Ed Washington Fan Young Du Grant
THEATRE STAFF
Founder & Executive Director Jason Goedken
Founder & Artistic Consultant Whitney Morse
Artistic Director ........................... Angel Creeks
Director of Operations .................... Jon Cronin
Director of Business .................... Sean Graham
Director of People, Projects & Culture ....................... Leslie Becker
Development Director .......... Yasmeen Stogden
Marketing Director ........Monica Berdecio, MA
Booking & Contracts Manager ......Sierra Weiss
Senior Manager of Technical Operations......................Clay Becker
Technical Production Manager .. Andrea Huneycutt
Assistant Production Manager .......... Madi Carr
Deck & Facilities Coordinator .. Tony Fairchild
Lighting Supervisor ................... Ally Southgate
Associate Lighting Supervisor Dio Raquel Jr. Production Swing Nichole Pollack Manager of Patron Services ............ Alec Speers
Assistant Manager of Patron Services .............................. Tina Carroll
Assistant Manager of Patron Services Lonnie Goertz
Assistant Manager of Patron Services .............. Savannah Rose Parker
Marketing & Social Media Coordinator ...........................Natalie Bollinger
Marketing Account Manager ........ Erika Nelson
Graphic Designer ......................... Krissi Kugler
Lead Housekeeper Victoria Doss Ad Sales marketing@significantproductions.org
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS BOARD
WHITNEY MORSE on
The Sharon®
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Dear Patron of the Arts,
Welcome to The Sharon Performing Arts Center!
This year marks a very special milestone—10 years since The Sharon first opened its doors. What began in 2015 as a bold dream has grown into a vibrant home for live performance, rooted in the adventurous and artistic spirit of my grandmother, Sharon L. Morse.
Over the past decade, we’ve been honored to earn your trust, show by show, standing ovation by standing ovation. Whether you’re here tonight to experience a beloved Broadway tour, a favorite artist, or something entirely new, know that every performance has been thoughtfully curated by our passionate team of artists and arts administrators.
As we celebrate our first ten years, we’re also stepping into an exciting new chapter: The Sharon is now proudly powered by Significant Productions, a registered nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful, memorable arts experiences in our community. With this new foundation, we’re not only preserving what makes The Sharon special, we’re building toward a future filled with bold ideas, diverse stories, and even more opportunities to surprise and delight you.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We’re so glad you’re here. Enjoy the show, and here’s to the next ten years of discovery, connection, and applause.
See You at The Sharon,
Whitney Morse
Founder & Artistic Consultant
Significant Productions
ART. ARTISTS. AUDIENCE.
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS (SIGPRO) is a Non-Profit arts organization that operates The Sharon Performing Arts Center (The Sharon) & The SigPro Studio.
OUR MISSION; SigPro cultivates a diverse collaborative community with a focus on artists' well-being that strives to provoke thought and spark conversation through high quality performing arts.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS
We believe that fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace is essential for the creation of exceptional art. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to our employees. This ensures every individual who contributes to our productions feels valued and empowered. We actively promote a workplace culture that embraces differences and encourages collaboration among our diverse team of artists, technicians, administrators, and volunteers.
Thank
You FOR SUPPORTING SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS
STANDING OVATION
$2,022 A YEAR
Robert & Joan Jalbert
Jim & Dee Judd
Andy Pawlowski
Elliot Sussman
John Swartz
ENCORE ENTHUSIASTS
$60 A MONTH
Celeste Hankins
John Hilt
April Linscott
Marianne Niesen
Jim Ward
ARTS AMBASSADORS
$30 A MONTH
Marie Connolly
Mary Homko
Russell Jones
Bob & Diane Kendi
Honey & David Kirk
Edward & Gayle Labuda
Kathleen Litch
Holly Nicholson
Dina Nizza
Bonnie Park
Karen & Clarence Russell Jr.
Patricia Schlemmer
Donna Silver
Donna Taylor
Jan & Dave Thomas
Bob & Iris Trinh
Barbara & John Van Dyke
Melissa Warner
DEDICATIONS
Ursula Becker
Derek Mumford
Peg Fiore
Alice Stogden
Jackson L. Straub III, M.D.
Lorraine Torgerson
Thank you to our Vibe Setters and anonymous donors.
PRIVATE BOX experience
ENJOY YOUR NEXT SHOW AT THE SHARON LIKE A VIP!
• Exclusive experience for up to 15 guests.
• Private lounge for the evening, including homelike furnishings, restroom, and direct access to the auditorium box for comfortable viewing of your show.
• Upgrades available such as a private bartender or personalized celebratory furnishings.
To explore accommodations and availability, please contact VIP@SignificantProductions.org
STEP INSIDE SIGPRO the free, monthly backstage pass to everything Significant Productions! From hilarious team antics to exclusive sneak peeks, event presales, juicy behind-the-scenes stories, and heartfelt community moments… this isn’t your mother’s newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE NOW & JOIN THE VIP LIST KEEPING THE ARTS ALIVE
PART I
“O sole mio” by di Capua
Grant Norman, Edward Washington II, Fanyong Du
“Per la gloria d’adorarvi”
Grant Norman
“Quanto e bella” from Elixir of Love
Edward Washington II
“Mattinata” by Leoncavallo Fanyong Du
“I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables
Mary Jo Vitale
“Una furtive lagrima” from Elixir of Love
Grant Norman
“Non ti scordar di me” by De Curtis Fanyong Du
“Ave Maria”
Edward Washington II
“Un bel di” from Madama Butterfly
Mary Jo Vitale
“Time to Say Goodbye” by Sartori/Quarantotto/Peterson
Mary Jo Vitale, Grant Norman, Edward Washington, Fanyong Du
~ Intermission ~
PART II
“La donna e mobile” from Rigoletto by Verdi
Grant Norman, Edward Washington, Fanyong Du
“Recondita armonia” from Tosca
Grant Norman
“Granada” by Agustin Lara Fanyong Du
“Dein ist mein ganzes herz”
Edward Washington II
“Think of Me” from Phantom
Mary Jo Vitale
“Ideale” by Tosti Fanyong Du
“Maria” from West Side Story
Grant Norman
“The Prayer”
Mary Jo Vitale, Edward Washington II
“Memory” from Cats
Mary Jo Vitale
“Nessun Dorma” from Turandot by Puccini
Mary Jo Vitale, Grant Norman, Edward Washington, Fanyong Du
BIOGRAPHIES
FANYONG DU
Fanyong Du is a distinguished lyric tenor from Inner Mongolia, China, who was raised and artistically formed within the European cultural tradition. At the age of 14, he moved to Odessa, Ukraine, where he spent 12 formative years studying and developing his artistry in Odessa and Milan, Italy. Mr. Du’s musical journey reflects his exceptional musicianship. He made his operatic debut as Rodolfo in La Bohème at the Odessa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet and soon excelled as a soloist with the Odesa Philharmonic Orchestra. Notably, he became the youngest voice teacher at the A. V. Nezhdanova Odessa National Academy of Music. He holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Odessa and further expanded his training at the Manhattan School of Music and the Mannes School of Music. He also received invitations from the Cardiff Artist’s Program of the Welsh National Opera and the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. Mr. Du’s international career has taken him to Italy, Switzerland, South Korea, Canada, Russia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, China, and the United States. Career highlights include recitals in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 150th anniversary of Rachmaninoff and the 180th anniversary of Tchaikovsky, attended by distinguished guests such as Madam Rachmaninova and the French Ambassador. His appearances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall—including Bellini’s La Sonnambula with Teatro Nuovo (canceled one week before the performance due to the pandemic) and tribute concerts honoring Giuseppe Giacomini—further underscore his artistic reputation. From the Beijing National Center for the Performing Arts to the Odessa National Opera, Mr. Du has left an indelible mark on stages worldwide. His artistry has been recognized at prestigious competitions, including the Gerda Lissner Foundation International Vocal Competition, the Giulio Gari International Vocal Competition, and the Mykola Lysenko International Musical Competition. Looking ahead, highlights of the 2025 season include a Duo Concert Tour across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and South Korea in the summer of 2025. Additional engagements feature An Afternoon of Opera Arias and Art Songs, a Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky Concert with the Russian Chamber Music Society, Iolanta, and productions of La Traviata with the Inner Mongolia Arts University. A week ago, Mr. Du achieved notable success portraying the leading role of Lensky in Eugene Onegin at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. His music, singing, and vocal technique have earned wide recognition among Chinese audiences, leading him to establish and direct a summer vocal program in South Korea. In addition to his performing career, Mr. Du is a highly respected pedagogue, working closely with students and professors at the Inner Mongolia Arts University.
GRANT NORMAN
Best known for his portrayal of the Phantom in the Broadway production of Andrew LLoyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway star Grant Norman, himself a graduate of Central Florida Lyric Opera’s Resident Artist Training Program started out in theater with the Red River Dance & Performing Company in Fargo, ND. He was a member of their company for 4 years, during which time he worked his way through the ranks to become a principal dancer. During his 11 original productions with the company he was fortunate enough to work with its directors, Kathy & Eddie Gasper. Their experience and generosity proved to be invaluable to Grant. Kathy was a successful classical ballerina and Eddie was a Broadway veteran and former Assistant to Bob Fosse. Under their tutelage he learned Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Character dancing. Grant Norman’s first starring role in musical theatre was with the Red River Dance & Performing Co. as Paul in Carnival; which happened to be a joint production between the Red River Dance & Performing Co. and The Fargo/ Moorhead Community Theatre. In the following years, Grant began working in many wonderful regional theatres throughout the country while returning to Fargo and the Red River Dance & Performing Co. to play Tony in West Side Story. Some of his most highly acclaimed regional roles included Smudge in Forever Plaid (Alley Theatre, TX), Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew, Curley in Oklahoma (Jupiter Theatre, FL), the Prince/Wolf in Into the Woods (Seaside Music Theatre, FL), Max in Lend Me a Tenor (Hippodrome Theatre, FL), Gaston in Gigi (Royal Palm Dinner Theatre, FL), Johnny Canton in 1940’s Radio Hour (Ruth Foreman Theatre, FL), Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Mark II Dinner Theatre, FL), Corporal Billy Jester in Little Mary Sunshine (North Dakota Repertory Theatre, ND), and Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities (Backers Production, NYC). In 1990, Grant Norman began his longstanding musical affiliation with Maestro Bill Doherty when he joined the Central Florida Lyric Opera’s Resident Artist Training Program. As a member of the training program, Grant studied classical Italian opera singing with Mr. Doherty and also appeared in numerous concerts and opera programs with Bill Doherty and the Central Florida Lyric Opera. Grant moved to New York City in 1991 where he immediately joined the cast of two legendary Broadway shows - Miss Saigon and The Phantom of the Opera. His time with The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway led to the opportunity of touring the U.S. as the Phantom in the National Touring Company. He then went on to play the Phantom in London at Her Majesty’s Theatre. After he returned to the States he accepted a contract working for Disney, touring the U.S. and Canada as the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, (a role for which he was nominated for two National Theatre Awards). Returning back to New York, he landed a role in the OffBroadway production of Johnny Guitar where he can be found on the Original Cast Recording. Most recently, Grant Norman finished a 2 1/2 year run playing the role of Gaston in the Broadway production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and also appeared in the hit television drama Law & Order.
EDWARD WASHINGTON II
American Tenor, Edward Washington II, was born in England, raised in Saudi Arabia and lives currently in New York City. He’s celebrated for his soaring vocal range and generous stage presence. Armed with a BM from Stetson University and a Master’s from Morgan State University, Edward has honed his craft through rigorous training and academic excellence in the United States and abroad. Throughout his career, Edward has performed with prestigious opera companies including Opera Omaha, Detroit Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Opera. He’s also performed in major concert Halls and music festivals showcasing his versatility as a vocal artist. His repertoire includes opera, oratorio, cantatas, art songs, musical theater, spirituals, and hymns. Edward is a passionate advocate for music education and physical health. He actively engages in advancing music America with his fraternity: Phi Mu Alpha, Sinfonia. He has premiered the works of 4 American Composers.
MARY JO VITALE
A Florida native, Mary Jo was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale. She attended the University of South Florida on a full music scholarship and was the premier vocalist for the Pinellas Opera League in St. Petersburg FL in 2002. She regularly performs concerts and cabarets for sold out crowds in The Villages and surrounding areas. Mary Jo’s musical versatility and charisma on stage has earned her the title of The Sweetheart of The Villages. She has been invited to perform in several local musical theater productions such as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar (2017), Eva Peron in Evita (2018), Johanna in Sweeney Todd (Oct. 2018) and Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady (2019). She starred in Rogers and Hammerstein’s beautiful musical Carousel as Julie Jordan and as Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! (2021) to rave reviews. She played Antonia in Man of La Mancha (2022). Ariel Truax in Grumpy Old Men (2023) and Christine in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Spring 2024) and most recently as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz (Fall 2024)! Her favorite role of all, though, is that of wife and mother. Mary Jo has been married to her college sweetheart, Jon-Marc MacLean for 19 years and they have two children together; Danny (14 years old) and Lila Rose (8 years old). Mary Jo’s husband is the Lead Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in The Villages where he has been serving for 15 years. Mary Jo regularly leads worship at Hope Lutheran Church’s new southern campus at Everglades Recreation Center. The Villages is certainly proud to call this versatile entertainer one of their own.
BILL DOHERTY
Maestro Bill Doherty is an internationally acclaimed pianist, conductor, composer, singer, and vocal coach. Trained at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School, he has graced iconic venues including St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Vatican, Lincoln Center, and The Salzburg Festival among many others. He has performed by request for both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, premiering his Requiem in Jerusalem commissioned by the Vatican. Doherty has collaborated with renowned opera stars including Licia Albanese, Deborah Voigt and many others, and appeared on PBS, CBS, NBC, and the Late Show with David Letterman. Founder of Central Florida Lyric Opera and Director of Music at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, his extraordinary contributions have been recognized by President George W. Bush among other prominent politicians. Among his many honors he is the recipient of the New York State Council on the Arts Humanities Award and his signature has been immortalized on the Muro di Alassio in Alassio, Italy.
Great theatre requires talent, passion, and the support of our community. The Villages values the power of art and recognizes Significant Productions’ role in enriching our lifestyle. Join them, as we have, in ensuring that live theater continues to thrive.
POWERING art IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH
Free Memory Screens
Hand-Selected Jewelry from the World’s Finest Brands
Hand-Selected Jewelry from the World’s Finest Brands
Expert Repairs by In-House Master Jewelers
Expert by In-House Master
Certified Appraisals On-Site by GIA Gemologists
Appraisals On-Site GIA Gemologists in The Community for 25 Years
Proudly Family-Owned in The Villages® Community for 25 Years
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