THE LIFE OF SEAN

The Hobby Center - Zilkha Hall

The Rudolph Blume Foundation honors Sean Rudolph, whose passion for life and the arts was boundless. The mission of the Foundation is to continue Sean’s legacy by encouraging, sponsoring and promoting emerging artists in the fields of Contemporary Art and Theater. The Foundation will support scholarships, as well as innovative, singular and pioneering exhibitions across a variety of media and genres.

The Foundation’s first award was the Sean Rudolph Scholarship given on April 18, 2017, to Ryan Simon of Cypress Ranch High School during Theater Under the Stars’ “Tommy Tune Awards.” The Foundation intends to award this scholarship annually. Additional awards will be made to Broadway Cares, the Museum of Fine Arts Core Program and similar arts entities.

Administrative expenses are covered by Brad Blume, and 100% of all contributions go directly to charity. Your donations are tax deductible and will ensure that Sean’s bright light continues to shine on the arts community.

www.RudolphBlumeFoundation.com

THE LIFE OF SEAN

PRINCIPAL PERFORMERS

John Edwards, Brian Flores, Tiffany Haas, Crystal Monee Hall,Adam Kaplan, Logan Keslar, Stephanie Styles, Teal Wicks

ENSEMBLERebekah Dahl, Brad Goertz, Mark Ivy, Cole Ryden,

Brad Scarborough, Kristina Sullivan, Cay Taylor,Holland Vavra, Kristin Warren, Luke Wrobel

EMCEE

Frank Billingsley

ORCHESTRA Joe Beam (Drums), Frank DeBretti (Guitar 1), Curry Duffy (Bass),

Ray Gonzalez (Woodwind 1), Doreen Hanrahan (Violin 1),Luke Hubley (Percussion), Edgar Jaime (Trumpet),

Stephen Jones (Key 1), McKenna Jordan (Violin 2), Luke Kirkwood (Key 2),Brian Logan (Trombone), Kristin Logan (Cello),

Scott Plugge (Woodwind 2), Mike Wheeler (Guitar 2)

PRODUCERSBrad Blume

One More Production Company

DIRECTORMichael J. Ross

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Jack Beetle

SOUND DIRECTORAndrew Harper

ASSISTANT MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Stephen W. Jones

CREATIVE TEAMShirin Abdollahi, Mark Almaguer, Billy McGrath,Samir Riahi, Natalia Valenkova, Chris Walker

IN LOVING MEMORY OF SEAN RUDOLPH

LOVE, THE ANASTASIA FAMILY

SONGS

“Seasons of Love” ............................................................................Full Cast

“Time of Your Life” ...................................................................... Brian Flores

“I’m Coming Out” ............................................................. Crystal Monee Hall

“It’s Raining Men” .................. Teal Wicks, Tiffany Haas, Crystal Monee Hall

“Journey to the Past” ...........................................................Stephanie Styles

“Something to Believe In” ............................ Stephanie Styles, Adam Kaplan

“At the Beginning” ..............................................Tiffany Haas, John Edwards

“Good Life”.................................................................................. Brian Flores

“A Whole New World” .................................. Stephanie Styles, Adam Kaplan

“I Can Cook, Too” ....................................................................John Edwards

“The Best of Times” .................................................Logan Keslar, Ensemble

“Beautiful” ....................................................................Teal Wicks, Ensemble

“You Will Be Found” .................................... Adam Kaplan, Stephanie Styles,

Logan Keslar, Cay Taylor, Ensemble

“For Good” ...............................................................Tiffany Haas, Teal Wicks

“The Color Purple” ......................................... Crystal Monee Hall, Ensemble

“You’ve Got a Friend” ...............................Teal Wicks, Full Cast, AUDIENCE

WHO’S WHOJohn Edwards Principal Performer

John is thrilled to be in Houston celebrating The Life of Sean. Currently in Rock of Ages in Chicago. Credits include: Broadway and The National Tour of Jersey Boys (Hal Miller/others) I Am: Anne Hutchinson/Harvey Milk starring Andrew Lippa and Kristin Chenoweth (Castro Soloist/choir member), Hairspray National Tour (Seaweed), Dreamgirls (Jimmy Early) Five Guys Named Moe (Little Moe) Current member of the GRAMMY nominated gospel choir Broadway Inspirational Voices. Many thanks to GOD, the Styles, the Bradshaws, Brad, my family and friends. Peace Love and Light!! IG@therealjohnedwards

Tiffany Haas Principal Performer

Tiffany played “Glinda” in the Broadway and National Tour production of Wicked. She toured as the dance captain for the Tony Award-winning musical, The Drowsy Chaperone and performs regularly with symphonies and regional theaters across the country. She received her BFA from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. During this time, she won Miss Ohio 2002 and went on to compete in the Miss America Pageant. Tiffany recently launched her own line of cosmetic bags, handbags and cosmetics, FullBeat by Tiffany Haas which is available for purchase online! You can learn more by visiting www.FullBeat.com. Instagram: @tiffanyjhaas.

Brian Flores Principal Performer

Brian is humbled and honored to be a part of this beautiful evening to celebrate The Life of Sean. Brian is currently working in Northern California on the world premier of the new stage adaptation of the Dreamworks movie-musical, Prince of Egypt. National Tours: Pippin (Pippin, dir. Diane Paulus). Off-Broadway/Regional: Othello (New York Theatre Workshop, dir. Sam Gold), Hadestown (New York Theatre Workshop, dir. Rachel Chavkin) The New Yorkers (Encores! City Center, Dir. John Rando) The Ballad of Little Jo (Two River Theater, dir. John Dias). Readings/Workshops: The Sting (dir. John Rando), Prince of Egypt (dir. Scott Schwartz), Secondhand Lions (dir. Scott Schwartz), The Demise (dir. Shaun Peknic), Pedro Pan (dir. Rachel M Stevens). Education: BFA Musical Theatre, University of Michigan, RADA.(@_brian_flores).

WHO’S WHOCrystal Monee Hall Principal Performer

Crystal Monee Hall is an accomplished singer-songwriter, her music, a prophetic fusion of folk, gospel, regional blues and soul. After playing numerous roles in the Broadway and National Touring companies of the Tony Award-winning musical, Rent, Crystal released her debut album, “River Train”, in 2012 and followed with an EP, “Three Days In Nashville” in 2013. Known internationally as the front woman of the Mickey Hart Band, led by Grateful Dead drumming legend, Mickey Hart, her new solo EP, “If You Breathe”, was just released. Seamlessly blending Hall’s love for world, blues, jazz, soul and contemporary R&B, the release was called ‘riveting’ by Billboard Magazine and showcases her talent as a songwriter, while highlighting a voice that has captivated audiences worldwide.

Adam Kaplan Principal Performer

A Westport CT, native, Adam recently returned from the 1st National Tour of Kinky Boots where he starred as Charlie Price. Broadway: Newsies (Jack Kelly and Davey u/s), Show Boat (NY Philharmonic and PBS). TV: Deception (ABC). Select regional: Flat Rock Playhouse and Music Theatre Wichita. Numerous concerts and productions internationally and across the country, including a solo performance for the Obamas at the White House. BFA Music Theatre, Elon University. Thank you all for having me for this special evening. Follow me: @AdamSKaplan. More at www.AdamKaplanOnline.com

Logan Keslar Principal Performer

Logan’s credits include - Broadway: Tony Award-winning Best Revival, La Cage Aux Folles starring Kelsey Grammer, and Harvey Fierstein (Original Cast Recording, also the National Tour); West End: 50th Anniversary production of West Side Story. Houston audiences will recognize Logan from his more than 22 Main Stage productions with Theatre Under the Stars. His regional credits include Papermill Playhouse, the Maltz-Jupiter Theatre, Atlanta Theatre of the Stars, Riverside Theatre, Kansas City Starlight. TV: “TONY Awards”, “Today Show”, “GMA”, “Regis and Kelly”. HSPVA Dance graduate. Follow Logan on Twitter and Instagram: @logankeslar

WHO’S WHO

Stephanie Styles Principal Performer

Stephanie Styles recently starred in the new musical Roman Holiday as Princess Ann, the iconic role portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the classic Paramount film. She headlined the Disney’s first National Tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Disney’s Newsies and starred in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of Kingdom Come in NYC. She debuted with the New York City Opera in the Principal role of The Rose in The Little Prince at Lincoln Center and toured the nation in The Sound of Music. A native Houstonian and graduate of Episcopal High School she received her BFA at University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance. She has performed in concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Feinstein’s 54 Below and Jazz at Lincoln Center. She made her feature film debut in The Submarine Kid with Finn Wittrock. In Houston, some of her favorite performances include Spring Awakening, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast and her high school Tommy Tune Award winning performance in The Drowsy Chaperone. Stephanie is honored to be a part of this special night and was grateful to have celebrated her last birthday with Sean and Brad in New York City.

Teal Wicks Principal Performer

Teal Wicks has starred on Broadway in Wicked (Elphaba), Finding Neverland (Mary Barrie) and Jekyll & Hyde (Emma). Other NY theatre work includes Piece of My Heart at Signature Theatre, The Blue Flower at Second Stage, Encores! Stairway to Paradise, and Fahrenheit 451 at 59E59. National Tours: Jekyll & Hyde, Pippin. Regional: A.R.T, Two River Theater, Goodspeed, Theatreworks, Bay Street Theatre. She can be heard on The Ballad of Little Jo (Original Cast Recording) coming out on November 10, Finding Neverland (Original Broadway Cast), and Jekyll & Hyde 2012 Concept Album. TV: “Chicago Justice,” “Elementary,” and “The Good Wife”.

WHO’S WHO

Michael J. Ross Director

Michael is the Founding Artistic Director of MJR Theatricals/Music Box Musicals and is most well known as an actor, director, musical director, and teacher in the Houston theatre community. Select directing credits include Music Box Musicals’ productions of ASSASSINS, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, and Avenue Q. Michael holds a Master’s degree in Music from Rice University and studied acting with Don Eitner (American Theatre Arts, Los Angeles). In addition to appearing on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, Ross has been involved in over 90 local productions with virtually all of Houston’s leading theater companies.

Frank Billingsley Emcee

Frank Billingsley has called Houston home since 1989 and joined KPRC 2 as Chief Meteorologist in February 1995. “I try to make the weather clear and easy to understand. The challenge is taking a complicated subject and making it simple, but I really enjoy it,” he says. “Of course, since Hurricanes Harvey, Ike, Rita and Tropical Storm Allison, we’ve all become more aware of just how powerful and life-changing the weather can be and while I can’t control the weather, I can be there to warn people when their lives and property are in danger. I feel like I have a chance to give back...” Since joining the KPRC 2 team, Frank has received Best Weathercaster awards from the Associated Press (7), Houston Press Club (4), Houston Press newspaper (4) and Dallas Press Club (3). The Houston Chronicle named Frank the “Ultimate Weatherman.” Frank’s memoir, Swabbed & Found: An Adopted Man’s DNA Journey to Discover his Family Tree, publishes October 1st.

BRADBURY ART MUSEUM

Selections From The Rudolph-Blume Collection

Fowler Center | Arkansas State University 201 Olympic Drive | Jonesboro, AR 72401

A Shared Vision

Oct 18-Dec 8

WHO’S WHOJack Beetle Musical Director

Jack Beetle began his professional career as an actor specializing in Shakespeare and musical theatre. He has worked locally with Theatre Under the Stars, The Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet, Stages Repertory Theatre, A.D. Players and Generations: A Theatre Company. An active voice teacher, he maintains a private studio in Houston’s Heights neighborhood and is on faculty at Rice University.

Andrew Harper Sound Director

Andrew is an independent sound designer, production engineer, and consultant for theatre, opera, ballet, educational programs, and special events. Recently, for Houston Grand Opera, he designed the World Premieres of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Coffin in Egypt, as well as Carousel, Sweeney Todd, and A Little Night Music. Andrew designed several seasons for Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars. Some favorites include Dreamgirls, The Tommy Tune Awards, Rocky Horror Show, How to Succeed/Business, In the Heights, Million Dollar Quartet, Heathers, and First Date. For Generations Theatre: Sweeney Todd, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, and Spring Awakening. www.andrewharpersound.com

Shirin Abdollahi Creative Team

Shirin Abdollahi was born in Iran and moved to Houston in 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, and her work has been featured in various art fairs and exhibitions. Shirin is especially interested in typography, and her favorite artists include David Carson and Paula Scher. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in graphic design.

Mark Almaguer Creative Team

Mark Almaguer moved from Goliad, Texas to Houston in 2013. In grade school, he learned about video by working on indie projects, studying movies, and learning editing techniques online. He is a graduate of The Art Institute of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in Digital Film and Video Production. He enjoys stories with an underdog motif and his favorite movie is Goodfellas. When Mark isn’t shooting events like the NCAA Final Four or the Super Bowl, he enjoys playing basketball.

WHO’S WHO

Billy McGrath Creative Team

Billy McGrath was born and raised in Houston. He grew up with a pencil in his hand, but the promise of digital media inspired him to switch to a mouse during college. These days, he can be found huddled over a computer or relaxing in the comfort of a movie theater.

Samir Raihi Creative Team

Samir Riahi, originally from Morocco, is a graduate of the American Intercontinental University with a degree in Visual Communication. He recently received a Master Class Certificate from the American Society of Cinematographers. His focus is the preproduction to postproduction process within video and film. Outside the office, Samir works special events such as weddings and music videos. His creative talents include music production and he plays the guitar.

Natalia Valenkova Creative Team

Natalia Valenkova was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and moved to Houston in 2010 to pursue a degree in Graphic Design. Inspired by her roots, she always had a passion for art, classical music, architecture, and history. Her favorite music is a mix of Texan country and classical Tchaikovsky; her art idols are surrealist Magritte and romantic Aivazovsky.

Chris Walker Creative Team

Chris Walker is a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a degree in Radio/Television/Film. He spent 15 years in local news, mostly at KPRC Channel 2. He has worked at Tennis Express since 2016. Chris is a Houston native, and currently lives in Pearland with his wife, and puppy dog Cash. In his free time Chris writes, shoots, and edits independent films.

10770 Westheimer Rd. Houston , TX 77042

Shop TennisExpress.com713.435.4800

WHO’S WHO

One More Production Company Producer

One More Production Company, founded by Sean Rudolph and Brad Blume, is thrilled to be Co-Producing the best new musical on Broadway this season, The Band’s Visit, opening November 9, 2017. Other co-producing credits include BROADWAY: An American in Paris and Anastasia. Investor on Broadway: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Of Mice and Men, Dear Evan Hansen, The Color Purple and Ground Hog Day. LONDON: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and An American in Paris. US Tours: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, An American in Paris, The Color Purple and On Your Feet.

Brad Blume Producer

Brad is thrilled to be producing The Life of Sean, honoring his husband of 23 years, Sean Rudolph. Brad is thankful to the many friends who helped support tonight’s events and the Rudolph Blume Foundation. Brad and Sean are founding members of One More Production Company, which produces and invests in various theatrical productions across Broadway, London and US Tours. For over 20 years, Brad and Sean attended theatrical performance in New York, London, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston. Brad and Sean are thankful to John and Bridget Styles for introducing them to the business side of theater. In addition to theater, Brad and Sean founded Rudolph Blume Fine Art showcasing contemporary artists. In 2000, Brad and Sean launched Tennis Express as a small start-up tennis retailer that later grew into one of the world’s largest tennis retailers and internet sites.

Early in life, Sean Rudolph adopted the life motto “Forward, Forward, Forward” from tennis legend Billie Jean King. Artists, actors, chefs, food lovers, tennis players, and many others were attracted to his positive and proactive approach to life. He was an entrepreneur, an arts enthusiast and supporter, a sports fan and athlete, a foodie, an Aggie, a loyal friend, a devoted family member, and a beloved husband. Sean adored both New York City and his hometown of Houston, Texas, where he is known as a champion of contemporary visual art. He owned and operated Rudolph Blume Fine Art/ArtScan Gallery, along with his husband Brad Blume and art impresario Dr. Volker Eisele. Sean supported the Glassell School Core Residency Program at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Sculpture Project, and hundreds of visual artists whose work he added to the Rudolph Blume Collection. Sean took great pride in working with Brad in their Houston-based business, Tennis Express, which started in a small apartment and has grown into one of the largest tennis retailers in the world. Sean was playful and light-hearted with customers and employees alike, all of whom were drawn to his gracious manner and keen sense of humor. Over the years, he served as a mentor to countless young people in his employ – guiding them through life’s challenges, encouraging them to stay in school, and teaching them to work hard and become model citizens. He strongly believed in giving people second (and sometimes even third) chances. Through Sean’s and Brad’s commitment, Tennis Express became a presenting sponsor of the Houston National Junior Tennis and Learning Program (NJTL), which offers free tennis and education to underserved children across the greater Houston area. Sean’s enthusiasm for his alma mater, Texas A&M University, was apparent when he told stories about Fish Camp, his friends in the Corps of Cadets, Ring Dance, the Class of ’81 leadership projects, and his numerous friends from those cherished days. Sean was remembered at the 2017 Aggie Muster Roll Call on April 21. Sean and Brad frequently attended theatrical performances in NYC, and their shared passion for live theater soon evolved into a deeper commitment. They became investors in Broadway productions including Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Color Purple, Of Mice and Men and Dear Evan Hansen. Currently, they are co-producers on the musicals An American in Paris, Anastasia, and The Band’s Visit, with plans to support more productions in the future.

SEAN RUDOLPH

Sean enjoyed being a regular patron of renowned dining establishments such as Le Bernardin, Per Se, Eleven Madison Park, and Jean Georges in New York City, as well as Uchi and Vieng Thai in Houston. He wanted everyone to have a good time, so party favors, piñatas, cheap plastic jewelry, and kitschy Christmas sweaters added to the fun of his frequent gatherings of friends and family. He joyously celebrated every occasion and milestone, and never missed an opportunity to share a laugh, a drink, or a meal with the people he cared about. Fittingly, Sean’s favorite party sunglasses are embellished with the slogan, “Don’t Stop the Party.” A lifelong athlete, Sean was a champion swimmer at Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas, and was offered college scholarships for his athletic accomplishments. As an adult, he loved pushing his body to the limit in the gym. Even as he battled cancer, he continued to lift heavy weights and to fantasize about becoming a contender on American Ninja Warrior. His employees at Tennis Express often joined him at the gym in friendly fitness competitions, where Sean’s physical strength made him the frequent winner against men half his age. During Sean’s 30,312,000 minutes (57 years, 8 months) here with us, Sean amazed and inspired everyone with his determination and remarkable energy. He refused to let health challenges slow him down. Sean’s spirt is here with us and ever present in the Rudolph Blume Foundation, Rudolph Blume Fine Art, Tennis Express, One More Production Company and within so many of us that he touched. It’s been said that a life that touches other’s lives forever. Sean lives on…

www.RudolphBlume.com

Founded in 1998, RudolphBlume Fine Art specializes incontemporary art by artists ofdifferent generations. RBFAchampions and exhibits work ina broad spectrum ofcontemporary artistic practices,from conceptual works tolarge-scale installation andtime-based performances. Theprogram’s emphasis lies withemerging and mid-careerartists. Rudolph Blume Fine Artis a home to innovative, singular,and pioneering exhibitionsacross a variety of media andgenres, including painting,sculpture, photography, video,drawing and printmaking.

John Salvest

Les Christensen

John Salvest John Salvest

When you’re down and troubled,And you need some love and care,And nothing, nothing is going rightClose your eyes and think of me,And soon I will be thereTo brighten up even your darkest night.

You just call out my nameAnd you know wherever I amI’ll come running to see you againWinter, spring, summer or fallAll you have to do is callAnd I’ll be thereYou’ve got a friend

Now, ain’t it good to know That you’ve got a friendWhen people can be so cold?They’ll hurt you, yes, and desert youAnd take your soul if you let them,Oh, but don’t you let them

You just call out my nameAnd you know wherever I amI’ll come running, running, yeah, yeah, yeah, to see you again.Winter, spring, summer or fallAll you have to do is callAnd I’ll be there, yes I will.You’ve got a friend

You just call out my nameAnd you know wherever I amI’ll come running, running, yeah,yeah, yeah, to see you again.Winter, spring, summer or fallAll you have to do is callAnd I’ll be there, yes I will.You’ve got a friend

“You’ve Got a Friend” - Carole King

I’ve heard it saidThat people come into our lives for a reasonBringing something we must learn and we are ledTo those who help us most to grow if we let themAnd we help them in returnWell, I don’t know if I believe that’s trueBut I know I’m who I am todayBecause I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sunLike a stream that meets a boulderHalfway through the woodWho can say if I’ve been changed for the better?But because I knew youI have been changed for good

It well may be that we will never meet againIn this lifetime so let me say before we partSo much of me is made of what I learned from youYou’ll be with me like a handprint on my heartAnd now whatever way our stories endI know you have re-written mine by being my friend.

Like a ship blown from its mooringBy a wind off the seaLike a seed dropped by a skybird in a distant woodWho can say if I’ve been changed for the better?Because I knew you, because I knew youI have been changed for good

And just to clear the airI ask forgiveness for the things I’ve done, You blame me for, but then, I guess we knowThere’s blame to shareAnd none of it seems to matter anymore

Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sunLike a stream that meets a boulderHalfway through the woodLike a ship blown from its mooringBy a wind off the seaLike a seed dropped by a skybirdIn the wood who can say if I’ve beenChanged for the better? I do believe I have beenChanged for the better. And because I knew you...Because I knew you... Because I knew you...I have been changed for good...

“For Good” - Wicked