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
Presentedby
RENT
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Musical Arrangements
Steve Skinner
Music Supervision and Additional Arrangements
Tim Weil
Original Concept/Additional Lyrics
Billy Aronson
Dramaturg
Lynn Thomson SPECIAL THANKS
RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffery Seller, Kevin McCollum, Adam S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop
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H A N N A H W E L B O R N T I F F B U N C H
B R I T N E Y R I C C I
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T J H I L L S
E L I O T T H O M A S
P A U L K W O K
I S A B E L L A M E L L O
J A K E S H E R I D A N
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Kassandra Bailey Costume Assistance Tresa Lyle Props Assistance David Thomas Props Assistance Centre Stage Props & Costume Assistance
Phone Booth
CAST OF RENT
CAST OF RENT
M A R K
R O G E R
M I M I
T O M
A N G E L
J O A N N E
M A U R E E N
B E N N Y
RENT ACT I
“Tune Up A” Mark, Roger
“Tune Up B” Mark, Roger, Collins, Benny
“Rent” Company
“Christmas Bells #1" Homeless Man
“You Okay, Honey” Angel, Collins
“Tune Up – Reprise” Mark, Roger
“One Song Glory” Roger
“Light My Candle” Mimi, Roger
“Voice Mail #2" Mr. Jefferson, Mrs. Jefferson
“Today For You A” Collins, Mark, Roger
“Today For You B” Collins, Mark, Roger, Angel
“You’ll See” Benny, Mark, Roger, Collins, Angel
“Tango – Maureen” Mark, Joanne
“Support Group” Company
“Out Tonight” Mimi
“Another Day” Mimi, Roger, Company
“Will I” Company
“On The Street” Company
“Santa Fe” Collins, Angel, Mark
“I’ll Cover You” Angel, Collins
“We’re Okay” Joanne
“Christmas Bells” Company
“Over The Moon” Maureen
“La Vie Boheme”/ “I Should Tell You” Company
“Seasons
of Love”
RENT ACT II
MEET THE CAST
JR Bloomer - Mark J.R. is a Limestone University graduate from Gaffney, SC, and is thrilled to be making their MTC debut. Recent credits include Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Malcolm in The Full Monty and Willard in Footloose with the Spartanburg Little Theatre, as well as Rocky/Others in Spartanburg Youth Theatre’s touring production of the True Story of the Three Little Pigs. By the time this show opens, J.R. will be married to his partner of nearly 10 years, and so he would like to thank his wife, Bre Surratt, for always being by his side, on stage and off
Benjamin
Augusta - Roger Benji is excited to be working with Mauldin again to perform with another talented group of friends! He would also like to thank his family and Amiya for all the love and support through this process. Other productions you may have seen Benjamin in include, Rock of Ages (SLT), BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical, Sweeney Todd (MCC), Les Mis (GT), Bring Back the 90’s (MCC), and most recently The Full Monty (SLT).
Amiya English - Mimi
Amiya is beyond excited to be taking the MTC stage as "Mimi" in RENT. Recent credits include "Diana" in A Chorus Line (GT), “Chiffon" in Little Shop of Horrors (SLT), “Johanna” in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (MTC), and “Susan” in Wait Until Dark (SLT). She is a USC Upstate Alum with a B A. in Theatre Performance. She would like to thank Clare Shaffer and Taylor Marlatt for this incredible opportunity and her friends and family (+ Benji) for their constant support on and off the stage. "This show will always have a special place in my heart. No day but today"
Caleb Jackson - Collins
Caleb is a native of North Carolina where he grew up singing and dancing. He began his acting experience in 2010 as Rooster in DMR Adventures production of Annie. Caleb made his upstate debut as Lola/Simon in Market Theatre's production of Kinky Boots. More credits include Willy Wonka, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Grease, Songs for a New World, Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Jersey Boys, Hands On a Hardbody, James and the Giant Peach, The Music Man, Something Rotten, Sister Act, and Prince of Egypt
Braylen Lee - Angel
Braylen is delighted to be a part of his 12th show with MTC. He most recently appeared as Ritchie in GT’s A Chorus Line. He would like to dedicate his performance to all the brave and strong drag queens in the upstate and the LGBTQIA+ community. He sends so much love to the community and appreciates the authenticity and love within. He is honored to have the opportunity to portray this role, and he hopes to do it justice He would like to spread the message to tell the people you love that you love them, you never know when it’s anyone’s last moments, so spread the love and also know you are loved.
MEET THE CAST
Bre Surratt - Joanne
Bre is a Limestone University alumna from Gaffney, SC, and is thrilled to be making her MTC debut. She most recently appeared onstage as Frenchie in Cabaret at Centre Stage. A frequent performer at the Spartanburg Little Theatre, her other credits include Little Shop Of Horrors (Ronnette), Murder On The Orient Express (Mary Debenham), and Cinderella (Gabrielle), as well as their collaboration with Ballet Spartanburg, Ballet Goes to Broadway By the time this show opens, Bre will be married to her partner of nearly 10 ears, and so she would like to thank her husband, J.R. Bloomer, for his love and dedication both on and off the stage.
Rachel Gasdia - Maureen
Rachel is excited to return to the MTC stage as Maureen! Past credits include Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Once (Girl), The Great Gatsby (Jordan Baker), Silent Sky (Annie Cannon), Hedda Gabler (Judge Brack), and Rent (Maureen). Thanks to Clare and the production team, she has the opportunity to step back into this role at such a critical moment in history; it has been a privilege to play and explore such an unashamed, loud queer woman onstage through the lens of her current lived experience. Rachel would also like to thank her Mom and Margie for always taking her as she is, and the audience, for coming out to join in the preservation of queer stories and getting out to vote at every opportunity! Enjoy the show, and VIVA LA VIE BOHEME!!
DeAndre Presley - Benny
DeAndre is thrilled to make his MTC debut! He began performing in 2022 at the Historic Pelzer Auditorium in Hank Williams: The Lost Highway, later appearing as Benny in Rent (Market Theatre) and Summer Breezin’ (Centre Stage). DeAndre has also been featured in films and commercials, including a Gatorade spot with George Kittle. An R&B singer-songwriter and half of the duo Cold Summer, his music is on all major platforms under Press and Cold Summer. A proud husband and father of three, DeAndre thanks his wife and family for encouraging him to keep God first and to pursue all that he has placed in his heart with great faith and confidence.
Mackenzie Archie - Ensemble (Dance Captain)
Mackenzie is excited to make her Mauldin Theatre debut! Mackenzie has previously performed as Rosie in Cabaret at Centre Stage and as Ensemble and Dance Captain for 9 to 5 The Musical at Dorman HS. Mackenzie was also a previous dancer for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey Team. She would love to thank her cast for making every rehearsal and performance night the most wonderful time! She would also love to thank her boyfriend, Mason for being supportive every step of the way!
Kirsten Brock - Ensemble (Joanne u/s)
Kirsten is excited to be making her Mauldin Theatre Company debut! Her past performances include Mama Euralie in Once on This Island, Bird Lady/Ensemble in Mary Poppins, Mrs. Phelps in Matilda the Musical, and Shug Avery in The Color Purple: The Musical. Native to Greenville, SC, Kirsten is an experienced singer who loves working with children, especially those on the spectrum. Kirsten is overjoyed to be sharing the stage with such an amazing cast!!!
MEET THE CAST
Sam Eyler - Ensemble (Mimi u/s)
Sam has worked as both a performer and technician for over a decade. A Marywood University Musical Theatre graduate, she has performed regionally across the East Coast and Midwest before settling in Greenville. Local credits include Legally Blonde (Paulette, Centre Stage), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble/Lovett U/S, Mauldin Theatre), Shrek (Dragon/Gingy, Market Theatre), Something Rotten (Bea, Greenville Theatre), and Into the Woods (Witch, Market Theatre). Technical work: stage management for Million Dollar Quartet, Cabaret, Buddy, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; costume design for Legally Blonde, Nunsense Jamboree, Charlotte’s Web, and Once
Seth Hilderbrand - Ensemble (Roger/Mark u/s, Vocal Captain)
Seth is thrilled to be back at the Mauldin Theatre Company once again! You may have seen him here last in Sweeney Todd as a member of the ensemble, where he got a close shave and lived to attend the tale. Other roles include Charlie in Kinky Boots (SLT, Proud Mary), Eglamour in Two Gentlemen of Verona (USF), Joey in Sister Act (Greenville Theatre), and many others! Enjoy the show!
aidupstate.org
Victoria Manness - Ensemble (Maureen u/s)
Tori is excited to be making her Mauldin Theatre Company debut! She would love to thank her amazing husband, Will, for being so encouraging. She would also love to thank the cast and crew for their support and kindness as she ventures back into the theater after surviving thyroid cancer. It’s a gift to sing with y’all every night.
Alex Robinson - Ensemble
Alex is excited for his first performance with the Mauldin Theatre Company! He is a two-time graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Juris Doctor. Previous credits include Paul Bratter in Barefoot in the Park (Mill Town Players), Ernst Ludwig in Cabaret (Centre Stage), and Cmdr. William Harbison in South Pacific (Mill Town Players). He hopes you enjoy the show!
Mateo Scott - Ensemble
Mateo is thrilled to return to the MTC stage with such a powerful story and an incredible cast and crew! Recent MTC credits include The Prince of Egypt (Ensemble), The Bodyguard (Bill Devaney), Romeo & Juliet (Lord Capulet), Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), and In the Heights (Piragua). Additional credits include Carmela Full of Wishes (Papi, SCCT). During the day, you can find Mateo teaching his class of 2 graders at Mitchell Road Elementary – Go Mustangs! He wants to send a special shoutout to his vocal coach, Erica at Made for the Stage, for her encouragement and guidance. Thank you to his family and friends for their constant support Alabanza! nd
PRODUCTION TEAM
Clare Shaffer - Director Clare Shaffer (Director) is a local director who works across genres and specializes in contemporary musicals and new play development. She has been directing for 10+ years and helmed over 50 productions.
Clare recently moved to Greenville and this is her third local collaboration— recent directing credits include CABARET at Centre Stage and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Spartanburg Little Theatre. Coming this winter: a world premiere of HOW IT FEELS TO FALL FROM THE SKY at Centre Stage.
Additional directing highlights in DC and DFW include: NNPN's rolling world premiere of ALABASTER at Kitchen Dog Theater, A DOLL’S HOUSE: PART 2 at Stage West Theatre, WEST SIDE STORY at the Stolen Shakespeare Guild, and a hit actor-muso production of ASSASSINS at Pallas Theatre Collective
Thank you to this rocking cast and team for bringing this iconic show to life with so much heart, and to the city of Mauldin for inviting us to tell this story. Special thanks and a thousand sweet kisses to Brendan McMahon.
Taylor Marlatt - Music Director
Taylor (Music Director) has been singing Rent since she was eight years old in her dad’s Camry and now she gets to listen to it with her own eight year old, Henry! Some of her favorite past Music Directing credits are A Chorus Line (MTC), Matilda, The SpongeBob Musical, and Once on This Island (SCCT), Dreamgirls and Little Shop of Horrors (Centre Stage).
Endless thanks to Kristofer, Clare, Hannah, Tiff, Brit, this stupidly talented cast, Mack and Henry, and especially to Daniel, the Angel to my Collins (yas!). La Vie Boheme, y’all!
Hannah Welborn - Choreographer
Hannah (Choreographer) is over the moon excited to be choreographing RENT for the Mauldin Theatre Company. She has been choreographing for 10 years, specializing in recreational and competitive dance. Recently, she made her theatrical debut choreographing Centre Stage’s production of Cabaret. Working with this cast and crew has been incredible, and she is so excited to share this story with you.
Britney Ricciardelli - Ass. Stage Manager
Britney (Ass. Stage Manager) is thrilled for her first show at Mauldin. She has shared her love for her theatre in many different facets such most recently Stage managing for the most recent Upstate Shakespeare Festival Season, as well as Assistant Makeup Artist (Shrek the MusicalGT), Deck manager (Cabaret - CS), Wig Designer (Spamalot - GT), Backstage Crew (SpongeBob, Mary Poppins - SCCT), and even making her way on stage as Milky White (Into the woods- GT). Brit would like to give a special thanks for the love and support of her family, friends, and Theatre community, huzzah!
PRODUCTION TEAM
Paul Kwok - Lighting Design
Paul Kwok (Lighting Designer) has been working in lighting for over a decade, both as a designer and an electrician. When he’s not at the theatre, Paul enjoys reading, dancing, and shenanigans.
Some of his previous designs for MTC include: Songs for a New World, Prince of Egypt, The Bodyguard, Mean Girls Jr., The Wild Party, Sweeney Todd, A Chorus Line, The Little Mermaid, High School Musical, Bring Back the 90s, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Other credits include Come From Away, Peter and the Starcatcher; Rockin’ Boots; Once; The Final Countdown; and Godspell (CS); Time’s Tide, and Make Thick My Blood (SCGSAH); Hadestown [teen version], Hairspray, and Beetlejuice Jr. (JBH Rebel Theatre); Fiddler on the Roof, Hound of the Baskervilles’, and Frozen Jr. (Christchurch Episcopal School); Kinky Boots (Proud Mary Theatre Company); A Christmas Carol (Historic Ritz Theatre, Brunswick, GA); Little Shop of Horrors, and Freaky Friday (Florida Repertory Theatre Edu, Fort Myers, FL).
Special thanks to Thom Seymour and Kathleen Kwok.
Isabella Mello - Costumer
Isabella Mello (Costume Designer) is a freelance costume designer & prop maker based in Greenville, SC. She recently designed and created costumes for Cabaret (Centre Stage) as well as a prop assistant for Waitress (Centre Stage) & Peter And The Starcatcher (Centre Stage).
David Veatch - Dramaturg
David Veatch (Dramaturg) is a playwright, director, dramaturg, and producer. David most recently directed the world premiere of the new musical Yes, Mommy. When not creating theatre, David is busy celebrating Halloween year-round, an active player of Disney Dreamlight Valley, and spending time with Alfredo, David's cat, the littlest, most perfect guy in the universe. David holds an MFA in Playwriting from Hollins University. "Being a part of something special does not make you special. Something is special because you are a part of it." -- Rachel Berry, Glee. David is excited to be directing The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Mauldin Theatre Company in Spring 2026!
Eliot Thomas - Props Master
Eliot Thomas (Props Master) Monster maker, creature crafter, prop master; Whatever you call him, don't call him late for dinner! Eliot has been a prop master in the upstate for 5 years, spending his free time bringing monsters to life or giving props too much detail. Recent works include CABARET, WAITRESS and PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at Centre Stage. Look for his next obsession to detail in A FEW GOOD MEN and A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER at Centre Stage.
January 30, 2026
