Ragtime at Athens Theatre
Dates: (4/15/2022 - 5/8/2022 )
Athens Theatre |
838 East New York Avenue
Deland, 32721
Phone: 386-736-1500
Tickets: $26-$31
Young, Beautiful, Passionate, And Scandalous.
America In the Time of Ragtime.
Nominated for 13 Tony awards and winning the awards for Best Musical Score and Best Book of a Musical, this blockbuster was adapted from E.L. Doctorow s great novel Ragtime (a selection in Modern Library's list of 100 Best Novels).
Strikingly appropriate to our own difficult times, Ragtime uses three disparate families to evoke the dangerously dynamic forces transforming America just before World War I. The play’s ragtime, jazz, gospel, and ballad songs—30 of them in all—trace the once unimaginable sundering and merging of 3 families; one an upper-class, genteel, and sheltered white family; the second, a black family from Harlem who pursue a new kind of music and are pulled apart by fear and despair; and third, an impoverished and nearly starving Jewish immigrant father and daughter striving to reach the American dream. The musical’s explorations of how clashing racial, religious, social, and musical forces destroy some and transform others, eventually producing a hopeful American future, has moved and delighted a quarter century of audiences. Be sure to join them. This is a truly memorable show which cannot be missed.
BOOK BY TERRENCE MCNALLY, MUSIC BY STEPHEN FLAHERTY, LYRICS BY LYNN AHRENSBASED ON THE NOVEL, RAGTIME BY E.L. DOCTOROW
Run time: 2 hours & 45 minutes (plus a 15-minute intermission)
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Cast and Creative team for Ragtime at Athens Theatre
Cast
Meet the Athens Theatre's cast of "Ragtime"
https://athensdeland.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ragtime_MeetTheCast_Proof3-scaled.jpgAlicia Baith
Ensemble
is ecstatic to make her debut on the Athens Theatre stage in such an important show! She has previously been behind the scenes as a Spotlight Operator for several shows, her favorites being Ain’t Misbehavin’, Chicago and Elf. Alicia would like to thank her family and life-partner for always supporting and encouraging her to finally audition for a musical. She hopes you leave the theatre today with an appreciation for this story, and how it’s themes can be understood in the today’s world. Alicia hopes you enjoy this performance and come back for future shows!
Harrison Bitler
Little Boy*
is thrilled to be making his main stage debut at the Athens Theater. Previous theater credits include Olaf in Frozen, Jr. at the Ritz Theater, as well as Lollipop Guild/Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, Charlie Bradley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Fletcher Blake in Freaky Friday at Gateway Center for the Arts. Harrison is a sixth grader at Ivy Hawn Charter School of the Arts. Outside of school, he enjoys Scouting, video games, speed cubing, attending piano and voice lessons with Rockin’ Rossi Music Studio, and attending acting and improv classes at the Athens Youth Academy. Harrison wants to thank his parents for their support, Rebecca Rossi and Angelyn Rhode for the continued instruction and guidance, and Jason Newkirk for giving him a positive and fun start in community theater. *Appearing in Friday and Saturday Shows.
Dayla Carroll
Ensemble
is excited to be making her debut with Athens Theater. She is honored to be sharing this powerful story on stage with this community of talented individuals. Dayla’s Theatre Credits Include: Aida at Osceola Arts, Elf: The Musical at Orlando Repertory Theatre, Dreamgirls at Wayne Densch Performing Arts, and Mary Poppins at St. Luke’s Theater. Dayla would like to thank everyone in the Athens Theater family. Dayla’s journey on Instagram @_dayla_sings_
Brian Allan Chambers
Grandfather
is an Orlando-based actor who is excited to return to the Athens stage, having last been seen as the Narrator/Mysterious Man in Into the Woods. Other local credits include Herr Schultz in Cabaret at Theater West End, Joseph Pulitzer in NEWSIES: The Musical at The Henegar Center, Shylock in Something Rotten and Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical at Titusville Playhouse; Clarence in Miracle in Bedford Falls at the Orlando Repertory Theater, Pulitzer in NEWSIES: The Musical and Grandfather in Meet Me in St. Louis at Osceola Arts, Maurice in Beauty and the Beast and Morrie Schwartz in Tuesdays with Morrie at Theatre Winter Haven, Walt/Uncle Morty in It Shoulda Been You at The Studio Theater, Bellomy in The Fantasticks at The Studio Theatre/Victory Productions Summer in Residence, Mister in Sunday in the Park with George, Uncle Willie in A Philadelphia Story, Hives/Chandler in Animal Crackers and Hubert Dean in The Royal Family at Mad Cow Theatre, Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street and Spit in A Tennessee Walk at the Garden Theatre.
Isobel Cloudman
Little Girl*
is thrilled to be back on the Athens Stage. Isobel is a 6th grader at DeLand Middle School who is incredibly passionate about all things theatre. You may remember Isobel as Young Fiona in Shrek TYA and Molly in the Athens production of Annie. Isobel has also performed in Elf: the Musical, Mary Poppins, Seussical, Jr., Beauty and the Beast, and Hairspray, Jr. *Appearing in Friday and Saturday Shows
David Coalter
Father
is honored to be returning to the Athens Theatre! For over 35 years David has been singing, dancing and acting. His career has taken him to the Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, Sea World Orlando and The Holy Land Experience. Along with theater stages from Los Angeles, California to Central Florida, in such roles as Robert Martin - The Drowsy Chaperone, Harold Hill - The Music Man, Billy Flynn - Chicago, Sam - Mamma Mia, Cinderella’s Prince - Into the Woods and Frank Butler - Annie Get Your Gun. David would like to thank his wife, Tina, and sons, Aaron and Caleb, for their love, support and putting up with his need for attention.
David Coovert
Henry Ford/Ensemble
is kicking his theatrical side back into gear after a 10-year delay in production. David is a UCF graduate with a theatre minor and has performed in over 20 productions from middle school to college. His theatre credits include: Sideshow (UCF Conservatory Theatre), Ragtime (UCF Conservatory Theatre), Lend Me a Tenor (Plant City High School), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (PCHS), and Seussical the Musical (PCHS). This is David’s first test drive with Athens theatre and is thrilled to join this amazing cast and crew for the ride! David wants to thank his mom and Brandon for the constant support and for taking care of his dogs.
Janiece Deveaux
Sarah’s friend/Co-Dance Captain
is a college junior attending the University of Central Florida. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater with a Dance Minor. This is her debut production with the Athens Theatre, and she is very excited to be a part of a wonderful company. Her other credits include: Fabulation, or the ReEducation of Undine (Undine); Aida (Nehebka; U/S Aida); The Bodyguard (Female Ensemble; U/S Nicki Marron), and Godspell (Janiece). She would like to thank God and her family for their undying support and love.
Kelly Elisabeth Fagan
Emma Goldman
is happiest hiking a mountain trail in the green wood, splashing with her young aquatic therapy friends, folk dancing all over the world, and playing upon the stage. Kelly has been incredibly blessed with some enviable theatre roles as well as numerous accolades/awards. Amongst her favorite “friends” are Maria in The Sound of Music, Aldonza in Man Of La Mancha, Grizabella in CATS (Athens), Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Athens), Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly, Abigail Adams in 1776, The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Charlotte Haye in Moon Over Buffalo (Athens), Nancy in Oliver!, Princess Puffer in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Vivian Bearing in Wit, and Karen in Quilt: A Musical Celebration. Kelly dedicates this character to her dear father, Larry Fagan, who inspired an appetite for musical theatre within her. I love you Daddy. I miss you so.
Gabriel Garcia
Houdini/Willie Conklin
is a Central Florida based actor, director, educator and playwright. Gabriel is one of the founders/directors of Wildfire Players, and a dancer with Flamenco del Sol based in Oviedo. Previous performance credits include: Salvador Dalí (Hysteria), Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd), Rev. John Hale (The Crucible), Tom Wingfield (The Glass Menagerie), Mercutio (Romeo y Julieta), John Wilkes Booth (Assassins), and Oscar Wilde (Gross Indecency) among others.
Jot Gault
Ensemble
is excited to return to the Athens stage after a several season hiatus. Jot was last seen in Holiday Inn and in Preps Dance productions. While away, Jot worked with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy as an instructor in New York and Connecticut. Jot loves to be returning to the Athens family with such a wonderful cast in this production.
Joanna Gill
Ensemble
is thrilled to be making her debut at the Athens Theatre. She recently performed as a Waiter in Hello Dolly! at The Little Theatre in New Smyrna Beach. Before that, she performed as Ti Moune in Once on This Island and as Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof as a member of Seabreeze High School’s American Musical Theatre program. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their constant love and support!
Brianna Graf
Ensemble
is a BFA Musical Theatre Graduate from Florida Southern College. She has spent the majority of her professional career performing in Family Entertainment with companies like Walt Disney Entertainment, Universal Orlando, Legoland Florida, Feld Entertainment and RWS Entertainment Group to name a few. This is her first show at the Athens Theatre.
D’montrae Harris
Ensemble
is very excited to be returning to the Athens Theatre stage. Previous acting credits include Michael in Elf: the Musical, Donkey in Shrek The Musical, Simba in The Lion King, Jr, and Mr. Mayor in Seussical, Jr. D’montrae also dabbles in choreography, and has been dance captain in other Central Florida shows. A current student at DeLand High School, D’montrae involves himself in the Theatrical and Choral programs of DeLand High while also taking part in the drama club and music national honors society. He would like to thank his family and friends for the constant support and help along the way.
Aleisha Hild
Ensemble
is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she studied Theatre. She also spent time at Belmont University studying Vocal Performance. Aleisha has taught many private voice students, directed choirs, and is currently teaching music at an elementary school. Aleisha is trained in both Opera and Musical Theatre. Previous credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Mamma Mia (Ali), Master Class (Sophie) and 9 to 5. Other credits include Carrie the Musical (Miss Gardner), Titanic, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Sally), and Children of Eden (Eve). She is grateful to be returning to the Athens Theatre for her 4th show and to be working with this amazing creative team. She would like to thank her family for their unending support and never missing a performance.
Sheradin Jansen
Evelyn Nesbit
hails from the Chicago suburbs. She is a 2019 graduate with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Utah. Also, in 2019, she enjoyed performing at Lagoon amusement park, originating a role in Seance and in Smoke and Mirrors magic show, as a magician’s assistant. She relocated to the Orlando area in the late summer of 2019. Since the reopening of the public, she has been grateful to be so welcomed into the greater Orlando theatre community. This will be her debut performance with the Athens Theatre. Recently she has been seen at the Icehouse in Some Enchanted Evening and in Shady Business as the nightclub dancer, Mandy. Other recent credits include Miss Barley and other roles in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at Osceola Arts, and featured ensemble in Nine with Central Florida Vocal Arts. She gratefully thanks her parents, boyfriend, brother, and extended family, for their ongoing and unconditional support of her various endeavors.
Athena Jean-Étienne
Sarah
is excited to be making her Athens stage debut! Athena is currently finishing her final semester in the University of Central Florida’s BFA Musical Theatre program. She has been seen previously on the Theatre UCF stage as Stephie/Ensemble in Fabulation, or the Re-education of Undine, #14 in The Wolves, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, and Raylnn in Blood at the Root. Some of her local work includes The Ensemble Company’s Clybourne Park as Francine/ Lena, and The Wildfire Players production of Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street as Mrs. Lovett. Athena would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support and love.
Alisha Johnson
Ensemble
is excited to return to the stage. She has been seen in many Athens productions including All Shook Up as Sylvia, Arista in The Little Mermaid, Hairspray, Sister Act, the Musical and more. After taking some time away from the Theater to focus on getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from the University of North Florida and beginning her career in public relations, she is very excited to be back with the Athens family, and her creative roots. She also wants to thank her family for the constant love and encouragement.
Andrew G. Johnson
JP Morgan/Ensemble
returns to the Athens Theatre from playing Franklin Hart, Jr. in 9 to 5, Into the Woods (Wolf/ Stewart), and Franz Liebkind in The Producers. Andrew’s favorite professional credits include the third National Tour of 42nd Street, Bobby in Crazy for You at the Fireside Theatre, and Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain at Cumberland County Playhouse. Andrew was a graduate of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Professional Division and a soloist for the Sarasota Ballet, Dance Captain, Vocal Soloist/Dancer and Deputy Cruise Director for Crystal Cruises. Other Central Florida credits include Charlie in Bridges of Madison County with Theater West End, Robert in Don’t Dress for Dinner, and Buffalo Bill Cody in Annie Get Your Gun at the Icehouse Theatre. Thank you to my wife Lisa Renee, Breylon and Karionna for all your continued support.
Kadesh Lewis
Coalhouse
is extremely excited to be debuting at the Athens Theatre. You may have seen him spreading his Mama’s wisdom as Willard in Footloose or more recent as a Paco/muleteer in Garden Theatre’s Man of La Mancha. Off stage you can find Kadesh at his local theater, Theatre Winter Haven, building the sets and also as a scenic carpenter for entertainment complexes across the country. Kadesh would like to thank Tara and Shonda for this amazing opportunity and can’t wait for you to see this story with this amazing cast, production team, and crew!
Rey’Von Miller
Ensemble
Jack of all trades, Rey’Von Miller has loved the stage since he was little. Best known for his role in the hit TV show David Makes Man, Rey’Von is one of Orlando’s talented actors. Rey’Von can be found on instagram @reyvonmiller or working in theater, commercial and film projects.
Eric Raterman
Ensemble
is excited to be returning to the Athens Theatre stage again, last performing as Eddie in his second of four runs of Mamma Mia, and most recently as Houdini, the Three-Legged Man, and various other roles in Sideshow at the Henegar. Many thanks to Tara and the creative team for the opportunity, family and Friends, and audience for supporting the arts!
Jaidyn Richardson
Ensemble
is a Junior at DeLand High School and a member of Hillstreet Theatre, DeLand High Varsity Singers and Voicemale. He is also the Youth Liaison of Shoestring Theatre and a member of Shoestrings Board. He has performed in the 10th-11th Annual Young Artists Showcase and Young Frankenstein at Shoestring Theatre as well as Annie here at the Athens Theatre. He’s glad to be making his return to the Athens and is very grateful for everything that theatre as a whole has provided for him. Thank you for coming and SEE YOU ON STAGE!
Angelyn Rhode
Ensemble, Mother U/S/Co-Dance Captain
loves the Athens Theatre! You may have seen her onstage recently as Deb in Elf: the Musical, Stepmother in Into the Woods, Dora Bailey in Singing in the Rain and Dragon Puppeteer in Shrek TYA. Offstage, she was Music Director for Annie, The Lion King, Jr, and Aladdin, Jr. Angelyn wears A LOT of hats at the Athens Theater. As Youth Academy Manager, she spends her days teaching Voice, Improv, and more to the talented youth in our community. As Social Media Community Manager, you may see her running around, capturing video and photos at various events. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Angelyn moved to Orlando and spent 10 years working for Walt Disney World Entertainment while performing and teaching a various Centra Florida Theatres. She is the proud creator of Music for Melons, a group dedicated to raising funds for The American Cancer Society, and the current Entertainment Chair of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Orlando. She loves that through all of these experiences, Angelyn is able to pass along her love of arts to all ages.
Caleb Roberts
Ensemble
has been performing for over a decade. They graduated from Stetson University in 2021 with their Bachelors of the Arts in theatre arts. Recent credits include Hello Dolly! (Barnaby, New Smyrna Little Theatre), Elf: The Musical (Matthews, Athens Theatre), and Brighton Beach Memoirs (Eugene, New Smyrna Little Theatre). They would like to thank the amazing cast and crew, their family and friends, all of the teachers and instructors who have shaped them into who they are today, and their amazing fiancé. Enjoy the show!
Chris Siciliano
Ensemble
is excited to be back on the Athens stage. You may have seen him on this stage in Elf: the Musical, The Producers, Singin’ in the Rain, Guys and Dolls, A Christmas Story, the Musical and Jekyll & Hyde. He is an English teacher at Dr. Phillips High School and a performer at Pirates Dinner Adventure. Some of his favorite credits on other local stages include Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), The Sound of Music (Capt. Von Trapp), and The Full Monty (Harold). He would like to thank the production team for this opportunity and his unbelievably supportive wife, April, and all his family and friends for their love and support.
Becca Southworth
Mother
is thrilled to be back onstage at the Athens. Previous Athens roles include Patsy in Always Patsy Cline and Lady of the Lake in Spamalot. She has also had the pleasure of serving as Director for Some Enchanted Evening and Choreographer for Lion King, Jr. and Seussical, Jr. Other Central Florida credits include: Diana in Next to Normal, Becca in From Here (Orlando Fringe premiere), Laverne in Once I Laughed, and Betty Haynes in White Christmas. Becca holds a BA in Theatre from Rollins College, an MFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Florida, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Stetson University. She is currently a School Administration Manager at Lake Mary High School. Becca is honored to play the role of “Mother” in more ways than one. She would like to thank her incredibly loving and talented husband, Trevor, and her two girls, Lila (future star) and Rowan (future defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals). Her greatest role is being their mommy. Enjoy the show!
Lila Southworth
Little Girl*
is an 8-year-old student in second grade at Woodlands Elementary school. She is very excited to be doing her first show at the Athens Theatre. Her past roles include: Mayor’s daughter in Hello Dolly, Young Florence in Chess, Young Eponine in Les Misérables, and Ensemble in Frozen, Jr. Lila is thankful for everyone in every show she has ever done, especially Ragtime with her mother, Becca Southworth. She is also thankful for her father, Trevor Southworth and sister Rowan. She thanks her Aunt Kaka for encouragement. Lila is very excited about the show and hopes everyone loves it. *Appearing in Thursday and Sunday Shows
Jameson Stobbe
Younger Brother
is currently a Sophomore in UCF’s Musical Theatre BFA program and Burnett Honors College. He is thrilled to be a part of his first Athens theatre production, as this is also his first theatrical production outside the world of academia. Jameson’s Theatre UCF credits include: First Date (U/S Aaron, U/S Man 1), Songs of Inspiration Concert (Soloist), and Much Ado About Nothing (First Watchman, U/S Claudio). Some other favorite theatrical credits of his include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Leaf Coneybear), Noises Off (Frederick Fellowes), and The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe (Peter Pevensie). He wants to thank his Mom for her unconditional love and support in everything he does. You can find him and some of his work on his Instagram @jamesonstobbe.
Stelson Telfort
Booker T. Washington
is elated to be making his theatrical return in what is his Athens Theatre debut in their production of Ragtime. He was last seen in Orlando Shakespeare’s production of Richard II as Aumerle. His most notable credits include: Cory in Fences & Oshoosi Size in The Brothers Size (Mad Cow), and Othello in Othello (Osceola Arts), where he was nominated for Best Actor. Stelson would like to give thanks to his lord and savior, Jesus Christ, and to his support system for their unconditional love and encouragement.
Sophia Anne Treto
Ensemble
is thrilled to be returning to the Athens Theatre after being seen in their production of 9 to 5, the Musical (Ensemble). Sophia graduated with her Bachelors degree in Theatre from UCF where she performed in shows including The Street of Crocodiles, Bathshebas Psalms, and Intuitive Men. She has also directed numerous times for Project Spotlight at UCF including directing and producing The Butler Did It at the 2019 Orlando Fringe festival. Currently, Sophia is the head of the theatre department at the Youth Performing Arts Training Center where she teaches and directs acting and voice to kids of all ages. Sophia is also currently the choreographer for Aladdin, Jr. at Deltona Middle school! Sophia would like to say “All glory goes to God!” and give a huge thank you to her family and Val for their neverending support.
Gavin Waid
Tateh
Originally from Lake Wales, obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in 2013, and his masters of music from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2016. He has had the pleasure of performing as a soloist with organizations such as the Orlando Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, Opera Orlando, Madison Opera, Middleton Players Theatre, Central Florida Vocal Arts, and the Garden Theatre. Gavin is thrilled to be returning to his home at the Athens to perform this “bucket list” role in this poignant show. Gavin would like to thank – as always – his family and friends, both near and far, for their constant love and unwavering support. www.gavinwaid.com
Parker Williams
Little Boy*
is excited to make his Athens stage debut in Ragtime. He appeared recently as Omar in Aladdin, Jr. and as John in Fun Home at Theater West End. Additionally, he was cast in Frozen, Jr. and Moana, Jr. with Central Florida Community Arts. Parker loves to play drums and performs regularly with School of Rock-Oviedo. *Appearing in Friday and Saturday Shows
Creative Team
Meet the Athens Theatre's "Ragtime" Production Team
https://athensdeland.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ragtime_MeetThePT-scaled.jpgTara Kromer
Director
is thrilled to be returning for her 7th production with the Athens, and elated to be working with this amazing creative team on this epic and relevant story! Recent Directing credits include: Tick Tick Boom (Celebration Theatre Company), Fun Home (Theatre West End), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Orlando Rep), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Osceola Arts), Perfect Arrangement (Ensemble Company at Penguin Point), Driving Miss Daisy (Theatre West End; Orlando Critics Choice for Best Director of a Comedy and Best Show of the Season), Violet (Garden Theatre), It Shoulda Been You (Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol). Tara is also the resident Props and Puppetry Designer for Orlando Rep, where she also frequently directs. She is a member of AEA and an Associate Member of SDC. Keep an eye out for her upcoming production of Honky Tonk Laundry at the Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville! Please visit www.tarakromer.com for more info on Tara’s work!
Shonda L. Thurman
Associate Director
is happily making her Athens Theater directorial debut with one of her favorite musicals Ragtime. She first acknowledges that this piece of theater is sensitive and can cause some discomfort especially in the times we are living in, but it is also a celebration of what family can become if we see the beauty in our differences. In addition to being an on-stage performer, Shonda has begun to sharpen her director chops. Shonda has assistant directed for Beth Marshall Presents Play in a Day, Aristocats, Violet (Garden Theatre), and 101 Dalmatians (Orlando Repertory Theater). My role in telling this story is dedicated to the memories of my mother Sandra L Thurman and my grandmother Mazel Ramey and all the shoulders of the ancestors that paved the way. “I come as one but stand as 10,000”. ~Maya Angelou~
Myles Thoroughgood
Choreographer
has over 30 years of experience in the Dance and Entertainment industry as a Dance Educator, Choreographer, Director, Writer, Actor and Dancer. Myles is proud and excited to join the Athens Theatre family. He choreographed for Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and Discovery on TV. Thanks to Tara, Shonda and our talented cast and crew for their support and dedication.
Chris Endsley
Music Director
is a 30-year veteran Musical Director and frequent MD around Central Florida. Chris has served as Musical Director at Garden Theatre, Athens Theatre, Seaside Music Theatre, Rollins College, UCF, Daytona State College, Orlando Rep and Granbury Opera House. He has taught music in Volusia County Schools for 25 years and Organist/Choir Director of North Lake Presbyterian Church. Chris holds a BM from Baylor University and MM from Florida State University and is a proud member of AFM Local 389. Love to A, M, E, N!
Bill Warriner
Fight Director
has been a professional fight director for over 30 years. His work has been seen on nearly every stage in central Florida, at the Athens he helped bring the raucous madness of Clue to life. Currently Bill is also the resident fight director for Valencia Collage and Phantasmagoria. He was Given Special Recognition by the Orlando Sentinel for his work on 1984.
Michael S. Brewer
Scenic Designer
Michael is a 1987 graduate of Wright State University in theatre design and technology. He started working as a scenic artist in regional theatres, The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, La Jolla Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, Cleveland Playhouse. He is currently based in Ohio and has been designing for local theatres there. He has designed Guys and Dolls, A Christmas Story, Clue and Elf: the Musical and I love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. He hopes you enjoy Ragtime!
Annmarie Duggan*
Lighting Designer
is excited to return to the Athens Theatre after lighting Clue in 2021. Ms. Duggan has designed more than four hundred productions. Lighting credits include the OffBroadway production of Clue, The Musical (Players Theatre) Regional Credits: American Girl Place Theatre, Chicago, LA, and New York, Skylight Music Theatre, Maine State Music Theatre, Fulton Operas House, Pittsburgh Playhouse, and Potsdam Music Theatre— to name a few. Ms. Duggan is a Professor and Chair at the University of Pittsburgh; she teaches in the areas of Lighting Design and Stage Management. Ms. Duggan also works in application development for theatre professionals. More information about her design work and iPad applications can be found at www.amddesignonline.com *United Scenic Artists
Edd Gordon
Lighting Director/ATD
is happy to, once again, be working and designing in theatre. He recently moved back to Florida from Indiana, where he worked for Sweetwater as a lighting engineer. As a Florida native, he had no idea what cold actually felt like. He is super excited to be at the Athens Theatre, working with fun people, that are passionate about their jobs.
Lamar Hickley
Sound Designer/Director of Sound
has always been involved with Arts. Since the age of 8, he has acquired the skill to play multiple instruments and gained knowledge of sound reinforcement. He has over 20 years of experience as a Recording Engineer, in Live Mixing, and Music Production. In 2012, he received his AS degree in Music Production Technology and in 2014 his BAS in Business Supervision and Management. Lamar’s passions in the industry of audio granted him the “Most Outstanding Student” award in 2012. As a result, he was selected as the face of the Music Production Technology at Daytona State College. In 2016 Lamar was introduced to the Athens’ family and is honored to have his company “Kevin Majestic Productions” responsible for ensuring all the audio needs are met with nothing but the best sound and quality!
Frank Ramirez
Production Manager/PSM
is excited to be celebrating his fifth season with the Athens Theatre. Directing credits here at the Athens include Arsenic & Old Lace, Always…Patsy Cline, 9 to 5, Mamma Mia! And the recent smash hit CLUE, for which he has received the Best Direction of a Play from Broadway World Regional Awards Orlando. In the past, Frank has served as Company Manager for Heather Henson’s IBEX Puppetry, Assistant Company Manager/Resident Stage Manager for the Tony Award-Winning Broadway Producing/ General Management company Martian Entertainment and Resident Production Stage Manager for Seaside Music Theatre, Community Performance Series, Crane Opera Ensemble, and Potsdam Music Theatre. Broadway, Off-Broadway, and National Tour credits include Puppet Palooza, Flight: on Earth, in Sky, Altar Boyz, The Musical of Musicals, Naked Boys Singing! Christine Jorgensen Reveals. Touring credits include Jim Henson’s Singalong with The Muppet Movie, Labyrinth Singalong, Les Miserable, Les Miscellaneous, and Million Dollar Quartet.
Grace Locklin
Stage Manager
This is Grace’s 19th show at the Athens Theatre. Some of her various credits include Stage Managing I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Mamma Mia, Jerry’s Girls, Seussical Jr. and Assistant Stage Managing Holiday Inn, Singing in The Rain and 9 to 5. She would like to thank the amazing production team and cast who have been nothing but delightful to work with.
Tamara Marke-Lares
Resident Costume Designer
is a Sculptor, Painter, Printmaker, and Creature Marionette maker. She has been designing costumes freelance for 19 years. She has designed for Dance, Ballet, Opera and Cirque productions, as well as numerous collaborative and solo productions. Some favorite costume credits include: Shrek!, Elf, Clue, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Jerry’s Girls, Chicago, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged, James and the Giant Peach, Guys and Dolls, Into the Woods, The Wedding Singer, Jekyll & Hyde, The Lion King, Jr., and The Producers. This is her sixth season with the Athens Theatre. Tamara spends her days creating art and costumes while being amazed by her two crazy talented children.
Tori Oakes
Scenic Builder/Production TD
is Central Florida based technical director and scenic designer. She is, as always, happy to be working at the Athens Theatre again. Previous designs at the Athens include: Shrek TYA Version, Elf, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, The Fantasticks!, 9 to 5, Into the Woods, The Producers, Jekyll & Hyde, The Wedding Singer, Oklahoma!, Arsenic & Old Lace, Aladdin, Jr., Sister Act, Driving Miss Daisy, James and the Giant Peach, A Christmas Carol, The Addams Family, Cabaret, and White Christmas. Tori is the owner of Misfit Toys Theatrical LLC, an Orlando based production company that, in addition to building scenery for Athens Theatre productions, provides various scenic and properties services for a number of theatrical organizations from Central Florida to New England. Tori holds an MFA in theatre from the University of Central Florida.
Renee Padell
Props Master
is thrilled to join the Athens Theatre family for Ragtime. She has been involved in theatre since she was young, and continued through high school where she was a producer and the head of the paint crew. She pursued production design at Savannah College of Art and Design and spent the summer at a local theatre as a props intern. Her experience spans theatre, film, and themed entertainment. Renee currently works as a scenic decorator at Universal and as a prop maker at Orlando Repertory.
Bonnie Sprung
Scenic Charge Artist
is very happy to be back with Athens Theater after scenic painting for Clue, Elf: the Musical and most recent I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Bonnie has a BA from Hofstra University in Set Design and Graphics, along with her AA from Valencia Community College in Fine Art. She has done set design, scenic painting, make-up and stage management for over 200 shows in Orlando and New York. She worked as Set/Scenic designer for the BCC Summer Fine Arts program and the JCC Center Players. Stage Manager, Sound and Graphics for Summer Winds Theatre. She has also designed for GenY Productions, First Academy Middle and High School, Westridge Middle School, Boone High, Lake Brantley High, Central Florida Community Arts and JCC Youth Academy. Bonnie is currently the head scenic charge at UCF. Some of her nominated designs include, Cabaret, The Flick, Bat Boy the Musical and Jane Eyre the Musical. Bonnie has over 25 yrs. experience in curating, judging various art exhibits and thespian competitions. She is a member of the Women’s Caucus for Art and is a past president of the FL chapter. Currently she is on the Seminole Cultural Arts Council Board. Bonnie has shown her fine artwork and has received several awards. www.BonnieSprung.com.
Amy Uppercue
Costume Shop Manager
has been working behind the scenes at the Athens Theatre since 2011, and has loved being a part of all the magic that has been created on our stage. Previous costume design credits include The Little Mermaid, Jr., A Year with Frog and Toad, Legally Blonde: the Musical, and Footloose. In addition to running the Athens Costume Shop, Amy is also a teaching artist for the Athens Theatre Youth Academy. Amy and her husband have three little ladies that are their biggest blessing and greatest joy. Enjoy the show!
Craig Uppercue
Artistic Director
Janiece Deveaux
Co-Dance Captain/Sarah’s friend
is a college junior attending the University of Central Florida. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater with a Dance Minor. This is her debut production with the Athens Theatre, and she is very excited to be a part of a wonderful company. Her other credits include: Fabulation, or the ReEducation of Undine (Undine); Aida (Nehebka; U/S Aida); The Bodyguard (Female Ensemble; U/S Nicki Marron), and Godspell (Janiece). She would like to thank God and her family for their undying support and love.
Angelyn Rhode
Co-Dance Captain/Ensemble, Mother U/S
loves the Athens Theatre! You may have seen her onstage recently as Deb in Elf: the Musical, Stepmother in Into the Woods, Dora Bailey in Singing in the Rain and Dragon Puppeteer in Shrek TYA. Offstage, she was Music Director for Annie, The Lion King, Jr, and Aladdin, Jr. Angelyn wears A LOT of hats at the Athens Theater. As Youth Academy Manager, she spends her days teaching Voice, Improv, and more to the talented youth in our community. As Social Media Community Manager, you may see her running around, capturing video and photos at various events. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Angelyn moved to Orlando and spent 10 years working for Walt Disney World Entertainment while performing and teaching a various Centra Florida Theatres. She is the proud creator of Music for Melons, a group dedicated to raising funds for The American Cancer Society, and the current Entertainment Chair of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Orlando. She loves that through all of these experiences, Angelyn is able to pass along her love of arts to all ages.
SUBMIT UPDATES
Videos
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The Full Monty
Athens Theatre (2/28 - 3/23) | |
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HAMLET
Valencia College (2/15 - 2/22) | |
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Dragons Love Tacos: The Musical
Orlando Family Stage (2/3 - 3/9) COMEDY
PHOTOS
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The Bikinis
The Winter Park Playhouse (1/24 - 2/22) | |
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Beatrice + Benedict / Cavalleria Rusticana
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (4/25 - 4/27) | |
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Love Letters
University Universalist Unitarian Fellowship (3/1 - 3/1) | |
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The Full Monty
Athens Theatre (2/28 - 3/23) | |
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MJ
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (3/4 - 3/16) | |
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The Lion King
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (4/23 - 5/18) | |
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