ign atre rg.net - Randolph College

THEATRE DEPARTMENT FACULTY AND STAFF
Mace Archer, Chair, Acting/Directing
Kenan Burchett, Costume Design
Christopher Otwell, Design/Production
Ken Parks, Design
THEATRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTANTS
Chiamaka Asinugo ‘14
Kristen Hutchinson ‘14
Jerelle Morse ‘14
Dylan Shannon ‘16
Sonja Cirilo ‘15
Tori Lange ‘15
Lan Nguyen ‘14
Kendreck Williams ‘13
Hunter Gibson ‘15
Allison Michael ‘16
Ashley Peisher ‘15
Katherine Witt ‘15
SOCK & BUSKIN
President: Megan Hageman
Vice President: Christine Gnieski
Secretary: Ashley Peisher
Historian: Sonja Cirilo
Treasurer: Erin Vasta
Members
Michele Byers ‘15
Christine Gnieski ‘13
ǂ Brook McKelvey ‘14
Zara Sibtain ‘13
ǂ Rachel Story ‘14
Mara Amster *
Christopher Otwell*
Pam Risenhoover*
ǂAbroad in 2012-13
Sonja Cirilo ‘15
Megan Hageman ‘13
Lan Nguyen ‘14
Emily Sirney ‘14
Erin Vasta ‘15
Mace Archer *
Ken Parks*
Peter Sheldon*
ǂ Matthew Cornpropst ‘14
Emily Hood ‘15
Ashley Peisher ‘15
Christopher Staats ‘13
Kendrick Williams ‘13
Hiawatha Johnson Jr.*
Jim Peterson*
*Honorary Sock & Buskin Members
Coming Next
at Lynchburg College
at Sweet Briar College
The Pajama Game
Senior Dance Concert
Dead Man’s Cell Phone
Waiting for Godot
February 28 – March 3
April 11 - 14
RC Wildcat Theatre
February 22, 23
February 28 – March 3
At Randolph College
The Flavor Show
March 13, 14, 15
Spring Dance Concert
April 4 - 6
No Shame: Lynchburg returns March 22 & April 19
10:45 p.m. in the Lab Theatre (LG 203)
LynchburgTickets.com
JamesRiverArts.org
April 18 – 22
ArtsLynchburg.net
MUSIC AND LYRICS
By
ROBERT LOPEZ and JEFF MARX
Avenue
Q
BOOK
By
JEFF WHITTY
BASED ON AN ORIGINAL
CONCEPT By
ROBERT LOPEZ and JEFF MARX
Directed by Jim Ackley
Music Direction by Randy Speer
Orchestrations and Arrangements by Stephen Oremus
Scenic Design by Christopher Otwell
Costume Design by Kenan Burchett
Lighting Design by Ken Parks
Video Designers: Zach Rosing and Ben Phillippe
Stage Manager: Sarah Terlizzi ‘15
6006 Fort Avenue
Lynchburg VA, 24502
www.lynchburgmusic.com
(434) 237-0073
CAST
Princeton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jared M. Anderson
Kate Monster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grace Cummins ‘16
Brian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Connor Brown
Christmas Eve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lis Chacon ‘13
Rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelley Dudley
Nicky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyler Midkiff
Gary Coleman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beverly Owens
Trekkie Monster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rory Lee Washington
Lucy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Emily Sirney ‘14
Mrs. Thistletwat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Christine Gnieski ‘13
Bad Idea Bears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Ashley Peisher ‘15 & Lauren Mason ‘16
Ricky/Newcomer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Purrington ‘14
Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chelsea Fox ‘14, *Christine Gnieski ‘13, Lauren Mason ‘16
*Theatre Major
THE BAND
Keyboard 1: Randall Speer
Keyboard 2: Heather Bales
Guitar: Chris Cohen
Bass: Tim Echols
Percussion: Adam Fabirkiewicz
Sax: Ryan Woodhouse
Clarinet: Tyler Mones ‘15
~ There will be one fifteen minute intermission ~
Please turn off all cell phones and beepers.
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Lynchburg's premier music retailer, rental service, and music repair
facility is proud to support the performing arts both in Lynchburg and
abroad, and of course, The Randolph College Wildcat Theatre's
production of Avenue Q.
Break a leg cast, crew, and orchestra!
Lynchburg Music proudly carries:
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Schecter
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Soultone Cymbals
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Line 6
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American DJ
Eastman
D'adarrio
Dunlop
Martin
Avenue Q has not been authorized or approved by the Jim Henson Company or Sesame
Workshop, which have no responsibility for its content.
Avenue Q is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International
(MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th
Street, New York, NY 10019. Phone: 212-541-4684, Fax: 212-397-4684.
www.MTIShows.com
Video Elements in AVENUE Q ©2011 Zach Rosing Productions LLC; Indianapolis, IN
www.zachrosing.com
Since 1987
Taylor
Deering
Vic Firth
Evans
Pro Mark
Aquarian
Remo
Hal Leonard
Alfred Publishing
ESP
Pre Sonus
Snark
Kenan Burchett (Costume Design) is a graduate from the University of South
Alabama theatre department, with a degree in Technical Theatre with an emphasis
in Costume Design and Construction. He arrived at Randolph from St Louis, where
he made showgirl costumes and headdresses for Stages St Louis. Recent designs
include Uncle Vanya, and The Scene here at Randolph, and he looks forward to
working on Virginia Woolf.
Sonja Cirilo ’15 (Costume Crew Chief) is a sophomore BFA Theatre and BA Spanish
major. She was born and raised on the beautiful island of St. Croix, United States
Virgin Islands. She is a proud member of the Sock and Buskin theatre group. Her
most recent role was Yelena in Uncle Vanya. Sonja loves everything and everyone.
Break Legs everyone!
Michele Byers ’15 (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore theatre major. She
was Stage Manager for The Scene, ASM for Extremities, and props master for A
Midsummer Night’s Dream, Odd Couple, The Sound of Music, and Little Women
Tyler Mones (Master Electrician) is from Virginia Beach. This has been the first
year of theater for her, and many years are to come. Her major is theatre, and she
plans to concentrate in costume design, lighting design, and performance.
Sarah Terlizzi (Stage Manager) is a sophomore Political Science major with a
Spanish minor. She was assistant stage managed for A Midsummer’s Night Dream
and Uncle Vanya. She has also stage managed four shows in high school.
Emily Terlizzi (Assistant Stage Manager) arrived as Light Board Operator for The
Scene and was Assistant Stage Manager for Uncle Vanya.
Kathryn Wright (Sound) joins us for her third production at Randolph, helping to
break in our new digital sound control board.
Christopher Otwell (Scenic Design/Technical Director) is in his third year as
an Assistant Professor of Design and Production here at Randolph College. Some of
his scenic design credits include: The Scene, Spring Awakening, The Visit, and
Reckless here at Randolph College; as well as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The
Talented Tenth, and Palmer Park in Detroit, Michigan. Christopher and his wife
Tiffany have recently opened their own school, The Montessori Children’s House
here in Lynchburg, and welcomed the arrival of their first child, Anya Elizabeth
Otwell on Valentine’s Day.
Ken Parks (Lighting Design), is a scenic, costume, and lighting designer, and
directs and acts on occasion. He is an Associate Professor with the college and
serves as Managing Director for the theatre and teaches Lighting Design and
Design Studio.
Karen Speer (Puppet Master) is thrilled to be working with the cast and crew of
one of her favorite shows. She brings to Avenue Q over thirty years of puppetry
experience, including with the Jim Henson Workshops.
Randall Speer (Music Director) has directed music to eight Randolph College
productions, most recently Rocky Horror Show and Spring Awakening (Wildcat
Theatre), and Hecuba and Seven Against Thebes (Greek Play). He has been
privileged to lead Randolph students in performance at Carnegie Hall, and in
summer of 2013, in Greece.
Katherine Witt (Master Carpenter) is a sophomore intending to become a Theatre
major with a minor in Environmental Studies. This past semester, she worked on
both the Greek Play (Seven Against Thebes) and on the set and lights for Uncle
Vanya. She finds working in the Theatre Shop both very enjoyable and rewarding.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Technical Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher Otwell
Costume Shop Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kenan Burchett
Assistant Stage Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*Michele Byers ‘15, Emily Terlizzi ‘16
Puppet Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Speer
Puppets Design Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenan Burchett, *Christine Gnieski ‘15,
Brooke McKelvey ‘16, Babatunde Ajao ‘15
Sound Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathryn Wright
Master Carpenter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katherine Witt ‘15
Master Electrician. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tyler Mones ‘15
Costume Crew Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Sonja Cirilo ‘15
Puppet Crew Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Christine Gnieski ‘13
Properties Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ahsan Ford ‘13
Set Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chiamaka Asinugo, Pyin Bala, *Michele Byers,
*Sonja Cirilo, Ashton Ewers, Cynthia Ferguson, Nektaria Froelicher, Eddy
Gomez, Megan Hageman, Lindsey Hildebrandt, Scott Holthaus, Kristen
Hutchinson, Yasmine Ibrahim, Franziska Kostermyer, Yoana Kichukova, Tori
Lange, Kerry McMichael, Allison Michael, Jerelle Morse, Lan Nguyen, *Ashley
Peisher, Dominique Rose, Dylan Shannon, Corey Sindle, *Emily Sirney, Laura
Speake, Jordan Templin, Pachi Verdezoto, Coulton Watson, Kendreck Williams
Paint Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Hageman ‘13
Paint Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pyin Bala, *Michelle Byers, *Sonja Cirilo, Chelsea Fox,
Lindsay Hildebrandt, Yasmine Ibrahim, Michael Johnson, Yoana
Kichukova, Lauren Mason, Misa Mendez, Allison Michaels, *Ashley
Peisher, Erin Vasta, Ally Veaner, Kendreck Williams, Olivia Wray
Costume/Puppet Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alex Arana, Maryam Brown, Tory Brown,
*Michele Byers, Tony Cassell, Elsie Gomez, Yoana Kichukova, Lauren Mason,
Misa Mendez, Andrea Mewhinney, Tyler Mones, *Ashley Peisher, Karen
Speer, Emily Terlizzi, Cathy Touna, Patricia Verdezoto, Kendreck Williams
Lighting Crew. . . . . . . . . . . *Michele Byers, Angie Carilli, *Sonja Cirilo, Rachel Cox,
Brian Crosby, Kelsey Diehl, Kelsey Hammoura, Kym Hansard, *Ashley Peisher,
*Emily Sirney, Chris Staats, Brandon Stroble, Robert Villanueva, Olivia Wray
Light Board Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olivia Wray ‘16
Sound Board Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathryn Wright, Nektaria Froelicher ‘15
Follow spot operators . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dylan Andrew Shannon ‘16, Laura Speake ‘16
Run Crew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Cao ’16, Lindsey Hildebrandt ‘16
House Box Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meredith Humphries ‘12 & Elizabeth Delery ‘14
Poster/Program Cover Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Ashley Peisher ‘15
Headshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danielle Currier
*Theatre Major
Special Thanks
Rebekah Leo
Will
Dylan
Lynchburg Music Center
Hiawatha Johnson Jr.
Join our mailing list. Send an email to [email protected] to sign up.
Visit our Website: WildcatTheatre.com * Buy tickets online at LynchburgTickets.com
Musical Numbers
Act I
The Avenue Q Theme – Ensemble
What Do You Do With a B.A. in English / It Sucks To Be Me – Princeton, Brian,
Kate Monster, Nicky, Rod, Christmas Eve, Gary Coleman
If You Were Gay - Nicky, Rod
Purpose – Princeton, Moving Boxes
Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist – Princeton, Kate Monster, Gary Coleman, Brian,
Christmas Eve
The Internet is for Porn – Kate Monster, Trekkie Monster, Brian, Gary Coleman,
Rod, Princeton
A Mix Tape – Kate Monster, Princeton
I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today – Brian
Special – Lucy
You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want – Gary Coleman, Bad News Bears
Fantasies Come True – Rod, Nicky, Princeton, Kate Monster
My Girlfriend, Who Lives in Canada – Rod
There’s a Fine, Fine Line - Kate
Act II
There is Life Outside Your Apartment – Brian, Christmas Eve, Trekkie Monster,
Gary Coleman, Nicky, Lucy
The More You Ruv Someone – Christmas Eve, Kate Monster
Schadenfreude – Gary Coleman, Nicky
I Wish I Could Go Back To College– Kate, Nicky, Princeton
The Money Song– Nicky, Princeton, Ensemble
There’s a Fine, Fine Line (Reprise) – Princeton, Kate Monster
B.A. in English (Reprise) – Newcomer
For Now - Ensemble
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
People around the world immediately recognize Sesame Street, either
because we watched it as children or our children watched it every weekday
afternoon. On Sesame Street we took our first tentative steps into the “real world”
–learning our numbers, letters, and colors but also about friendship, diversity, and
tolerance. Avenue Q gently and lovingly – if not always respectfully – satirizes
Sesame Street; it’s a coming-of-age parable, satirizing the issues and anxieties
associated with entering adulthood. Its characters are very similar to those who
populate Sesame Street but they are now young adults, searching for their
"purpose" in life, and facing real-world adult problems with uncertain outcomes,
unlike the simpler problems and invariably happy resolutions faced by the
characters on Sesame Street. Much of the show's ironic humor arises from its
contrasts between childhood and adulthood, and between the children's TV world
and the real world. The play doesn’t make fun of Sesame Street; it simply looks at
what happens when Sesame Street kids grow up. The creators of Avenue Q
consider satire the highest form of flattery and their play is, in part, a salute to
Sesame Street and the folks who developed that groundbreaking television
program.
Back when I graduated from college with a BA in English, I had no idea
what came next. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to find my purpose in life,
I happily discovered teaching high school drama, which I did for 36 years. During
that career I frequently traveled to New York City, visiting with alumni and
checking out new plays that I might one day direct at my school. In 2003, after
watching about two minutes of the off-Broadway production of Avenue Q I did
something I rarely do as an audience member – I relaxed and enjoyed the show,
secure in the knowledge that I would never be able to that show at my school so I
didn’t have to watch it as a potential director sometime in the future.
Fast-forward 10 years and here I am directing one of my all-time favorite plays
with a cast comprised of college and community theatre actors – a totally new
adventure for me. It’s been a completely different experience for me so it’s not
possible or fair to compare my high school work with this one; nothing will ever
diminish my wonderful memories of working with high school students. But this
project has proved that you can teach an old dog new tricks and for that I thank
everyone involved for all the fun we’ve had together as we bring Avenue Q to you.
Our wish is that you have as much fun watching it as we’ve had bringing it to you!
Jim Ackley, director
The world premiere of AVENUE Q was presented by the Vineyard Theatre and The New
Group, New York City, February 2003. AVENUE Q premiered on Broadway at the Golden
Theater on July 31, 2003, produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller,
Vineyard Theatre and The New Group.
Musical Numbers
Act I
The Avenue Q Theme – Ensemble
What Do You Do With a B.A. in English / It Sucks To Be Me – Princeton, Brian,
Kate Monster, Nicky, Rod, Christmas Eve, Gary Coleman
If You Were Gay - Nicky, Rod
Purpose – Princeton, Moving Boxes
Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist – Princeton, Kate Monster, Gary Coleman, Brian,
Christmas Eve
The Internet is for Porn – Kate Monster, Trekkie Monster, Brian, Gary Coleman,
Rod, Princeton
A Mix Tape – Kate Monster, Princeton
I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today – Brian
Special – Lucy
You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want – Gary Coleman, Bad News Bears
Fantasies Come True – Rod, Nicky, Princeton, Kate Monster
My Girlfriend, Who Lives in Canada – Rod
There’s a Fine, Fine Line - Kate
Act II
There is Life Outside Your Apartment – Brian, Christmas Eve, Trekkie Monster,
Gary Coleman, Nicky, Lucy
The More You Ruv Someone – Christmas Eve, Kate Monster
Schadenfreude – Gary Coleman, Nicky
I Wish I Could Go Back To College– Kate, Nicky, Princeton
The Money Song– Nicky, Princeton, Ensemble
There’s a Fine, Fine Line (Reprise) – Princeton, Kate Monster
B.A. in English (Reprise) – Newcomer
For Now - Ensemble
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
People around the world immediately recognize Sesame Street, either
because we watched it as children or our children watched it every weekday
afternoon. On Sesame Street we took our first tentative steps into the “real world”
–learning our numbers, letters, and colors but also about friendship, diversity, and
tolerance. Avenue Q gently and lovingly – if not always respectfully – satirizes
Sesame Street; it’s a coming-of-age parable, satirizing the issues and anxieties
associated with entering adulthood. Its characters are very similar to those who
populate Sesame Street but they are now young adults, searching for their
"purpose" in life, and facing real-world adult problems with uncertain outcomes,
unlike the simpler problems and invariably happy resolutions faced by the
characters on Sesame Street. Much of the show's ironic humor arises from its
contrasts between childhood and adulthood, and between the children's TV world
and the real world. The play doesn’t make fun of Sesame Street; it simply looks at
what happens when Sesame Street kids grow up. The creators of Avenue Q
consider satire the highest form of flattery and their play is, in part, a salute to
Sesame Street and the folks who developed that groundbreaking television
program.
Back when I graduated from college with a BA in English, I had no idea
what came next. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to find my purpose in life,
I happily discovered teaching high school drama, which I did for 36 years. During
that career I frequently traveled to New York City, visiting with alumni and
checking out new plays that I might one day direct at my school. In 2003, after
watching about two minutes of the off-Broadway production of Avenue Q I did
something I rarely do as an audience member – I relaxed and enjoyed the show,
secure in the knowledge that I would never be able to that show at my school so I
didn’t have to watch it as a potential director sometime in the future.
Fast-forward 10 years and here I am directing one of my all-time favorite plays
with a cast comprised of college and community theatre actors – a totally new
adventure for me. It’s been a completely different experience for me so it’s not
possible or fair to compare my high school work with this one; nothing will ever
diminish my wonderful memories of working with high school students. But this
project has proved that you can teach an old dog new tricks and for that I thank
everyone involved for all the fun we’ve had together as we bring Avenue Q to you.
Our wish is that you have as much fun watching it as we’ve had bringing it to you!
Jim Ackley, director
The world premiere of AVENUE Q was presented by the Vineyard Theatre and The New
Group, New York City, February 2003. AVENUE Q premiered on Broadway at the Golden
Theater on July 31, 2003, produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller,
Vineyard Theatre and The New Group.
The Company
Jared M Anderson (Princeton) previously has appeared on the
Thoresen stage as Walter in The Rimers of Eldritch and Jack in The
Importance of Being Earnest. Other area roles include Mercutio
(Romeo and Juliet), Sergeant Trotter (The Mousetrap), Benedick
(Much Ado about Nothing), and Septimus Hodge (Arcadia). An IS
Systems Administrator with Areva, Jared is a Virginia Tech graduate
currently pursuing his MBA through Lynchburg College.
Connor Brown (Brian) is a graduate of Jefferson Forest High School
(12') and a transfer student at CVCC. Recent credits include Charlie
(Purlie- Little Town Players,) and Pseudolus (A Funny thing... Forum
- Jefferson Forest High.)
Lis Chacon ‘13 (Christmas Eve) is in her final year at
Randolph. This is her second production with WildCat
Theatre, as she was featured in last year’s production of
Spring Awakening. Lis will graduate with a degree in
Spanish and Economics.
Grace Cummins ‘16 (Kate Monster) is a first year at
Randolph College. She plans to major in music while getting her
masters in elementary education. This is her first time performing for
WildCat Theater although she performed in three musicals in high
school.
Kelley Dudley (Rod) toasts his fifth appearance on the Thoreson
Stage. His first was The Boyfriend over twenty years ago. He
recently appeared in Wolfbane’s The Tempest. Other Randolph
productions include Cabaret, The Robber Bridegroom, and
Splendora. The song in this play, “What Do You Do With A BA In
English”, strikes a chord with Kelley as that is what he has as well as
an MEd. He is honored to be appearing on stage with such a talented
cast and crew.
Chelsea Fox ’14 (Box/Ensemble) is a junior studying
Education and Music here at Randolph. She is very
involved in the Music department and also the Vice
President of the College's all-female a cappella group
"Songshine." This is her second Wildcat Theatre production
and has had a blast with this wonderful cast and crew.
Christine Gnieski ‘13 (Mrs. Thistletwat/box/Puppet Crew
Chief) is a Senior BFA Theatre Major and is excited to be
acting in her eighth show with Randolph College. Recent
credits include Uncle Vanya (Voinitsky), The Scene (Stella),
and Gypsy (Louise). She is thrilled to be closing out her
Randolph career with this spring’s amazing shows!
Rory Lee-Washington (Trekkie) is an accomplished athlete, and member of 7 Hills
Improv. Rory is excited to be returning to the stage in his third performance, after
bringing his improv skills to the stage for his musical debut in Wolfbane's
production of Bare (Zack). Other credits include Climbing the Mountaintop When
There is Nowhere Left to Walk (William Turner).
Lauren Mason ’16 (Bad Idea Bear) is a first-year at
Randolph College. She intends to be a Psychology major
with minors in Music and English. She is a member of
Voices, Circle K International, and Bridges. She is very
excited for her first show with WildCat Theater.
Tyler W. Midkiff (Nicky) is a Senior at Heritage High
School. Avenue Q is his second venture with Randolph
College, having performed as Ernst in last year’s
production of Spring Awakening. He thanks all of the cast
and crew for a wonderful run and some wonderful
memories along the way.
Beverly Owens (Gary Coleman) last appeared on stage as Tanya in
Wolfbane Production’s BARE. Her previous credits include
Storyteller in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Cerridwen in
Tempest, Liz in Chicago as well as various roles in RENT, Jekyll &
Hyde and Guys & Dolls. She is currently Director of 7 Hills
Improv and will appear as Chiffon in Little Shop of
Horrors this spring with 7 Hills Productions.
Ashley Peisher '15 (Bad Idea Bear) is a Theatre BFA aspiring to
become a costume designer. She recently played Sonja in Uncle
Vanya, a chorus member in Seven Against Thebes, Terry
in Extremities, and Schwartzy in The 25th Annual Putnam Country
Spelling Bee. She's loved the experience of working with the cast and
crew in this delightful show!
Ryan Purrington ’14 (Newcomer/Ricky) is a junior History
major. This is his first time performing in a show in theater and
he hopes that everyone enjoys Avenue Q!
Emily Sirney ’14 (Lucy) is in the great even class of
2014 as an English and Theater double major. She
is honored and thrilled to be a part of the
incredibly talented and warm Avenue Q family.
Recent credits include The Scene (Clea), Bug (RC) and Spring
Awakening (Illse.) For Mama, DD, Liggs, Boy-O, and Boon.

Jim Ackley (Director) retired last summer after 32 years as the Director of Drama
at EC Glass High School. During his career, the school won six Virginia Theatre
Association state championships, appeared in the state finals 19 times, and
performed five times on the Main Stage at the Educational Theatre Association
national convention. Under his direction, EC Glass represented the United States at
the Edinburgh (Scotland) International Arts Festival Fringe five times where they
always received critical acclaim and performed to sold-out audiences. In 1994, the
US Congress awarded the EC Glass Drama Department the “Young Writers and
Inventor’s Award” for the play they wrote on the AIDS crisis, Going Toward the
Light, which was premiered at the 1993 VTA conference and has been performed
by theatre companies all over the world. Jim was the first high school teacher to
serve as President of the Virginia Theatre Association 1988; he is currently
President-Elect of VTA. He has also been on the boards of directors of the
Southeastern Theatre Conference, the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, the CINEViews
Film Festival, and the Endstation Theatre Company.
The Company
Jared M Anderson (Princeton) previously has appeared on the
Thoresen stage as Walter in The Rimers of Eldritch and Jack in The
Importance of Being Earnest. Other area roles include Mercutio
(Romeo and Juliet), Sergeant Trotter (The Mousetrap), Benedick
(Much Ado about Nothing), and Septimus Hodge (Arcadia). An IS
Systems Administrator with Areva, Jared is a Virginia Tech graduate
currently pursuing his MBA through Lynchburg College.
Connor Brown (Brian) is a graduate of Jefferson Forest High School
(12') and a transfer student at CVCC. Recent credits include Charlie
(Purlie- Little Town Players,) and Pseudolus (A Funny thing... Forum
- Jefferson Forest High.)
Lis Chacon ‘13 (Christmas Eve) is in her final year at
Randolph. This is her second production with WildCat
Theatre, as she was featured in last year’s production of
Spring Awakening. Lis will graduate with a degree in
Spanish and Economics.
Grace Cummins ‘16 (Kate Monster) is a first year at
Randolph College. She plans to major in music while getting her
masters in elementary education. This is her first time performing for
WildCat Theater although she performed in three musicals in high
school.
Kelley Dudley (Rod) toasts his fifth appearance on the Thoreson
Stage. His first was The Boyfriend over twenty years ago. He
recently appeared in Wolfbane’s The Tempest. Other Randolph
productions include Cabaret, The Robber Bridegroom, and
Splendora. The song in this play, “What Do You Do With A BA In
English”, strikes a chord with Kelley as that is what he has as well as
an MEd. He is honored to be appearing on stage with such a talented
cast and crew.
Chelsea Fox ’14 (Box/Ensemble) is a junior studying
Education and Music here at Randolph. She is very
involved in the Music department and also the Vice
President of the College's all-female a cappella group
"Songshine." This is her second Wildcat Theatre production
and has had a blast with this wonderful cast and crew.
Christine Gnieski ‘13 (Mrs. Thistletwat/box/Puppet Crew
Chief) is a Senior BFA Theatre Major and is excited to be
acting in her eighth show with Randolph College. Recent
credits include Uncle Vanya (Voinitsky), The Scene (Stella),
and Gypsy (Louise). She is thrilled to be closing out her
Randolph career with this spring’s amazing shows!
Rory Lee-Washington (Trekkie) is an accomplished athlete, and member of 7 Hills
Improv. Rory is excited to be returning to the stage in his third performance, after
bringing his improv skills to the stage for his musical debut in Wolfbane's
production of Bare (Zack). Other credits include Climbing the Mountaintop When
There is Nowhere Left to Walk (William Turner).
Lauren Mason ’16 (Bad Idea Bear) is a first-year at
Randolph College. She intends to be a Psychology major
with minors in Music and English. She is a member of
Voices, Circle K International, and Bridges. She is very
excited for her first show with WildCat Theater.
Tyler W. Midkiff (Nicky) is a Senior at Heritage High
School. Avenue Q is his second venture with Randolph
College, having performed as Ernst in last year’s
production of Spring Awakening. He thanks all of the cast
and crew for a wonderful run and some wonderful
memories along the way.
Beverly Owens (Gary Coleman) last appeared on stage as Tanya in
Wolfbane Production’s BARE. Her previous credits include
Storyteller in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Cerridwen in
Tempest, Liz in Chicago as well as various roles in RENT, Jekyll &
Hyde and Guys & Dolls. She is currently Director of 7 Hills
Improv and will appear as Chiffon in Little Shop of
Horrors this spring with 7 Hills Productions.
Ashley Peisher '15 (Bad Idea Bear) is a Theatre BFA aspiring to
become a costume designer. She recently played Sonja in Uncle
Vanya, a chorus member in Seven Against Thebes, Terry
in Extremities, and Schwartzy in The 25th Annual Putnam Country
Spelling Bee. She's loved the experience of working with the cast and
crew in this delightful show!
Ryan Purrington ’14 (Newcomer/Ricky) is a junior History
major. This is his first time performing in a show in theater and
he hopes that everyone enjoys Avenue Q!
Emily Sirney ’14 (Lucy) is in the great even class of
2014 as an English and Theater double major. She
is honored and thrilled to be a part of the
incredibly talented and warm Avenue Q family.
Recent credits include The Scene (Clea), Bug (RC) and Spring
Awakening (Illse.) For Mama, DD, Liggs, Boy-O, and Boon.

Jim Ackley (Director) retired last summer after 32 years as the Director of Drama
at EC Glass High School. During his career, the school won six Virginia Theatre
Association state championships, appeared in the state finals 19 times, and
performed five times on the Main Stage at the Educational Theatre Association
national convention. Under his direction, EC Glass represented the United States at
the Edinburgh (Scotland) International Arts Festival Fringe five times where they
always received critical acclaim and performed to sold-out audiences. In 1994, the
US Congress awarded the EC Glass Drama Department the “Young Writers and
Inventor’s Award” for the play they wrote on the AIDS crisis, Going Toward the
Light, which was premiered at the 1993 VTA conference and has been performed
by theatre companies all over the world. Jim was the first high school teacher to
serve as President of the Virginia Theatre Association 1988; he is currently
President-Elect of VTA. He has also been on the boards of directors of the
Southeastern Theatre Conference, the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, the CINEViews
Film Festival, and the Endstation Theatre Company.
Kenan Burchett (Costume Design) is a graduate from the University of South
Alabama theatre department, with a degree in Technical Theatre with an emphasis
in Costume Design and Construction. He arrived at Randolph from St Louis, where
he made showgirl costumes and headdresses for Stages St Louis. Recent designs
include Uncle Vanya, and The Scene here at Randolph, and he looks forward to
working on Virginia Woolf.
Sonja Cirilo ’15 (Costume Crew Chief) is a sophomore BFA Theatre and BA Spanish
major. She was born and raised on the beautiful island of St. Croix, United States
Virgin Islands. She is a proud member of the Sock and Buskin theatre group. Her
most recent role was Yelena in Uncle Vanya. Sonja loves everything and everyone.
Break Legs everyone!
Michele Byers ’15 (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore theatre major. She
was Stage Manager for The Scene, ASM for Extremities, and props master for A
Midsummer Night’s Dream, Odd Couple, The Sound of Music, and Little Women
Tyler Mones (Master Electrician) is from Virginia Beach. This has been the first
year of theater for her, and many years are to come. Her major is theatre, and she
plans to concentrate in costume design, lighting design, and performance.
Sarah Terlizzi (Stage Manager) is a sophomore Political Science major with a
Spanish minor. She was assistant stage managed for A Midsummer’s Night Dream
and Uncle Vanya. She has also stage managed four shows in high school.
Emily Terlizzi (Assistant Stage Manager) arrived as Light Board Operator for The
Scene and was Assistant Stage Manager for Uncle Vanya.
Kathryn Wright (Sound) joins us for her third production at Randolph, helping to
break in our new digital sound control board.
Christopher Otwell (Scenic Design/Technical Director) is in his third year as
an Assistant Professor of Design and Production here at Randolph College. Some of
his scenic design credits include: The Scene, Spring Awakening, The Visit, and
Reckless here at Randolph College; as well as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The
Talented Tenth, and Palmer Park in Detroit, Michigan. Christopher and his wife
Tiffany have recently opened their own school, The Montessori Children’s House
here in Lynchburg, and welcomed the arrival of their first child, Anya Elizabeth
Otwell on Valentine’s Day.
Ken Parks (Lighting Design), is a scenic, costume, and lighting designer, and
directs and acts on occasion. He is an Associate Professor with the college and
serves as Managing Director for the theatre and teaches Lighting Design and
Design Studio.
Karen Speer (Puppet Master) is thrilled to be working with the cast and crew of
one of her favorite shows. She brings to Avenue Q over thirty years of puppetry
experience, including with the Jim Henson Workshops.
Randall Speer (Music Director) has directed music to eight Randolph College
productions, most recently Rocky Horror Show and Spring Awakening (Wildcat
Theatre), and Hecuba and Seven Against Thebes (Greek Play). He has been
privileged to lead Randolph students in performance at Carnegie Hall, and in
summer of 2013, in Greece.
Katherine Witt (Master Carpenter) is a sophomore intending to become a Theatre
major with a minor in Environmental Studies. This past semester, she worked on
both the Greek Play (Seven Against Thebes) and on the set and lights for Uncle
Vanya. She finds working in the Theatre Shop both very enjoyable and rewarding.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Technical Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher Otwell
Costume Shop Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kenan Burchett
Assistant Stage Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*Michele Byers ‘15, Emily Terlizzi ‘16
Puppet Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Speer
Puppets Design Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenan Burchett, *Christine Gnieski ‘15,
Brooke McKelvey ‘16, Babatunde Ajao ‘15
Sound Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathryn Wright
Master Carpenter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katherine Witt ‘15
Master Electrician. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tyler Mones ‘15
Costume Crew Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Sonja Cirilo ‘15
Puppet Crew Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Christine Gnieski ‘13
Properties Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ahsan Ford ‘13
Set Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chiamaka Asinugo, Pyin Bala, *Michele Byers,
*Sonja Cirilo, Ashton Ewers, Cynthia Ferguson, Nektaria Froelicher, Eddy
Gomez, Megan Hageman, Lindsey Hildebrandt, Scott Holthaus, Kristen
Hutchinson, Yasmine Ibrahim, Franziska Kostermyer, Yoana Kichukova, Tori
Lange, Kerry McMichael, Allison Michael, Jerelle Morse, Lan Nguyen, *Ashley
Peisher, Dominique Rose, Dylan Shannon, Corey Sindle, *Emily Sirney, Laura
Speake, Jordan Templin, Pachi Verdezoto, Coulton Watson, Kendreck Williams
Paint Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Hageman ‘13
Paint Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pyin Bala, *Michelle Byers, *Sonja Cirilo, Chelsea Fox,
Lindsay Hildebrandt, Yasmine Ibrahim, Michael Johnson, Yoana
Kichukova, Lauren Mason, Misa Mendez, Allison Michaels, *Ashley
Peisher, Erin Vasta, Ally Veaner, Kendreck Williams, Olivia Wray
Costume/Puppet Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alex Arana, Maryam Brown, Tory Brown,
*Michele Byers, Tony Cassell, Elsie Gomez, Yoana Kichukova, Lauren Mason,
Misa Mendez, Andrea Mewhinney, Tyler Mones, *Ashley Peisher, Karen
Speer, Emily Terlizzi, Cathy Touna, Patricia Verdezoto, Kendreck Williams
Lighting Crew. . . . . . . . . . . *Michele Byers, Angie Carilli, *Sonja Cirilo, Rachel Cox,
Brian Crosby, Kelsey Diehl, Kelsey Hammoura, Kym Hansard, *Ashley Peisher,
*Emily Sirney, Chris Staats, Brandon Stroble, Robert Villanueva, Olivia Wray
Light Board Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olivia Wray ‘16
Sound Board Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathryn Wright, Nektaria Froelicher ‘15
Follow spot operators . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dylan Andrew Shannon ‘16, Laura Speake ‘16
Run Crew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Cao ’16, Lindsey Hildebrandt ‘16
House Box Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meredith Humphries ‘12 & Elizabeth Delery ‘14
Poster/Program Cover Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Ashley Peisher ‘15
Headshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danielle Currier
*Theatre Major
Special Thanks
Rebekah Leo
Will
Dylan
Lynchburg Music Center
Hiawatha Johnson Jr.
Join our mailing list. Send an email to [email protected] to sign up.
Visit our Website: WildcatTheatre.com * Buy tickets online at LynchburgTickets.com
MUSIC AND LYRICS
By
ROBERT LOPEZ and JEFF MARX
Avenue
Q
BOOK
By
JEFF WHITTY
BASED ON AN ORIGINAL
CONCEPT By
ROBERT LOPEZ and JEFF MARX
Directed by Jim Ackley
Music Direction by Randy Speer
Orchestrations and Arrangements by Stephen Oremus
Scenic Design by Christopher Otwell
Costume Design by Kenan Burchett
Lighting Design by Ken Parks
Video Designers: Zach Rosing and Ben Phillippe
Stage Manager: Sarah Terlizzi ‘15
6006 Fort Avenue
Lynchburg VA, 24502
www.lynchburgmusic.com
(434) 237-0073
CAST
Princeton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jared M. Anderson
Kate Monster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grace Cummins ‘16
Brian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Connor Brown
Christmas Eve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lis Chacon ‘13
Rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelley Dudley
Nicky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyler Midkiff
Gary Coleman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beverly Owens
Trekkie Monster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rory Lee Washington
Lucy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Emily Sirney ‘14
Mrs. Thistletwat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Christine Gnieski ‘13
Bad Idea Bears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Ashley Peisher ‘15 & Lauren Mason ‘16
Ricky/Newcomer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Purrington ‘14
Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chelsea Fox ‘14, *Christine Gnieski ‘13, Lauren Mason ‘16
*Theatre Major
THE BAND
Keyboard 1: Randall Speer
Keyboard 2: Heather Bales
Guitar: Chris Cohen
Bass: Tim Echols
Percussion: Adam Fabirkiewicz
Sax: Ryan Woodhouse
Clarinet: Tyler Mones ‘15
~ There will be one fifteen minute intermission ~
Please turn off all cell phones and beepers.
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Lynchburg's premier music retailer, rental service, and music repair
facility is proud to support the performing arts both in Lynchburg and
abroad, and of course, The Randolph College Wildcat Theatre's
production of Avenue Q.
Break a leg cast, crew, and orchestra!
Lynchburg Music proudly carries:
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Epiphone
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Korg
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Mapex
Zildjian
Sabian
Soultone Cymbals
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JBL
Mesa Boogie
Line 6
Boss
Fishman
American DJ
Eastman
D'adarrio
Dunlop
Martin
Avenue Q has not been authorized or approved by the Jim Henson Company or Sesame
Workshop, which have no responsibility for its content.
Avenue Q is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International
(MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th
Street, New York, NY 10019. Phone: 212-541-4684, Fax: 212-397-4684.
www.MTIShows.com
Video Elements in AVENUE Q ©2011 Zach Rosing Productions LLC; Indianapolis, IN
www.zachrosing.com
Since 1987
Taylor
Deering
Vic Firth
Evans
Pro Mark
Aquarian
Remo
Hal Leonard
Alfred Publishing
ESP
Pre Sonus
Snark
THEATRE DEPARTMENT FACULTY AND STAFF
Mace Archer, Chair, Acting/Directing
Kenan Burchett, Costume Design
Christopher Otwell, Design/Production
Ken Parks, Design
THEATRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTANTS
Chiamaka Asinugo ‘14
Kristen Hutchinson ‘14
Jerelle Morse ‘14
Dylan Shannon ‘16
Sonja Cirilo ‘15
Tori Lange ‘15
Lan Nguyen ‘14
Kendreck Williams ‘13
Hunter Gibson ‘15
Allison Michael ‘16
Ashley Peisher ‘15
Katherine Witt ‘15
SOCK & BUSKIN
President: Megan Hageman
Vice President: Christine Gnieski
Secretary: Ashley Peisher
Historian: Sonja Cirilo
Treasurer: Erin Vasta
Members
Michele Byers ‘15
Christine Gnieski ‘13
ǂ Brook McKelvey ‘14
Zara Sibtain ‘13
ǂ Rachel Story ‘14
Mara Amster *
Christopher Otwell*
Pam Risenhoover*
ǂAbroad in 2012-13
Sonja Cirilo ‘15
Megan Hageman ‘13
Lan Nguyen ‘14
Emily Sirney ‘14
Erin Vasta ‘15
Mace Archer *
Ken Parks*
Peter Sheldon*
ǂ Matthew Cornpropst ‘14
Emily Hood ‘15
Ashley Peisher ‘15
Christopher Staats ‘13
Kendrick Williams ‘13
Hiawatha Johnson Jr.*
Jim Peterson*
*Honorary Sock & Buskin Members
Coming Next
at Lynchburg College
at Sweet Briar College
The Pajama Game
Senior Dance Concert
Dead Man’s Cell Phone
Waiting for Godot
February 28 – March 3
April 11 - 14
RC Wildcat Theatre
February 22, 23
February 28 – March 3
At Randolph College
The Flavor Show
March 13, 14, 15
Spring Dance Concert
April 4 - 6
No Shame: Lynchburg returns March 22 & April 19
10:45 p.m. in the Lab Theatre (LG 203)
LynchburgTickets.com
JamesRiverArts.org
April 18 – 22
ArtsLynchburg.net