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SANTA MONICA’S MORGAN-WIXSON THEATRE PROUDLY PRESENTS
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell BenjaminBook by
Heather Hach
Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
motion picture.Legally Blonde is presented by special arrangement
with Music Theatre International.
All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI.421 W.
54th St, New York, NY 10019 PH:212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684
www.MTIShows.com
June 27th ~ August 1stDinner and a show? What a great idea!
And it’s only three blocks away...
2424 Pico Blvd. 2420 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 Santa
Monica, CA 90405 310 581-9888 310 581-4201www.josierestaurant.com
www.nextdoorbyjosie.com
http://www.josierestaurant.com/http://www.nextdoorbyjosie.com/
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The Cast Elle Woods Katie McConaughy Emmett Forest Brandon
Stanford Warner Huntington III Christopher Tiernan Vivienne Alicia
Reynolds Brooke Wyndham Lauren Blair Professor Callahan Michael
Heimos Paulette Angelica Roqué Kyle/Ensemble Steven Weber Pilar Amy
Coles Serena Brittany Sindicich Margot Nicole Stier
Kate/Judge/Greek Chorus/Ensemble Eileen O’Donnell Enid
Hoopes/Ensemble Annie Claire Hudson Aaron Cohen/Ensemble Scott
Senior Sandeep/Carlos/Ensemble Frankie Rodriguez Grandmaster
Chad/Nikos/Ensemble Steven Flowers Greek Chorus/Ensemble Holly
Childers Greek Chorus/Ensemble Cece McLennan
Dad/Winthrop/Dewey/Ensemble Spencer Johnson Mom/Leilani/District
Attorney/Ensemble Traci Lazarowitz Chutney/Whitney/Ensemble
Jennifer Nibbelink Lowell/Ensemble Marc Ostroff
Pforzheimer/Ensemble Daniel Koh Kiki/Ensemble Alex Pierdant
Ensemble James Olivas Ensemble Christian Soto Ensemble Robin
Twitty
The Understudies
Paulette Understudy (6/26, 7/17, 7/18, 7/24) Shaina Zalma
Ostroff Pilar Understudy (6/26-29) Elizabeth Eden Understudy for
Daniel Koh (7/17-19) Chandler David
There will be one Fifteen-minute intermission.
LIVE THEATRE! THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT!!!
Audience Talk Backs
Friday, July 10th and Sunday, July 19th
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SANTA MONICA’S MORGAN-WIXSON THEATRE PROUDLY ANNOUNCES OUR
2015 ~ 2016 SUBSCRIPTION SEASON
CINDERELLA WALTZ By Neil LaBute
September 26th thru October 18th
PRIVATE EYES By Steven Dietz
January 16th thru February 7th
ALL SHOOK UP! Book by Joe Dipietro
Inspired by and featuring the songs of ELVIS PRESLEY ®
March 5th thru April 2nd, 2016
THE FORIGNER By Larry Shue
April 30th ~ May 22nd, 2016
THE ADDAMS FAMILY “THE MUSICAL”
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice Music and Lyrics by
Andrew Lippa
Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams
June 25th thru July 30th, 2016
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The StaffProducer MEREDITH WRIGHTDirector/Musical Director ANNE
GESLINGChoreographer LAUREN BLAIRSound Design BOB MARINOSet Design
TOM BROWNLighting Design WILLIAM WILDAYCostume Design KRISTIE
RUTLEDGEStage Manager LARRY GESLINGDance Captain HOLLY CHILDERSProp
Design MEREDITH WRIGHTLight Board Operator SUE EBERTSound Board
Operator ZOE LESSERBackstage Crew HAVEN HARTMAN-BRISCOE,
CHANDLER DAVID, CARAGH TIERNANGraphic Design LINDA BAER Program
Design LARRY GESLING
SANTA MONICA’S MORGAN-WIXSON THEATRE STAFFTechnical Director
WILLIAM WILDAYBox Office Managers TAYLOR PYLES
HAVEN HARTMAN-BRISCOE, CHRISTIAN SOTO
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Act One – Musical Numbers Overture Orchestra Omigod You Guys
Elle, Serena, Margot, Pilar & Company Serious Elle & Warner
Daughter of Delta Nu Serena, Margot, Pilar & Company What You
Want Elle, Serena, Margot, Pilar, Kate, Elle's Parents, Grandmaster
Chad & Company The Harvard Variations Emmett, Aaron, Enid,
Padamadan & Harvard Students Blood in the Water Callahan,
Aaron, Enid, Elle, Vivienne & Company Positive Elle, Serena,
Margot, Pilar & Greek Chorus Ireland Paulette Ireland (Reprise)
Paulette Serious (Reprise) Elle & Warner Chip on My Shoulder
Elle, Emmett & Greek Chorus Run Roscoe Run Elle & Emmett So
Much Better Elle, Greek Chorus & Company
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SANTA MONICA’S MORGAN-WIXSON THEATRE’S
Gift Certificates make Great Gifts!Get them at our Box Office
Wed. ~ Sat. 4 to 7pm
310-828-7519
Act Two – Musical NumbersEntr'acte OrchestraWhipped Into Shape
Brooke, Callahan & CompanyDelta Nu Nu Nu Brooke & ElleTake
It Like a Man Elle & EmmettBend And Snap Elle, Paulette,
Serena, Margot, Pilar,
Greek Chorus, Bend & Snap Guys & SalonfolkThere! Right
There Elle, Callahan, Emmett, Brooke, Enid,
Vivienne, Warner, Judge, Nikos, Carlos & CompanyLegally
Blonde Elle & EmmettLegally Blonde Remix Vivienne, Elle, Enid,
Brooke,
Elle's Parents & CompanyScene Of The Crime Elle, Judge,
Serena, Margot,
Pilar & CompanyFind My Way/Finale Elle, Paulette, Emmett
& CompanyBows Orchestra & Company
LIVE THEATRE! THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT!!!
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Cast BiosLauren Blair (Brooke Wyndham / Choreographer) has been
teaching dance for 17 years and has choreographed over 30 musicals,
including MWT's WHITE CHRISTMAS (NYA Award), THE PRODUCERS (Ulla),
SPRING AWAKENING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (NYA Award) and SPAMALOT.
Lauren earned her M.A. in Theatre Arts and Dance from CSULA in
2013, and has been employed as theatre faculty choreographer at
Santa Monica College since 2009. Many thanks to Anne and our
hardworking cast and crew, and to husband Jonathan for all of his
support!
Roscoe Briscoe is a brown dog that was destined for a career in
the arts, as his parents are both professional photographers. He
was found wandering the mean streets of Pacoima in 2010 and since
then has graced the pages of Nordstrom and Lands’ End catalogs, and
just recently was photographed for a major pharmaceutical campaign.
Roscoe loves nothing more than going to the dog park and
bugging
his brother, a 16-year-old cat named Cow. He’s sorry for the
nepotism – his mom is a board member here at the MWT. He would like
to thank Anne for changing his character name to make things
easier. This is his first musical.
Holly Childers (Ensemble) Holly got her musical theater start at
the MWT at age 7. MWT productions include WEST SIDE STORY, CHICAGO
and THE PRODUCERS. Other favorite theater performances include
Mabel in PIRATES OF PENZANCEand Amber in HAIRSPRAY. Thanks to the
cast and crew and especially my fiancé Steve for making this summer
unforgettable!
Amy Coles (Pilar) was most recently on the MWT stage as Diana in
NEXT TO NORMAL" so she is excited to bend & snap in something
sillier this summer. Recent roles include The Baker's Wife (INTO
THE WOODS), Lady of the Lake (SPAMALOT)and Logainne (26TH ANNUAL
PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE). Rooting for UCLA may be her toughest
role yet as she is a proud USC alum and football fan. Thanks to BVD
for putting up with my crazy schedule!
Chandler David (Understudy for Daniel Koh (7/17-19)) is thrilled
to be making his MWT main stage production debut. He has been
performing with the theatre’s youth program, Y.E.S. for the past 6
years. He is excited to have this opportunity. He thanks Anne,
Lauren, Meredith, and everyone involved in this production for
their hard work.
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Our Gallery ArtistBarbara Mendes studied art throughout her
youth in NYC; then published stories and covers in Underground
Comix under the name "Willy Mendes". She developed her style of
brilliantly colored narrative paintings, epic in detail and scale,
and has exhibited them in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Florida,
and Tel Aviv. Her Biblical murals are permanently displayed in
Jerusalem and Florida. The artist's Los Angeles studio/gallery,
open to the public, is known for the "Angel Mural" etc. on the
outdoor walls. The 6 ft. x 16 ft. "Vayikra Mural" (oil-on- canvas,
2009), illuminating each of 859 verses in the Book of Leviticus,
along with paintings from tiny to huge, from Rasta to Torah, are
available for sale. More info:
www.facebook.com/BarbaraMendesGallery, www.BarbaraMendes.org,
MendesArt on Twitter, "FineArtBarbaraMendes" on Youtube, and google
"Willy Mendes"!
GET CONNECTED WITH Behind-the-scenes Info / Videos &
interviews / Special offers
Become a fan at facebook.com/morganwixson
Preview our shows at youtube.com/morganwixson
Follow us at twitter.com/morganwixson
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Cast Bios (Continued)Elizabeth Eden (Pilar Understudy (6/26-29))
is excited to be a part of one of her favorite shows, LEGALLY
BLONDE. She recently appeared as Susan in COMPANY (Cabrillo
Theatre) & in LES MISERABLES (Musical Theatre West & La
Mirada Theatre). Some of her favorite roles include Val in A CHORUS
LINE, Ulla in THE PRODUCERS, Margaret in LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA &
Sandy in GREASE. She can most recently be seen on the FOX
television series Rake, as the Mayor's assistant. Elizabeth has a
degree in Musical Theatre from Belmont University in Nashville,
TN.
Mad props to her fiancé Nick, Taylor, Nancy & family. OMIGOD
YOU GUYS!
Steven Flowers (Ensemble) was last on stage with these peeps in
the MWT's 2014 production of THE PRODUCERS, and is jazzed to be all
about that pink this summer. Now, stop reading this and get back to
the show!
Spencer Johnson (Dad/Winthrop/Dewey/Ensemble) is ecstatic to be
back on the MWT stage since last playing Sir Lancelot in SPAMALOT
and Perchik in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Kentwood Players. Love to the
'rents for supporting this silly acting ride, all the new friends
over the last few years making LA a fun place to live, adorable
Corgi videos and, most importantly, hot sauce.
Michael Heimos (Professor Callahan) is pleased to return to the
MWT stage having previously sung and danced his way across the
boards as Caldwell B. Cladwell in URINETOWN, Zach in A CHORUS LINE,
Vice-Principal Panch in SPELLING BEE, and Judge Turpin in SWEENEY
TODD. Other roles include: Koko in THE MIKADO, Dalton/Horseman in
EQUUS, and the Priest in BARE. Love and gratitude to my friends and
family who support and encourage me every day….and to André :* for
teaching me what love really is. My heart is full. -
michaelheimos.com
Annie Claire Hudson (Enid Hoops) is thrilled to be in this
production of LEGALLY BLONDE. This is her 3rd show at the MWT, she
also played Shirley in THE PRODUCERS and Anna in SPRING AWAKENING.
Some of her favorite roles include Marcy Park in THE 25TH ANNUAL
PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE andLucy Van Pelt in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN,
CHARLIE BROWN. Annie has recently graduated from the University of
Delaware with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications and
a minor in
Theatre Performance Studies.
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Cast Bios (Continued)
Daniel Koh (Pforzheimer/Ensemble) is delighted to be a part of
this wonderful cast in his second MWT production! He has worked
onstage in Singapore, Washington, Connecticut and Florida; favorite
past productions include CHILDREN OF EDEN (Abel), OUR TOWN (Doc
Gibbs) and TOSCA (Spoletta). He is currently the Performing Arts
Department Chair at Marymount High School. Traci Lazarowitz
(Mom/Leilani/District Attorney/Ensemble) has a B.A. in Theatre and
Communications from Muhlenberg College. She’s thrilled to be back
on the MWT stage after performing in AVENUE Q! Favorite roles
include: Irene in CRAZY FOR YOU, Ronnette in LITTLE SHOP OF
HORRORS, and Vee in ORPHEUS DESCENDING. Special thanks to her
family, friends, and Peter for their love and support. Katie
McConaughy (Elle Woods) is delighted to be Blonde! She spent two
years traveling the world and singing for Silversea Cruises.
Favorite credits include LES MISERABLES (MTW), SOUTH PACIFIC (MTW),
Gloria in BYE, BYE BIRDIE, Miss Jolene Oaks in DIRTY ROTTEN
SCOUNDRELS, JEKYLL AND HYDE, CABARET, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS
WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, and BRIGADOON. Thank you Alex for supporting
me and so much pink! Celia “Cece” McLennan (Greek Chorus/Ensemble)
began her love affair with musical theater in primary school. At
twelve she was cast in the lead role of “Mille”, in the Adderley
Repertory Company production of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLE. Since then
she has appeared in over fourteen plays and musicals, including
GYPSY, THE BOYFRIEND, CHICAGO, INNOCENTS CRUSADE, INTO THE WOODS,
TOMMY, WHITE CHRISTMAS, and now LEGALLY BLONDE. Cece will be
attending Boston Conservatory this year to study Musical Theater.
Jennifer Nibbelink (Chutney/Whitney/Ensemble) has just graduated
from the University of Southern California with a major in
Cognitive Science, a minor in Marketing and a minor in Film.
Jennifer spent her childhood doing musical theater, with roles
including Lily St. Regis in ANNIE, Kim in BYE, BYE BIRDIE, Alice in
ALICE IN WONDERLAND, etc. and is happy to be returning to the MWT
stage! Jennifer is currently pursuing a career in freelance music
video & commercial producing.
Bring a friend you’re our best Advertisement!
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Cast Bios (Continued)Eileen O’Cherry Donnell (Kate/Judge/Greek
Chorus/Ensemble) "Omigod this is happening" 'screlted' Eileen
Cherry O'Donnell (Kate, Judge & Greek Chorus) as she handed in
her pink and scented resume to the LEGALLY BLONDEteam at MWT! "This
is my favorite musical" she 'squealed'. When not rehearsing her
sixth show at the "MWT" she can be found choreographing four
musicals a year at El Segundo's youth drama program or most likely
eating cheese. Her favorite credits include Mitch Mahony in the
Gender Swap Concert at
Color and Light Theatre, tapping in 42nd STREET, singing with
Jason Robert Brown (USC), or Elphaba on Broadway. Look for her this
fall in Crazy-Ex Girlfriend on the CW.
James Olivas (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in LEGALLY
BLONDE at the MWT! In the past, he has performed in SPAMALOT, THE
PRODUCERS, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR., where he played the
arrogant Gaston. Off stage, he’s a musician who plays the trumpet,
guitar, piano, and ukulele and he just recently received his Eagle
Scout rank. He thanks his family, Anne, and Lauren for all the
support, but especially to his sister who had to write this bio for
him. Break a leg, Jamezie, and remember as he sang in WHITE
CHRISTMAS the
best things happen while you dance.
Marc Ostroff (Lowell/Ensemble) last appeared on the MWT stage in
last summer's THE PRODUCERS. Marc has won the coveted MWT Geoffrey
Award twice, for his portrayals as Prince Herbert in SPAMALOT and
Reg in THE FULL MONTY. He has also appeared here in CRAZY FOR YOU,
CHICAGO,OKLAHOMA, PIPPIN and BYE, BYE BIRDIE and even met his
fabulous wife here in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. Marc thanks his
parents and Shaina for all of their continual support.
Shaina Zalma Ostroff (Paulette Understudy (6/26, 7/17, 7/18,
7/24)) is thrilled to be back on the MWT stage sharing in another
show with her wonderful husband Marc. Some past favorite roles
include "Hold Me, Touch Me" in THE PRODUCERS,Mrs. Tottendale in THE
DROWSEY CHAPERONE, the Woman in 39 STEPS, Claire in RUMORS, Mary
Shelley in FRANKENSTEIN, an original version, Woman in I LOVE YOU,
YOU’RE PERFECT NOWCHANGE, Thelma in FARNDALE AVE.…MURDER MYSTERY
andLouisa in THE FANTASTICKS. Thanks so much to Anne and
Lauren for the opportunity to play this summer and to Marc, her
amazing parents, family and friends for their ongoing love and
support.
Your Donations keep Our Doors Open!
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Cast Bios (Continued)
Alex Pierdant (Kiki/Ensemble) Born in Mexico, Alex became very
short and wore nothing but Sombreros and Sarapes. He went to work
at a nacho factory where everyone is paid in broken glass. He soon
quit when he discovered there was no dental plan. After a failed
attempt at being an Acrobat performing for trained circus monkeys,
he moved to Los Angeles and threw an asphalt-kickin shin-dig. He
then became so happy his head exploded into small pieces that fit
nicely into a pickle jar. He also acts and directs and choreographs
and has
no idea how to write a good bio. Alex would like to thank his
friends and family for all their love and support.
Alicia Reynolds (Vivienne/Delta Nu) is thrilled to be making her
debut at the MWT! Originally from Palm Beach, Florida, she
graduated from Elon University, NC with a BFA Degree in Music
Theatre. Since then, she's performed around the world on the high
seas, sung like a "country gal" at Dollywood, tackled the badlands
of North Dakota and lived in New York City. She was last seen at
Kentwood Players as Mabel Chiltern in AN IDEAL HUSBAND and Rapunzel
in INTO THE WOODS. Alicia
is also a romance writer (pen name Alice Langdon), and her debut
novel, Trusting Desire, is available on Amazon and Barnes and
Noble! Thanks to Anne for taking a chance on me, thanks to Lauren
and to the cast for being amazing, and to her family and "Boy" for
their love and support. Remember: "To thine own self be true" –
Shakespeare
Boone Reynolds (Bruiser Woods) is super excited to be making his
stage debut with these amazing cast mates and his mommy, Alicia
Reynolds! Even at just three months old, his mommy and daddy knew
he was destined for something special. Now, at two years old, he
finally gets his spot in the limelight! When he's not performing on
stage, his favorite activities include chasing tennis balls, car
rides, long walks, visiting the doggie beach, and wrestling with
his "little" brother Crockett. He also loves showing off his tricks
for treats and
attention! He would like to thank Anne for casting a Morkie over
a Chihuahua, his cast buddies for all of the pats and cuddles, to
Katie for being his one and only Elle, and, of course, to "Motta",
"DD" and Crockett. Oh, and to all the tennis balls in the world for
existing. Tennis balls = LOVE.
Frankie Rodriguez (Sandeep/Carlos/Ensemble) was last seen in the
new musical, NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF VICE (Rudy).
Other Theatre: INTO THE WOODS (Jack), SWEENEY TODD (Tobias), and
SPRING AWAKENING (Ernst). Frankie was also featured in a recent
episode of Raymond and Lane. BFA in Musical Theatre from the
American Academy. www.itsFrankie.com
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Cast Bios (Continued)Angelica Roqué (Paulette) is so glad you've
chosen to spend your night here with us! She grew up in a family of
musicians and performers and also toured the US and UK with the
Young Americans, a nonprofit performing arts organization that
encourages students to grow and empower themselves through the
arts. Previous favorite roles include Belle (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST),
Narrator (JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT), and the
next bio will probably include Paulette! Thanks to Lauren for the
chance to dust off
her character heels, Anne for taking a chance, Travis for all
the adventures, her large and loud family who instilled the love of
music that drives her today.
Scott Senior (Aaron Cohen/Ensemble) he is 17 and is excited to
be in his third Mainstage production! Favorite MWT roles include
Bob Wallace in WHITE CHRISTMAS, Beast in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and
Sir Harry in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS. He was last seen at BHHS as Sky
in GUYS &DOLLS. Anne/Lauren: Thanks for this opportunity!
Brittany Sindicich (Serena) is so excited to be back at the MWT.
She recently appeared in MAME at the Westchester Playhouse. Past
credits at the MWT include URINETOWN(Ensemble) and A CHORUS LINE
(Bebe). Other favorite credits include, GUYS AND DOLLS (Adelaide)
and INTO THE WOODS(Jack’s Mom).
Christian Soto (Ensemble) is excited to announce that, this
September, he will be leaving to join the Air Force. He is happy to
be performing his last show with so many talented actors. Shout out
to j jizzle :)"
Brandon Stanford (Emmett Forest) returns to the MWT after three
years for his 7th show--and it's good to be home! It’sbeen a fun
ride: THE SECRET GARDEN (Albert), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Jimmy),
URINETOWN (Billy Boy Bill), A CHORUS LINE (Zach Understudy),
CHICAGO (Fred Casely), SWEENEY TODD (Pirelli). Big thanks to the
cast, friends, and family.
We’re glad you are here!
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Cast Bios (Continued)Nicole Stier (Margot) After taking two
years off to finish her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent
Development at California State University of Fullerton, Nicole is
excited to make her return to the stage as Margot. Some of her past
credits include Janet Van De Graaff THE DROWSEY CHAPERONE,Edwin
Drood MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, and Sarah Brown GUYS AND DOLLS.
Nicole would like to thank her parents, Ralf and Lynn, and her
boyfriend, Christopher for their unconditional love and
support.
Christopher Tiernan (Warner Huntington III) is so grateful for
the opportunity to join this amazing cast of LEGALLY BLONDE in his
first at the MWT. Chris studied theater and history at UW-Madison.
He recently moved back to Los Angeles from New York where he was
living for the last four years and could have been seen playing
Felix in the original musical comedy, THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! (Fringe
Festival, NYMF). He'd like to thank Anne, Lauren, Meredith, the
cast and crew for welcoming him
into the MWT family; and his own family and friends for all of
the support, encouragement and understanding along the way!
Robin Twitty (Ensemble) is excited to return to the MWT stage
again for the third time with this hilarious and oober-talented
cast! You may have seen her in MW's previous productions of
SPAMALOT & THE PRODUCERS. She was given her first pair of tap
shoes at the age of 3 and fell in love. After many years of dance
classes, recitals, & competitions, her love of dance (and her
bestie) brought her to musical theater. To this cast: SNAPS! You
guys had me laughing at every rehearsal and I couldn't imagine
doing this show with anyone else! Anne and Lauren,
thank you for choosing me to be a part of this show and do what
I love! To my friends & family, THANK YOU for coming out to
support me, it means more than you know. To my love Josh, you are
simply the best and I am a very lucky girl...thank you for
everything you do for me...XOXO
Steven Weber (Kyle/Ensemble) is proud to join such a talented
cast in LEGALLY BLONDE. During the day, he’s a number crunching
accountant, but outside of work, he plays sports, works out and
performs in musical theater. He’s been performing for many years in
both LA and Orange County and his favorite roles include Will
Parker OKLAHOMA, Sir Galahad SPAMALOT & Rocky THE ROCKY HORROR
SHOW. Steve thanks his mom and fiancée for their continued support
in all of his endeavors.
Thanks, for spending your time with us!
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SANTA MONICA’S MORGAN-WIXSON THEATREProudly Presents the 2014 ~
2015 SeasonYouth Education/Entertainment Series
Winner - Outstanding New Children’s Theatre Company
The Cat In The Hat
Based on the book by Dr. SeussPlay Originally Produced by the
National Theatre of Great Britain
Adapted and Originally Directed by Katie Mitchell
July 12 – July 27Y.E.S. OFFERS FOUR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MORNING
PRODUCTIONS
AND ONE FALL YOUTH MUSICAL, AS PART OF THE THEATER’SCOMMITMENT
TO DEVELOPING YOUNG TALENT THROUGH TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE. ADULT
THEATRE MENTORS PROVIDE A REWARDING AND
ENTERTAINING THEATRE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL AGES.
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Staff Bios
Meredith Wright (Producer) is pleased to be producing another
hilarious musical and she is EXTREMELY glad that she doesn’t have
to jump rope at all. Thanks to everyone in the cast and crew who
worked so hard on this show. A shout out (and a good scratch) to
Roscoe who always greets me with a big sloppy kiss. Anne Gesling
(Director / Music Director) has been at the MWT for 29 years, and
has directed and/or music directed over 80 productions here
including: AVENUE Q, THE PRODUCERS, CRAZY FOR YOU, A CHORUS LINE,
CHICAGO, 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, SWEENEY TODD,
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, NEXT TO NORMAL, THE SECRET GARDEN, THE
FULL MONTY, PIPPIN, WEST SIDE STORY, RTHLESS, to name just a few..
She is a nine time Geoffrey Award winner for Best Director, and has
even won Best Costume Design a few of times. She was honored to
have been recognized with an Outstanding Direction Award for
CHICAGO and Best Music Direction Award for CHICAGO and SPELLING BEE
from StageSceneLA and Best Director and Music Director from the
NAACP, also for CHICAGO. Anne is also a Board member at MWT,
co-founder of the Youth Education/Entertainment Series (YES), and
is embarking on the 20thth Annual Youth Musical this fall. Anne is
privileged to have worked with this incredibly talented (and
slightly insane) cast and to collaborate for yet again with the
uber-talented Lauren Blair. Huge thanks to all, and to Ms.
Meredith, of course! Kristie Mattsson (Costume Design) is an L.A.
native who started designing clothing for her Barbie dolls at the
age of 5. Her favorite toy as a child were her Fashion Plates until
her mother bought her a sewing machine at age 10, after she
woefully failed at piano lessons. Fortunately sewing lessons worked
out better for her and she has been costume designing for nearly 20
years now, the last ten as the primary costume designer for Santa
Monica College Theatre Arts Department. Kristie is beyond ecstatic
to return to the talented MWT team for LEGALLY BLONDE. William
Wilday (Technical Director/Lighting Design) Studied lighting design
at a Zen monastery in Baluchistan where he learned that when
lighting bodhisattvas meditate they chant, "Ohhhhhhmmmmm." Thomas
Brown (Set Designer) is a professional Set Designer for theater,
television, film and live events. He has been doing this since
1975. In his career he has created over 1000 set designs of varying
media formats and presentation modes. He also has over eleven years
of experience as a college educator for SPELMAN COLLEGE in
theater/dance production and set design. He is a four-time winner
of the NAACP THEATER AWARD and a three-time winner of THE
DRAMALOGUE AWARD for theater set design. Currently, Thomas serves
at the Morgan-Wixson as a Board Member. He has been a contributing
member of the theater and has been set designer for numerous shows
here since 1993. He salutes the continued success of this theater
and all of its staff and supporters. He is grateful to be a part of
such a valuable theater community and he is extremely proud to
design here again.
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SANTA MONICA’S MORGAN-WIXSON THEATRE
The Morgan-Wixson is one of the oldest arts organizations in
Santa Monica but, true to its dramatic mission, it is constantly
reinventing itself. The organization was founded in the 1940s, with
the present theatre building being constructed in the 1960s with
mostly community volunteer labor. Geoffrey Morgan was a prominent
Santa Monican, playwright, and orator who also served as a State
Assemblyman. Mel Wixson, whose name was added in 1981, was also a
long-time Santa Monica resident and actor, who died shortly after
performing on our stage. Thanks to their vision, and the dedication
of many like them, the Morgan-Wixson has been the home of hundreds
of productions from across the performing arts spectrum and is
known as a place where talent can train, theatrical passions can be
sustained, and the community can be engaged in live theatre that
entertains, enriches, and educates.
EXPLORE “BEHIND THE SCENES” AT MWT Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson
Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) theatre for the community, and
we’re always interested in expanding our organization with new
talent and energy. Donors – This play was made possible in part by
tax-deductible donations from grateful patrons just like you.
Ticket revenue covers a portion of MWT’s operating costs, but
royalties, insurance, property taxes, and more mean that we depend
on donors’ generosity. Donations of any amount are always
appreciated. Thank you for helping keep small, independent theatre
alive and thriving in Los Angeles! Volunteers – The play you are
enjoying is a collaboration of many different people. We’re seeking
people to assist with ushering, auditions, preparing mailings,
hospitality, set construction, painting, props, costume design and
alterations, sound, lights, and any other aspect of the theater. No
experience necessary to begin and you’ll gain experiences that
you’ll never forget. Some of us came in to see a show and we’re
still here! Send an email to [email protected] and we’ll find
a way for you to become involved. Membership – Members are
individuals interested in making a longer commitment, by assisting
with at least three productions, attending occasional member
meetings, and paying annual member dues ($35, or $50 for families,
$25 for youth). Members receive admission to each Mainstage
production and the right to vote at member meetings, plus they can
attend (and vote for) for the annual Geoffrey Awards night.
Membership forms are available in the lobby and on our website, or
ask any of our volunteer staff.