Program - South Valley Civic Theatre

South Valley Civic Theatre
presents
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Co-conceived by Lynn Ahrens,
Stephen Flaherty, and Eric Idle
Based on the works of Dr. Seuss
Music supervised, adapted and
produced by Bryan Louiselle
Artistic Direction by Colleen Blanchard
Choreography by April Ouellette & Jessica Foley
Vocal Direction by Terry Sodergren & Joy Reynolds
Production by Joyce Bedard & Kathy Tom
Seussical Jr. 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
A Message From SVCT ’s President
South Valley Civic Theatre is pleased to once again be a venue where the
youth of our area can come together, many for the first time, to act, dance
and sing on a “big stage” in front of a live audience. I have seen first-hand,
both as a parent and a producer, the growth that happens when kids perform in these plays. The self-confidence it builds in kids, the camaraderie
of working as a team in a production, as well as the excitement of the costumes, make-up and sets, make for a wonderful experience shared by actors,
their families, and the audience.
Seussical Jr. is a musical extravaganza developed by Tony Award winners
Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, whose works include Lucky Stiff, My
Favorite Year, Once On This Island and Ragtime. All of your favorite Dr. Seuss
characters spring to life onstage in transporting us from the Jungle of Nool
to the Circus McGurkus.
The Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who
discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including
Jojo, a Who child who gets in trouble for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton’s challenge is twofold—not only must he protect the Whos from a world
of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s
been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton
faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty,
family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!
This is the fourth of our five productions this season. Please come back for
our next show, the Tony Award-winning Mel Brooks adult musical comedy,
The Producers, opening July 10 and running through August 8. This fall, our
new season will begin with another children’s show, Disney’s Mulan Jr.
Please consider supporting South Valley Civic Theatre by joining our
theatrical family. There are many opportunities to be on stage, backstage,
behind the scenes, or to become a member. You may pick up a membership brochure in our lobby and choose the tax deductible membership that
is best for you. If you own a business, please consider purchasing a program
ad. For more details on advertising, visit our website at www.SVCT.org.
Thank you for coming.
Greg Colbert
President, South Valley Civic Theatre
Act I
“Overture”
Thing 1 and Thing 2
“Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!”
Cat, JoJo & Company
“Horton Hears a Who”
Horton, Bird Girls, & Jungle Citizens
“Biggest Blame Fool”
Sour Kangaroo,Young Kangaroo,
Wickersham Bros. & Jungle Citizens
“Gertrude McFuzz”
Gertrude
“Here on Who”
Mr. & Mrs. Mayor, JoJo & Whoville Citizens
“How to Raise a Child”
Mr. & Mrs. Mayor
“Oh, The Thinks You Can Think” (reprise)
Cat & JoJo
“It’s Possible”
JoJo. Cat, Fish & River
“Alone in the Universe”
Horton & JoJo
“The One Feather Tail of
Miss Gertrude McFuzz/Amayzing Mayzie”
Gertrude, Mayzie & Bird Girls
“Amayzing Gertrude”
Gertrude & Bird Girls
“Monkey Around/
Chasing the Whos”
Wickersham Bros., Sour Kangaroo, Bird Girls,
Horton, Jungle Citizens, Cat & Vlad Vladikoff
Act II
“Notice Me, Horton”
Gertrude & Horton
“How Lucky You Are”
“Horton Sits on the Egg/Dilemma/Hunters”
“Egg, Nest and Tree”
Mayzie & Cat
“Amayzing Horton”
“Alone in the Universe” (reprise)
Horton & Mayzie
Horton
Horton, Circus Animals, Mr. & Mrs. Mayor & JoJo
“All for You”
“The Whos Return/The People
Versus Horton the Elephant”
“Yopp!”
Horton, Bird Girls
& Gertrude
Sour Kangaroo, Wickersham Bros. & Bird Girls
“SOLD/Mayzie in Palm Beach”
“Solla Sollew”
Mayzie & Cat
Gertrude, Cat, Bird Girls & Company
Horton, Sour Kangaroo, Bird Girls,
Wickersham Bros., Judge Yertle & Company
Horton, Gertrude, Sour Kangaroo, Cat & Mr & Mrs. Mayor
“Alone in the Universe” (reprise)
Horton & Gertrude
“Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!”
Entire Company
Cast
Cat in the Hat .............. Julia Millward
Gertrude .......................... Sophia Root
(understudy 4/26 & 5/3 ...... Emily Pember)
Mayzie ......................... Paetra Rottman
Horton .......................... Nathan Foster
Mr. Mayor ................... Sean O’Connor
JoJo ...................................... Tegan Leong
Mrs. Mayor ........................ Lucia Kaelin
Sour Kangaro ..... Christina Dobbek
Yertle the Turtle ........... Kelsey Beard
(understudy 5/2, 3, 8, 9 . Samantha Rogers)
Thing 1 .......................... Sophia Johnson
Young Kangaroo .. Melanie Chipman
Thing 2 ............................... Ava Johnson
Mrs. Umbroso ................ Riley Brown
Doctor Dake ........... Maddie Schriefer
Grinch .............................. Oliver Kaelin
Solla Sollew Dancers
River
Citizens
of Whoville
Kelsey Beard
Kelsey Beard
Sophia Apolinar
Tessa Zhang
Melanie Chipman
Alexis Barnes
Zoe Hargreaves
Presley Calisi
Jungle Citizens
Sierra McKenna
Kiera Gallagher
Max Goller
Bird Girls
Cambria Pace
Ethan Komrosky
Maddie Schriefer
Zoe Chamberlain
Cate Pace
Tessa Zhang
Alicia Pali
Zoe Hargreaves
Cooper Jardine
Seleste Knappe
Melodie Knappe
Sierra Murphy
Sierra McKenna
Ann Schenkman
Tabitha Tuttle
Austin Vandecoevering
Emily Pember
Cambria Pace
Mia Rosso
Amber Platt
Samantha Rogers
Ava Yakich
Fish
Tessa Zhang
Riley Brown
Kiera Gallagher
Monkeys
Ava Johnson
Kelsey Beard
Sophia Johnson
Sierra McKenna
Oliver Kaelin
Maddie Schriefer
Seleste Knappe
Tessa Zhang
Cate Pace
Alicia Pali
Wickersham Bros.
Kendall Eves
Robert Harnett
Paul Maack
Staff
Producers .............................................................Kathy Tom & Joyce Bedard
Artistic Director................................................................ Colleen Blanchard
Choreographers ......................................... April Ouellette & Jessica Foley
Choreographer Assistants ................................................. Makena McElroy,
Danielle Doktor, Rebecca Reynolds
Guest Choreographers ............................. Raul De La Torre & Lina Hong
Vocal Directors ........................................ Terry Sodergren & Joy Reynolds
Costumer ................................................................................. Michelle Griffin
Bird Costumes ..................................................................... Brenda McKenna
Costume Assistants .............. Kathy Tom, Joyce Bedard, Michelle Knappe,
Patty Hannon, Chelle Tuttle, Suzanne Pace
Properties Manager ............................................................. Michelle Knappe
Stage Manager .................................................................................. Larry Tom
Stage Crew ........................................................Brian O’Connor, Alissa Eves,
Lizzie Houts
Master Carpenters ..................................... Gerry Blanchard, & Larry Tom
Set Design ......................................................................................... Larry Tom
Scenic Artist .............................................................................. Pat Thompson
Graphic Artist ............................................................................... Jason Leong
Hair & Wig Stylist ...................................................................... Tiffany Goller
Make Up Artists ............................................ Myra Kaelin, Sydney Murphy
Rehearsal Pianist ............................................................................. Chris Eves
Lighting Operator ............................................................... Brian Komrosky
Sound Designer ......................................................................... Dennis Heinz
Sound Operator .............................................................................. Chris Eves
House Managers................................. Mindy Brown & Sheryl Schenkman
Concessions Managers ................... Brenda McKenna & Tracy O’Connor
Program Designer ............................................................... Elizabeth Mandel
Lobby Designers ....................................... Tracy Foster Pyke & Liana Kishi
Lobby Photographer ................................................................... Chris Foster
Show Photographers ................. Liana Kishi, Jason Leong & Chris Foster
Cast Biographies
Sophia Apolinar – A Who
Sophia is 7 years young and a student at Paradise Valley Elementary
School. This is Sophia’s rookie year taking part in this production and
she’s having an awesome time! When she’s not busy with her homework, Sophia enjoys spending time on her bike, playing soccer and
clowning around with her three siblings. Sophia would like to thank
all of her family for their support ... oh and the most important detail
of all about Sophia ... she loves pizza! Enjoy the show everyone!
Alexis Barnes – A Who
Lexi is a fifth grader at Barrett Elementary School. This is her third
SVCT production. She has previously appeared as Princess Eve in
The Twelve Dancing Princesses and as the first mate in James and the Giant
Peach. In her free time, Lexi likes to play Minecraft, draw dragons,
read scary books, and collect anything having to do with giraffes. She
hopes you enjoy your visit to Whoville!
Kelsey Beard – Judge Yertle the Turtle,
Monkey, Hunter, River, Solla Sollew
Kelsey Beard is a sixth grader at Nordstrom Elementary School. Her theater experience includes several
school plays, church performances at Morgan Hill
Presbyterian, and she recently played a member of
Fagan’s crew in SVCT’s production of Oliver!
Riley Brown - Mrs. Ambroso (A Who), Fish
Riley is performing in her second production with SVCT. She loves
the stage, especially musical theater, and has been seen before in Oliver!, with SVCT, as an orphan. Her other favorite parts have been in
Guys and Dolls Jr., (Johnny Big Bucks), Aladdin Jr. (harem girl), and Little
Mermaid Jr. (seahorse herald) She is 8 years old and in the third grade
at Gilroy Prep School. When not on stage she enjoys swim team,
jumping on the trampoline with her sister and reading. She’s so excited to be a part of this show and hopes you have a Seuss-tastic time!
Presley Callisi – A Who
Presley is happy to return to the SVCT stage as a Who! She
made her debut in The Wizard of Oz and also performed in Fiddler on the Roof. She plays piano, soccer, and is in her fourth year
of Girl Scouts. You’ll find her wrapped in a book or project
most of the time. She also loves riding her bike.
Zoe Chamberlain – Bird Girl
Zoe is a fifth grader at Oakwood School. She has performed in Fiddler
on the Roof, Oliver!, The Empress’ New Clothes, The Adventures of a Comic
Book Hero, and The Nutcracker. She takes ballet, modern and Ukrainian
dance with South Valley Dance Arts. She loves, fashion, animals, pink
and sparkles. She hopes you think the show is fabulous!
Melanie Chipman – Young Kangaroo, River
Melanie is 9 years old and in the third grade. She has been doing
shows with SVCT since before she was born since her mom was pregnant with her when she performed in The Fantasticks! Melanie’s other
recent shows, with SVCT, include Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, and
Oliver! She is happy to be known currently as the Young Kangaroo
and is thrilled to have her first solo lines on stage. She loves this show
and hopes you will see her in more shows like it in the future!
Christina Dobbek – Sour Kangaroo
Christina is excited to be part of such an amazing
show. She has enjoyed making new friends and learning more about theater. However, this is far from her
first show. This is her eleventh play. Her most recent
roles include Ida in Honkerland, and Alice in Alice in
Wonderland Jr. She hopes you enjoy the show as much
as she does.
Cast Biographies (Continued)
Kendall Eves – Wickersham Bros., Hunter
Kendall is 11 years old and in the sixth grade at Brownell Middle
School. She is very excited to be a part of this show. This is her fifth
show with SVCT. She has also been in the The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler
on the Roof, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and Oliver! “Being a monkey is
super fun and the best part I’ve ever had. To audience: We’re going to
MONKEY AROUND!!”
Nathan C. Foster
- Horton the Elephant
Home-schooled sixth grader, Nathan, is 12
years old and has participated in four different plays with SVCT. His lead role as Horton
may have tested his vocal range–but he has
been diligent in practice! When not acting
and singing, Nathan is an avid Minecraft,
Roblox ... and “speck of dust” connoisseur.
Kiera Gallagher – A Who, Fish
Kiera is 7 years old and a second grader at Nordstrom Elementary
School. This is her first SVCT show. Aside from loving the theater and
having the time of her life doing this musical, Kiera enjoys swimming,
soccer and art. Enjoy the show!
Max Goller – Mr. McEligot
Max is a happy 14-year-old who will “hopefully” be making his SVCT
debut. Max and his family would like to thank the production team for
giving him this opportunity.
Zoe Hargreaves – Cheetah, River
Zoe is an 8-year-old second grader at CSMH. She has always loved
the theater. This is her first show with SVCT and she has enjoyed
working with such a talented staff and group of performers. Zoe is excited to be on stage and thankful to have her family and friends watch
her perform. Enjoy the show!
Robert Harnett – Wickersham Bros., Hunter
Robert is an eighth grader at Britton Middle School, bound for Sobrato HS in the fall. This is his fourth show with SVCT. Robert is also
a Boy Scout and involved with various school clubs including the Star
Wars Club, the Volcano Kids Club and the Games Club. In closing,
Robert reminds you to leave the monkeying around to professionals.
Cooper Jardine – White Tiger
Cooper is 9 years old and in third grade. He loves to sing, dance, do
gymnastics, and make new friends. This is Cooper’s first show with
SVCT and he is having an awesome time! He definitely wants to be
in more shows in the future. Cooper hopes you have a whimsical time
and enjoy the show!
Ava Johnson - Thing 2, Fish
Ava is a 9-year-old in third grade at Oakwood School. This is her first
play with SVCT, but has been in other shows through school and ballet. Ava is very active. She loves to practice ballet and write stories. She
is hoping to one day be on pointe
shoes in ballet. Ava likes to play with
her two dogs, two cats, two guinea
pigs, four chickens and her fish. She
hopes you have a “who” of a time
watching the play!
Sophia Johnson - Thing 1, Fish
Sophia is an 11-year-old in fifth grade at Oakwood School. This is
her first play with SVCT, but has done lots of other shows. In fact she
was Clara in this year’s Nutcracker! Sophia loves ballet and cooking. She
would love to get into Ballet San Jose’s summer program. She would
also love to own a bakery of her own someday! Sophia hopes you have
a “seusstastic” time watching the show!
Cast Biographies (Continued)
Lucy Kaelin – Mrs. Mayor
Lucy is 12 years old and is home schooled. This is her sixth show, the
fourth with SVCT, and she is so excited to be part of it because she
absolutely loves Dr. Seuss! Currently, Lucy is also rehearsing La Fille
Mal Gardeè with South Valley Dance Arts, as well as mastering the art
of riding her bike without any hands. She would like to thank her
parents for driving her to rehearsals and putting up with the constant
singing of “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think”. Enjoy the show!
Oliver Kaelin – The Grinch
Oliver is 8 years old and is home schooled. This is his first
show with SVCT, and he is very excited to be the Grinch, because his costume is so cool. He also plays Pony baseball (Go
Giants!), loves climbing trees and ropes, and eating candy.
Thank you for coming!
Melodie Knappe – Bird Girl
Melodie has performed in multiple shows including SVCT’s James and
the Giant Peach and Charlotte’s Web. She also enjoys doing musicals and
choir at her church. Melodie is a sixth grader at El Toro Elementary
School. Her hobbies include horseback riding, writing, and cuddling
her dog, Pumpkin. Melodie hopes you enjoy the show and wants you
to watch out for Mohawk wearing moneys.
Seleste Knappe – Tiger, Fish
Seleste is 7 years old and in second grade at El Toro Elementary
School. She is so excited to be in her very first SVCT show. Seleste’s
favorite thing to do is play with her friends. She also loves the color
blue, stuffed animals and swimming. She is very happy to perform for
you today.
Ethan Paul Komrosky – A Who
Ethan is an 8-year-old second grader at Shadow Mountain Baptist
School. Ethan wants to be an inventor so he can change the world for
the better with inexpensive, practical solutions to tomorrow’s problems. This is his first SVCT show and he’s learning the ropes! In his
spare time, he enjoys reading (especially Diary of a Wimpy Kid series!), traveling, and playing with his brother Noah. Ethan is impressed
with all of the talent in this Seussical production. Enjoy the Magic!!
Tegan Leong - Jojo
Tegan is a proud Nordstrom Elementary School
fourth grader. This is her second SVCT show and she
is relishing every moment. When not belting out Seussical Jr. tunes around the house, Tegan enjoys wrestling, SCBA basketball, SV flag football, and drawing,
brownies, and weekend family movie nights. Tegan
gives a shout out to her favorite big bro/best friend
for endlessly supporting her many projects and the
concessions stand. She gives extra props to SVCT for
always being true to the motto: “A person’s a person
no matter how small”.
Paul Maack – Wickersham Bros., Hunter
Paul is 13 years old and a seventh grader at Britton Middle School.
This is his second SVCT show, but first kids’ show. He plays the alto
saxophone, loves to read and draw, and loves school. He hopes you
enjoy the show as much as he has loved making it.
Cast Biographies (Continued)
Sierra McKenna – Vlad Vladikoff, Monkey, Hunter, River
Sierra is a 13-year-old aspiring actress, having completed over 20
productions. She is a seventh grade honor roll student at Pacific Point
Christian Schools. She has a strong belief in faith and is a Christian.
Sierra is part of her after school drama group and takes guitar lessons.
She also plays the piano and recorder. Sierra has taken vocal, performance and audition lessons and workshops. She hopes to continue
to audition and participate in more performances with SVCT. Sierra
loves her family and her family loves and supports her!
Julia Millward – The Cat in the Hat
Julia Millward is many things... The Cat in the Hat, a
student at Oakwood School, and possibly one of the
friendliest people you will ever meet!! Her free time
consists of playing games on her iPad, watching movies,
reading books, writing stories, and laughing out loud.
Julia has a dream of becoming a famous author or a famous actress. Since she can’t decide which one to choose,
she might become both! She has played the Queen of
Hearts in her school’s production of Alice in Wonderland Jr.
and a Fagin’s boy in SVCT’S Oliver! She is delighted to
help create the world of Seuss, right beside JoJo, and
to be a part of this quite eccentric (and wonderful) production of
Seussical!! Enjoy the show!! (Don’t forget to think!)
Sierra Murphy - Bird Girl
Sierra is 10 years old. This is Sierra’s seventh production, including
Flounder in Little Mermaid, and Iago in Aladdin. Comedy is her favorite,
but the Bird Girls have been a lot of FUN! In her free time, she loves
dancing for SVDA, riding her bike, and playing Lego Friends. She
wants to thank the choreographers in Seussical for creating fun dances!
Sean O’Connor - Mr. Mayor
Sean is a sixth grader at Pacific Point Christian Schools.
He was the king in SVCT’s The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
But his favorite and most challenging role was the fun
and beloved Artful Dodger, in last summer’s SVCT Oliver!
Sean is fun loving and well rounded; when not on stage
he plays multiple sports, including soccer, flag football,
and basketball. He has unique enthusiasm for everything
he does!
Cambria Pace – Giraffe, River, Autumn Leaves
Cambria is happy to be a part of this production of Suessical Jr. As a
busy 9-year-old, Cambria has previously been in five other productions including The Twelve Dancing Princesses (SVCT), Aladdin Jr., Oliver!
(SVCT), Wizard of Oz, Readin’, Ritin’ and Rockin’ (Oakwood) and other
choral performances. Cambria loves to be on stage, singing and dancing, in front of audiences, bringing life on stage. Cambria is in the
third grade at Oakwood School where drama is one of her favorite
classes. She would like to thank her theatre family for making her feel
at home in the Jungle of Nool.
Cate Pace – A Who, Fish
Cate is an enthusiastic 7-year-old “who” is excited to be a part of
Suessical Jr. and part of the SVCT family for the first time. Previously,
Cate has performed in Oakwood’s musical of Welcome to the Jungle and
choral performances. When Cate isn’t on the stage, she is tumbling on
the mats at gymnastics, having fun with friends, or playing in the backyard with the new pet bunny. Cate wishes to thank SVCT’s family for
making her feel like a person’s a person, no matter how small!
Alicia Pali – A Who, Fish
Alicia is 10 years old and in fifth grade at Oakwood School. She has
performed in many school plays, but this is her first performance with
SVCT. She enjoys roller skating, reading, and video games in her free
time. Enjoy the show!
Emily Pember - Bird Girl, Cat in the Hat Understudy
This is Emily’s third show with SVCT, although she has been involved
with the theater for several years. Emily was last seen as Young Fiona
in SVCT’s production of Shrek the Musical. In her free time, Emily
enjoys swimming in her mermaid tail, eating dole whips and embarrassing herself in public. Emily is excited to be playing a Bird Girl
in addition to Cat in the Hat every Sunday! She wants to thank the
amazing cast and crew for being awesome and she hopes you enjoy the
show!
Cast Biographies (Continued)
Amber Platt – Bird Girl
Amber loves being on stage in the spotlight! This is her first performance with SVCT, but she has been in several other productions.
You might have recently seen her in GGMT’s Forever Broadway or the
musical, Alice in Wonderland (Rose) at Oakwood School. When she’s not
onstage, she enjoys watching movies and hanging out with her friends.
She hopes you enjoy traveling through the land of Dr. Seuss with her
and all the wacky characters!
Samantha Rogers – Bird Girl, Sour Kangaroo Understudy
Samantha is an eighth grader at Mount Madonna School. She likes to
sing and hang out with her four bunnies. Samantha has appeared in
four different plays with SVCT and her favorite production has been
Fiddler On The Roof. She can’t wait to perform this show again. She
hopes that you enjoy the magic.
Sophia Root – Gertrude
Sophia is a seventh grader at
Jackson Academy. This is her fifth
show with SVCT and she loves
acting. She likes to read, play the
saxophone, and work in her garden
with her grandma. She would like
to thank her parents, grandparents,
sister and friends for always supporting her. She would especially like
to thank her mom for being her #1 supporter throughout it all. She
hopes you enjoy the show!
Mia Rosso – A Who
Mia is a 7-year-old at El Roble Elementary School in Gilroy. She is
very excited to be in her first performance with SVCT. Mia is very
sweet and very dedicated to learning. She also enjoys rollerblading,
playing with her dog, art, singing, and reading. She thanks everyone
for the support and hopes you enjoy this performance and many
more!!
Paetra is in the eighth grade. Seussical Jr. is Paetra’s first production with SVCT but she has
done many shows with Gilroy, South County
and San Francisco children’s theater groups,
most recently Forever Broadway and The Wizard
of Oz (Wicked Witch). Her focus (in addition
to her studies) for the last few years has been
mainly in music, where she has recorded a CD
in a professional recording
studio and shot a music
video. She is an avid reader and has taught herself to play piano
by ear. In an earlier Gilroy production of Seussical Jr., Paetra was cast
as a Bird Girl and dreamed of one day getting to play the part of
Mayzie; she is ecstatic that that day has finally arrived! Paetra hopes
everyone enjoys the show!
Paetra Rottman
- Mayzie LaBird
Ann Schenkman – Zebra
Ann is 12 years old and in seventh grade at Britton Middle School.
Ann is active in her community and a member of several clubs at Britton: Art Club, the Math Engineering Science Achievement Club, and
the Color Guard Team. Ann has been acting with SVCT since she
was eight years old and has made some wonderful friends. When Ann
grows up she wants to be a school teacher or an attorney.
Maddie Schriefer – Doctor Dake, Monkey, Hunter, River
Maddie Schriefer is a very dedicated performer. Three words she
would use to describe herself are: creative, involved, and passionate.
This is Maddie’s fourth SVCT show. She has been in the musical Seussical previously. Maddie would like to dedicate this performance to her
loving cast from Shrek and thank them for supporting her. She is very
excited to be a part of this production because it has been fun and a
great way to express the excitement of crazy characters. She thanks
everyone who has come to support Seussical Jr. and hopes you enjoy the
show!
Tabitha Tuttle
– Fox In Socks, Autumn Leaves
Tabitha is a 13-year-old eighth grader at CSMH.
This is her first show with SVCT and she loves it
and is certain she’ll do more shows here! She loves
to read, write, hang out with friends, and play video
games. She thinks that Seussical teaches the valuable
lesson to be yourself and you’ll eventually be seen.
Cast Biographies (Continued)
Austin Vandecoevering – A Who
Austin is in fifth grade at El Toro Elementary. He has been in several plays including James and the Giant Peach and The Twelve Dancing
Princesses. Austin enjoys reading books, tennis, and hanging out with
friends. He would like to thank his family for challenging him and his
friends for coming to watch the play. He likes that the Seussical Jr. play
is a combination of many Dr. Seuss books. As Dr. Seuss said, “You’ll
miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut!”
Avery Yakich – Snow Leopard
Ava brings well traveled experience to this feline portrayal. Her training includes Theater Camp in Waco, TX, Musical Experience Camp
in Seattle, WA, plus Oakwood Harmonettes and years of gymnastics
right here in Morgan Hill. Her skills include math and organizing talent shows. At home, when she’s not cooking delicious meals, you can
find her performing flips on the trampoline.
Tessa Zhang – Monkey, Hunter, Storm, River, Solla Sollew
Tessa is a seventh grader at Martin Murphy Middle School. This is
her third SVCT play; she was in The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Shrek.
Besides theater, Tessa enjoys dancing, running cross country, swimming and playing tennis and volleyball. She also likes playing games
with her friends and staying in hotels. Tessa wants to thank you for
coming to the show; enjoy! Whoooo!
The Tradition
of the
Gypsy Robe
Each SVCT production awards the “Gypsy Robe” to a chorus member who
has made special contributions of time and energy towards the good of the
show. The robe is presented to the recipient on opening night; the cast
member puts on the robe and blesses the stage before the performance. It is
then the duty of the recipient to affix to the robe a patch that signifies
the show. The Gypsy Robe is then returned closing night to perform its
duty for another show and carry on the tradition.
The producers of Seussical Jr. are pleased
to present the Gypsy Robe to:
Tessa Zhang
2015-2016 South Valley Civic Theatre Board of Directors
Greg Colbert
President
Peter Mandel
Past President
Tracy Van Gundy
VP Box Office
Scott Lynch
VP Publicity
Joseph (Bud) Biafore
Secretary
Marianne Snook
Treasurer
Kel Whisner
VP Membership
Sandra Andrada
Robert Barham
Joyce Bedard
Gerry Blanchard
Elizabeth Calisi
Rob Christopher
Donna Cowan
Mary Dokter
Pam Drayton
Rebecca Garcia
Tiffaney Goller
Megan Griffin
Patricia Hannon
Myra Kaelin
Bruce Pember
Roberta Vinkhuyzen
Staff Biographies (in alphabetical order)
Joyce Bedard – Producer
This is Joyce’s first production attempt . . . ever. She has
been having a wonderful time working with the staff, the
cast, and the parents. What a roller coaster ride!!! She has
previously appeared in Oliver!, City of Angels, Miracle on 34th
Street and Fiddler on the Roof. She is also currently a board
member of SVCT. She would like to thank her family for
their support of basically not seeing Joyce for days on end.
She would like to thank you for attending this show and
supporting SVCT.
Colleen Blanchard – Artistic Director
Colleen has been active in theater as an actress, director,
and lighting designer for many years. Her first SVCT appearance was in the pit orchestra for The Music Man in 1997.
She was on-stage as Laurie in Oklahoma! in 2000, followed
by many more shows such as The Fantasticks, Guys and Dolls,
and Into the Woods. The shows she directed for SVCT included Peter Pan, Aladdin, and Scrooge. Colleen would like to
thank the cast and crew of Seussical Jr. for all their hard work and dedication.
Chris Eves – Sound Technician / Rehearsal Pianist
Chris has played rehearsal and/or performance piano for more than 20 plays
in the last 14 years. She most recently played for Oliver! and Little Women. Her
first show was a kid’s show with her oldest daughter. This play is with her
youngest daughter. This is her first experience on sound board, so cross your
fingers.
Staff Biographies (Continued)
Jessica Foley – Co-Choreographer
Jessica is thrilled to be a part of the SVCT family once
again as co-choreographer. After living in different parts
of the world for the past few years, Jessica has returned to
the South Bay and is teaching English at Christopher High
School. When not consumed by rehearsals or grading, she is
usually found in Colorado spending time with her husband,
an officer in the United States Army, stationed in Colorado
Springs. Jessica would like to thank her husband, Patrick,
for his patience and support during his maiden voyage in community theater.
Enjoy the show!
Makena McElroy – Choreography Assistant
Makena is a 15-year-old sophomore at Oakwood High
School and has enjoyed every minute of working on this
production. Makena is a ballet dancer at Studio Three
Dance as well as an avid performer. Highlights include
Teen Fiona in Shrek, Harem Girl/Featured Dancer in Side
Show (CMTSJ), and Mungojerrie in Cats (Oakwood). In
her spare time, Makena enjoys baking, singing, and
coding. She hopes you enjoy the show!
April Ouellette – Co-Choreographer
April has been active in SVCT since 1992 as a performer,
producer and choreographer. Her choreography credits
for SVCT include Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods, 1776, Company, Scrooge, Aladdin Jr., Peter Pan, Sleepy Hollow, Snow White,
and Charlotte’s Web. She also co-produced many of these
shows. April can often be seen performing at Pintello
Comedy Theater in Gilroy. Look for her in November’s
Pintello show, Always a Bridesmaid.
Joy Reynolds – Co-Vocal Director
Joy is so happy to be a part of this fun musical. Joy has
worn many hats within SVCT including producer, costumer, props mistress, house manager, stage manager and her
favorite, an actress. However, this is a first as an assistant
vocal director. Although she is no stranger to music, having
taught and sung for many years, this was a new experience
in the SVCT family. She would like to thank Terry Sodergren for all of her patience and guidance. Without her it
would have been “impossible.” Joy feels that she and Terry together, were able
to teach these kids about music and to have fun too. Together, it became “possible.” Joy hopes that all of you will be carried away by this dynamic cast!
Terry Sodergren – Co-Vocal Director
Terry has appeared as a soloist with groups throughout the
Bay Area such as San Francisco Symphony Chorus, Oakland Symphony Chorus, West Valley Masterworks Chorale,
San Jose Symphonic Choir, Berkeley Chorus, Donald Pippin’s Pocket Opera in San Francisco and The Lamplighters.
For the last 15 years Terry has been living in San Jose with
her husband and two step-daughters and opted to step out
of the limelight to help raise the girls and work as a teacher
and director. This is Terry’s sixth opportunity to work with SVCT, including
1776, Into the Woods, and Fiddler on the Roof. She currently teaches voice and
piano at The Music Tree in Morgan Hill and is director of the Children’s
Choir at Hillside Church in San Jose, where she has directed a children’s musical every summer for the past 16 years. Terry feels blessed to have been able to
work with the amazing and talented Seussical Jr. cast and hopes you enjoy the
performance!!
Kathy Tom - Producer
Kathy is delighted to once again be working with an SVCT
Youth production. She is happy to be sharing the fun with
her granddaughter, her daughter, and her husband. Kathy
has spent the last 15 years with the stage company as an
actress, a stage director, a costumer, a producer, and board
member. A few of her favorite shows have been Peter Pan,
Into the Woods, Wizard of Oz, and 1776. She was last seen on
the SVCT stage as Mrs. Sowerberry in Oliver! When not
involved with one of our shows, you’ll probably find Kathy
running around Disneyland with her family!
South Valley Civic Theatre Members
Benefactor
Jake Anderson Mary Beth & Jeff Anderson Martin Baccaglio
Don & Karen Christopher
Robert & Ginny Christopher
Wayne & Beth Dewey
Richard & Diana Kaiser
George Chiala Farms, Inc.
Sponsor
Barham family Galloway family Bill & Ruby Hart Kevin Heath & Alan Obata
Jill & Kevin Kirk
Scott Lynch
Phil & Jeannie McGinnis
Patron
Glynis Grabb Janet Espinosa Johanna Gil Mandel family Bruce & Ann Pember
Barbara & Chuck Smith Larry & Patti Warren Kel & Vici Whisner
Family
Lauren Anderson Barnes family Stepham & Mary Beard Steve Beck
Joyce & Alden Bedard Benitez family Bezanson family Joseph Biafore Jr.
Borgia family Theresa Bradshaw Melinda Brown Ross Bryan
Dr. & Mrs. C. Burgett Calisi family Carrillo family Rick & Kathy Coencas
Colbert family Jon Cross Cummings family Doughty family Drayton family
Evans family Jeam & Jerry Everman Matt & Chris Eves John & Susan Fletcher
Foster family Foster family Gallagher family Rebecca & Javier Garcia
Goller family Gomes family Scott & Leah Gregg Mike & Jennifer Grifall
Griffin family Harvey & June Hammer Dave & Maureen Haney
Jason & Robin Harris Steve & Amelia Hatcher Dennis Heinz Bill & Kris Heiser
Hernandez family Rob & Tina Ingenthron Jacobson family Jardine family
Kaelin family Trish & Eve Keder Michael & Sophia Knappe
Janie & Roger Knopf Kogan family Jonathan & Jan Lance Lasky family
Jason & Liana Leong-Kishi Earl & Janie Liebich Jim & Sandra Lien
Lincoln family Jack & Debra Lincoln Linda & David Matuszak
David & Jeannie McCoy McElroy family Nancy & Hank Miller Miller family
Prashast Mishra Kathy Nellis O’Connor family Owings family Cambria Pace
James Pearson Anna Perez-Villafranca Quijano family Jenny Redfern
John & Carolyn Robinson Schenkman family Schriefer family Tom & Teri Shipe
Allen & Marjorie Siverson Babette & Jake Smith Snook/Hurtado family
Mike & Terry Sodergren Nate & Cali Stiles Renee Erkson & Susan Yamashita
John & Rose Tom Kathy & Larry Tom Mary Trimble Vandecoevering family
Vinkhuyzen family Jeff & Amy Wagner Walling family Paul & Christine Wheeler
James & Roxanne Woodmansee Anne & Jian Zhang
South Valley Civic Theatre Members
(Continued)
Individual
Sandra Aranda Helga Brooks Robert Brown Zoe Chamberlain Fannie Curro
Christopher Davis Chris Eves Rosalind Farotte Richard & Julie Flynn-Gates
Diana Hall Alexandra Hannon Patricia Hannon Carol Harris
Jenna Hernandez Bob Jacobson Kaya Jones Denee Lewis Eric Martin
Valarie Martin Sierra McKenna Danelle Moore Melissa Moore
Vicki Murray Michael O’Shay Alicia Pali Trudy Parks Ken Powell
Tracy Foster Pyke John Rachuy Rebecca Reynolds Judy Schuster
Chris Souza Laura Spyropoulos Theresa Stephenson Bill Tindall
Tracy van Gundy Amanda & Austin Vandecovering
Denise Weyl Marian Wolf Auri Yabrudy
Special Thanks
South Valley Civic Theatre is a not-for-profit organization run by
dedicated volunteers and funded by ticket sales, memberships, and
generous sponsors and advertisers. Their combined contributions
of money, talent, and time bring great theater to the South Valley.
We thank them all. But mostly we thank you, our audience!
Kathy Tom & Joyce Bedard, Producers
New SV Media
(The Gilroy Dispatch & The Morgan Hill Times)
Out & About Magazine,
Morgan Hill Today & Morgan Hill Life
for giving our shows special consideration in their publications.
Martin Baccaglio for making warehouse
space available ~ affordably
Nick Bedard for assistance with the ribbon dance