Written and Directed by

Charles Carr

Star Repertory TheatreFall 2017

North County Players is part of Art Animates Life, a federally tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, which benefits essential So Cal charities while keeping ticket prices low enough that virtually every member of the community can experience excellent live theater. Please consider making a tax deductible donation at our website, artanimateslife.org. Incidentally, we’re already in pre-production for our winter presentation, a brand new adaptation of America’s most-beloved Christmas tale, It’s a Wonderful Life (titled It’s a Wonderful Christmas Carol) with twists and surprises from Charles Dickens. Our group is always eager to meet new actors at every skill level. Enthusiasm and commitment matter most; we’ll help you hone your natural talent in a positive, nurturing environment. Contact us though our website or Facebook page.

North County Players

LEGAL/ATTRIBUTIONS:

Sound effects and musical ambiances, Sony Interactive Film Effects Library, edited/layered using Sonar and Final Cut ProUsed under license

Call to Adventure, Danse Macabre - Busy Strings by Kevin MacLeod licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300022Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Used with permission

Lullabye by Twin Musicom licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/ Used with permission

The Children's Room, Suspense Action, et al. by Audionautix licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Used with permission

March Grandioso, The Thunderer, et al.The U.S. Army BandUsed with permission

Fix Bayonets, Ceremonial Medley, et al.The United States Marine BandUsed with permission

Prelude No. 10 by Chris Zabriskie licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/preludes/Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

Gymnopedie No. 3 by Wahneta MeixsellUsed with permission

Passage Into Fear ©2015by Charles CarrUsed with permission

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Charles Carr is a multiple award-winning journalist, columnist, and editor whose work has appeared in The Union Tribune, The Reader, The North County Times, The Times-Advocate, The Californian, Parent Magazine, and many other publications. He also produces and directs documentaries, several of which have aired on Cox Cable and elsewhere, and co-founded Art Animates Life Films with his wife, Marsi Carr.

“The projects I have always been drawn to,” he says, “are ones which explore the relationship between the individual and the greater community; sometimes with humor, sometimes with tragic outcomes.” From that passion, Art Animates Life (and its theatrical offshoot, North County Players) were born. Over the past decade the group has staged many productions, raising tens-of-thousands of dollars for arts centers, an historical society, a municipal gallery, North County disaster relief, a number of prominent community theaters, a veterans relief fund, a food bank, and others. “For me, the icing on the cake has always been having the opportunity to work day-in and day-out with such an extraordinary group of actors and artists. From all of us involved with Passage Into Fear, thank you for supporting local artists who are passionate about their work.”

Cast Passage Into FearWriter/Director, Charles Carr

John Aviles (Gefahr) has been involved in San Diego theater for nearly two decades. “I have had the honor and privilege of portraying a number of characters, both classical and modern,” he says, “including 13 Rue de L’Amour, Henry IV, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Run for Your Wife.” He has also lent his skills as a make-up artist to both live performances and a wide variety of film projects. John would like to thank his mother and his children for their support over the years.

Elizabeth Toker (Lillian Merriweather) has appeared in several Art Animates Life shows, including All the Time in the World and Mr. Scrooge & Mr. Dickens (which she says she particularly looks forward to every year). Betsy would like to thank her family and friends for their continual support (and patience!), and you for coming out and supporting live theater.

Marsi Carr (Esmeralda Valescu), co-founder and vice president of Art Animates Life, says she loves working with all the wonderful folks in Passage Into Fear. Past shows Mr. Scrooge & Mr. Dickens and All the Time In the World. She also appears as Ellie in our new short film, Sky Takes a Bite Out of Crime. Marsi directed It's a Wonderful Life and Oliver and was music director for Sound of Music and earned a degree in Theater Arts and Music from UCLA.

A big thank-you to theSan Marcos Community Foundation for an

Arts & Culture Grant that helps keep ticket prices low!

Amber Stroyer (Kate Hedley) is a wife, homeschooler, entrepreneur, and mother of two. Amber also starred in our newest short film, Sky Takes a Bite Out of Crime (premiering Sept. 30 at the Escondido Library). “With over a decade of dance experience under my belt,” Amber says, “I had always wanted to try acting and am very grateful for this opportunity to finally get the chance! Life's too short–do what makes you smile!”

San Marcos’ Rancho Vallecitos Social Club forproviding an excellent rehearsal space

Audrey Linder – Ida’s voice-over monologue(and our very first Ida!)

Pamela and Chuck Wise – for lotsLexsy Mckowen – understudy and rehearsal sub

Heather Graff – marketing

SPECIAL PEOPLE:

Production and Crew

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER – Milburn (Burn) Stevens (also a train passenger) had attended almost every Art Animates Life production before eventually becoming instrumental in helping hang lights, installing sets, and eventually even doing a little acting.

Laura Makey (Countess Gemeinsten) has appeared in shows across the country including The Crones of Cawdor, The Portrait of Doreen Graves, Godspell, The Wizard of Oz, Treasure Island, A Christmas Carol, and has performed almost every piece in The Vagina Monologues at Cal State San Marcos. She has also originated performance art through the Zero to One program with the Lower Left Dance Collective. Laura teaches Geography and Global Studies at CSUSM and makes art in any spare time she finds. She appears as a hilarious 911 operator in our newest short film, Sky Takes a Bite Out of Crime. I’d like to thank my husband, Jeff, for his unwavering support of all my endeavors.”

Ramon Ismael Valdivia (Fordal Valescu) has been working in indie films for about five years and, with “Passage Into Fear,” has now also moved into stage work. Ramon became an actor somewhat by accident when his sister gave up a membership at a local acting academy and he decided to finish out the rest of her tuition period. Ramon plans to eventually move to Los Angeles to give his acting career the attention it deserves.

ART DIRECTOR – Carey Soghomonian says she just loves working with theater junkies. “And anytime I get the opportunity to paint, well, that’s what I want to do; it’s what I love. Thanks for letting me get my hands dirty!” As far as we’re concerned, the thank you’s only go in one direction: From us to Carey.

STAGE MANAGER – In addition to working magic behind the scenes on many productions, Jeff Makey is also an excellent actor. He appears as one of the Party Attendees in our show and has also performed in Sibling in the Shadows; I, Caligula; 1776; Carnival; South Pacific; Guys and Dolls; The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Art Animates Life’s original production, Passage Into Fear. .If all that wasn’t enough, during rehearsals Jeff has stood in as substitute for literally every character in the show. Jeff was did principal photography for our newest short film, Sky Takes a Bite Out of Crime.

COSTUMER – Elizabeth Toker knows where to find amazing stuff no one else knows even exists. She recently scored an amazing haul of goodies from Friar Tux Uniforms in Anaheim, CA. Betsy was ably assisted by Marsi Carr and all the cast members. No local thrift store is safe when Betsy gets to shopping!

Lindsay Vina (Vivian Leighton) trained at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and has appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar Concert, Chicago Club Rum Boogie, Broadway Bound, You Got No Game, Rescue Me, Some Guys, and many other shows and productions. When auditioning, told us she had a Wiggle Tongue, imitate peacock call, and could do Irish, Cockney, and New York dialects. Turns out she’s got an excellent aristocratic English accent as well!

Gerren Hall (Dr. Kurt Hilfe) is a local San Diego actor who has been involved with acting for the screen and stage since 1997. Gerren recently appeared on NBC's Law & Order: True Crime and Will & Grace. We saw his work in several indie films and knew he’d be perfect for the part. He tells us is very excited to be featured in this year’s production of Passage into Fear, and hopes he can "make you well." (You’ll see what he means later in the show!)

Nella Lewark (Ida) We knew Nella was the perfect fit for the role of Ida when she played the part of George and Mary Bailey’s youngest child, Zuzu, in our 2016 Christmas show, It’s a Wonderful Life. To the surprise and amusement of audiences, Nella would come out on stage during intermission, sit down in Zuzu’s little rocking chair with her teddy bear, and patiently wait until intermission was over and the show could begin again. What a little pro! Nella also appears in our new short film, Sky Takes a Bite Out of Crime. Attend the PREMIERE and PARTY, 2:30-4:30pm, Sept. 30 at the Escondido Public Library! Admission is FREE!

Peter Bunn (Member of Parliament Richard Leighton) has appeared in several television shows including Lost; TV ads for State Farm Insurance and American Motors; and in many theater productions including Guys and Dolls, Ten Little Indians, The Sound of Music, and Funny Girl. Peter is also an accomplished standup comedian with many high-profile performances to his credit. He has a ‘How I Met my Wife” routine that will knock your socks off.

PreshowEnjoy refreshments at our concession stand

Act I(about 1:10)

Scene 1 - Escaping the WarScene 2 - StirringsScene 3 - DenialsScene 4 - Liars All

Scene 5 - Sticking TogetherScene 6 - Truly Knowing the Past

Scene 7 - Pupilles de la NationScene 8 - The Darkest Hour

Intermission (about 15 min.)Enjoy more refreshments at our concession stand

Act II(about :30)

Scene 1 - Deadly CargoScene 2 - Hellos... and Goodbyes