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Direct or's NoteWelcome to the show!I don?t know about you, but lately I?ve been wishing we could go back in time to what seems like a simpler time. Bye Bye Birdie harkens back to the beginnings of rock and roll, going steady, rotary phones and ?having a ball!? A more innocent time, and yet it reminds us that not that much has changed. This show was the very first show that SSPA presented here at the amphitheater back in 2013; we had a small but enthusiastic audience; I remember the feedback was mostly delightful surprise - at the quality of the production, and what an entertaining show it was! (Did any of you see that production? Have you been attending our shows ever since? Please let us know!) Through the years we have built our audience, based not just on the quality of our productions and talent, but because this venue is so special. This is our 11th year presenting shows here, and we love it! We hope you do too. What else is special and nostalgic is that our creative team is together again for the first time since 2019! Terry, Mandy and I started working together in 2014 on ?Fiddler on the Roof?. I'm so happy to have ?the team? back together again! We are also back to live music, and special thanks to Branden McKinnon for all his help. As the director and producer, I want to say that putting this show together has been pure joy! I feel so lucky to have worked with this very special cast and crew (over 50 people!), and can?t wait to see the smiles on your faces! A big thank you to the many previous performers, tech crews, creatives, board members, and the original founders for making this all possible! It has been a journey worth taking!Have fun and enjoy the show!- Janet Lazarus
CAST OF CHARACTERS THE COMPANY The Teenagers: The Adults: The Kids:
More information about our cast and crew can be found here:The Bye Bye Birdie OrchestraTerry Thompson - Piano Keyboard/ Conductor; Branden McKinnon - Woodwinds (Flute, Alto sax, Tenor sax, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet) / Assistant Music Director; Gigi Cerveri-McKinnon - Woodwinds (Flute, Piccolo, Alto Sax, Bari Sax, Clarinet); Austin Zell - Trumpet; Vance Corrum - String Synth; Dylan Faulkner - Guitar / Tenor Sax; Brandon Melnar - Bass; Steven Potter - Drums / Percussion; Derrek Nance - French HornFEATURED COMPANY SINGERS/DANCERSTelephone Hour: Brooklyn Remington, Tessa Glum, Giuliana Hovenic, Alice Graham, Abbie Garner, Makayla Thompson, Reno Biondi Sad Girls: Elise Brown, Molly Glum, Reagan Price, Jazlen WinquestOne Boy: Julia Parks, Brooklyn RemingtonShriners: Brian Ault, Reno Biondi, Holli Charm, Kayla Durham, Keys Edmunds, Noah Jackson, Jon Marshall, Gary Pope-Sears, Lincoln Rocchi Male Quartet, Bar: Gary Pope-Sears, Jon Marshall, Reno Biondi, Lincoln RocchiMixed Quartet , TV Show: Julia Parks, Cheryl Glickman, LIncoln Rocchi, Jon Marshall
Synopsis of ScenesAct OneScene 1 - Office of Almaelou Music, NYCScene 2 - Sweet Apple, OhioScene 3 - MacAfee home, Sweet AppleScene 4 - Penn Station, NYCScene 5 - Sweet Apple Train StationScene 6 - Courthouse Steps, Sweet AppleScene 7 - MacAfee HomeScene 8 - Stage and Backstage Office, Central Movie Theater, Sweet AppleScene 9 - Stage, Central Movie Theater, Sweet AppleAct TwoScene 1 - MacAfee Home, Sweet AppleScene 2 - Street Outside MacAfee HomeScene 3 - Streets of Sweet AppleScene 4 - Maude?s Roadside RetreatScene 5 - Private Dining Room, Maude?s Roadside RetreatScene 6 - Back Door, Maude?s Roadside RetreatScene 7 - The Ice HouseScene 8 - Sweet Apple Train Station
Musical NumbersAct OneAn English Teacher .... Rosie The Telephone Hour .... Sweet Apple TeensHow Lovely to Be a Woman .... KimWe Love You Conrad! .... New York Teens and Sad GirlsPut on a Happy Face .... Albert and Sad GirlsA Normal American Boy .... Rosie, Albert and CompanyOne Boy .... Kim, Hugo, Deborah Sue and AliceOne Boy (Reprise) .... RosieHonestly Sincere .... Conrad and TownspeopleHymn for a Sunday Evening .... The MacAfee Family and NeighborsOne Last Kiss .... Conrad and CompanyAct TwoWhat Did I Ever See in Him? .... Rosie and KimA Lot of Livin' to Do .... Conrad, Kim, and Sweet Apple TeenagersKids .... Mr. and Mrs. MacAfeeBaby, Talk to Me .... Albert and Male QuartetShriners' Ballet .... Rosie and ShrinersKids (Reprise) .... Mr. and Mrs. MacAfee, Randolph, Neighbors, KidsIce House Livin? .... Sweet Apple TeensAn English Teacher (Reprise) .... Rosie Spanish Rose .... Rosie and MaeRosie .... Albert and Rosie
Register now for our Fall Classes!SSPA offers classes and workshops in Fall and Spring for ages 5 and up. Upcoming 2024-2025 classes include:Creative Drama for Little Sprouts (ages 5-8)Voice and PerformanceTriple Threat Intensive Broadway Song and DanceBroadway Musical Choreography WorkshopsActing Fundamentals for TeensCurtain Up: Acting and Improv for Pre-TeensAdult Acting ClassesActing the Bard: How to Perform ShakespeareGo to our website, https://www.sierraschoolofperformingarts.org/classescamp.html for more informat ion.
Special thanks to our donors and patrons: Heidemarie Rochlin, Linda and Richard Offerdahl, Stephen and Deedra Flocchini, Carl and Helen Honebein, Nancy Podewils-Baba, The Hovenic Family, and Bob and Cathy Gabrielli. We get support from the following foundations: Robert Z. Hawkins; E.L.Cord, The Edna B and Bruno Benna Foundation, Dermody Properties. This production is supported in part by the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.Much appreciation to all those who donated time, talent, furnishings, costumes or props: Tom Ready, Sam Coleman, Reno Little Theater, Bernadette Garcia, Ace Hardware, Beth Honebein, Vera Lowdermilk, Rodney Hurst, Carol Scott, Joe McKenna, Kassy Easton, Julie Douglass, Deanna Griggs, Whitney Thomas, and the volunteers and parents who helped load the set!CREDITS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTSDirector.......................................................................................................................Janet LazarusMusic Director.......................................................................................................Terry ThompsonChoreographer...................................................................................................Amanda FlocchiniCostume Design...........................................................................Deborah Morrison, Eric HeiseltScene Design.......................................................................................................Danny SturtevantLighting Design.................................................................Melina Frogget and Danny SturtevantStage Manager..................................................................................................Sybella Pope-SearsAssistant Stage Managers.............................................................Maggie Froese, Sam ColemanProduction Managers............................................Jon Marshall, Cary Carpenter, Janet LazarusAssistant Music Director.................................................................................Branden McKinnonChoreographer?s Assistant...................................................................................Deanna GriggsTechnical Director/Head Carpenter.............................................................................Tom ReadyProps Artisans and Shoppers........................Jon Marshall, Sybella Pope-Sears, Janet LazarusScene Painting...............................................................................Vera Lowdermilk, August PatelLighting Technician.................................................................................................Melina FroggetSpotlight Operator......................................................................................................Liam QuinbySound Engineer.........................................................................................................Quinton BunkHouse Manager.......................................................................................................Cary CarpenterHair Stylist..................................................................................................................Rodney HurstSet Construction...................................................................................Tom Ready, Sam ColemanStage Crew.................................................................................................................Sam ColemanMarketing..........................................................................................................TL Media SolutionsGraphic Design....................................................Tara Burke/Computer Artistry Graphic DesignPhotography....................................................................................................................Bill QuinbyTickets and Box Office............................................................................................Cary CarpenterConcessions and Merchandising................................................................................Joe LinscottPreview Audience Coordinator.............................................................................Beth HonebeinProducer.....................................................................................Sierra School of Performing ArtsPRODUCTION/CREATIVE CREW
President , Whitney HovenicVice President, Jon MarshallSecretary, Kim CarpenterTreasurer, Joe CostanzaGrant Director and Webmaster, Beth HonebeinLegal Advisor, Kelsey GundersonPast President, Joe LinscottAdvisors, Nancy Podewils-Baba, Sam Coleman, Bob Gabrielli, Kristen Remington, Ali WestfallEducat ion Direct or/Producing Art istic Director, Janet LazarusAdministrat ive and Social Media, Melina FroggetDirector of Operat ions, Cary CarpenterSIERRA SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS BOARD AND STAFF
The Cast THOMAS THOMPSON (Albert Peterson) is very excited to be performing the role of Albert with SSPA! Previous SSPA roles include Prince Charming in Cinderella, Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, and Sasha in Fiddler on the Roof. He has also played Gabe in Next to Normal, Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, The Beast in Beauty and the Beast, and Don Lockwood in Singin' in the Rain. He placed top ten in the nation at the NATS National Musical Theatre Competition. He's incredibly grateful for the continued support of his family, friends and loved ones! TIFFANY CORNEJO (Rose “Rosie” Alvarez) is in her first show with SSPA and fourth musical overall! She has appeared as Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie (Galena HS), Mimi in RENT, Ensemble in Spring Awakening. She has the honor of once again playing Rosie for this wonderful company! Hobbies include singing and kissing her two beautiful cats. She owes a lot of her drive to her wonderful boyfriend Diego, who has supported her through her crazy work, school, and performance schedules. She cannot wait to continue working hard to improve her skills and become a great performer! HANNAH GLUM (Kim MacAfee) is beyond grateful for the opportunity to perform as Kim. Hannah is a recent high school graduate and is performing her second show with SSPA. Her most recent roles include Madame in Cinderella, Nana in Tuck Everlasting, Tottendale in The Drowsy Chaperone, Mona in CHICAGO, and Queen Iduna in Damonte Ranch High School’s production of Frozen. You may have also seen her in SSPA’s production of The Little Mermaid JR. as Sebastian. Hannah thanks her four sisters and her parents for taking part in and supporting her love of theater. JIM MAGLUILO (Conrad Birdie) is 17 years old and a junior in high school. Bye Bye Birdie is his first show with SSPA. He is very excited to perform at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater and see the show come together.
KIRK GARDNER (Harry MacAfee) is grateful to be part of this talented company. Previous SSPA roles include Nathan in Guys and Dolls, Warbucks in Annie, and Narrator in Into the Woods. Kirk has appeared with several local theaters including Nevada Repertory Company, Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company, and (mostly) Reno Little Theater. He is honestly sincere in saying he couldn’t do any of this without the love and support of Julie (jt). AMY NIELSON (Doris MacAfee) has appeared in several SSPA productions including Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Legally Blonde, and Annie. She is thrilled to be back! She has played in Cotton Patch Gospel, Nunsense, and Nunsense 2 with Sparks Methodist Church where she really found her voice; Voices from the Past in Virginia City; AVA Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker; and Inner Rhythms’ production of CHICAGO. She teaches middle school Language Arts at Little Flower Catholic School. Amy is a Stage 3 melanoma cancer SURVIVOR who doesn’t want to just survive. She wants to THRIVE! She hopes to be an inspiration to others who might encounter challenging situations and would like to thank her amazing family for all of their support. A special shout out to Mary Krell-Oishi, her high school drama teacher, who still inspires her to keep doing theater. And finally, “Thank you Janet, for giving me the opportunity to thrive as Doris MacAfee.” NICHOLAS BOTTORFF (Randolph MacAfee) has been on the stage since he was less than two years old, and was in his first Nutcracker at four. His most recent performance was as The Duke of Weselton in the award-nominated production of Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Damonte Ranch High School. EVONNE KEZIOS (Mae Peterson) This marks "local favorite " Evonne Kezios' first production with Sierra School of Performing Arts. Originally from Los Angeles, she guest starred in several sitcoms and TV Dramas including Family Matters, and Facts of Life (oldies but goodies) to name a few. She has performed at Good Luck Macbeth, Reno Little Theater, and Bruka Theater. Evonne has received Blythe Awards for Best Actress and Supporting Actress from RLT and was awarded Best Actor in Northern Nevada from Reno News and Review.
BRYCE HURLEY (Hugo Peabody) has been doing shows ever since 5th grade and is having such a great time as Hugo! Stage credits include Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages: Youth Edition, and Zeke Baylor in High School Musical 2 JR. He has sung with the Nevada All-State High School Choir every year with his school, and this is his fourth production with SSPA. Bryce would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him through his passion for theater. Enjoy the show! DYLANTÉA (Ursula Merkle) is thrilled to return for her fourth show with SSPA. She made her debut as Liza in SSPA’s Peter Pan Jr. and is currently a sophomore in the PAC program at Damonte Ranch High School. Her notable roles include an ancestor in last year’s production of SSPA The Addams Family, a girl in Blood Wedding, and Little Red in Once Upon a Grapevine. She is a Broadway aficionado with a big dream of one day gracing those very stages. DylanTéa extends a heartfelt thanks to her wonderful family for their unwavering support through life’s beautiful chaos. JULIE DOUGLASS (Mrs. Merkle) is excited to be in her first musical ever and her first show with this wonderful company. And it’s fun to be in another show with her husband Kirk (even though she’s not playing his wife!) She has done many plays over the years with Reno Little Theater and other local companies. Thanks Mom, for all your support! JT GARY POPE-SEARS (Mayor, Reporter, Ensemble) has been involved in musical theater since high school, when his church youth group produced original shows each summer. He also was in a traveling troupe in college before getting involved in local productions across the forty-plus years since. Highlights for him have been appearing in two productions of The Music Man (Jacey Squires both times), two productions of The Wizard of Oz (Hunk/Scarecrow and as Uncle Henry in SSPA’s production in 2016), as well as local stagings of Godspell (John the Baptist/Judas) and The Cotton Patch Gospel (Joseph/John the Baptist/Judas). On his bucket list is the hope of someday playing the Major General in The Pirates of Penzance.
CHERYL GLICKMAN (Gloria Rasputin, Reporter, Ensemble) is so excited to be joining Sierra School of Performing Arts for her second musical theater production in Reno! She recently appeared in Side Show with Bruka Theater. Her favorite past roles include Annie in Annie and Connie in A Chorus Line. She is dedicating this performance and all future performances to Nan, who will always be her biggest cheerleader! HOLLI CHARM (Reporter, Ensemble) started dancing at 7 years old, training in ballet, jazz, tap, acro, hip-hop, musical theater, and lyrical. She danced competitively until she was fifteen; she performed at Disney Magic Music Days and on Carnival Cruise Lines, was a guest performer for the Miss Washington pageant, and performed at the pre-game show for a Seattle Sonics game. Holli studied dance at SLCC, CSN, and UNLV while pursuing her undergraduate degree in kinesiology, and eventually got her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine School of Health Sciences. Holli is currently working full-time as a pediatric physical therapist while teaching dance at Xscape Performing Arts. EVELYN GONZALEZ (Ensemble, u/s Rosie). Evelyn is very excited to be a part of Bye Bye Birdie at Sierra School of Performing arts; this is her first musical! Evelyn has experience with competitive dance and a love for music. For fun, Evelyn enjoys singing, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and dog, Bruno. She thanks Jen Starr, her friends, and family for supporting and encouraging her to try theater. MOLLY GLUM (Ensemble) is very excited to be a part of Bye Bye Birdie. She attends Doral Academy and loves to perform and dance. She studies ballet at Sierra Nevada Ballet, and is thrilled to perform with her two older sisters
BRIAN AULT (Reporter, Ensemble) is a graduate of UNR with a degree in theater. Brian has a long, eclectic list of credits to his name including Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors. He is happy to be back in the friendly, lovely confines of Bartley Ranch for another SSPA summer show after the spooky fun that was The Addams Family. If you saw The Addams Family, though the shows are vastly different, he hopes you enjoy this one just as much, especially with a good chocolate milkshake with copious amounts of whipped cream. KAYLA DURHAM (Mayor’s Wife, Ensemble) is very excited to make her acting debut at Sierra School of Performing Arts. She studied dance and fashion design at Oregon State University. This is the first musical she has been in as an adult. She currently is a dance teacher at InnerRhythms in Truckee, where she teaches jazz, hip hop, and modern. . JON MARSHALL (Maude, Policeman, Ensemble; co-production manager) is happy to be involved in this production both onstage and off! In addition to being in the cast, he is also an essential member of the production management team. This is his fourth production with SSPA: Annie (Bert Healy), Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Father), The Addams Family (assistant stage manager). He serves on the SSPA Board of Directors as vice president and chair of the education committee. He, his wife, and four children love to make music together. He also performs with the Nevada Gay Men’s Chorus and Firebird Light Opera and leads music at his church. A retired insurance actuary, he’s in his second career as a math educator. JULIA PARKS (Ensemble) is excited to be performing with SSPA for her first time! Previous credits include Legally Blonde (Kate) with College Park High School and Spring Awakening (Thea) with UNR. Julia is working towards completing her degree at UNR in education and hopes to teach music and work in special education. She is thankful for all the support from her friends and family!
About Sierra School of Performing Art sIn 2005, when there was a dearth of theater companies and theater classes in the area, a group of parents who wanted to create more opportunities for their kids who loved theater, dance and music founded Sierra School of Performing Arts. We started out with two camps each summer, then added classes and an annual production (?Broadway Bits?). We have done musicals, plays, original Shakespeare excerpt-type shows, online ?Zoom? plays during the pandemic, and revues with kids and adults in various indoor venues. In 2013 we started presenting full-length, musical productions here at Bartley Ranch, and in 2018 we added a second production to our season - a youth production for ages 8-18. Over the years we have inspired and developed actors, singers, dancers, directors, stage managers, sound and lighting techs, and costumers. Not to mention the hundreds of friendships made. This past year we moved out of our too-small and too-hot rehearsal space - a warehouse - and moved into a beautiful facility we are sharing with Sierra Nevada Ballet and the Steinway Piano Gallery. Come see our beautiful new space at 500 East Moana Lane! Our next production will be ?Beauty and the Beast Jr?, which will be presented at Damonte Ranch High School January 24, 25, 31 and February 1. Mark your calendars!SSPA is a nonprofit 501c3, funded primarily through grants, donations and ticket sales. Our expenses keep growing! Please consider making a donation in whatever amount you can afford. We are grateful for your support and hope you will keep coming. To join our email list: To donate, follow this link:Jonathan Heald owner of the Cater Bros and Caughlin Ranch Ace Hardware, located at Caughlin Ranch Parkway with helpful knowledgeable employees waiting to assist you, and at our Midtown location Carter Brothers Ace hardware. We are honored to sponsor the performing arts. It has been a tradition in our family to support our community, where we do business and live. We thank you in advance for supporting our business and we look forward to a long relationship of supporting the schools and their programs. We thank you and look forward to serving our community.
LORELAI HUDGINS (Ensemble) is a sophomore at Reno High School. She is thrilled to be performing with the cast of Bye Bye Birdie in her first ever musical. She has been a national award winning competitive dancer with Core Connection Dance Company for the past six years and has recently begun to pursue her passion for acting through stage and video productions. She loves the stage and would like to thank her parents and coaches for their support over the years. ELISE BROWN (Ensemble) is excited to be in her first main stage production with Sierra School of Performing Arts (SSPA). She has previously appeared in Little Mermaid JR. (SSPA), High School Musical 2 JR. (RLT), and Rock of Ages: Youth Edition (RLT). She's been dancing ever since she could walk and fell in love with theater. She is excited to be working with this amazing cast, and she hopes you enjoy the show. REESE HUGHES (Ensemble) has been doing theater for five years now; however, this is her first show with SSPA! Some other roles she has enjoyed were Kelsi Nielsen (High School Musical 2 JR.), Mrs. Gibbs (Our Town), Margaret (Generation Pan), and Carrie (Northwoods Nonsense). Reese is a student at Damonte Ranch High School, and is a part of their amazing PAC program! She is very excited to be a part of this show and hopes everyone will enjoy! RENO BIONDI (Harvey Johnson, Ensemble) is thrilled to play Harvey Johnson and join the quartet in Bye Bye Birdie. He has appeared in other SSPA shows, including Peter Pan Jr. (John) and Into the Woods (Milky White). He has also been in productions with Reno Little Theater, including High School Musical 2 JR. and Rock of Ages: Youth Edition. Reno is eager to begin his freshman year at Reno High School, where he will continue playing piano in the Jazz Band and string bass in the Wind Ensemble.
. SAMUEL SIEFERT (Ensemble) is entering high school at Galena, and this is his second musical with SSPA! He’s enjoying every minute. Offstage, Samuel likes to play clarinet and sing in the church choir. He hopes you enjoy the show. . NOAH JACKSON (Ensemble) has been doing theater since a very young age and has been loving it ever since. He has performed roles such as the Scarecrow and Tin Man in Wizard of Oz, Orin in Little Shop of Horrors, and Jafar in Aladdin. Bye Bye Birdie is his second show with SSPA: you may have seen him as King Triton in The Little Mermaid Jr. KEYS EDMUNDS (Ensemble). This is Keys’ first show with SSPA and he is thrilled to be taking part in this summer’s production of Bye Bye Birdie. Relatively new to the theater world, Keys has performed in one other musical production at Galena High School as Lucas Beineke in The Addams Family, and has also been involved with local theaters such as Theaterworks, Reno Little Theater, and SSPA. He is looking forward to expanding his acting repertoire and gaining more experience on the stage. ALICE GRAHAM (Ensemble) is starting her junior year at Spanish Springs High School and is thrilled to be performing in her second show with SSPA. Alice has been performing since elementary school and loves the thrill of being on stage. Her past performances include Carlotta and Arista in The Little Mermaid JR., The Guard and Coroner in The Wizard of Oz, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, and Matilda in Matilda!. Alice loves her musical theater family and is excited for you to experience the magic she and her fellow castmates have created. Enjoy the show! MAKENA COONS (Ensemble). This is Makena’s first show with SSPA and she is excited to be working with everyone on this production..
LINCOLN ROCCHI (Ensemble, u/s Conrad) is super excited to be doing another show with Sierra School of Performing Arts this summer! This is his third SSPA show and his sixth year of theater. Favorite roles that he has played include Ursula (Little Mermaid), Seymour Krelborn (Little Shop of Horrors), and an Ancestor in The Addams Family! He has learned so much these past three shows and cannot wait to continue to grow as a performer! MOLLY RAYMOND (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of her first Sierra School of Performing Arts production! She recently performed in Reno Little Theater’s productions of High School Musical 2 JR. as Taylor McKessie, Justice Charlier in Rock of Ages: Youth Edition. Molly was in a children’s choir from ages six to eleven and now trains weekly with a vocal coach. She has been doing local theater productions for three years. She would like to thank her parents for spending their summer making sure she got to and from rehearsals on time. BROOKLYN REMINGTON (Nancy, Ensemble) is happy to be back at Bartley Ranch where she fell in love with musical theater as Marta Von Trapp in SSPA’s production of The Sound of Music. This is Brooklyn’s eighth production with SSPA! She played Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Jr., Wendy in Peter Pan, Jr., Jojo in Seussical the Musical, Jr. and the Jazzy Snail soloist in A Year with Frog & Toad Jr. Brooklyn spent the past two summers in New York performing with Broadway professionals. Her passion for singing also caught the attention of the Miss Universe Organization which invited her to sing The Star-Spangled Banner at Miss Teen USA. STELLA ROBERTS (Ensemble) is a budding theater kid who loves to make people happy and laugh. This is her second play and she is excited to be in Bye Bye Birdie. When not doing theater, she can be found snowboarding, biking, playing soccer, and building in the Sims 4. She would like to thank her grandparents for helping lift her up and taking her where she needs to go; she would also like to thank her parents for being able to help her along the way.
RYLIE REMINGTON (Ensemble) has been part of SSPA's all-youth performances since Seussical the Musical, Jr. in 2019. She is thrilled to make her debut in a summer show at Bartley. Rylie has played a host of fun characters like Aphrodite in Dear Edwina, Jr. and Jojo's Mother in Seussical the Musical. When she is not rehearsing with SSPA, you will find her working towards a black belt in mixed martial arts. The Soprano 1 also performs with her school choir and was selected to be part of the Washoe County Sixth Grade Honor Choir. TESSA GLUM (Helen, Ensemble) is a student at Doral Academy and also enjoys playing volleyball with NNJ. She played Scuttle in SSPA’s The Little Mermaid JR. and is so excited to be performing in Bye Bye Birdie this summer. She thanks her family for always supporting her! GIULIANA HOVENIC (Ensemble) is a 13-year-old aspiring actor. She has been an active participant in Sierra School of Performing Arts classes and shows since 2021, and has appeared in such shows as Annie, All Together Now, Peter Pan JR, and The Little Mermaid JR. Giuliana has performed in many shows at Sage Ridge School, most recently as Dragon in Shrek the Musical. Giuliana loves everything about theater and is so grateful for all her cast mates and people who have supported her love for performing. Giuliana would like to thank Janet Lazarus for giving her this incredible opportunity and she hopes that you enjoy the show! MAKAYLA THOMPSON (Ensemble) is new to the theater scene, but loving it! This is her first show with Sierra School of Performing Arts, and recently she was cast as Dorothy in her school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. She is having a blast working with SSPA and hopes to keep doing shows with them in the future!
REAGAN PRICE (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on stage with Sierra School of Performing Arts. Past shows include playing Tessie in Annie and Tiger Lily in Peter Pan Jr. Reagan has been a competitive dancer since the age of four with Creative Edge Dance Studio. She has danced in The Nutcracker, Mary Poppins, and Snow White with the Reno Dance Company. Reagan is excited to bring her love of dance, singing and acting together in Bye Bye Birdie with a live band! Reagan would like to thank both SSPA for this opportunity, and her family for their constant love and support. JAZLEN “JAZZY” WINQUEST (Ensemble) is thrilled to join the cast of Bye Bye Birdie! This is her second production with Sierra School of Performing Arts. She was most recently a part of SSPA’s Little Mermaid JR., where she played a lion fish, a lagoon animal, and Flounder’s understudy. She also danced for Sierra Nevada Ballet’s Peanutcracker and Fascinating Rhythm School of Performing Arts’ Musical Mash-up. Her ongoing training includes voice, piano, musical theater, and dance. She is 12 years old, a proud Doral Academy Dragon, and the world’s best big sister. Singing and performing came naturally to Jazzy early on; she loves being on stage, and is so excited to continue to learn and grow as an artist! MADISYN ROSSITER (Ensemble) is proud to take the musical stage with the Sierra School of Performing Arts after nearly seven years of dancing ballet with the Conservatory of Movement. As a ballerina, she has graced the Pioneer Center stage in numerous productions, including The Nutcracker, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, and many other recitals. Madisyn’s charisma and enthusiasm shine through her art, and she is excited to share her light with the world!
Thanks to all those working beyond the stage lights to make sure we have sets, music, costumes, props, all coordinated to look and sound good for the audience: you're the best !-Gary Pope-SearsCongratulations Bryce! We are so proud of you and love you so much! Keep working hard for your dreams. Love, Mom, Nana and PapaGiuliana and the cast of Bye Bye Birdie-You are all spect acular! Cheers to an am azing show! -The Hovenic fam ily ?Break a leg Reno and t he ent ire cast and crew of Bye Bye Birdie! May your performances be filled with magic, laughter and unforget t able moment s. Cheers to a spect acular show! ?
Genevieve (Evie) August (Ensemble) Genevieve started with singing lessons under the direction of jazz singer CeCe Gable and has grown to love the stage ever since. She has studied dance at Sierra Nevada Ballet, Doral Academy, Creative Edge, and Dance Unlimited. Genevieve loves being part of Sierra Nevada Ballet's Peanutcracker. Genevieve has studied with Sierra School of Performing Arts, Take 2 Performing Studio, and Mary Bennett. Along with her love of musical theater, Genevieve loves travel, 80's movie trivia, and anything to do with the show Stranger Things! GYSEL NAJJAR (Ensemble) is very grateful to be a part of her first show with SSPA. She has played many roles in Sage Ridge shows, including Donkey in Shrek. She is very happy to perform for you and hopes you enjoy the show! COURTNEY CHUBB (Ensemble) is 12 years old and began acting at the age of 10, performing in summer Artown youth productions. She enjoys being on stage, singing, and performing in front of an audience. When she's not acting you can find her drawing, roller blading, or talking to friends. She's excited to gain more experience as part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. ABBIE GARNER (Ensemble) is a sophomore at Bishop Manogue where she recently played Patsy in their production of Spamalot. After many years taking classes at SSPA, she is excited to be in one of their productions! .
Production and Creative Team JANET LAZARUS (Director, Production Manager) hails from New York, where she caught the Broadway bug, and has since been performing, teaching, and directing. She holds an M.F.A. in acting from UCLA, has performed professionally in New York, L.A., and Rome (Italy), and has been the founding artistic director of SSPA for going on twenty years. Nearly thirty five years ago while living in L.A., she co-wrote, produced and co-starred in a long-running, two-women comedy that received rave reviews and was a Critic’s Choice pick in the L.A. Times. Janet is very grateful to all the creatives with whom she has worked and played for too many years to count. That of course includes this incredible cast and crew! She is also a very proud mama of two sons. Although she has most recently been producing and directing, she is passionate about acting and occasionally appears in local productions. She will be teaching acting at UNR this fall. TERRY THOMPSON (Musical Director) has been teaching music in the Washoe County School District for twenty-five years. Currently she is the music teacher at Hunsberger Elementary School. Terry has directed the music for fourteen full-length musicals, including SSPA’s productions of Legally Blonde, The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella, and The Sound of Music. Terry holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from UNR, a Master of Education degree from Lesley University, Cambridge, Mass,, and is a National Board-certified teacher. Terry also directs the Hunsberger school choir and has a private piano studio. Terry’s choirs have received numerous gold awards and superior ratings, including placing first in the Nevada State Command Performance competition in vocal jazz. Terry has performed professionally, both locally and internationally. She is the very proud mother of three sons and has three beautiful grandchildren! Terry is happy and proud to be part of this very special production, and to be working with such an amazing cast, artistic team, and production crew. DANNY STURTEVANT (Set and Lighting Designer) has been involved in theater both on and off the stage for 28 years. Having played Conrad himself a few years ago, this was a production close to his heart. He hopes you enjoy the show and have a wonderful evening!
AMANDA (MANDY) FLOCCHINI (Choreographer) has been dancing since she was seven years old. She grew up in Reno, Nevada, and graduated from the University of Nevada in the spring of 2011 with a BS in chemistry. She performed in and choreographed for numerous dance concerts at the University of Nevada. Mandy was a member of Bellē Contemporary Dance Co. and was privileged to perform with them at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and the DUMBO Arts Festival in New York. Mandy has performed in and choreographed for shows sponsored by Downtown Dance Collective in Reno. For Sierra School of Performing Arts, she has choreographed many of their summer musicals since 2013 including: Bye Bye Birdie, Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, Legally Blonde, Guys and Dolls, and Annie. When she is not choreographing or spending time with her family, Mandy writes middle and high school science curricula. . MAGGIE FROESE (Asst Stage Manager) Maggie has been involved with Sierra School of Performing Arts since she was 15 years old. She has performed in many different musicals including her favorite, The Sound of Music, but this is her first time working backstage as assistant stage manager. She is delighted to work with such an amazing group of people. DEBORAH MORRISON (Costumer) received a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative arts from Sierra Nevada College and an Associate’s Degree in costume design from the Conservatory of Theatre Arts in Las Vegas. She is the founder of YMI Costumes and her designs have graced the stages in events and venues around the world. She has worked as wardrobe/stylist in several films (for Warner Brothers, Kingpin Productions), TV commercials, corporate events and cruise ships. For the last 23 years, Deborah has worked with Alabama Theatre, and has been costume designer for many local theater productions, including SSPA’s Legally Blonde, Into the Woods, and The Addams Family.
. N. ERIC HEISELT (Costumer) has been involved in theatrical productions since high school. He earned an AA in historical fashion from CCAD and a BA in History from BYU. He has designed and costumed shows for university and community theaters. Past productions include: Into the Woods, Aida, Miss Saigon, Cabaret, Secret Garden, Avenue Q, Once on This Island, and many others. This is his first production with SSPA. He is a single father of four children and two corgis. SYBELLA POPE-SEARS (Stage Manager) started studying music in 1977, graduated with a BA in Music Ed and mostly taught in an elementary classroom for thirty years while being involved with church musical work. While in college, she enjoyed being involved in opera. She has directed choirs, children’s musicals, and handbells; she plays piano fairly well, banjo badly, and is currently singing with the Reno Philharmonic Chorus. Most recently she has returned to teaching elementary music full time. TOM READY (Set Construction) has taught theater and directed shows at CSU Chico, Lassen Community College, Lassen High School and California Correctional Center. He received a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship for Educational Restructuring and Instructional Methodology, served as a consultant for the California Arts Project and the California Reading and Literature project. He has published two reader’s theater adaptations and two instructional methods books with Meriwether Publishers. Now retired, he enjoys life as a grandfather and appreciates the opportunity to work with Sierra School of Performing Arts. MELINA FROGGET (Lighting Designer/Engineer) Melina Frogget is excited to be working with Sierra School again. She has been running lights for their summer musical since their 2019 production of Guys and Dolls. She also designs their youth productions, including The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and A Year With Frog and Toad. Her most recent credit is light designer for Good Luck Macbeth's Something Rotten. When she's not doing lights, she's directing or stage managing.
GlossaryHere are some terms you might hear in tonight?s performance that may be unfamiliar:Telephone: A rotary device people used to make phone calls - now an antiquated term.Arpege: A classic Parisian perfume for women launched in 1927. N.Y.U.: A prestigious university in New York City.Queens: A suburb of New York and a short commute to N.Y.C. (also home of the NY Mets and where the director of this show was born)!Pinned: Wearing a pin from the boy who wants to be your ?steady?. Going steady: Officially being boyfriend and girlfriend.Broadway: A street in New York City. Subway: An underground train or train system in NYC; the "I.R.T." is one of the subways.Taxi: Car for hire (pre-Uber); you paid and tipped the driver in ?paper money?, or ?cash?.Paper: The ?newspaper?; where one would read about the news.Ed Sullivan: TV variety show host; the Ed Sullivan Show, broadcast on Sunday evenings, is where famous performers appeared or were introduced, a Sunday night staple in the 60?s. The Beatles made their American debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.Kodak: A camera and film manufacturing company that created the first simple camera.Sam my Kaye: American bandleader and songwriter who appeared on the Sullivan show. Post um: An instant powder beverage created by the Post cereal company.Loop the loop: A Coney Island roller coaster; the nation?s first elliptical looping roller coaster.Marlboro: Popular brand of cigarette.Delores Del Rio, Gene Raym ond: Movie stars of the 1930s. The Shadow/Lamont Cranston: A famous radio drama/ pulp fiction series of the 1930s.