Mainstage Playbill

Richard Hopkins, Producing Artistic Director

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Jordan Ahnquist and Jillian Louis. Photo by Alex Hill.

Co-ProducerGulf Coast Community Foundation

SETTINGVarious locations in and around Philadelphia, late 1960’s-mid-1970’s.

BURT AND ME

Directed byJason Cannon

Stage ManagerRoy Johns*

Season UnderwritersDennis & Graci McGillicuddy, Anne H.S. Nethercott

by Larry McKennaFeaturing the Music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David

Musical & Vocal Arrangements by Vince DiMuraAdditional arrangements by Zach Wiseley, John Daniels, & Tom Fosnocht

* Denotes member Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Burt and Me, written by Larry McKenna, published by A-1 Entertainment, Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Burt and Me runs approximately 90 minutes with an intermission.

Music DirectorBrian Victor

Lighting DesignerThom Beaulieu

Scenic DesignerJeff Dean

Costume DesignerSarah Bertolozzi

Sound DesignerThomas Korp

ChoreographerKathryn Gasper

CASTJoe Madsen .................................................................... Jordan Ahnquist*Jerry Landis ....................................................................Nick Anastasia*Sally ...............................................................................Stacey Harris*Lacey Turner ...................................................................Jillian Louis*George / Father DeJoseph .............................................. Michael Marotta*Male Ensemble ............................................................... Matthew Scott RobertsonFemale Ensemble / Ms. Bernstein .................................. Savannah Sinclair

BANDPiano ..................................................... Hunter BrownDrums ................................................... Tony BrunoTrumpet ................................................ Keith GreeneBass.......................................................Sean Tillis

The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.

JORDAN AHNQUIST (Joe Madsen) is excited to be joining Florida Studio Theatre for the first time. Jordan comes fresh from the Off Broadway run of Shear Madness. Regionally Jordan has worked with Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Utah

Shakespeare Festival, Speakeasy Stage Company, Lyric Stage, New Repertory Theatre, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, and The Gamm, among others. Some favorite credits include Hamlet, Big River, Heartbreak House, Mr g, Urinetown, and Tartuffe. Jordan holds a BA in theatre from Muhlenberg College.

NICK ANASTASIA (Jerry Landis) is insanely stoked to return to Florida Studio Theatre! Previously seen at FST in last season’s Laughing Matters : vol. 5, Nick is currently on tour with the Monster Jam live motorsports show as an on-camera

host/announcer. Past professional credits include Voca People, (Tenoro, Off-Broadway*/National/International Tours, *Lucille Lortel Award), The Love Note (Adam, Original Off-Broadway Cast), In The Heights (Sonny, Regional Premiere), Scab (featuring Alice Ripley), Disney Cruise Line (Disney Fantasy), Little Women (Laurie), Baby: The Musical (Danny), Snow (Kyle, World Premiere), and bare (Jason, Licensed Premiere).

STACEY HARRIS (Sally) is delighted to return to FST, where she was featured in That’s Life; I Love You,You’re Perfect, Now Change; and That’s Life Again. Broadway: Bells Are Ringing. National Tours: Cinderella, Show

Boat, Dreamgirls. Off Broadway: The Megile Of Itzik Manger (Esther), The Golden Land (Fannie),

Lone Star Love (Consuela, Mrs. Ford u/s). Favorite regional roles include Sally Bowles in Cabaret (Wilde Award, Best Actress in a Musical), Velma and Roxie in Chicago, Lola in Damn Yankees, Anita in West Side Story, Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, Edythe in My One and Only, Elaine in Last of The Red Hot Lovers, and Anna in Syncopation. Northwestern University graduate. www.staceyharris.com

JILLIAN LOUIS (Lacey Turner) is delighted to be back at FST! Broadway: It Shoulda Been You (Rebecca/Annie u/s), Off-Broadway: Soul Doctor (Ruth); Tour: Cheers (Diane); NYC/ Regional: Walnut Street/Tour: Glass Menagerie

(Laura), Ars Nova, NYMF (7 seasons, 2 awards), Theatre for the New City, American Theatre Group, St. Louis Rep, The York, Symphony Space, North Shore, Denver Center, TheatreWorks, The Prince, etc.! TV/film: Show Me A Hero, Mount Joy, Louie, Ophelia Descending. Next up: Georama at NYMF. IG:@JillianLouis FB:@JillianLouisArtist JillianLouis.com

MICHAEL MAROTTA (George/Father DeJoseph) makes his FST debut. He’s spent the last three seasons playing all the men and a few women in Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical (Cincinnati Playhouse, Tennessee Shakes, Ivoryton

Playhouse, others). He joins us from Bangor, Maine where he directed I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti! (also at Florida Rep, and this seasons Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End). Most recent: STAGES St. Louis, The MUNY St. Louis, Harbor Lights Theatre and Signature Theater, NYC, Cincinnati Pops, and The Rep St. Louis. A NYC native, 2 MAC Awards, 3 BACKSTAGE Bistro Awards.

MATTHEW SCOTT ROBERTSON (Male Ensemble) is ecstatic to be making his FST debut

ARTIST PROFILES

and returning to Sarasota. Now residing in New York City, he is a recent graduate of Jacksonville University, receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre. Previous roles include Hänschen (Spring Awakening), Adam/

Japheth (Children of Eden), Robert (The Drowsy Chaperone), and Donkey (Shrek: The Musical). www.matthewscottrobertson.com

SAVANNAH SINCLAIR (Female Ensemble/Ms. Bernstein/ Dance Captain) is psyched to be returning to the FST stage this summer! This past year, Savannah has been studying at Manhattan School of Music in their inaugural Musical Theatre

class. Most recently, she has performed as Peter Pan at Venice Theatre, Fastrada in Pippin at Booker High School, and Ariel in The Little Mermaid at Manatee Players. Savannah is also a proud Director and Choreographer for Spotlight Theatre Productions Broadway Juniors.

HUNTER BROWN (Piano) is a local musician, singer and actor. He was most recently seen on the Gompertz Stage in FST’s production of Million Dollar Quartet and in Yesterday on the Goldstein Cabaret Stage. He is also the proud music director and accompanist for FST Improv’s weekly shows, and co-teaches their musical improv classes. Other recent credits on drums or the keys include: Big River, 25th Annual... Spelling Bee and Bugsy Malone Jr. Enjoy the show!

TONY BRUNO (Drums) is honored and proud of his 30-year work relationship with FST. Recently, Tony appeared in FST’s record breaking Piano Men. He has drummed for over 60 different musicals across the country, completed 15 national tours, and performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world. A career not limited

to show drumming, Tony has shared stage and recording studio with many true greats in the music world; BB King, The Tokens, Junior Watson, June Garber, Benny E King, and Dick Hyman, to name a few.

KEITH GREENE (Trumpet) grew up in Asheboro, N.C. He spent four years at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. The next four years he traveled around US with bands. In 1973 Keith went to N.C. to visit family, and Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey Circus came to town. Keith was hired to play lead trumpet for three weeks. The third week the conductor became ill and he was hired to conduct. Keith originally planned to stay one year for the money, but 28 years and three wives later he left. He is currently in six bands and travels with three circuses. Keith also plays theatres, enjoys sailing in his boat, and has a great life.

SEAN TILLIS (Bass) returns to Florida Studio Theatre after last performing in One Man, Two Guvnors in 2015. Sean received his Bachelor of Music degree from Florida State University while studying with jazz great, Rodney Jordan. He has performed three seasons with the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, Utah. Sean is a seasoned performer of almost twenty years in many styles of music including jazz, funk, pop, musical theatre, classical, rock, salsa, and more.

JASON CANNON (Director) Jason is an Associate Artist at FST, where his responsibilities include directing, teaching, New Play Development, and the Acting Apprentice Program. Most recently he directed The Dragon vs. the Hiccups, Gidion’s Knot, Stalking the Bogeyman, Million Dollar Quartet, The Velveteen Rabbit, Relativity, My Name is Asher Lev, and Butler (which earned him Best Director nominations from the Herald-Tribune and Creative Loafing). His performance as Ever Montgomery in Dancing Lessons garnered him “Best Actor of 2015” awards from both Sarasota Magazine and the Herald-Tribune. He also appears regularly with FST Improv. Proud member SDC, AEA, SAG-AFTRA. jasoncannon.biz

ARTIST PROFILES

BRIAN VICTOR (Music Director) was associate conductor of the national tours of The Producers and Beauty and the Beast. Regional music direction includes Red Mountain Theatre Company (Young Frankenstein, Sister Act), Bristol Valley Theater (Godspell, Oh, Coward!, The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns), and Cohoes Music Hall (A Wonderful Life).

KATHRYN GASPER (Choreographer) lead dancer in Broadway’s original Cabaret, soloist with Milwaukee Ballet. Anybodys, Rosie, Charity, and Gladys were her favorite repeated roles in regional theatre and summer stock. Founder/advising consultant for Gasper’s School of Dance and Performing Arts and the FM Ballet, “Mrs. G” brings to FST a vast background as a choreographer and past performer. Guest artist residencies at universities, master classes and choreographic opportunities, like Burt & Me, keeps Kathy in and out of the Sarasota area.

ROY JOHNS (Stage Manager) is pleased to be back for another season at FST. He has had an exciting and varied career both on stage and behind the scenes from Tokyo Disneyland to the White House. Past credits at FST include Rich Girl; brownsville song (b-side for tray); Million Dollar Quartet; The God of Isaac; The Roommate; The Fabulous Lipitones; Alabama Story; Outside Mullingar; One Man, Two Guvnors; The Hound of the Baskervilles; Chapatti; Hairspray; and Taking Shakespeare.

JEFF DEAN (Scenic Designer) has designed over 200 shows in Florida including Televison/Film. Asolo Repertory, Sarasota Opera Association, America Stage, and Banyan Theatre. For Florida Studio Theatre: Million Dollar Quartet; Over The River And Through The Woods; Execution of Justice; Invictus; and The Sum of Us. A nationally recognized sculptor and member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, New York, recipient of two Florida Individual Artist Fellowship Awards for Set Design. Jeff recently designed the new theatre spaces in the Gompertz renovation including lobby, cafe, and marquees.

SARAH BERTOLOZZI (Costume Designer) is delighted to return to FST after a brief hiatus to work on the Broadway productions of Cirque du Soleil Paramour and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Previous FST shows: Spamalot, South Beach Babylon, The Underpants, The Columnist, and Perfect Wedding. Raised with a performance background, Sarah discovered her passion for design while at college. Since graduating with Distinction from the B.F.A. Theatrical Design program at Ithaca College, Sarah has enjoyed designing productions ranging from intimate, one-performer plays to large-scale musicals. For a full history of design credits, please visit www.SarahBertolozzi.com.

THOM BEAULIEU (Lighting Designer) is an award winning lighting and sound designer. His work has been experienced throughout the eastern US including Gypsies, Tramps, & Thieves, brownsville song (b-side for tray), & Older than Dirt (Florida Studio Theatre); The Waltz, Godspell, Carrie: the Musical, and Cabaret (The Winnipesaukee Playhouse); A Chorus Line, Floyd Collins, Sweet Charity, and Singin’ in the Rain (Aurora Theatre). He holds a BFA in Drama from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, and a MS in Physics.

THOMAS KORP (Sound Designer) is a former FST intern. After his departure in 2013, he traveled abroad from 2014 - 2017 under Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as an onboard sound technician. Sound design credits include Rich Girl; Talley’s Folly; The Columnist; In The Book Of; South Beach Babylon; The West Side Waltz; Freud’s Last Session; A Chorus Line; Spamalot. Mixing Credits: Next to Normal; Das Barbecu; Smokey Joe’s Café; The World Goes Round; Tango: Buenos Aires; We Will Rock You.

ARTIST PROFILES

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CO-PRODUCERGULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Together with its donors, Gulf Coast Community Foundation transforms our region through bold and proactive philanthropy. Gulf Coast is a public charity that was created in 1995 through the sale of the Venice Hospital. Since then, we have become the philanthropic

home of more than 600 families who have established charitable funds here, and we have invested over $227 million in grants in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org

SEASON UNDERWRITERSDENNIS & GRACI MCGILLICUDDY FST is important to us because we believe so strongly in the transformative power of the arts. For close to 30 years now, we have been so fortunate to experience first-hand how that transformative power works its magic in the hands of an organization that is not only experienced and dedicated but so highly skilled in their craft. The values of the theater and its leadership, as reflected in its mission, and as manifested in its work, whether it be on the main stage, in the cabaret, and in its education and community outreach programs,

are values that we so strongly believe in. As a consequence, it is a privilege for us to be a part of, and supportive of this great theater.ANNE H.S. NETHERCOTT When asked to define giving, Anne said: “My mother used to say, ‘The best way to find you is to lose yourself, by focusing on the needs of others rather than on oneself.’ So, giving has always been an important family value, which in childhood was reinforced by the community experience of surviving The Depression. Anne is proud to be a supporter of FST.

ABOUT THE AUTHORSLARRY MCKENNA (book) grew up in Philadelphia loving the music of Burt Bacharach & Hal David and claims to have purchased every single Dionne Warwick album ever made. When commissioned by Act II Playhouse in Ambler, Pennsylvania to write a “juke box” musical featuring the music of these two musical giants, McKenna jumped at the chance. “I wanted to create a show that was romantic, funny, and didn’t get in the way of the great music of these

two geniuses,” he states. “Burt & Me is highly autobiographical…except I never got the girl in high school,” he added. However, he did eventually get the girl in real life and their four children remain his favorite “productions.” Five grandchildren later, he is still writing. www.LarryMcKenna.com

Lyricist HAL DAVID and composer BURT BACHARACH began their collaboration together in 1957 after meeting in New York City’s legendary Brill Building. Only a year later, their song “The Story of My Life” hit the U.S. country music charts. Soon afterward, Perry Como recorded their song “Magic Moments,” which also climbed the charts. But it was in 1961, when Bacharach and David started their collaboration with Dionne Warwick, when they had their biggest string of hits. Between 1961 and 1981, Warwick charted 38 singles co-written or produced by Bacharach and David. Their song “Walk on By” became one of Warwick’s classic numbers, along with “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” and “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” which was also recorded by Dusty Springfield. During the ‘60s and ‘70s, Bacharach and David also wrote for some of the biggest names in the recording industry, including Tom Jones, Gene Pitney, Bobby Vinton and Lou Johnson, who released the first version of their hit “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me.” In 1966, the duo began to release movie theme songs, including “Alfie,” “What’s New, Pussycat?” and ”The Look of Love.” Their work in movies led to Broadway: a year later, they were asked by producer David Merrick to collaborate with Neil Simon on the musical Promises, Promises. Bacharach and David ended their collaboration in 1973. In 1993, the duo reunited, after 20 years of working solo, for a new Warwick song, “Sunny Weather Lover.” (Bio provided by NPR Music.)

FST FORUMSSpecial Awards and Recognition

for Burt Bacharach In addition to the competitive awards Burt Bacharach won for his songwriting, his career was also honored with a number of awards designed to recognize artists who have had long, impressive careers in the arts. The most notable is perhaps The White House Gershwin Award, which he won with Hal David, his songwriting partner on all of the songs that appear in Burt & Me. The Gershwin Award is awarded to great songwriters in honor of legendary songwriting duo, George and Ira Gershwin. It was established in 2007, and first given to Paul McCartney. Burt Bacharach and Hal David are the only songwriting duo to win, and their specific connection to the collaboration that George and Ira embodied was specifically praised at the ceremony.

In 2008, Burt was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy’s pre-ceremony, where he was called “the greatest living composer.” He was awarded along with Doris Day, and The Band. Although the award is often given to people who haven’t won a competitive Grammy, Burt had won six in various categories. He was given the Lifetime Achievement Award precisely 40 years after he won his first competitive Grammy, and just two years after he won his sixth. The impressive length of his career and his lasting success was cited as a reason for his selection as a winner that year. Some of the nation’s most prestigious music programs have also chosen to honor the legacy of Burt Bacharach’s work in American music. In 2006 USC’s Thorton School of Music honored him with the Thorton Legacy Award, and created a scholarship for incoming students in his name. Also in 2006, UCLA awarded him with their own George and Ira Gershwin Award for outstanding contributions to the field of music. In 2009, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by the Berklee College of Music, he was also featured in that year’s Great American Songbook concert.

Bacharach accepting the Gershwin Award.

FST FORUMSAwards Won by Burt Bacharach

ACADEMY AWARDS 1970 Best Original Song - “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

1970 Best Original Score - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

1982 Best Original Song - “Arthur’s Theme (The Best that You Can Do)”

EMMY AWARDS 1971 Outstanding Single Program - Variety or Musical- Singer Presents Burt Bacharach. Note: Burt Bacharach, Gary Smith, and Dwight Hemion were nominated together in this category twice that year.

GRAMMY AWARDS 1968 Best Instrumental Arrangement - “Alfie” from the film Alfie

1970 Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Show - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 1970 Best Score from an Original Cast Show Album - Promises, Promises

1987 Song of the Year - “That’s What Friends are For” 1999 Best Pop Collaboration with vocals - “I Still Have that Other Girl”- Collaboration with Elvis Costello

2006 Best Pop Instrumental Album - “At This Time” Burt Bacharach and Hal David at

the 1970 Academy Awards.

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FST COMPANYBOARD OF TRUSTEES

President ...........................................Dennis McGillicuddyVice-President ............................................... Richard HopkinsSecretary/Treasurer ................................................ Tom HayesTrustee................................................................Kate AlexanderTrustee ..................................................Carol Poteat BuchananTrustee .................................................................Georgia CourtTrustee ............................................................ Patricia CourtoisTrustee ..................................................................Jeff HotchkissTrustee ................................................................Barbara LupoffTrustee ..............................................................Jennifer Michell

EXECUTIVE STAFFProducing Artistic Director ........................ Richard HopkinsAssociate Director ...........................................Kate AlexanderManaging Director .......................................Rebecca Hopkins

ARTISTIC STAFFCasting/Hiring Coordinator ............................James AshfordResident Pianist ...................................................... Jim ProsserAssociate Artist .................................................. Jason CannonAssociate Artist ....................................... Catherine RandazzoAssistant to the Artistic Director .......................Doris IemoloDirector of Improvisation .......................................Will Luera

PRODUCTION STAFFProduction Manager ..............................................Bruce PriceMainstage Stage Manager ........................................ Roy JohnsScene Shop Supervisor ................................ Stephen DunhamCarpenter ...........................................................Garrett WilsonCostume Shop Manager .............................Adrienne WebberSound Supervisor ...................................................Thom KorpProps/Paint Supervisor ................................Kristine Kreutzer

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFIT Manager .......................................................... Lee SchlosserBusiness Manager ....................................... Carmen GonzalezBookkeeper ...................................................... Jennifer BerkeyBusiness Office Associate ............................ Jennifer FullmanAsst. to the Managing Dir ...........................Phyllis SilvermanOperations Manager ............................... Mark QuackenbushFacilities Manager ........................................ Joseph Goepfrich General Manager .............................................. Jill Zakrzewski Events Coord/Gen Mgmt Asst................Christina CharlotteCompany Manager .............................................Luke JohnsonMarketing Director ............................................. Audra LangePublic Relations Associate ...............................Nicole Clayton Marketing Associate ............................................David MeiersMarketing Assistant. .................................................. Alex HillDirector of Indiv. Giving ................. Melody Mora-ShihadehDevelopment Associate ...................................Samus HaddadDevelopment Associate ...................................Corriane OsterApplication Systems Manager ........................Kathleen SmithBox Office Manager ............................................Kelsey WehdeAsst. Box Office Manager ................................... Gigi DelperoAsst. Box Office Manager .................................David WallaceBox Office Assistant ...............................................Amy BeachRestaurant Manager ............................................... Tom CurryRestaurant Manager ...........................................Karen KrasterRestaurant Manager ............................................ Josh RodoskiReceptionist ......................................................... Joan O’DowdAdministrative Assistant ........................................ Bart Dolce

EDUCATION & TOURSDirector of Children’s Theatre .......................Caroline KaiserDirector of Education ................................Christine HopkinsEducation Administrator...................................Pamela SmithTeaching Artist/YPF Coordinator .................... Adam Ratner Education Group Sales Assoc ...................... Hannah BagnallTeaching Artists ......................... Jennifer Fuller, Denee Lortz,

Liz Pascoe, Sam Mossler

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GROUP

AUDIENCE ENRICHMENT GROUP

OUTSIDE ASSISTANCEHouse Counsel ..................................................John PattersonFacility Custodian ......................................Carlos De Oliveira............................................... Confidence Cleaning CompanyCaretaker .................................................................Doctor NikHair Colorist .......................................................Ana MolinariWigs .................................................................Tami Thompson................................................................. Charmaine Liddicoat

INTERN PROGRAMActing Apprentice .......................................Davion BrownActing Apprentice ...................................... Michael FraserActing Apprentice ...............................Kihresha RedmondActing Apprentice ...................................... Brianna RocheArtistic/Co. Mgmt Intern ........................... Robin MackeyCompany Management Intern .................. Dianna BurgosDirecting Intern ........................................ Michael GalvezEducation & Outreach Intern ..................Maclain HardinLiterary/Playwriting Intern ..................... Alexander HehrLiterary Intern ........................ Alexander Charles AdamsLiterary Intern ............................................... Lydia BaxterLiterary Intern ............................................Melanie SlusarCostume Intern ............................................... Shaye HurstProd./Lighting Intern .................................. Bryce BensonProd./Lighting Intern ................................Sarah McGrathProd./Carpentry Intern ............................... Marco AcostaProd./Sound Intern....................................Jonathan BakerProduction Management Intern .............. Kristina RamosStage Management Intern .....................Rebecca Li GradyStage Management Intern ...................Kelsey PeavyhouseStage Management Intern ....................... Addison PowersStage Management Intern .........................Jynelly RosarioSummer Camp Intern ............................... David AnthonySummer Camp Intern ................................ Megan BentleySummer Camp Intern ....................................Jordan DavisSummer Camp Intern .............................. Reuben RobertsSummer Camp Intern ............................. Brianna TschuorSummer Camp Intern .................................Rachel Weaver

Gaele BartholdJan ColemanLarry ColemanMaddy FreshwaterSy Goldblatt Sydney GoldsteinJim GoldmanSandy GoldmanRobert GradyWendy GradyRobert IsraeloffBonny Israeloff

Hon. Larry L. EgerMr. Trevor HarveyInnocence Project of Florida The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-ManateeGilbert King

Dr. Eddy RegnierIna Schnell

Mayor Willie Charles Shaw

Mr. Howard TevlowitzChief Judge Charles

E. Williams

Valerie JoelsMarie Kropp

Frank MalicksonGraci McGillicuddy

Dick NimtzIna Schnell

Alan SchottensteinLois Schottenstein

Lois StulbergCharlie Ann Syprett

Martin Taffel