GIANT
Book by Sybille Pearson, Music and Lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa, Based on the
novel by Edna Ferber - Orchestrations by Brude Coughlin and additional orchestrations
by Larry Hochman
November 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 @ 8:00PM
November 22 @ 2:00PM
Based on the classic novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edna Ferber, GIANT is
a new American musical that spans generations (1920’s-1950’s) in an epic chronicle
of the state that is like no place else on earth: Texas. Amid a turbulent culture
of greed, bigotry and money, a powerful cattleman, his new Virginia bride, their family
and friends – not to mention their enemies – embrace and confront the joys and sorrows
that loom as large as the state they call home. Giant received rave reviews for its off-Broadway production at the Public Theatre and nine
Drama Desk Award nominations including Outstanding Musical, Music, Lyrics, Book and
Orchestrations. This is the first production of Giant after its NYC premiere.
Cast
Danny Adams
as
Jordan “Bick” Benedict
Danny is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Plymouth, MN. In the Jerome Mirza Theatre
in McPherson, Danny appeared in
Losing It
(dance company member), and
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(Band Singer/Ensemble), as well as working on
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
(scenic artist),
A Lie Of The Mind
(scenic artist), and
A Class Act
(light hang electrician/spotlight operator). In the EMJK Lab Theatre, Danny served
on the lighting and sound crew for
Problem Child
. “I would like to thank my family and friends for their constant love and support.
Thank you for always reminding me to never stop ‘Living the Dream’.”
Contact: dadams1@iwu.edu
Kelsey Bearman
as
Leslie Lynnton Benedict
Kelsey is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from St. Louis, MO. In the Jerome Mirza
Theatre in McPherson, acting credits include
Losing It
(dancer),
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(Marisa),
The Drowsy Chaperone
(ensemble), and
A Class Act
(ensemble). Other crews include
Blown Youth
(house manager),
As You Like It
(usher),
A Shayna Maidel
(light hang electrician), and
9 to 5
(run crew). In the EMJK Laboratory Theatre, Kelsey served on
Float
(house manager),
Treasure
(wardrobe crew), and
Red Devils
(usher). Kelsey appeared in
The New Hopeville Comics
(Delois/Miss Hopeville) as part of Music Theatre Workshop class, Music Theatre Society’s
production of
Bloomer Girl
(Octavia), and has appeared in many of the Student Choreographed Dance Concerts and
the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival. “Mom and dad, thank you for providing
me with more love and support than I could have ever imagined. You have been my biggest
supporters since the beginning, and I love you both more than anything. To all of
my incredible friends and teachers here at IWU, thank you for truly being my second
family. You all have taught me so much in so many ways, and I would not be where I
am today without any of you!”
Contact: kbearman@iwu.edu
Alexa Eldridge
as Lupe
Alexa is a senior BFA Acting major with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from
Bentonville, AR. In the Jerome Mirza Theatre in McPherson Hall, Alexa’s acting credits
include
A Lie of the Mind
(Lorraine) and
Hay Fever
(Clara), and other crew work includes
A Shayna Maidel
(wardrobe crew)
As You Like It
(usher)
Sins
(wardrobe crew)
Drowsy Chaperone
(wardrobe crew)
Losing It
(usher)
Women on the Verge of A Nervous Breakdown
(assistant house manager) and in the EMJK Lab Theatre, she appeared in
Float
(Doodee), and served as the assistant stage manager for
Problem Child
, and was on the wardrobe crew for
Red Devils
. “Thank you to my amazing family for your constant support and love, and to Sandy
DeAthos-Meers for your unwavering confidence in my abilities, and the way in which
you have helped shape me into the more versatile performer I am today.”
Contact: aeldridg@iwu.edu
Carlos Medina Maldonado
as
Miguel Obregon/Mariachi Singer
Carlos is a senior BFA Acting major from San Antonio, TX. In the Jerome Mirza Theatre
in McPherson Hall, acting credits include
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
(ensemble),
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(Taxi Driver),
A Class Act
(ensemble), and other positions include
Losing It
(sound designer), and
The Drowsy Chaperone
(sound designer). In the EMJK Lab Theatre, Carlos served as the sound designer for
The Breach
, as well as serving as sound designer for
And We’ll Laugh At Gilded Butterflies
in the Phoenix Theatre. This past summer, Carlos worked at the Huron Playhouse as
sound designer for
West Side Story
,
The Odd Couple
,
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,
and
Footloose the Musical
. “Thanks to my family and friends for their continued love and support, for without
them I would be nowhere. I would also love to thank the faculty for a great four years
here at Illinois Wesleyan University.”
Contact: cmedina@iwu.edu
Kenny C. Tran
as
Angel Obregon Sr./Angel Obregon Jr.
Kenny is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Kansas City, MO. In the Jerome Mirza
Theatre in McPherson Hall, Kenny appeared in
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
(Frank Sparrow),
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(Hector/Ensemble). Kenny acted in the
Rumple Schmumple
(Rumplestiltskin) for the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival and the Music Theatre
Society production of
Redhead the Musical
(Inspector White). He also appeared in
Die Fledermaus
(Chorus) for the School of Music. “Shoutout to my mom and sister for their constant
love and support! Also, thank you to my SoTA professors and peers for the challenges
and inspirations they give me everyday.”
Contact: ktran1@iwu.edu
Evan Dolan
as Jett Rink
Evan is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from Dubuque, IA. Previous acting credits
in the Jerome Mirza Theatre in McPherson include
Losing It
(dancer) and
A Class Act
(Marvin Hamlisch). Other crews include
The Drowsy Chaperone
(asst. music director) and
12 Ophelias
(wardrobe crew head). In the EMJK Lab Theatre Evan appeared in
The Shape of Things
(Adam), and served as wardrobe crew head for
Treasure
. Last spring, he appeared in
The New Hopeville Comics
(Felix) as part of the Music Theatre Workshop class, and serves as the director and
producer of the Student Choreographed Dance Concert. Professional credits include
Shrek the Musical
(Lord Farquaad),
The Wizard of Oz
(Cowardly Lion),
The Little Mermaid
(Sebastian), and
Peter Pan
(Peter Pan), all at the Palace Theatre, and
West Side Story
(Baby John),
The Three Musketeers
(D’Artagnan), and
Spamalot
(Historian/Not Dead Fred/Herbert) at the Woodstock Playhouse. “Shout out to the Dolan
clan for their constant love and support!”
Contact: edolan@iwu.edu
Steven Czajkowski
as
Uncle Bawley Benedict
Steven is a senior BFA Music Theatre major with a German minor from Skokie, IL. In
the Jerome Mirza Theatre in McPherson Hall, Steven appeared in
Losing It
(dancer),
A Lie of the Mind
(Jake),
The Drowsy Chaperone
(Gangster #1). He served as master carpenter for
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
, electrics crew for
Hay Fever, Sins, As You Like It,
and
A Shayna Maidel
, and run crew for
9 to 5
. In the EMJK Lab Theatre, Steven appeared in
Treasure
(Monroe), and
The New Hopeville Comics
as part of Music Theatre Workshop class. Professional credits include
A Streetcar Named Desire
(Mitch),
Little Shop of Horrors
(Wino/Skip Snip),
Almost, Maine
(East/Lendall/Chad/Daniel/Dave),
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
(ensemble) with Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls Wisconsin. “I would like to extend
a special thanks to my wonderful parents and two brothers who always support me in
everything I do. I would also like to thank my high school theatre director and friend
Andy Sinclair, who still inspires and supports me and is a treasure of a man.”
Contact: sczajkow@iwu.edu
Chris Long
as
Mott “Pinkie” Snythe
Chris is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from Castle Rock, CO. McPherson credits
include
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
(ensemble),
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(ensemble),
The Drowsy Chaperone
(Superintendent), and
A Class Act
(u/s Ed Kleban). “Thanks to my family for their constant support.”
Contact: clong2@iwu.edu
Evan Rumler
as
Mike McCornack/Representative/Davis (Bodyguard)
Evan is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Jacksonville, IL. Previous work in McPherson
Theatre include
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(Ambite), and crews for
The Drowsy Chaperone
(light hang electrician),
12 Ophelias
(light hang electrician/usher),
Hay Fever
(light hang electrician), and
A Class Act
(run crew), and in the E. Melba Johnson Kirkpatrick Laboratory Theatre, Evan appeared
in
F2M
(Clarence), and served on
Problem Child
(usher). In the Phoenix Theatre, Evan appeared in
Hypochondria
(Man/Orderly/Cop). “Thanks to my mother, Treena. My father, Ted. My Step-Father, Dan.
My siblings, Matt, Jaxson, and Sofia. And my best friends of seven years, Cathy and
(Other) Matt.”
Contact: erumler@iwu.edu
Trevor Gabel
as
Jordy Benedict Jr.
Trevor is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Appleton, WI. Previously in the Jerome
Mirza Theatre in McPherson, Trevor appeared in
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
(Mr. Kist/ensemble), and served on
A Lie of the Mind
(asst. costume designer),
The Drowsy Chaperone
(wardrobe crew),
12 Ophelias
(wardrobe crew),
Hay Fever
(wardrobe crew), and
A Class Act
(usher), as well as acting in the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival. “Thanks
and affection to those who love me at my worst.”
Contact: tgabel@iwu.edu
Eli Miller
as
Bob Dietz Sr./Bobby Dietz Jr.
Eli is a BFA Music Theatre major from Charlotte, NC. Eli has appeared in
Losing It
(dancer),
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(Malik) in the Jerome Mirza Theatre in McPherson Hall, and worked on
The Drowsy Chaperone
(usher),
12 Ophelias
(wardrobe crew), and
A Class Act
(video operator), as well as
Problem Child
(run crew) in the EMJK Laboratory Theatre. At IWU, Eli serves as one of the co-leaders
of JM7*, the university’s only improv troupe. Professional work includes
Mary Poppins
(park keeper/ensemble) and
Anything Goes!
at CPCC Summer Theatre, and is a student of Company 4 at the Performing Arts Project
summer intensive. “I would like to thank my family (Clo, Drew, Aidan, and Cooper),
friends, and teachers for their love and support!! XOXO #FailForward.”
Contact: emiller3@iwu.edu
Steven Schur
as
Dimodeo/Hotel Bellboy
Steven is a junior Music Theatre major from Lake Bluff, IL. Previously in McPherson,
he has served as assistant stage manager for
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
and
A Lie of the Mind
, wardrobe crew for
A Class Act
, spotlight operator for
The Drowsy Chaperone
, and light board operator for
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.
“Special thanks to my parents, Dave and Brenda Belmonte and Richard Schur, my puppy
Stanley, and one of my closest friends, Erica Werner; without whom I never would have
been here at Illinois Wesleyan.”
Contact: sschur@iwu.edu
Timothy Foszcz
as
Cowboy Mueller/Lord Karfrey/Senator
Tim is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major and English minor from Hoffman Estates,
IL. In the Jerome Mirza Theatre at McPherson Hall, Tim has served on many crews, including
run crew for
Losing It,
light hang crew and wardrobe crew for
Where In The World is Frank Sparrow?,
wardrobe crew for
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
, and
light hang and run crew for
A Lie of the Mind.
Tim appeared in the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival and the Student Choreographed
Dance Concert. “I would like to thank my family for being so incredibly supportive
of me in my theatrical ambitions and my peers and classmates for being some of the
best people with which I’ve had the fortune to work and know. Your love and support
have been absolutely invaluable!”
Contact: tfoszcz@iwu.edu
Jeffrey Keller
as
Ensemble/Marine/Hank (Bodyguard)
Jeffrey is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Crew work
in the Jerome Mirza Theatre in McPherson includes wardrobe crew for
Losing It
, run crew for
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow
,
and wardrobe crew for
A Lie of the Mind
. Crews in the EMJK Lab Theatre include run crew for
Float
. Last spring, Jeffrey was a featured stand-up comedian in
If You Can’t Laugh, You Can’t Heal
, and wa in the ensemble of
Love & Information
, an experimental directing study. “I would like to thank my amazing parents for all
of their constant love and support, while allowing me to pursue my passions.”
Contact: jkeller1@iwu.edu
Julia Cicchino
as
Luz Benedict
Julia is a senior BFA Music Theatre major from Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ. Roles in the Jerome
Mirza Theatre in McPherson Hall include
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
(Goat/Ensemble),
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(Cristina), and
A Class Act
(Ginger). In the Phoenix Theatre Julia appeared in
Steel Magnolias
as Shelby and in the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival. “Thanks to the cast
and crew for all their hard work, break legs!”
Contact: jcicchin@iwu.edu
Haley Miller
as Vashti Hake Snythe
Haley is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Racine, WI. Previously in the Jerome
Mirza Theatre, Haley’s roles include
Losing It
(dancer) and
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(Paulina). Crew work includes run crew for
12 Ophelias
, light board operator for
A Class Act
, and wardrobe crew for
Treasure
. She also appeared in the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival.
Contact: hmiller@iwu.edu
Emily Hardesty
as
Mrs. Lynnton/Adarene Morley
Emily is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Peoria, IL. Previously in McPherson,
she was the assistant special effects makeup designer for
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
, makeup crew and a light hang electrician for
A Lie of the Mind
, and wardrobe crew for
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
. Emily performed in the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival and the Student
Choreographed Dance Concert.
Contact: ehardest@iwu.edu
LeeAnna Studt
as Lil Luz Benedict
LeeAnna is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Belleville IL. In the Jerome Mirza
Theatre, LeeAnna’s crew work includes
Losing It
(run crew),
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(assistant stage manager),
The Drowsy Chaperone
(light hang electrician),
12 Ophelias
(asst. sound board operator),
Hay Fever
(light hang electrician), and
A Class Act
(fly crew). In the EMJK Laboratory Theatre, LeeAnna appeared in
Float
(Marty) and
F2M
(Parker), and served as sound board and video operator for
Problem Child.
LeeAnna acted in the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival, directed for the 24-Hour
Theatre Festival, and is a member of the JM7* Improv Troupe. Last Spring she appeared
in
Doris Day
(Daisy) in the Phoenix Theatre. This summer, LeeAnna assistant directed Illinois Wesleyan’s
Young Scholars Camp. “Thanks on thanks to every heart and hand that helped create
this amazing world to play in, and everyone who continually inspires me to keep jumpin’
outta my squares. All my love to Mama and Papa Studt, David, the Z’s, Jm7*, the Box,
the squirrels, and the trees. xoxo”
Contact: lstudt@iwu.edu
Yuka Sekine
as
Juana Guerra
Yuka is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from Chiba, Japan. In the Jerome Mirza Theatre
Yuka’s credits include
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
(ensemble), as well as serving as a scenic artist for
Losing It
and
A Lie of the Mind
, wardrobe crew for
The Drowsy Chaperone
and
Hay Fever
, and run crew for
A Class Act
. Yuka acted in the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival. “I would like to thank
my family for supporting me at all times, believing in me and for all the love. I
would also like to thank my friends and professors who are always there for me, especially
since I am far away from home.”
Contact: ysekine@iwu.edu
Jaclyn Salgado
as
Heidi Mueller/Lady Karfrey (Leigh)/Jett’s Wife
Jaclyn is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Elmhurst, IL. Jackie served on
wardrobe crew for
Losing It
, assistant head of crafts/special effects makeup for
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
, wardrobe crew for
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
, and makeup crew for
A Lie of the Mind
, as well as wardrobe crew for
Float
in the EMJK Lab Theatre. Jackie performed in the Student Choreographed Dance Concert
and the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival. This summer, Jaclyn served as the
Drury Lane Theatre costume and production intern, working on the premiere of
Beaches: A New Musical
. “I want to thank my friends and family who have always supported and encouraged
me. You put a smile on my face everyday and I am so blessed to have all of you in
my life. Lots of love!”
Contact: jsalgado@iwu.edu
Libby Zabit
as
Analita Sr./Analita Jr.
Libby is a sophomore BFA Acting major from Madison, WI. Crews in the Jerome Mirza
Theatre at McPherson Hall include wardrobe crew for
Losing It
, ushering for
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
, follow spot operator for
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
, and ushering for
A Lie of the Mind
. Last fall Libby appeared numerous times in the Directing class Ten-Minute Play Festival.
“Endless thanks to my wonderful family and friends for their love and support.”
Contact: ezabit@iwu.edu
Juna Shai
as Deluvina Obregon/Hotel Waiter
Juna is a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major from Tokyo, Japan. In the Jerome Mirza
Theatre Juna has served on crews for
Losing It
(light hang electrician),
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
(light hang electrician),
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(run crew), and
A Lie of the Mind
(run crew). In the Phoenix Theatre, Juna performed in the Directing class Ten-Minute
Play Festival, and a staged reading of
Upon the Fragile Store
. She also has performed and choreographed for the Student Choreographed Dance Concert.
“Heart filled love and appreciation to my family who support me from the other side
of the world. I am able to live my journey of dreams because of you guys. Thank you.”
Contact: jshai@iwu.edu
Cadence Lamb
as Ensemble/Hotel Manager
Cadence is a sophomore BFA Acting with minors in Religion and Dance from Phoenix,
AZ. In the Jerome Mirza Theatre, Cadence’s crew work includes
Losing It
(run crew),
Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow?
(light hang electrician),
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
(usher), and
A Lie of the Mind
(light board operator). In the EMJK Laboratory Theatre, work includes
Float
(run crew), and
The Shape of Things
(run crew). Last spring, Cadence appeared in
Doris Day
(Anna). Cadence’s choreography has been seen in the Student Choreographed Dance Concert
and professionally in CYT Phoenix Kids Camp productions of
Aristocats
and
Disney Movie Magic
. “An inadequate thank you to my parents for providing me with this incredible opportunity
to learn and their constant love and support.”
Contact: clamb@iwu.edu
Cathy Colburn
as
Asst. Director/Ensemble/Senator’s Wife
Cathy is a senior BA Theatre Arts major and Business and Arts Management minor from
Jacksonville, IL. Positions in McPherson include
Where in the World is Frank Sparrow
(head of crafts),
12 Ophelias
(asst. costume designer),
Hay Fever
(asst. costume designer),
A Class Act
(props), and
As You Like It
(asst. costume designer). In the EMJK Laboratory Theatre, Cathy appeared in
The Shape of Things
(Jenny) and in
The New Hopeville Comics
(Stan/Jill) as a part of the Music Theatre Workshop class. Cathy has appeared in
Music Theatre Society’s productions of
Redhead
(Ruth LaRue) and served as stage manager/properties master for their production of
Bloomer Girl
. Cathy now serves as one of the Presidents of MTS. In the Phoenix Theatre, she appeared
in
Hypochondria
as Superman Kid, and is a member of the Phoenix Theatre Committee. “Thanks to my mom,
for always being a strong support system, and my dad, for being supportive even when
theatre is scary. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. Also, thanks to my beautiful
Kappa Delta sisters. Love and AOT.”
Contact: ccolburn@iwu.edu
Entire cast & crew program
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