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WELCOME

A S E A S O N O F T R A N S F O R M A T I O N

I believed in one simple truth: when a community gathers around a story, we change—together. Over the last few years, we’ve grown from a handful of productions to a bustling slate of performances, concerts, classes, and youth programs. That growth hasn’t been accidental; it’s been powered by you—our audience, artists, educators, volunteers, partners, and the City of Mauldin showing up, lending your voice, and daring to imagine what theatre in this space can be.

This season, you’ll see that spirit on full display. We’re stretching artistically, investing in new talent, and deepening our commitment to accessibility and education. From bold mainstage titles to opportunities for young performers, every moment on our stage is designed to spark connection between neighbors, across generations, and within ourselves.

28

SEP 2019 • 7PM

• CULTURAL CENTER OF MINNEOSOTA

None of this happens without an extraordinary network of people. To our creative teams and crews who build worlds from scratch, our performers who pour their hearts into the work, our staff and volunteers who make the magic run, and our sponsors and donors who fuel the mission thank you. And to you, seated here tonight: your presence matters. You complete the story.

Here’s to a year of brave storytelling, generous community, and the kind of nights that linger long after the curtain falls. I’m honored to share this season with you.

Kristofer Parker

See you after the show, Kristofer Parker Theatre Director

Mauldin Theatre Company

MEMPHIS

Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro

Music and Lyrics by David Bryan

Based on a concept by George W. George

DIRECTOR

MUSIC DIRECTOR

CHOREOGRAPHER

STAGE MANAGER

ASS. STAGE MANAGER

SCENIC PAINTER SET DESIGNER SET BUILDER

LIGHTING DESIGNER

AUDIO ENGINEER

SOUND DESIGNER/OPERATOR

COSTUMER WIGS

INTIMACY COORDINATOR FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER PROPS

LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR

K H R I S T I N S T E P H E N S

J U L I E F L O R I N

A S H L E Y N I C A S T R O

S A R A G U S H U E

M A T E O S C O T T

Z O E S N E E D

J O H N N Y N E A L

P A U L K W O K

M A S O N L A N E

K A R A S W A R T Z E N D R U B E R

B A R B A R A E N G L I S H

J A K E S H E R I D A N

A M I Y A E N G L I S H

M I A P H I L L I P S

O N Y X X G E D D E S

MEET THE CAST

CAST OF MEMPHIS

H U E Y C A L H O U N

F E L I C I A F A R R E L L

D E L R A Y J O N E S

G A T O R

B O B B Y

G L A D Y S C A L H O U N

M R . S I M M O N S

E N S E M B L E

C H A Z G I L E S

A V I Y A N A S U B E R

J E R E M I A H J A C K S O N

D E V O N S C O T T

J A R E D N E E L E Y

L E A S E A T O N

R I C K C O N N O R

C A S S I E F R A N C I S

S O P H I A F O W L E R

K E R R I C K G R E E R

O M A R I O N K I R K S E Y

T I M M Y L I N D B L A D

C H E L S E A R U D I S I L L

S K Y L A R T H O M A S

J E M M A V A N J A A R S V E L D T

BAND OF MEMPHIS

M U S I C D I R E C T O R / K E Y S 1

K E Y S 2

D R U M S B A S S

G U I T A R R E E D 1

R E E D 2

T R U M P E T

T R O M B O N E

J U L I E F L O R I N

M E G H A N R E I M E R S

K I P B R O C K

G R E G D A Y

W I L L H A G E N

T I M M C G U I R E

T O M N E L S O N

E T H A N S C R U G G S

O W E N R A G U S A

MEMPHIS ACT I

“Middle of the Dial”

“Underground”

“Music of My Soul”

“Summer Heart”

“Scratch Reprise/Ain’t Nothin’ But A Kiss”

“Hello My Name is Huey”

“Everybody Wants to Be Black 1"

“Everybody Wants to Be Black 2"

“Make Me Stronger”

“Is That Dirty”

“Colored Woman”

“Someday”

“She’s My Sister”

“Radio”

“Say A Prayer”

MEMPHIS ACT II

“Act 2 Opening – Crazy Little Huey”

“Big Love”

“Love Will Stand”

“Stand Up”

“Change Don’t Come Easy”

“Wailin’ Joe/Scratch My Itch (Reprise)”

“Tear Down the House”

“Love Will Stand (Reprise)”

“Memphis Lives in Me”

“Steal Your Rock N’ Roll”

“Bows”

“Exit Music”

MEET THE CAST

Chaz Giles - Huey Calhoun

Chaz Giles is happy to return to the Mauldin Cultural Center for this production of “Memphis.” In lieu of telling you more about him, Chaz has opted into the “mysterious” approach to his bio— the mystery being there is nothing interesting about him. He would like to dedicate his performance to his Grandfather, Darroll Evans, who passed earlier this year. Darroll was a radio DJ beginning in the 1960s and nurtured Chaz’s love for music. He lives on briefly in the performance of this show, and forever in the heart of his grandson.

Aviyana Suber - Felicia Farrell

Aviyana Suber, discovered her passion for music in her church choir and continued performing through school chorus and vocal performance programs. She later studied Audio Production at the Art Institute of Atlanta, where she deepened her love for songwriting and creative storytelling through music. In addition to writing for local Upstate artists, she also works as a vocal coach. She has appeared in productions including Jingle Bell Rock, Under the Boardwalk, Age of Aquarius, Heatwave, and A Cool Yule at Mill Town Players, as well as Motown and Uplift at the Younts Center. MCC audiences may also recognize her from Bring Back the 90s, Y2K, Holiday Spectacular, and The Bey & Tay Experience. She is thrilled to return to the MCC stage for her acting debut as the one and only Felicia Farrell!

Jeremiah Jackson - Delray Jones

Jeremiah is thrilled to be back on the MTC stage! He’s excited to be part of Memphis and grateful for the opportunity to bring this powerful story to life. He has recently been seen in MTC’s production of Prince of Egypt and several other shows throughout the Upstate, including the ensemble of Sister Act (Greenville Theatre), Cinderella (SLT), and The Little Mermaid (MTC). He would like to thank all his friends and family for their support as well as his vocal coaches Wendi Arms and Chase McAbee.

Devon Scott - Gator

Devon Scott is a Greenville-based vocalist and performer with deep roots in the Upstate music scene. A product of gospel quartet tradition and a founding member of Pure-NHeart under Alphaeus Anderson, he has performed with artists like Donnie McClurkin, Todd Galberth, Maranda Curtis, and Tasha Cobbs. Locally, Devon has been featured at Fall for Greenville, performed with Jamie Wright, participated in the Peace Centre’s Season Reveal introducing Andrea Bocelli, and appeared in The Lion King at the Peace Centre. As lead vocalist for Fly Fidelity, he blends gospel, soul, R&B, hip hop, pop, and country. He also serves as artistic director, vocal arranger, and songwriter for Showtime Productions.

Jared Neeley - Bobby

Jared Neeley, also known as Thēsis, is a singer, songwriter, and recording artist making waves in the Upstate. He made his theatre debut in Betty Entertainment’s Decade Hits: The Concert Experience, followed by Finally It’s Christmas: The Concert Experience. Jared has since released two singles, “April Showers” and “Ultraviolet,” and is known for his smooth, expressive vocals. Through this performance, Jared aims to captivate the audience with gripping vocals and use this valuable experience to advance into new, promising opportunities with like-minded individuals.

MEET THE CAST

Lea Seaton - Gladys Calhoun

Lea Seaton is thrilled to bring fire and flair to Gladys in Memphis at the Mauldin Cultural Center. She recently made her Greenville debut as Gina in Heroes of the Fourth Turning at The Warehouse Theatre. Lea holds a B.F.A. in Acting/Directing from Texas Tech University and spent over a decade performing in regional theatre, television, and film before a 25-year detour into corporate America. Favorite roles include Miss Mona (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), Annie Sullivan (Monday After the Miracle), Anna (The King and I), and Charlotte (A Little Night Music). She’s overjoyed to be back onstage and thanks the cast and crew—especially Khristin—as well as John and Barron for their love and support.

Rick Connor - Mr. Simmons

Rick Connor is thrilled to be returning to Mauldin Cultural Center where he last appeared as Mr. Fog in Sweeney Todd. Favorite previous roles include Claude in Come From Away (CS), Frank Abagnale, Sr. in Catch Me If You Can (GT), Bud in The Bridges of Madison County (MT), Billy Flynn in Chicago (SLT), Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins (SLT), Walter Hobbs in Elf the Musical (GT), Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music (SCCT) and Mr. Krabs in SpongeBob The Musical (SCCT). By day, Rick is an Associate and Senior Project Designer with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture.

Cassie Francis - Ensemble

Cassie is delighted to return to the MTC stage! Cassie is a Greenville native. She received her B.A. in Theatre from Anderson University and has enjoyed performing at regional theatres for over 15 years. A few of Cassie's past roles include Pulse in "A Taste of Black Theatre II" (Showtime Legacy Theatre), Nikki in "The Bodyguard" (MTC), Asaka in "Once on This Island" (SCCT) and ensemble in "Sister Act" (GT) . Shout out to the Francis Party of 7!!

Sophia Fowler - Ensemble

Sophia is excited to be in the ensemble for Memphis Musical. This will mark her MTC debut. She is currently in 7th grade and a member of the National Beta Club. Most recently, Sophia was in the ensemble for Cinderella with Luck Theatre Company. Her previous ensemble credits include Annie and The Wizard of Oz with Oconee Community Theatre. Off stage, she’s in her school’s band (clarinet), chorus, robotics, basketball cheerleading, and swim team. Sophia is also a member of YMCA Makos Swim Club and USA Swim Team. She also plays piano in her spare time.

Kerrick Greer - Ensemble

Kerrick Montonio is an Upstate South Carolina–based writer, producer, and storyteller with a passion for bringing authentic stories to life. A proud alumnus of the Phyllis Wheatley Repertory Theatre, he has performed across the Southeast and continues to create work through his company, Showtime Productions. Kerrick has written and produced five stage plays and created the series Complicated and Complicated: Atlanta. This production marks his first musical, and he’s thrilled to share it with the community.

MEET THE CAST

Omarion Kirksey - Ensemble

Omarion Kirksey is excited to be part of Memphis as a member of the ensemble, making his debut at the Mauldin Cultural Center. He previously performed in A Taste of Black Theatre 2 with Showtime Legacy Theatre. Omarion has a passion for music and fashion, using design as a form of self-expression. He is currently pursuing a degree in music therapy and is grateful for the support that continues to guide him.

Timmy Lindblad - Ensemble

Timmy Lindblad is thrilled to make his debut at MTC—and his first musical—with Memphis! Based in Taylors, SC, he returns to the stage after a two-year hiatus, having discovered his passion for acting in 2022. His credits include Bob Cratchit (A Christmas Carol), roles in Henry IV, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, and Dr. Jekyll in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as well as prop master for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Timmy hopes you enjoy the show and extends heartfelt thanks to those who supported him and his family after losing their home in Hurricane Helene.

Chelsea Rudisill - Ensemble

Chelsea Rudisill is excited to make her MTC debut! She has performed across the Upstate for over 15 years, with favorite roles including Bonnie (Come From Away), Cosette (Les Misérables), Marian (The Music Man), and Johanna (Sweeney Todd). By day, she works for nonprofit consulting firm JCA, supporting organizations through arts administration and management. She is a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 51. Thanks to her husband, Luke, and her dog, Dolly, for their love and support.

Skylar Thomas - Ensemble

Skylar Thomas is an actor, stagehand and creative artist from Concord, North Carolina, and it is her first show at Mauldin Cultural Center! She earned her Bachelors Degree in Performing Arts and was an active member of the theatre program at Clemson University, earning credits in Much Ado About Nothing, Airness, The Wolves and others. Her most recent performance was running sound and projections for Centre Stage’s Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime Before theatre, she danced competitively for fifteen years and found her love for tap! Skylar is super excited to get back into dancing and utilizing her skills for her future roles.

Jemma van Jaarsveldt - Ensemble

Jemma Van is a South African-born performer and Converse University graduate, holding a BA in Musical Theatre and Dance. She represented South Africa at dance world championships for four consecutive years as part of the national team. Credits include Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Bombalurina in Cats, and Frenchie in Glow Lyric Theatre’s Cabaret, serving as Dance Captain across productions. Jemma also works as a choreographer, dance educator, and rehearsal director, including work on children’s productions of The Nutcracker.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Khristen Stephens - Director

Khristin Stephens is thrilled to be directing MTC’s production of Memphis the Musical. A member of the Upstate theatre community for over 14 years, her recent directing credits include Bodyguard, The Bey and Tay Experience, Heatwave, Bring Back the 90s, and Now Y2K.

As a performer, she has appeared in The Color Purple (Shug Avery), Hairspray (Motormouth Maybelle), and All Shook Up (Sylvia). Khristin holds a B.S. in Psychology from Clemson University and an M.A.T. from Anderson University. She thanks Kristofer Parker, the production team, cast, and her friends and family for their continued support.

Julie Floren - Music Director

Julie’s musical direction and piano accompanying include— Greenville Theatre, The Warehouse Theatre, Centre Stage, The Market Theatre, Mill Town Players, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Clemson Little Theatre, Electric City Theatre, and Mauldin Theatre Company in SC; Burning Coal Theatre Company, Deep Dish Theatre, Meredith College, Raleigh Little Theatre, and NCSU University Theatre in NC. She is excited to bring this music of her soul to the stage. She thanks her husband Greg for his love and support, and the Florin Felines for the extra purrs.

Ashley Nicastro - Choreographer

Ashley Paredi is thrilled to be making her debut at MTC! Previously, she choreographed the southeastern premiere of Come From Away at Centre Stage and is currently assistant director for the upcoming production of Frozen at Greenville Theatre. Favorite choreography credits include Newsies, Pippin, Swing, All Shook Up, On the Town, Aida, and American Idiot. Huge thanks to Khristin, Julie, Sara and Mateo for being absolute rockstars. All the love to Matt, Olivia, and Noah for their endless support, encouragement, and unconditional love. For Bobbi.

Sara Gushue - Stage Manager

Sara Gushue is excited to return to MTC! She previously worked as ASM for Beetlejuice Jr. and most recently stage managed West Side Stories: Symphonic Dances for the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. Other recent credits include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Centre Stage), The Nutcracker (Ballet Spartanburg), and Grease and Out of Order (Prairie Repertory Theatre). Special thanks to Mateo and Chaz for keeping her sane — and no thanks to Stephen King for writing the worst book she’s ever read.

Mateo Scott - Assistant Stage Manager

Mateo Scott is so excited to be on the MTC stage again in a totally new role! Mateo has been seen most recently on stage as an actor in shows such as Children of Eden (MTC), RENT (MTC), and The Prince of Egypt (MTC). He would like to thank Kristofer Parker, Paul Kwok, and Khristin Stephens for allowing him to get a glimpse of the production side of the table. He would like to thank his parents, his fiancée, and his friends and family for all of their continued love, support, and encouragement for him to chase his passions! Alabanza!

PRODUCTION TEAM

Paul Kwok - Lighting Design

Paul Kwok is excited to return to MTC! A lighting designer and electrician for over a decade, Paul enjoys reading, dancing, and shenanigans when he’s not at the theatre. His past MTC credits include Children of Eden, Rent, Prince of Egypt, The Wild Party, Sweeney Todd, A Chorus Line, Bring Back the 90s, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Other recent credits include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Come From Away, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Once (CS); Hadestown (Teen Version) and Make Thick My Blood (SCGSAH); and Kinky Boots (Proud Mary Theatre Company). Special thanks to Thom Seymour and Kathleen Kwok.

Barbara English - Costumer

Barbara English moved to Greenville from Liverpool, U.K., thirty-eight years ago and is the owner and Artistic Director of English Theatre Arts, where she teaches Classical Ballet. While making most of the costumes for her own productions, she has also costumed for S.C. Children's Theater, Carolina Ballet Theatre, Ballet Spartanburg, South Carolina Governor's School, and Mauldin Theatre Co.