access to arts programs otherwise. They were last seen in Men on Boats, directed by Sharon Graci, and are excited for you to see them as Dr. Blind/Ensemble in Die Fledermaus! Remember: Justice is Blind!

Lily Lombardi (Assistant Costume Designer) is a senior at the College of Charleston, majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Costume Design. Previously, worked on After the Rain. 

Ngaa Magombedze (Assistant Lighting Research Designer) was previously seen in Pippin as Leading Player and as an assistant director on The Late Wedding. She is thrilled to have been mentored on this production by Lauren Duffie and Dr. Peter Spearman. This experience has been invaluable and allowed her design skills to flourish!

Molly O’Connor (Ida/Ensemble) is a senior at the College of Charleston in their final semester as a Music Major with a concentration in Voice. She has been in multiple CofC Opera productions including Le Nozze di Figaro (ensemble), The Magic Flute (spirit), and The Tales of Hoffmann (Nathanael). Molly has also been in Scenes performances for CofC Opera called Live in the Sottile Theatre, Back to the New Normal, What If?, and L’amour et la Mort. She has also performed Children’s operas The Three Little Pigs, The Billy Goats Gruff, Little Red’s Most Unusual Day, and this semester’s Jack and the Beanstalk, for elementary school kids all over the Charleston area. Molly has also been in the ensemble for Charleston Opera Theater in Grande Serenata, Don Giovanni, Serenata Italiana, and Elixir of Love. They would like to thank the whole Die Fledermaus team, CSO, and cast! You have all made this experience so memorable! To my parents and family who have always believed in me, I love you all so much, you have helped me make this dream possible!

Abigail Erin Oldstrom (Rosalinda/Ensemble) is a second year Artist in Residence with CofC Opera. She graduated from the College of Charleston in 2022 with a BA in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance. Past works performed with CofC Opera include Gianni Schicchi (Lauretta), Le Nozze di Figaro (Susanna), Die Zauberflöte (First Lady), and The Tales of Hoffmann (Antonia). She made her professional debut with Charleston Opera Theater’s Don Giovanni (Zerlina) in 2022, and will be taking part in Charleston Opera Theater’s upcoming performance of Master Class by Terrance McNally later this spring.

Logan Smith (Dr. Falke/Ensemble) Is a 5th year CofC student returning to the stage for his final performance with CofC Opera. Debuting as Sarastro in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, following with Coppelius and Dappertutto in Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann. He has had the great opportunity to cover both the Commendatore and Dr. Dulcamara in COTs productions of Don Giovanni and L’elisir D’amore. He would like to thank David Templeton for helping mold him into the musician he is today, along with the faculty and friends for an unforgettable experience.

Xandra Smith (Ensemble) is a freshman music major at the college with a concentration in vocal performance and a minor in linguistics. This is her first full scale opera and she would like to thank Dr. DeAthos-Meers for her support and the rest of the CofC Opera community for being such a big part of her college career thus far.

Chris Warzynski (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a Junior Theatre Major at the College with a double concentration in Performance and Scenic/Lighting. Chris was last seen at the College in CofC Stages’ The Pages Festival, In Love and Warcraft (Ryan), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Launce), and Center Stage’s Firebringer (Molag). During the summer, Chris traveled abroad in Japan and created a new interpretation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with the Yokohama Theatre Group. Back home, their play A Conversation was read during Piccolo Spoleto’s Under The Lights event. Chris is currently working on a new play and was the Lighting Designer for CofC Stages’ production of Pippin. Chris would like to thank their grandparents for not evicting them.

Abby Weeks (Ensemble) is a sophomore at the College of Charleston majoring in Arts Management with a minor in Theatre. She is thankful to be given the opportunity to be a part of her first Opera production. She would like to thank the creative team that brought Die Fledermaus to life, making her experience amusing and unique. 

Seth Younglove (Eisenstein/Ensemble) is a second year Artist in Residence with CofC Opera. He graduated from the College of Charleston in 2022 with a BA in both Music (Vocal Performance) and Theatre (Performance). Past works he has performed with CofC Opera include Gianni Schicchi (Marco), Die Zauberflöte (Tamino), and The Tales of Hoffmann (Hoffmann); along with Urinetown (Cladwell) with CofC Theatre and Dance. Some outside performances include Charleston Opera Theater’s Don Giovanni (Ensemble) and L’elisir d’amore (Ensemble).

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Land Acknowledgement: We would like to acknowledge that we are located on the traditional lands of the first people of Charleston: The Etiwan, Kiawah, Edisto Natchez Kusso, Santee, and Wassamassaw people (also known as Varner Town Indians). 

We acknowledge and honor all the indigenous people who lived, labored and were faithful stewards of the land. We express our deep gratitude for the land and continued faithful stewardship to the next seven generations. 

We also acknowledge the lives and labor of the Africans who were enslaved to build Charleston, South Carolina. 

On this campus and in this space, African and African-descended people used skilled labor in ornamental ironwork, historic architecture, and low country agriculture and food production. On behalf of the College of Charleston, we acknowledge the Black lives and labor that built our city and our campus.

Collaborative production of adored operetta Die Fledermaus to be performed by College of Charleston and Charleston Symphony

College of Charleston Opera and the College’s Department of Theatre and Dance (CofC Stages) will stage Die Fledermaus. Known as one of the world’s most beloved operettas, Johann Strauss’s Die Fledermaus tells the story of a practical joke with unintended consequences. Rife with mistaken identities, flirtation, seduction, and champagne, this farcical comedy has a captivating score sure to delight and enchant audiences of all ages.

Directed by Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre and 2015 alumnus Peter Spearman, College of Charleston’s production of Die Fledermaus “promises a good time for its characters, performers, and audience all at once,” comments Spearman.

With the task of choosing an opera to perform, Director of the College of Charleston Opera program Saundra DeAthos-Meers must consider many aspects of the production to decide which will be the perfect choice for the College. “…I make the difficult decision of choosing a mainstage opera every year to share the stage with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. This opera needs to be accessible, well-known, and singable for 18-to-23-year-old singers, not to mention you need to have the voices available to sing these challenging roles. Die Fledermaus is the perfect choice for this cohort,” she states.

This mischievous opera is a collaboration between the College’s Department of Theatre and Dance and Department of Music and is presented alongside musicians from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. DeAthos-Meers is the production’s associate director and Wojciech Milewski is the orchestra conductor. Under Spearman’s overall production direction, the College of Charleston will bring the jovial spirit of Die Fledermaus to the stage in February. 

DETAILS:  Performances of Die Fledermaus will take place at the Sottile Theatre (44 George St.), February 24 and 25 at 7:00p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $50, and includes discounts for CofC students, military/ veterans, seniors (60+), and youth (18 and under). Tickets can be purchased at George Street Box Office online at go.cofc.edu/opera, by emailing gsbo@cofc.edu, or by calling (843) 953-4726. Please note the earlier curtain time for evening performances of 7:00pm, as opposed to our conventional evening curtain time of 7:30pm.

Purchase tickets online by using one of the following links:

General audience

CofC student tickets

CofC faculty/staff tickets